Apple’s influence in tablet markets has led to many people using the same name for their iPads, much like Velcro and hook and loop, Oreo(R), and chocolate sandwich cookies. It may prove difficult to keep up with all the new iPad models, as there is a new iPad line every year.
You currently have five iPads available to you in 2022.
- iPad Pro 12.9” (5th Gen 2021)
- iPad Pro 11” (3rd Gen 2021)
- iPad Air 10.9’’ (4th Gen 2020).
- iPad 10.2’’ (9th Gen 2021).
- iPad Mini 8.3″ (6th Gen 2021).
Every iPad is unique. There are many factors that go into deciding which iPad you should get. This article will discuss the best and worst iPads available and which one is right for you, regardless of whether you require more power or a simpler, less expensive iPad.
Please Note: While we try to be accurate in comparing models and specifications (there are many), the content can still be subject to errors or outdated information.
Check out our article about the newest iPhone models.
What is the latest iPad?
Let’s have a look at the features and specs of the latest iPad models to help you choose the right one.
iPad Pro 12.9’s 5th Gen (2021), and 11’s 3rd Gen (2021).
The iPad Pro 5th Gen is the most advanced and modern iPad ever made. It also comes at a lower price than its Pro status. Preorders were made available for the 11-inch and 12.9-inch models in April 2021. The iPad Pro 2021 models can now be purchased directly from Apple’s website.
The iPad Pro is targeted at professionals and business owners, as the name implies. Apple’s 2021 iPad Pro boasts the new M1 Chipset. It has a 50% faster CPU, 40% faster GPU, and offers a lot more features.
While you can use Photoshop CC and Microsoft Word on your iPad Air for work, it will be a lot easier to use the iPad Pro, regardless of whether or not you have connected the keyboard.
The iPad Pro’s Liquid Retina XDR and ProMotion display technology provide an unparalleled refresh rate and display quality. The Pro is a great choice for graphic designers, photographers, and video editors.
The 2020 iPad Pro comes with FaceID, and the 2021 iPad Pro models have highly-updated unlocking protocols and security protocols. You can feel more secure knowing that the fingerprint scanner is protected against finger smudges thanks to an oleophobic coating.
The iPad Pro 11” has an 11-inch display and the iPad Pro 11’’ has a 12.9-inch screen.
Except for the display, the features and specifications of both models are almost identical.
The larger iPad Pro model wins over the smaller one. The full Retina screen is stunning with superb color reproduction, clarity, and detail. The price of the 12.9” is $1.099, while the 11’s is only $799.
The 11” model is a good option, whether you are looking to save money or want something more portable.
These are the specifications for the iPad Pro 11 inch 3rd Generation (2021) model.
- Liquid Retina display
- M1 Chip
- 11.5″ LED-backlit Multitouch display with IPS technology.
- 2388×1668 pixels resolution at 264 pixels/inch (PPI).
- ProMotion technology
- Wider color range than sRGB for P3 wide color display
- True Tone display
- LiDAR scanner sensor for Augmented Reality (AR).
- Fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating
- Display fully laminated
- Antireflective coating
- 1.8% Display reflectivity
- Maximum brightness 600 nits
- Storage options: 128GB 256GB,512GB, 1TB or 2TB
- Full Apple Pencil support
These are the specifications for the iPad Pro 12.9 inch 5th Generation (2021) model.
- Liquid Retina display (same)
- M1 Chip (same).
- 12.9-inch LED-backlit Multitouch display with IPS technology (12.9 inches diagonal)
- 2732×2048 pixels resolution at 264 pixels an inch (PPI). (more Pixels)
- 2D backlighting system to the individual LED illumination levels. This improves sectional contrasts and vibrancy.
- ProMotion technology (same).
- Wide color display (P3) (same)
- True Tone display (same)
- LiDAR Scanner for AR (same)
- Fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating (same)
- Display with laminated material (same)
- Antireflective coating (same).
- 1.8% reflectivity (same).
- 600 nits brightness (same).
- Storage options: 128GB 256GB,512GB or 1TB (same).
- Full Apple Pencil support (same)
Although the iPad Pro 12.9″ is large, its power is also impressive. This tablet can replace your laptop or desktop depending on the purpose.
It’s worth looking at the new iPad Operating System (iPadOS 15.1) which delivers great performance and many apps for on-the-go productivity. You will need to charge your iPad Pro more often if you use it a lot.
All things considered, the 2021 iPad Pro proves to be a powerful device that lives up the extraordinary reputation of the iPad.
You can replace your laptop with the Pro to get a tablet that works as your primary computer and has a keyboard.
Apple offers some excellent options for those with less stringent requirements at very affordable prices.
iPad Air 4th Generation (2020)
The iPad Air is somewhere in between the iPad Pro and the standard iPad. The iPad Air is a lightweight, small tablet with a lot of power. The 4th Gen. model was released in September 2020 and features an upgraded chipset, display, as well as many other features.
The Liquid Retina screen is 10.9 inches in size and works well. It has great clarity and is suitable for both work and play.
The iPad Air is considerably cheaper than the iPad Pro. The iPad Air is significantly cheaper than the iPad Pro, despite the smaller screen and decreased storage. However, this difference is not noticeable unless you are playing the most recent games which can sometimes strain your Air.
The iPad Air is an affordable, great alternative to the iPad Pro if you are okay with the smaller screen and slower performance. An iPad Air is half the price of an iPad Pro.
These are the specifications for the 2020 iPad Air 4th Generation.
- Weigh 458g (1.0 pound), for the WiFi-only version, or 460g (1.01 lbs) for the Cellular version.
- Dimensions 9.74 in x 7.02 in x 0.24 in
- Operating System: iPadOS 15.1
- Screen size: 10.9 inches (diagonal)
- Resolution 2360×1640 pixels at 264ppi
- Chipset: A14 Bionic
- Storage: 64GB/256GB
- Battery Web browsing up to 10 hours via Wi-Fi or 9 hours using cellular data
- Cameras Front-facing cameras: Front-facing 7MP photos and rear camera with 12MP FOV
Battery life has been rated by reviewers as good even when gaming. So we can assume that it is solid. On average, users get approximately 9 hours of battery life from their iPads.
The A14 chipset’s power is amazing, so even new games run smoothly on this small device.
The iPad Air is not as powerful and capable as the iPad Pro. However, it can still handle more complex tasks. Imagine that you are using the tablet as your primary computer and connecting it to a keyboard to make it a laptop. The iPad Pro’s larger screen and power might be a plus in this scenario. Amazon has a range of iPad Air 4th Generation keyboard and case combinations.
iPad 10.2’s 9th Gen (2021).
An 8th Gen. standard iPad tablet is the best choice. This is the most popular iPad Apple makes, and it’s an excellent choice for most Apple users.
It has a 10.2″ screen that provides excellent color reproduction and fast response times.
It fits comfortably in your hand and displays Apple’s usual design flair. The chassis is light at 490 grams for Wi-Fi only and 495 grams for cellular. Although it is lighter than the iPad Air, A new iPad (10.2-Inch Wi-Fi, 128GB) is available for under $300. This makes it an excellent value for the money.
These are the specifications for the 2020 iPad 8th Generation standard:
- Weight: 487g (1.07 lb) for Wi-Fi only, and 498g (1.09 lb) for Wi-Fi combined with cellular.
- Dimensions 9.8’’ x 6.8’’ x 0.29’’
- Operating System: iPadOS 15.1
- Screen Size: 10.2-Inches (diagonal).
- Resolution 2160×1620 pixels at 264 pixels/inch (ppi).
- Chipset: A13 Bionic
- Storage: 64/256GB
- Cameras 8MP rear, 12MP front
The Air and Pro models have some hardware limitations, including an older chipset. This tablet’s price is still very affordable compared to other iPad models. The iPad’s 15 running the iPadOS and the 12MP ultrawide front-facing cameras are the best in class.
iPad mini 8.3” 6th Gen (2021)
For those who prefer a smaller and lighter tablet, the iPad Mini is a great choice. The 8.3-inch display fits comfortably in the palm. It can be held in your hand like a paperback book.
An iPad mini is the best option if you need portability. It is very well built, the screen is high quality, and the battery lasts a long time.
It’s difficult to justify the iPad mini being purchased over any of the options listed in this article.
2021 iPad mini 6th Generation Specs:
- Weight: 293g (.65 pound), for Wi-Fi-only version, or 297g (.66 pound), for Wi-Fi+ cellular version.
- Dimensions 7.69’’ x 5.3’’ x 0.25”
- Operating System: iPadOS 15.1
- Screen size: 8.3-inches (diagonal)
- Resolution: 1536 x 2048 pixels
- Chipset: A15 Bionic
- Storage: 64GB/256GB
- Battery 5,124mAh (for 10 hours of web surfing via Wi-Fi, or 9 hours on cellular).
- Cameras 12MP rear/12MP front ultrawide
The iPad mini is just slightly smaller than a smartphone, so it will be suitable for most people. The mini pack’s plenty of power thanks to some quality hardware, including Apple’s new A15 Bionic chipset. iPadOS 15 offers usability, a decent battery, and a stunning Retina display. It also has compact dimensions that offer a lightweight advantage.
Which iPad should you buy?
The decision about which Apple device you want to purchase is easy for once. The iPad Pro is the best choice if you are looking for power without compromising on price. The iPad Pro is the best option for small businesses, professionals, and anyone who needs to replace their laptop with an iPad.
The iPad Air is a good option if you are concerned about the iPad’s cost but don’t want too many compromises.
The iPad mini is the perfect choice for people who need more than just a phone with Apple Pencil compatibility. It’s also the smallest iPad model. It packs a powerful solution in a small package.
All iPads, except the iPad Mini, work with Apple’s Smart Keyboard Cover. You’re also covered.
We recommend the iPad Pro for those who need more power and screen size. However, for casual iPad users, the regular iPad can be a great choice at a third price.
No matter what iPad model you choose you might want to draw and write on the iPad Pencil. Apple Store offers many excellent note-taking and drawing apps. This makes the iPad Pencil very popular among graphic designers and artists.
