Which Apple tablet is better to buy? Why is iPad unique? Old but big ipad

08.10.2023 Interesting

Have you been wanting to buy one of these for a long time? tabletsApple, but still don’t know exactly which one to choose? Which of all the iPads on the market today is the best in terms of price and hardware? In this article we will try to clearly and clearly explain to the average person how to choose the right iPad, what characteristics you should pay attention to and what factors may influence your choice.

Let's start with what models of iPad tablets are generally available for purchase at the moment. So, you can choose and buy the 7.9-inch versions iPadMini 2nd and 4th generation, 9.7-inch iPadAir 2nd generation and iPad Pro, as well as the largest tablet PC to date - iPadPro with a display diagonal of as much as 12.9 inches.

General principles for choosing a tablet model

The first thing that any average person and technology user pays attention to is the screen diagonal. In modern tablets it can range from 8 to 13 inches. Further, close attention is paid to such hardware characteristics as the front and main cameras, screen resolution, the ability to connect a SIM card, the amount of internal memory and, of course, the cost of the device, for which it can actually be purchased. When choosing a tablet, you should never think that the largest means the most powerful and modern. In fact, this is far from the case. If we look at the largest of all - the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, we can say that its internal equipment is by no means the best among the rest. tabletsApple, and the thickness completely exceeds that of the “younger brothers” - 6.9 mm versus 6.1 for smaller models.

Moving on to the characteristics of a multi-touch display, you should pay attention to resolution from the very beginning. All iPads feature advanced Retina displays, delivering 326 ppi on the 2nd and 4th generation iPad Mini models, which is achieved due to the small screen area. The larger representatives of Apple tablet computers have a ppi of 264 units.

Another point that definitely deserves some attention is the camera. According to official information from Apple, the 9.7-inch iPad Pro has the best camera with a 12 megapixel matrix among existing tablets. Other models (iPad Mini 4, iPad Air 2 and iPad Pro 12.9) are somewhat inferior in this regard, having an 8 MP iSight main camera. The second generation iPad Mini has the most meager camera module, equal to only 5 megapixels.

Another distinctive feature of the latest iPad Pro 9.7 is the ƒ/2.2 aperture, which is 0.2 higher than that of other models. In addition, it has an all-new True Tone flash and support for Live Photos (this feature is also implemented on the latest generation of iPhone).

The 9.7-inch “pro” iPad also outperforms its less advanced competitors in terms of its front-facing FaceTime camera. The matrix is 5 megapixels versus 1.2 for the largest Pro, as well as the iPad Mini and iPad Air.

Based on this fact that the SIM card is used mainly for connecting to the Internet and navigation, decide whether navigation maps will be useful to you on any trips around the city or intercity, where there is no connection to a Wi-Fi wireless network. Modern metropolises provide people with endless possibilities of connecting to the Internet, having many access points throughout the city, which, of course, relaxes a person and makes him forget about “life without the Internet.” However, it often happens that, having moved several tens of kilometers, there may not be a connection to the Network. And how, in this case, can you find the right cafe, hospital or gas station? The question is, frankly speaking, rhetorical.

Moreover, modern iPads are still not equipped with built-in GPS or GLONASS navigation modules, which allow you to use navigation and maps without an Internet connection. In other words, the ability to connect a SIM card to a tablet allows a person to move freely and not depend on free Wi-FI access points. Of course, you will have to pay for such Internet, but this is not such a large amount if you compare it with the opportunities provided. When choosing between an iPad with and without a SIM card, keep in mind that there is no fundamental difference between them, that is, in essence they are absolutely identical.

Choosing iPad with moduleSIM (Cellular), it’s worth remembering that if you already have an iPhone, it would be much easier to distribute Wi-Fi anywhere from it. This will eliminate any need to pay extra for the ability to connect a SIM card. Also, recently in Russia the specialized Apple SIM service has been gaining popularity, which it would be a good idea to familiarize yourself with separately.

How much internal memory to choose

As the last few Apple presentations show, the company is gradually abandoning its authoritarian policy regarding the physical interfaces in its products. Thus, the minimum available amount of internal memory on models iPad Pro is 32 GB (it should be taken into account that the user will not be able to use all the memory; only most of the declared gigabytes will be available to him). Regarding slots for memory cards that expand the internal memory of the device, the iPad does not provide them. Perhaps such an innovation should be expected in the next generations of Apple tablet computers.

You need to choose the amount of internal memory on your device very seriously. Based on the fact that it can only be expanded using cloud storage or external drives, and some more or less serious game takes up at least 1 GB of space, it’s worth taking a closer look at 64 or even 128 GB of internal memory. This is especially true for people who like to download movies to their tablet, arrange photo shoots, or use the device as a powerful gaming platform.

12.9-inch and 9.7-inch iPad Pro

Models of the “professional” line of tablets, the main difference of which is the increased size and diagonal of the screen, can easily compete with “mid-range” devices. The owner of an iPad Pro, with just two tools, can turn his tablet into a full-fledged working computer, which can be easily compared to the same Microsoft Surface. Such accessories are the convenient Apple Pencil stylus - you can use it to draw, draw and do other various things for work. The Smart Keyboard, connected to the tablet using a special connector, turns the iPad into a kind of laptop, which provides additional comfort for work and everyday use of the device.

Don’t forget about the main hardware characteristic of the iPad Pro – the processor. Tablets from the “pro” line are equipped with the most powerful and modern A9X processor to date, which is 2.5 times more productive than the A7 processors installed on other iPad models. Thanks to an almost triple-improved processor, iPad Pro excels at any graphics task and complex editing. You can purchase them in any of three colors: space gray, silver and gold.

iPad Air 2

If you wanted to have a truly powerful, productive and graphics-perfect tablet, then the iPad Air 2 is the best option possible. The A8X processor with M8 graphics chip makes it a great tool for solving work or everyday tasks. The optimal ratio of overall dimensions and screen diagonal is one of the outstanding features of the model. The main thing that distinguishes it from the iPad Pro is that it can be held comfortably and effortlessly in one hand. It is available in the market in three colors: space grey, silver and gold.

iPad Mini 4

The iPad Mini 4 model can be called a smaller prototype or a copy of the flagship Air 2. Its main characteristic differences are a diagonal of 7.9 inches instead of 9.7 and the usual modification of the A8 processor. In terms of other technical characteristics, these two devices are not inferior to each other, which means that the iPad Mini 4 is absolutely honestly equal to the flagship in terms of its hardware.

We must not forget about the advantages that the iPad Mini 4 also has. Thanks to its compact size, it can easily be put even in a small purse or pocket; the relatively low price (33-39 thousand rubles) also cannot but be an attractive factor for purchase. Speaking about the fourth generation iPad Mini as an alternative to the iPhone 6S Plus, it is worth considering two main differences between them: the lack of an iSight camera with a 12 MP matrix resolution and the 3D Touch function, which the tablet also does not have. Otherwise, the iPhone 6S Plus and Mini 4 are similar.

iPad mini 2

Release of the second generation iPadMini came in 2013, and at that time, it was an advanced tablet computer, which was the first to use Retina display technology. Unlike current models, its processor is far from the most powerful - A7 and an M7 graphics chip. In terms of overall dimensions, such as weight and thickness, the tablet is superior to the iPad Mini 4, namely: 7.5 mm versus 6.1 and 32 grams heavier. In addition, unlike the other Apple tablets we have described, it does not have an anti-glare display coating. You can buy it in gray or space silver. The only thing that can attract a potential buyer is the price, ranging from 22 to 34 thousand rubles in retail stores.

Apple tablets are characterized by quality, so don't be surprised that 2-year-old models remain the best representatives of the class in 2020.

There are also older models to consider, which, while not sold directly in Apple stores, remain available from retailers, often at steep discounts.

With all this in mind, the number of options available can seem overwhelming, and you could end up spending more than you planned on buying an iPad that doesn't suit your needs at all. But you can avoid this fate by simply reading our guide. Below you'll find our roundup of the best iPads in 2020, with pros and cons, tablet specs, and of course access to full reviews of each model in the rankings if you want to take a closer look at any of the options below.

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1 | IPAD PRO 11 (2018)

BEST IPAD YOU CAN BUY IN 2020

pros: Stylus mount | Monstrous performance;
Minuses: Software inferior to laptop | Stylus and keyboard separately;

The iPad Pro 11 is the best iPad you can buy in 2020. It may be an expensive tablet, but it's Apple's most powerful iPad yet, and it aims for a 2-in-1 design if you can afford the pricey keyboard.

The tablet has a laptop-like design and performance, and the new Apple Pencil attaches to the iPad Pro body using built-in magnets. With excellent speakers and a great screen-to-body ratio, it's hard not to love the carefully crafted design and hardware components inside.

And with the release of iPadOS, its software has changed, making the tablet even better than at launch.

Another purely mobile problem: the tablet does not have a headphone jack. If you need a standard 3.5mm port in your mobile computer, an Apple tablet is not the best choice.

Everything the iPad Pro 11 offers makes it Apple's best tablet - you'll just have to swallow the high price and the fact that it won't completely replace the MacBook.

2 | IPAD PRO 12.9 (2018)

BEST IPAD AMONG LARGE TABLETS

pros: Big screen | Unsurpassed sound quality;
Minuses: Battery life | Face ID quality;

The iPad Pro 12.9 (2018) is a giant monster - a monster, but in a good way, as it will easily take over half of your life's digital tasks - goodbye mobile phone, laptop, album, mixing console, games console. It's the perfect tablet for creativity and work, with a huge screen, useful peripherals, and fast iPadOS.

It offers the most processing power available in a mobile device, four speakers, a bright screen and, depending on the model, more storage space than you'll ever need.

The tablet doesn't offer the best battery life, so don't expect long-term use. You may not be able to use it to watch movies on a long trip, nor will you be able to use it to mix music. The tablet also charges quite slowly.

Overall, the iPad Pro 12.9 (2018) is one of the best iPads you can buy in 2020, but if you don't need its huge display, the cheaper iPad Pro 11 will save you some money and remain more portable.

3 | iPad 10.2

Apple's base iPad gets a larger screen.

pros: The display has become larger | Smart Keyboard support;
Minuses: Slightly better than iPad 9.7 | iPad Air is better for drawing;

iPad 10.2 marks the next step in bringing Apple's base line of tablets even closer to the iPad Pro - or at least the latest iPad Air - thanks to support for the Smart Keyboard and a slight increase in screen size from 9.7 to 10.2 inches.

The iPad 10.2, among other things, offers some performance gains with at least one extra gigabyte of RAM compared to the iPad 9.7 (2018), although it still runs on A10 chips.

The design remains largely the same, meaning the bezels around the display are quite large and the home button remains, so if you're looking for one of Apple's sleekest tablets, this isn't it.

On the other hand, excellent battery life, decent performance and a very low price - at least by Apple standards - mean a lot to the average user, especially if you're looking for the best Apple iPad features on a budget.

4 | IPAD AIR 10.5 (2019)

BEST COMPROMISE FOR STUDENTS

pros: Laminated screen | Smart Keyboard support;
Minuses: Works with 1st generation Pencil | Old design;

The new iPad Air with a 10.5-inch screen is the perfect compromise between the entry-level iPad 9.7 and the more powerful but also expensive iPad Pro 11. In most stores in Russia it is sold at the price of the original iPad, so it is cheaper than the iPad Pro 10.5 (2017), which it replaces, although it is not a member of the “Pro” family. However, the tablet offers several high-quality features that make it a compelling addition to your laptop.

It's one of the cheapest iPads available that's compatible with Apple's Smart Keyboard Cover, meaning you won't have to deal with fancy Bluetooth keyboards to get the full tablet experience.

It is also equipped with Apple's A12 chipset, borrowed from the iPhone XS. This is an incredibly fast tablet. Students will be able to take notes and respond to email using a tablet, but artists will hate the first generation Apple Pencil.

5 | IPAD MINI (2019)

BEST SMALL TABLET OF 2020

pros: Compact size | Surprisingly powerful;
Minuses: Thick screen panels | Old Pencil;

Sometimes, as a tablet, you need a device that's little larger than a phone, and the iPad Mini (2019) fits the bill. It's a sleek tablet with impressive specs, the latest Apple processor, and decent battery life.

What makes the iPad Mini (2019) the best Apple tablet of 2020 is the ability to use the Apple Pencil, which turns the iPad into a tiny laptop in your pocket.

The iPad Mini (2019) is one of the best compact tablets available in the market in 2020, so if you are looking for a portable, pocket-sized device, you can't find a tablet better than the iPad Mini.

6 | IPAD PRO 10.5 (2017)

EXPERIENCE WITH IPAD PRO FOR CHEAPER

pros: Great speakers | 512 GB model;
Minuses: Screen raises price | iOS doesn't allow you to replace your laptop;

The iPad Pro 10.5 is Apple's all-star tablet, which recently succeeded the iPad Pro 11. There is good news for the Pro 10.5, however, as the tablet is now cheaper - although it continues to be sold directly from Apple

The new ProMotion screen offers an extra level of fluidity in everyday use - and the smaller bezels are exactly what make the screen larger while still keeping the overall size of a 9.7-inch tablet in 2020.

This is the iPad for professionals and those who enjoy consuming the highest quality multimedia content.

It takes advantage of the Apple Pencil and some iPadOS tablet features, including the Dock panel, Control Center, and Instant Markup with a stylus. If you invest in a recommended Smart Keyboard, you can take your iPad Pro to the next level without having to jump through hoops with Bluetooth accessories.

7 | iPad 9.7 (2018)

GOOD IPAD FOR THE TYPICAL USER

pros: Inexpensive | Works with Apple Pencil;
Minuses: Educational ambitions | No Smart Keyboard;

This is Apple's best iPad for the average consumer and education segment, even if it is still not the most powerful tablet from the manufacturer, what it lacks in performance it makes up for in price. On the other hand, the new iPad 10.2 is superior to the original iPad 9.7 in a number of ways, with the advantage of being available in Apple stores, whereas the 9.7-inch iPad is no longer available from Apple.

The new iPad (2018) succeeds the extremely similar iPad (2017), sitting below the Pro and Air series, remaining a solid tablet that hasn't changed much over the years - but Apple clearly thinks the idea is a success.

It works with Apple Pencil, offering you the cheapest way to draw on the 9.7-inch screen, although you won't be able to get a Smart Keyboard with this model, an option that remains exclusive to the Pro.

It also has a luxurious metal body, like all of Apple's iPads, although it's slightly thicker than the iPad Air 2 and iPad Pro at 7.5mm.

With a built-in fingerprint scanner, iOS 12 under the hood and up to 10 hours of battery life for web browsing or video, the new iPad (2018) is an excellent media player and a good tablet in all respects, as long as you don't plan to use it for demanding tasks. task performance.

8 | iPad 9.7 (2017)

PREMIUM BUT AFFORDABLE IPAD

pros: Sound quality | Performance for the price;
Minuses: Apple Pencil separately | Old design;

iPad (2017) marked a name change for Apple's tablet series, as the Cupertino firm ditched "Air" in favor of a clean moniker.

Since then, the iPad (2017) has been replaced by the new iPad (2018), followed by the iPad 10.2 (2019), but it's still a good iPad if you're looking for Apple's most affordable tablet in 2020.

The only real problem is that new iPads don't cost much more, so if you can afford the price difference, a new 2018 or 2019 tablet is a better buy.

9 | IPAD PRO 12.9 (2017)

OLD BUT GREAT IPAD

pros: Big screen | Huge productivity;
Minuses: Too expensive for some;

We really like the iPad Pro for its large size, and this tablet comes the closest to emulating the MacBook with its 2-in-1 hybrid form factor. It just runs iPadOS 13 instead of macOS.

It's the best tablet in terms of productivity and entertainment thanks to its 12.9-inch screen, four speakers and a docking station, along with a multitasking interface. Apple has redesigned its Control Center interface to make it easier to navigate between apps, and the tablet is also compatible with the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard.

Biggest weakness? The iPad Pro 12.9 price and size simply aren't right for everyone. But if you can afford it and want the largest iPad available, you'll love this tablet and it can replace a laptop for many.

10 | IPAD MINI 4

OUTDATED BUT DECENT.

pros: Big screen | Sleek design;
Minuses: Old processor | No fingerprint scanner;

Big screens aren't for everyone, which is where the 7.9-inch iPad Mini 4 comes in. The screen size means it's much more compact than Apple's larger tablets, especially since it weighs just 299 grams. Of course, it's not small enough that you can easily use it with one hand, but you'll be able to comfortably hold it for much longer than most Apple tablets, and you'll be able to toss it into your bag with ease.

It's also large enough that you can enjoy browsing the web or watching videos when you're away from home and the big screen, but the 7.9-inch tablet obviously won't be able to offer the same visual media consumption experience as older ones 9.7- and 12.9-inch Apple tablets.

Its small size and lack of Smart-Connector also make it less suitable for work than the Pro series tablets in the iPad camp, but the smaller tablet in the series is not intended to replace a laptop.

It's still quite a powerful tablet, thanks to 2GB of RAM and the aging but still impressive Apple A8. The screen remains sharp, rich in color and easy to see even in bright sunlight.

The iPad Mini 4 is without a doubt the best small tablet in the series, and it's also a fraction of the cost of the Pro range, with a price tag starting at $399. Models come in capacities up to 128GB of storage, so you won't be limited by any restrictions - although the Mini 4 doesn't have a 256GB version like the iPad Pro.

Notably, it was replaced by the iPad Mini (2019), which will be a much better value for most users, but it's still a serious tablet in 2020.

When Apple introduced the 4th generation iPad, many were outraged at how quickly Cupertino decided to update its tablet computer. The previous version lasted only six months on the market - this is a real anti-record for the duration of a product's stay on the market. Buyers around the world were faced with a choice: to upgrade their “troika”, purchased for 5-6 hundred dollars, to a little different “four” or not. It was a very difficult dilemma.

But with the iPad 4, Apple introduced the iPad mini - a product that, on the one hand, gave us more options to choose from, and on the other, made it more difficult for us to make that very choice.

We have prepared a guide to help you decide whether to buy a tablet. What to take - a large iPad 4 with a Retina screen or a mobile iPad mini? Ultimately, it all comes down to what exactly you want to get out of your device. And we will help you understand what you really want.

Similarities

First, you need to understand what you'll get from both the iPad Retina and the iPad mini. In terms of storage space, you can purchase versions with 16, 32 or 64 GB of internal memory. Recently, you can buy an iPad Retina with 128 GB of internal memory.

Although the iPad mini is a relatively small device, it is not without good photography capabilities. The iSight camera for iPad and iPad mini boasts a 5-megapixel sensor, autofocus, face detection, backlight, hybrid infrared filter and aperture f/2.4. The FaceTime HD camera lets you take 1.2-megapixel photos and videos in HD resolution. The main camera of the iPad and iPad mini shoots video in Full HD 1080p resolution.

Both devices are available from AT&T, Sprint and Verizon and feature the same wireless interfaces and cellular capabilities, including Bluetooth 4.0 technology. iPad and iPad min work up to 10 hours on one full charge when surfing the Internet, watching videos and listening to music.

Each device is equipped with a Lightning connector, with which you can connect your tablet to a computer or power supply. Siri is also available on both devices.

And finally, on the iPad and iPad mini you can run any application from the App Store - however, due to the screen size and hardware, the user experience may vary.

Screen

The biggest difference between the iPad and iPad mini is pixel density. The iPad mini display is 7.9 inches with a resolution of 1024x768 pixels. Its density is 163 pixels per inch. The Retina iPad comes with a 9.7-inch screen with a resolution of 2048 x 1536 pixels and a density of 264 pixels per inch.

For everyday use, the 2-inch difference between screens isn't a big deal, but the user experience may vary on some items. So, if you use your tablet as a media player - watch movies, edit photos, then the iPad Retina will be the best choice. The reason is simple: you'll see more content on a bigger screen. In addition, this is the best choice in terms of performance, and such a tablet is better for navigation.

However, the iPad mini's screen displays content well too, and it might be a better option if you'll be using it more on the go. The iPad mini is better for gaming because it feels more like a mobile gaming console than the relatively bulky iPad Retina.

Keep in mind that according to some reports, Apple may release an iPad mini with a Retina display later this year, so it might make sense to wait for that version of the tablet. But most likely they won’t do this in Cupertino.

Power and speed

The iPad Retina uses a dual-core A6X processor with quad-core graphics, and this hardware is undoubtedly stronger than the iPad mini with its A5. But this shouldn’t surprise you too much, that’s why iPad mini and mini. If speed and performance are the most important thing for you, then choose the iPad Retina.

However, it is worth saying that the mini has the same capabilities as its larger brother, but it does not perform some operations as quickly as the Retina.

Physical Dimensions

Naturally, the iPad mini is much smaller than its older brother. It's more of a "mobile" device than the iPad Retina. It fits easily in your pocket, bag or backpack. If you're concerned about the smaller screen than Retina, you can always connect the mini to your TV via AirPlay and Apple TV.

Physical size is a very interesting aspect that contains many interesting points. Some people, for example, even compare the mini to the iPhone - the iPad can do the same thing as the iPhone, but it can’t make calls. And if you compare the iPad mini with the Samsung Galaxy Note, it turns out that the difference between them is only 2 inches. This is amazing and it shows how much more logical the Apple product ecosystem is.

iPad Retina has classic iPad dimensions and the main difference between it and mini, as already mentioned, is the screen.

Price

For many buyers, the price difference will be the most important argument when choosing a tablet. The iPad mini starts at $329 for the Wi-Fi model with 16GB of storage and ends at $659 for the Wi-Fi and 4G model with 64GB of storage on board. iPad Retina prices range from $499 to $929.

You need to ask yourself: Are those $170 and $270 worth the sacrifice you'll make in exchange for performance and display? In many cases, the answer to this question will help you make the right choice, but again, it all depends on how exactly you plan to use your iPad.

Ultimately, the iPad mini is a product for those Apple customers who are already familiar with the iOS ecosystem, but consider the iPad Retina to be too large a device. iPad Retina is designed for those who want a full tablet experience, with a larger screen and maximum performance.

Third option

Even though Apple has stopped producing the third generation iPad, you can still buy an iPad 2. Many people say that the iPad 2 is no longer suitable for serious tasks, and in principle they are right. But it is quite enough to solve standard problems. I myself had an iPad 2, and you don’t have to worry - it’s quite enough for viewing email, Internet surfing and simple games.

iPad 2 comes with an A5 processor - the same one found in the iPad mini. It's only available in a 16GB version and is slightly thinner and lighter than the iPad Retina, but lacks many photography capabilities. But you must admit, this is not the most important thing for a tablet.

The new iPad 2 is priced at $399 and $529 for Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + 3G variants, respectively. You can find an iPad 2 on the secondary market for much less money.

Bottom line

We hope this guide helps you make the right purchase and that you get everything you expect from the device. Share your thoughts in the comments about which tablet you should choose, which one you use and why.