Key difference: The iPad has a 9.7 inch display, while the iPhone has a 3.5 inch display and can make phone calls

Both iPad and iPhone are products of Apple. A company that has become famous for its devices, as well as its MAC range of computers. The problem in differentiating between the iPad and iPhone arises as they are more similar than different in nature. While differentiating, one should remember that iPad is a tablet, while the iPhone is a range of smartphones.

The main difference between iPad and iPhone is that the iPhone is able to make phone calls and send text messages, while the iPad as a tablet does not. Also, the most visible difference is that the iPad is bigger and slightly thinner than the iPhone. The iPad has a 9.7 inch display while the iPhone has a 3.5 inch display.

There is also a difference between the resolutions of the two devices. The iPhone 5 has a 1,136 × 640 pixels at 326 ppi (pixels per inch) while the iPad 3 has a 2,048 × 1,536 pixels at 264 ppi. The iPad tends to give a better experience while watching video or browsing the Internet due to its bigger screen.

Also, the fluidity and user experience on the iPad is much better as it is faster than the iPhone. This is despite the fact that they both run on the same operating system: iOS 6, and have the same super fast processor. Still, the iPad tends to have better graphics than the iPhone, while the bigger screen of the iPad allows for more growth within applications.

Both the iPad and iPhone are available with internal storage capacities of 16 GB, 32 GB, and 64 GB. However, neither have any provisions to increase the internal storage capacity through external micro SD cards. Both have 2 cameras, one on the rear for pictures and video recording and one in front for video calling. iPad, originally did not have this feature, but  the newer versions of it do. 

The iPad also boasts a bigger and more powerful battery that lasts longer than an iPhone. However, in terms of other hardware, the iPhone and iPad are quite similar. Both have multi-touch touch screens, proximity and ambient light sensors, 3-axis accelerometer, digital compass and GPS.

Furthermore, both have the ability to run the same apps. Most apps made for the iPhone are compatible with the iPad, unless they are specific to mobile phones. This is mainly due to the fact that the iPad has a feature which doubles the size of the iPhone app displayed on the iPad so that it fills the screen entirely. Still, many app makers produce different versions of their apps for both devices. There are also a number of apps that are made exclusively for one or the other.

The iPad is mainly used for a multimedia experience, reading e-books, watching movies, listening to music, playing games, browsing the Internet, or retrieving e-mail. The iPhone, on the other hand, is designed to be first and foremost a phone in addition to a device providing a multimedia experience. However, this is limited to some extent due to its screen size. Hence, the iPad was born, to cater to a specific need and has carved itself a niche market, which expanding everyday.

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