Looking to buy an iPad but can’t decide which one will suit you best? This guide will help you make that decision, covering all the important aspects of each model, including the price.
iPad
The iPad now boasts a new, larger 10.2 inch Retina display which Apple say offers “incredible detail and vivid colours”, combined with the Apple Pencil your artwork will be even more impressive. The iPad can also become your notepad when used with Apple Pencil, featuring the “precision, responsiveness and natural fluidity of a traditional writing instrument”. The full size Smart Keyboard requires no charging or pairing, it also doubles up as a lightweight cover. The iPad enclosure is now constructed of 100% aluminum.
The iPad has front and back cameras, a built in FaceTime HD camera and an 8MP back camera.
The Apple A10 Fusion chip, with 32GB or 128GB of storage, allows you to experience AR apps or edit a 4K video, you can also expect a longer battery life, up to 10 hours should be more than enough for a full day of work or fun.
The iPad starts at $329/£349*
iPad Air
The iPad Air has a 10.5 inch Retina display with True Tone, which along with high brightness and anti-reflective coating “give you the best viewing experience”. The iPad Air also supports the second generation Apple Pencil and the Smart Keyboard, at just 6.1 mm thin and weighing only 456 grams it is a truly stylish device.
7MP HD FaceTime camera and 8MP back cameras are great but the iPad Air also features 1080 HD video.
Wi-Fi of up to 866 Mbps and 4G LTE Advanced and eSIM will keep you connected wherever you are in the world.
The powerful A12 Bionic chip with Neural Engine and 64GB and 256GB of storage allows you to “use multiple apps at once”, up to 10 hours of battery life means you could go all day without having to recharge.
The iPad Air starts at $499/£479*
iPad Pro
Apple describes the iPad Pro as “It’s a magical piece of glass. It’s so fast most PC laptops can’t keep up. It has pro cameras that can transform reality. And you can use it with touch, pencil, keyboard, and now trackpad.”
The iPad Pro is available in two sizes, 11 inch and 12.9 inch with edge to edge Liquid Retina display. Liquid Retina technology features ProMotion, True Tone and “industry-leading colour accuracy”. A USB-C port replaces the Lightning port for charging, syncing and accessories. Apple Pencil is supported and it charges whilst it is magnetically attached to your iPad Pro. The Magic Keyboard features a floating cantilever design that attaches to the iPad Pro magnetically and allows you to adjust it to your preferred viewing angle, the keyboard is full size with backlit keys, trackpad and USB-C port for pass-through charging.
The iPad Pro boasts the 10MP Wide and the new 12MP Ultra Wide cameras and LiDAR scanner, you can also shoot 4K video.
The A12Z Bionic chip is so fast that Apple says it “outpaces most PC laptops available today”. The 8‑core graphics processor gives great performance for 4K video editing, 3D design and AR. Storage ranges from 128GB to 1TB and prices start at $799/£769* for the 128GB, 11 inch version to $1499/£1469* for the 1TB, 12.9 inch version.
iPad Mini
The ever popular iPad Mini is much loved for its size and versatility, only 6.1 mm thin and weighing just 300 grams, it can simply be popped into your pocket or bag. The 7.9 inch display features True Tone along with “high brightness, wide colour and anti-reflective coating offer true-to-life detail and razor-sharp text.” Apple Pencil (1st generation) opens up a whole new world of possibilities, turning your “iPad mini into your take-anywhere digital notebook”.
The iPad Mini has a 7 MP FaceTime HD front camera and an 8MP back camera; you can also shoot and edit cinematic video.
The A12 Bionic chip with Neural Engine, Touch ID and up to 10 hours of battery life on a single charge makes the iPad Mini a petite but very attractive member of the iPad range. Storage options are 64GB or 256GB and prices are $399/£399* and $549/£549* respectively.
So there we have it, the whole range, from the pocket sized favorite of children to the powerful Pro, choice of the professional, there is an iPad to suit everyone.
*Prices correct at time of publication