We compared all 5 current iPad models on worth, options, storage space and extra. Here’s a full guide to help you decide which one to purchase.

We compared all 5 current iPad models on worth, options, storage space and extra. Here’s a full guide to help you decide which one to purchase.
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We compared all 5 current iPad models on worth, options, storage space and extra. Here’s a full guide to help you decide which one to purchase.
Each iPad is made for a totally different sort of individual.

  • There are at present 5 totally different variations of the iPad obtainable: The basic iPad, the iPad mini, the iPad Air, and two iPad Pro models.
  • Although the 5 iPads can run almost all the identical apps, they arrive in numerous sizes, at totally different costs, and with totally different equipment.
  • Here’s an in-depth guide evaluating all 5 variations of the iPad, worth, display screen sizes, options, and extra.

It’s been greater than a decade since Apple unveiled the very first iPad. Since then, the pill has come a great distance — and break up off into 5 separate variations.

Right now, Apple sells 5 variations of the iPad in a new situation: The basic iPad, the compact iPad mini, the skinny iPad Air, the high-end iPad Pro 11-inch, and the premium iPad Pro 12.9-inch. They all run the identical working system (iPadOS), however every have their very own quirks and options.

If you’re wanting to purchase a new iPad, it is simple to lose observe of which mannequin is which. That’s why we have put collectively this guide on all 5 iPad variations, so you can decide which one is true for you.

iPads compared: Specs at a look

 

iPad (10th generation)

iPad mini (6th generation)

iPad Air (5th generation)

iPad Pro 11-inch (4th generation)

iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th generation)

Screen dimension

10.9 inches (in)

8.3 in

10.9 in

11 in

12.9 in

Resolution

2360×1640 pixels (px)

2266×1488 px

2360×1640 px

2388×1668 px

2732×2048 px

Height

9.79 in

7.69 in

9.74 in

9.74 in

11.04 in

Width

7.07 in

5.3 in

7.02 in

7.02 in

8.46 in

Thickness

0.28 in

0.25 in

0.24 in

0.23 in

0.25 in

Weight

1.05 kilos (lbs) for Wi-Fi mannequin, 1.06 lbs for Wi-Fi + Cellular

0.65 lbs, 0.66 lbs

1.02 lbs, 1.03 lbs

1.03 lbs, 1.04 lbs

1.5 lbs, 1.51 lbs

Colors

Silver, Pink, Blue, Yellow

Space Gray, Starlight white, Pink, Purple

Space Gray, Starlight white, Pink, Purple, Blue

Space Gray, Silver

Space Gray, Silver

Internal chip

A14 Bionic

A15 Bionic

Apple M1

Apple M2

Apple M2

Cameras

12 megapixel (MP) rear Wide digital camera, 12MP entrance Landscape Ultra Wide digital camera

12MP rear Wide digital camera, 12MP entrance Ultra Wide digital camera

12MP rear Wide digital camera, 12MP entrance Ultra Wide digital camera

12MP rear Wide digital camera and 10MP rear Ultra Wide digital camera, 12MP entrance Ultra Wide digital camera

12MP rear Wide digital camera and 10MP rear Ultra Wide digital camera, 12MP entrance Ultra Wide digital camera

Camera options

4K/60 FPS video recording, computerized video stabilization

4K/60 FPS video recording, computerized video stabilization

4K/60 FPS video recording, computerized video stabilization

4K/60 FPS video recording, computerized video stabilization, 2x optical zoom, Portrait mode, ProRes video recording 

4K/60 FPS video recording, computerized video stabilization, 2x optical zoom, Portrait mode, ProRes video recording 

Battery life

“Up to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi-Fi or watching video”

“Up to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi-Fi or watching video”

“Up to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi-Fi or watching video”

“Up to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi-Fi or watching video”

“Up to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi-Fi or watching video”

Apple Pencil model

Apple Pencil (1st technology)

Apple Pencil (2nd technology)

Apple Pencil (2nd technology)

Apple Pencil (2nd technology)

Apple Pencil (2nd technology)

Other notable options

Touch ID, Wi-Fi 6 and 5G help

Touch ID, Wi-Fi 6 and 5G help

Touch ID, Wi-Fi 6 and 5G help

Face ID, Wi-Fi 6E and 5G help, Apple Pencil Hover, 4 speaker audio, USB-C Thunderbolt help

Face ID, Wi-Fi 6E and 5G help, Apple Pencil Hover, 4 speaker audio, USB-C Thunderbolt help

Storage choices

64 gigabytes (GB), 256GB

64GB, 256GB

64GB, 256GB

128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1 terabyte (TB), 2TB

128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB

Price

$449, $599 for Wi-Fi mannequin; $599, $749 for Wi-Fi + Cellular

$499, $649 for Wi-Fi mannequin; $649, $799 for Wi-Fi + Cellular

$599, $749 for Wi-Fi mannequin; $749, $899 for Wi-Fi + Cellular

$799, $899, $1099, $1499, $1899 for Wi-Fi mannequin; $999, $1099, $1299, $1699, $2099 for Wi-Fi + Cellular

$1099, $1199, $1399, $1799, $2199 for Wi-Fi mannequin; $1299, $1399, $1599, $1999, $2399 for Wi-Fi + Cellular

iPads compared: Sizes and screens

The greatest variations between the 5 iPad variations is their dimension.

Like the identify implies, the iPad mini (sixth technology) is the smallest of the bunch. It’s obtained an 8.3-inch display screen with a 2266×1488 px decision, and its physique is about 7.7 inches tall, 5.3 inches huge, 0.25 inches thick. The Wi-Fi mannequin weighs 0.65 kilos, and the Wi-Fi + Cellular mannequin weighs 0.66 kilos.

The subsequent greatest is the iPad Air (fifth technology). It has a 10.9-inch display screen, and a decision of 2360×1640 px. It’s 9.74 inches tall, 7.02 inches huge, and 0.24 inches thick, and it weighs 1.02 kilos or 1.03 kilos.

Next in line is the most recent iPad (tenth technology), which is simply barely bigger than the Air. It’s additionally obtained a 10.9-inch display screen with a decision of 2360×1640 px, however it’s 9.79 inches tall, 7.07 inches huge, 0.28 inches thick, and weighs 1.05 kilos or 1.06 kilos.

Finally, we’ve the iPad Pro, which truly is available in two totally different sizes.

The first is the iPad Pro 11-inch (4th technology). It has an 11-inch display screen with a decision of 2388×1668 px. It’s 9.74 inches tall, 7.02 inches huge, 0.23 inches thick, and weighs 1.03 kilos or 1.04 kilos.

The second is the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (sixth technology). It has a 12.9-inch display screen with a decision of 2732×2048 px. It’s 9.74 inches tall, 7.02 inches huge, 0.23 inches thick, and weighs 1.03 kilos or 1.04 kilos.

Every iPad model additionally is available in a totally different collection of colours:

  • iPad (tenth technology): Silver, Pink, Blue, Yellow
  • iPad mini (sixth technology): Space Gray, Starlight white, Pink, Purple
  • iPad Air (fifth technology): Space Gray, Starlight white, Pink, Purple, Blue
  • iPad Pro (each sizes): Space Gray, Silver
An iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad, and iPad mini lined up in a row.
Every iPad is a totally different dimension.

iPads compared: Internal {hardware}

Every iPad model runs utilizing a system-on-a-chip (SoC), basically that means that all of the iPad’s core features — displaying photographs, taking part in sounds, launching apps, you identify it — are dealt with by a single chip on the heart of the gadget.

But though they all use a SoC, every iPad makes use of a totally different chip to do that.

Despite being one of three new releases, the iPad (tenth technology) truly makes use of the weakest chip of the 5: The A14 Bionic, initially launched in 2020. It’s the identical chip used on the iPhone 12, and though it isn’t a top-of-the-line chip, it is fairly highly effective for the worth.

The subsequent strongest chip is discovered within the iPad mini, which makes use of the upgraded A15 Bionic. It holds a deeper neural AI community than the A14, and independent tests show that it’s about 8% to 10% faster overall.

Next in line is the iPad Air, which makes use of the Apple M1 chip. Unlike the A14 and A15, the Apple M1 is not made for smartphones — it is particularly designed for iPads and Macs. This implies that the Apple M1 is rather more highly effective than its predecessors. It has an 8-core CPU, can deal with higher graphics, and has extra RAM reminiscence. 

But extra highly effective than all of them is the iPad Pro. Both iPad Pro sizes function the Apple M2 chip, which is the most recent and most superior chip Apple makes use of in any of their merchandise. Apple claims that the M2 has an 18% sooner CPU and 35% stronger GPU compared to the M1.

iPads compared: Camera

There is not a lot distinction between every iPad’s cameras.

All 5 iPad variations have a 12MP Wide digital camera on the again, and a 12MP Ultra Wide digital camera on the entrance. 

Notably although, the standard iPad’s front camera is located in a different spot that makes video calls easier. The iPad Pro models even have an additional 10MP Ultra Wide digital camera on the again.

In phrases of on-device options, each iPad helps video recording at 4K high quality, up to 60 frames per second. You may also flip on computerized “cinematic” video stabilization, nice for motion photographs.

The iPad Pro models function some further on-device options too. You can use the iPad Pro cameras to report ProRes movies, which are extraordinarily top quality however do not take as a lot storage space. The iPad Pro entrance digital camera additionally has a Portrait mode for higher selfies, like you’ll discover on iPhones.

Lastly, whereas each iPad gives 5x digital zoom, the iPad Pro models permit 2x optical zoom as nicely. This lets you zoom in with out dropping picture high quality. 

iPads compared: Battery

Despite being totally different sizes and having totally different inner chips, Apple claims that each iPad has the identical quantity of battery life.

According to Apple, every iPad will final for up to 10 hours if you’re utilizing Wi-Fi, and up to 9 hours if you’re utilizing mobile information.

They all cost utilizing USB-C.

iPads compared: Other notable options

As talked about, each iPad makes use of USB-C. But the iPad Pro models have an upgraded USB-C port that additionally helps Thunderbolt connections. This implies that you can join your iPad Pro to an exterior show, and switch information and energy sooner.

The iPad, iPad mini, and iPad Air use Touch ID to let you unlock the gadget, whereas the iPad Pro makes use of Face ID as a substitute.

Every iPad mannequin helps Wi-Fi 6, the newest Wi-Fi commonplace — the iPad Pro models even help Wi-Fi 6E, which is even sooner. And if you’re utilizing a Wi-Fi + Cellular mannequin, they help 5G too.

Every iPad helps the Apple Pencil, however solely the iPad mini, iPad Air, and iPad Pros let you use the newer Apple Pencil (2nd technology). The commonplace iPad nonetheless makes use of the unique Apple Pencil (1st technology) — and if you purchased your authentic Apple Pencil earlier than October 2022, you’ll additionally want an additional adapter to use it with that iPad.

(*5*)
The iPad Pro helps extra equipment than the others.

Speaking of the Apple Pencil, the iPad Pro models additionally embrace a function known as Apple Pencil Hover. This lets your iPad show a small dot on the display screen when your Apple Pencil’s tip is close to, exhibiting you precisely the place on the display screen you’re about to faucet earlier than you faucet it.

iPads compared: Price

Like all Apple merchandise, the quantity you’ll pay for an iPad relies upon not solely on what mannequin you’re shopping for, but in addition how a lot inner storage space you need.

You should purchase the iPad, iPad mini, and iPad Air with 64GB or 256GB of storage. The iPad Pro models, in the meantime, can include 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1 terabyte (TB), or 2TB.

But issues get much more difficult when you think about that each iPad is available in each Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + Cellular variations.

Here’s a breakdown of how a lot each iPad prices with each quantity of storage, separated into each Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + Cellular charts.

WI-FI MODELS

iPad (tenth technology)

iPad mini (sixth technology)

iPad Air (fifth technology)

iPad Pro 11-inch (4th technology)

iPad Pro 12.9-inch (sixth technology)

64 gigabytes

$449

$499

$599

N/A

N/A

128 gigabytes

N/A

N/A

N/A

$799

$1099

256 gigabytes

$599

$649

$749

$899

$1199

512 gigabytes

N/A

N/A

N/A

$1099

$1399

1 terabyte

N/A

N/A

N/A

$1499

$1799

2 terabytes

N/A

N/A

N/A

$1899

$2199

WI-FI + CELLULAR MODELS

iPad (tenth technology)

iPad mini (sixth technology)

iPad Air (fifth technology)

iPad Pro 11-inch (4th technology)

iPad Pro 12.9-inch (sixth technology)

64 gigabytes

$599

$649

$749

N/A

N/A

128 gigabytes

N/A

N/A

N/A

$999

$1299

256 gigabytes

$749

$799

$899

$1099

$1399

512 gigabytes

N/A

N/A

N/A

$1299

$1599

1 terabyte

N/A

N/A

N/A

$1699

$1999

2 terabytes

N/A

N/A

N/A

$2099

$2399

Insider’s takeaway

Every model of the iPad is made for a totally different sort of consumer.

If you’re hardly ever ever going to use your iPad, or solely want it for very easy duties — studying ebooks, looking the online, utilizing social media — then the usual iPad (tenth technology) will do you simply high quality. It has the weakest inner chip, however even the A14 Bionic is greater than sufficient to get you via the day.

The iPad mini (sixth technology) is actually solely price it if you’re prioritizing portability above all else, since you’re giving up a lot of display screen space with out saving a lot cash. But if you’re in search of a compact pill, then the iPad mini is a nice selection.

If you have the price range, then we would say that the iPad Air (fifth technology) is your best option for most individuals. It combines the smaller dimension of the iPad mini with the velocity and energy of the interior Apple M1 chip, which is one of one of the best on the market. It’s additionally obtained an extremely vibrant display screen and helps the Apple Pencil (2nd technology), good for artists.

A person holding an iPad, which is unlocked and displaying the home page.
The iPad Air is one of the best iPad for many customers.

Finally, if you’re going to use your iPad as a full laptop alternative, then you nearly definitely want an iPad Pro. These use the identical inner chips as trendy Mac computer systems, and run simply as nicely. They’re made for professionals who’re going to be modifying top quality movies, doing graphic design, taking part in AAA video games, or need to join the iPad to a second monitor. If you do not match this description, then it is in all probability not well worth the worth.

No matter which iPad you’re shopping for, you solely actually need the Wi-Fi mannequin. The Wi-Fi + Cellular models are helpful if you exit with out your cellphone a lot, however in any other case, you can simply use the mobile information on your cellphone for web.

And if you can afford it, you should not accept lower than 256GB of storage space. Apps, images, and movies are large enough now that they will clog up 64GB and 128GB sooner than you notice.

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