The global demand for Tablet Computers is declining with time. Apple iPads, however, have been unaffected by this adverse trend. Also, iPads are the most popular choice for tablet computers around the world.
This simply proves the charm for iPads around the world. Every other person interested in tech products either has or wants to own an iPad. However, choosing the best iPad Model can be a daunting task.
Apple hasn’t made it easy for people to choose a tablet that suits their needs. Over the years, Apple iPad line-up has become increasingly confusing. But you don’t have to worry because we, for you, have developed a detailed iPad Models comparison to help you choose the best iPad for you.
| Table Of Contents |
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1. Best iPad Models Comparison
2. Best iPad to Buy according to Price
3. Best iPad to Buy according to Usage
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In the first part of the guide, we have explained each in-production model of iPad in detail, in the next part we have tried to help you find best iPad to buy based on the amount of money you want to spend, and in the last part we have tried to help you find the best iPad to buy based on your usage and your profession. We hope it helps.
Also Read: Best New iOS 14 Features : You Need to Know
Best iPad Models Comparison
In this section of iPad Models Comparison, we will try and help you choose the best iPad to buy based on the specifications and features offered by the different iPad in the iPad Line-up.
iPad Models Comparison – In-Production
Due to constant and frequent additions in the iPad line-up, the last iPad commercial you saw may have become a thing of the past by now. So, it is better to first update yourself with the in-productions models of iPads.
- iPad Pro 12.9” 4th Generation
- iPad 11” 2nd Generation
- iPad Air 4th Generation
- iPad 8th Generation
- iPad Mini 5th Generation
These are all the iPad Models in-production right now at the end of 2020. If you are viewing this article on a later date, consider viewing this page to know about the in-production models at the moment.
Note: iPads are known by their generation more than their name. iPad Air has been iPad Air for 4 Generations now. Hence, it is of utmost importance that you look for the Generation Number to make sure you are buying the latest iPad from the iPad Line-up.
Also, third-party websites like Amazon and BestBuy do have the previous generation products for sale right now. Those products can provide good value for money, but make sure that you compare the previous generation and this gen product and their prices to make an informed decision.
1. iPad Pro 12.9” 4th Generation
A DEVICE THAT CAN DO A LOT MORE THAN MOST PEOPLE NEED
Highlighted Features:
- An LiDAR Sensor for better Augmented Reality
- A12Z Bionic Chip
- Dual Camera Setup at the back
- Compatible with Apple Pencil 2nd Generation and Smart Keyboard
- 12MP Wide Camera, 10MP Ultrawide Camera
- 264 PPI
- 600 Nits Brightness
iPad Pro 12.9” 4th Generation is a product that you absolutely want but don’t need. Apple iPad Pro is undoubtedly an awesome product and is the most expensive in the family.
But Apple went a little over the top with this. In my opinion, LiDAR Sensor though is absolutely amazing but has a very little use case for anyone out there.
Also, Despite being the most expensive product in the lineup, it features a less powerful A12Z Bionic Chip as compared to A14 Bionic Chip in iPad Air. iPad Pro 12.9” is the best iPad to buy in iPad Line-up only for people who are looking for bigger screens because that’s the only thing special about it.
Pricing of iPad Pro 12.9” 4th Generation
| Variant | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi + Cellular |
| 128 GB | $999 | $1,149 |
| 256 GB | $1,099 | $1,249 |
| 512 GB | $1,299 | $1,449 |
| 1 TB | $1,499 | $1,649 |
2. iPad Pro 11” 2nd Gen:
SAME AS 12.9” IPAD PRO, JUST THE LOGICAL SIZE
Highlighted Features:
- 11” Screen-Size
- A12Z Bionic Chip with Neural Engine
- Dual Camera Setup
- LiDAR Sensor
- 264 PPI
- 600 Nits Brightness
- Compatible with 2nd Gen Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard
- 12 MP Wide-Camera; 10 MP Ultra-Wide Camera
iPad Pro 11” is the perfectly balanced iPad size for all kinds of users. Although it’s still on the expensive side, it is far better than its big elder sibling. Also, it is very practical and easy-to-handle. In all ways, it is totally identical to iPad Pro.
Pricing of iPad Pro 11” 2nd Gen
| Variant | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi + Cellular |
| 128 GB | $799 | $949 |
| 256 GB | $899 | $1,049 |
| 512 GB | $1,099 | $1,249 |
| 1 TB | $1,299 | $1,449 |
3. iPad Air 4th Gen:
PERFECTLY BALANCED IPAD
Highlighted Features:
- The most advanced A14 Bionic Chip
- 9” Screen Size
- 12 MP Wide Rear Camera; 7 MP Front Camera
- 264 PPI
- Compatible with 2nd Gen Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard
Apple, I don’t why, gave its most advanced chipset in iPad Air which is relatively cheap when compared to Pro models. It has got the size of iPad Pro 11”. But Apple skipped the LiDAR sensor which I think is great because now you don’t have to pay for a useless gimmick.
Pricing of iPad Air
| Variant | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi + Cellular |
| 64 GB | $599 | $729 |
| 256 GB | $749 | $879 |
4. iPad 8th Gen:
BUDGET IPAD FOR SURFING, ENTERTAINMENT, AND EVERYTHING
Highlighted Features:
- 2” Display
- 264 PPI
- A12 Bionic with Neural Engine
- Compatible with 1st Gen Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard
- Touch ID
- 8MP Wide Rear Camera; 1.2MP Front Camera
iPad 8th Gen looks a bit outdated when you compare it with the more recent models like iPad Air, iPad Pro 11”, and iPad Pro 12.9”. However, I would argue this is exactly what most people need. Apple iPad 8th Gen has all the bells and whistles that you and I require in our day to day life. Apple iPad 8th Gen features a decent screen and loved-by-all Touch ID with 1st Gen Apple Pencil Support.
It is a perfect iPad to buy from the iPad line-up if you require a device to keep track of your daily business activities, taking notes if you are a college student, along with some entertainment. Though the 32GB version is pretty much useless, 128GB version provides great value for money.
Pricing of iPad 8th Gen:
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi + Cellular | |
| 32 GB | $329 | $459 |
| 128 GB | $429 | $559 |
5. iPad Mini 5th Gen:
A LETHAL SWORD IN NUCLEAR AGE
Highlighted Features:
- Screen Size 7.9”
- A12 Bionic Chip with Neural Engine
- Compatible with 1st Gen Apple Pencil
- Touch-ID
- 8MP Wide Rear Camera
- 7MP Front FaceTime Camera
iPad Mini 5th Gen is an absolute beast and has all the processing power of the world. However, it seriously lags behind in the screen-size game. In the early days, iPad Mini used to be a highly popular device in the iPad Line-Up. But as the smartphones became bigger and bigger, the iPad mini lost its charm.
A normal smartphone is around 6.5” these days and hence nobody wants to invest hundreds of bucks in a device that is merely 1.5” bigger than their previous device.
Price of iPad Mini 5th Generation:
| Variant | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi + Cellular |
| 64 GB | $399 | $529 |
| 256 GB | $549 | $679 |
These are all the active in-production variants available for Apple iPads. Though this information is useful, it may leave you confused as there are multiple products available at the same price point. If that’s the case, move on to the next section below.
iPad Buying Guide according to the Price:
The most important factor to consider while choosing a premium tablet like iPad is its price and the functionality offered for that price point. Due to previous generation products still being available on third-party websites like Amazon, it isn’t that easy to decide for which tablet to buy.
1. Best iPad to buy Under $500
If you are looking for an iPad in budget, less than $500, you have multiple options available: iPad Mini Wi-Fi 5th Generation (Latest iPad), iPad 8th Generation (Latest iPad), iPad Air 3rd Generation (Not in-production).
Comparison:
| iPad Mini Wi-Fi 5th Gen | iPad 8th Gen | iPad Air 3rd Gen (Not In-Production) | |
| Screen Size | 7.9” | 10.2” | 10.5” |
| Processor | A12 Bionic; Neural Engine | A12 Bionic; Neural Engine | A12 Bionic; Neural Engine |
| Display | 326 PPI | 264 PPI | 264 PPI |
| True Tone | Yes | No | Yes |
| Storage Capacity | Up to 256 GB | Up to 128 GB | Up to 256 GB |
| Rear Camera | 8 MP Wide Camera | 8 MP Wide Camera | 8 MP Wide Camera |
| Front Camera | 7 MP | 1.2 MP | 7 MP |
| Apple Pencil | 1st Generation | 1st Generation | 1St Generation |
| Smart Keyboard Support | No | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Wi-Fi:
64 GB @ $399 |
Wi-Fi:
32 GB @ $329 128 GB @ $429 Wi-Fi + Cellular: 32 GB @ $459 |
No Official Pricing but you may get a piece or two on sale if you search a bit online. |
Personally, I don’t like the iPad Mini much because of its small size. Most mobile phones these days come with a display size of at least 6.5” and buying an iPad sizing 7.9” doesn’t make much sense to me.
On the other hand, iPad 8th Generation (Latest iPad) can be an amazing choice for students and professionals who want to create and view documents, take notes, watch movies and Netflix, etc., all the usual stuff that most of us do at the workplace and at home. Though it lacks some gigs, it is really an awesome device on a budget.
iPad Air 3rd Generation is probably the best choice for users i.e. only if you can find it in a store. Because it has been out of production, you can’t buy it from Apple and isn’t readily available. However, if you put in the work, iPad Air offers the best value for money.
2. Best iPad to buy Under $800:
If you didn’t like the option given above, you will sadly have to increase your budget. Apple has some fine options available under the $800 mark.
We will not be including Apple iPad mini in this price range because of the better solutions available at the same price point. The best two models under $800 price tag are Apple iPad Air 4th Gen (Latest iPad) and Apple iPad Pro 11” 2nd Gen (Latest iPad).
Comparison
| iPad Air 4th Gen (Latest iPad) | iPad Pro 11” 2nd Gen (Latest iPad) | |
| Screen Size | 10.9” | 11” |
| Processor | A14 Bionic Chip with Neural Engine | A12Z Bionic Chip with Neural Engine |
| Display | 264 PPI | 264 PPI |
| True Tone | Yes | Yes |
| Storage Capacity | Up to 256 GB | Up to 1 TB |
| Rear Camera | 12 MP Wide | 12 MP Wide; 10 MP Ultra-Wide |
| Front Camera | 7 MP FaceTime HD Camera | 7 MP TrueDepth Camera |
| Apple Pencil | 2nd Generation | 2nd Generation |
| Smart Keyboard Support | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Wi-Fi:
64 GB @ $599 256 GB @ $749 Wi-Fi + Cellular 64 GB @ 729 |
Wi-Fi:
128 GB @ $799 |
In both the options given above, it is basically a matter of choice to go with either of these. The difference between specs of iPad Air and iPad Pro is minimal. The logical choice for most people would be to go with the iPad Air. iPad Air offers an even more advanced A14 Bionic Chipset as compared to A12Z Bionic Chipset in iPad Pro 11” and more storage at a lesser price.
3. Best iPad to Buy Above $800
You only get the best iPad Models above the $800 price range. The only new addition in this price range is iPad Pro 12.9” 4th Generation (Latest iPad). iPad Pro 12.9” varies from iPad Pro 11” only on the scale of screen size and rest everything is the same, from chipset to display.
This is a matter of choice to choose between either of those. To me, the iPad Pro 11” is the most effective and efficient of the two because it is a lot easier to handle as compared to the 12.9” version.
iPad Models available above $800 are:
| iPad Pro 11” 2nd Gen | iPad Pro 12.9” 4th Gen | |
| Wi-Fi | 256 GB: $899
512 GB: $1099 1 TB: $1299 |
128 GB: $999
256 GB: $1099 512 GB: $1299 1 TB: $1499 |
| Wi-Fi + Cellular | 128: GB $949
256: GB $1049 512: GB $1249 1 TB: $1449 |
128: GB $1149
256: GB $1249 512: GB $1449 1 TB: $1649 |
The Best iPad to Buy according to Usage
1. Best iPad to Buy for Note-Taking:
iPads are Widely used as a Note-Taking device by a lot of students and professionals around the world because it makes it easier to collect all the information from the web, PDFs, books, hand-written notes etc.
iPad 8th Generation is the cheapest option for you for this purpose. It offers a great 10.2” size which offers a comfortable space to take handwritten notes while keeping it comfortable. It supports 1st Gen Apple Pencil for Hand-written notes and Apple Smart Keyboard for typing. Though the non-magnetic 1st Gen Apple Pencil isn’t that convenient to carry, you can buy cases that have space to keep the pen attached.
However, if you want the style and a bezel-less display, iPad Air the option to go for.
2. Best iPad to Buy for Watching Netflix, Movies, and Surfing Web:
Tablets make a great device for entertainment because of the bigger screen and large storage. iPads are also widely used as a device for Movies and Entertainment.
For the Entertainment Purposes, iPad 8th Gen again makes a great affordable option with a good enough screen size and premium chipset.
However, if you want style, go with iPad Air. It has all the bells and whistles to do about anything and everything.
3. Best iPad to Buy for Business People:
If you are a business person and handle a lot of your workload from your tablet, I would suggest to go with iPad Air. Although iPad Air and iPad 8th Gen don’t have a lot of difference except for the look and feel, iPad Air is the kind of device that won’t be outdated anytime soon. Hence, I would suggest you to go with iPad Air.
4. Best iPad to buy for Video Editing and Graphic Designing:
iPads are widely used to design graphics and edit videos on the go thanks to highly advanced chipset used in most of the iPads. For graphic design you need a comfortable screen size and powerful CPU.
iPad Air offers an 11” Screen along with the most advanced chipset by Apple yet, A14 Bionic Chipset. Hence, if you are comfortable with 11” screen size like most people, go with iPad Air.
However, if you need a bigger screen, you only have the option to go for iPad Pro 12.9” which in fact has a less powerful CPU compared to iPad Air.
So, this was all from our end. Hope we helped you decide the best iPad to buy according to your usage, budget, and preferences. Do let us know which one you are going to buy; we love hearing from you.
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