Selecting an iPad from Apple’s catalog can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Here’s what you need to know about Apple’s lineup. We take a look at all the iPad models that Apple currently offers, discuss their strengths and shortcomings and show you how to choose an iPad that’s right for you.
There used to be a lot of different iPad models on store shelves, which could make it tricky to work out which was right for you, but Apple has dramatically simplified the range. The headliner is the sexy iPad Pro, with slim bezels, no home button, and FaceID support, which comes in 11-inch or 12.9-inch flavors, starting at $800 and $1,000 respectively. Then there’s the new iPad Air, which starts at $500. The 9.7-inch iPad, at $330, is your most affordable option, while the $400,7.9-inch Mini 5 is the only small iPad available.
While the streamlined iPad lineup makes choosing the right model a little less challenging, you must still weigh your needs carefully. What good is a 12.9-inch screen if you value portability above all else? Why pay more for a top-of-the-line graphics chip if you only game casually? Fear not, we’re here to explain each iPad and help you choose the right one for you.
The 9.7-inch iPad (2018) is one of the most affordable tablets Apple has ever offered and it’s the cheapest option in the current iPad lineup. It’s also the best tablet on the market right now for most people.
This is a great tablet for watching movies, thanks to a 9.7-inch Retina display with a 2,048 x 1,536-pixel resolution. It has a speedy A10 processor and a big battery that can go for 10 hours on a single charge. You’ll also find an 8-megapixel rear camera, a 1.2-megapixel front-facing camera, two speakers, a Touch ID fingerprint sensor, support for Apple Pay, and a 3.5-millimeter headphone jack.
Compared to its predecessor, the 2018 iPad has a newer, faster processor and offers support for the Apple Pencil, though sadly you’ll have to shell out an extra $100 to buy one.
What’s all this mean in practical terms? If you don’t demand a superior shooter, or run extraordinarily demanding apps, the iPad will suit you just fine. It’s comfortable in the hand and ideal for casual content consumption — reading, watching movies, and casual gaming. It may do for productivity in a pinch, too, and you’ll have no trouble snagging a decent keyboard. But for serious work, the Pro range is where to look.
It’s hard to find much fault with the iPad at $330. It’s the cheapest model you’ll find outside the used or refurbished market. If budget is your primary consideration, the 9.
