You’re out: your new tablet becomes an Apple iPad. But contrary to what some might think, this is not one tablet, but a series consisting of several models. Which iPad suits your usage and budget best? We compare the four types of iPads currently available on options and price.
Those looking for a new tablet can choose from a copy with Android or Chrome OS from Google or iPad OS from Apple. There aren’t any Windows 10 tablets officially, but there are plenty of Windows 10 laptops with a touch-sensitive screen and detachable keyboard. You can therefore also use it as a tablet, although the software is less suitable for this.
In this article, we assume that you want an iPad, but don’t know which model yet. We therefore explain the technical differences between the four latest iPad models and what they cost. We also pay attention to the software.
Entry-level: iPad (2020)
The name is the same every year, but the iPad does innovate. The latest model is called the iPad (8th generation) in full and is known as the iPad (2020), the year in which it was released. It’s the cheapest modern iPad you can buy. The tablet has the trademark iPad design, a Full HD display of 10.2 inches and 32 GB of storage memory. That’s on the tight side. A 128 GB model is more future-proof, but also a hundred euros more expensive.
The iPad is fast enough for all apps and simple games and the battery lasts for ten hours. Charging takes a long time and is done via the well-known lightning connection, which is also on the iPhone. The tablet is compatible with the first generation Apple Pencil and the Smart Keyboard keyboard cover. This way you can use the iPad more productively.
Knowing more? Also read our extensive iPad 2020 review.
The iPad is a good choice for those looking for an affordable iPad that delivers what it promises and lasts for years. A successor to the iPad (8th generation) is expected. Connoisseurs of website Bloomberg expect a new model with a lighter housing, a nicer screen and more powerful specifications at the end of this year. It is not yet clear how expensive the iPad will be.
Intermediate model: iPad Air
If you’re looking for an even better tablet, the iPad Air (4th generation) from 2020 is worth checking out. This model is in between the iPad and iPad Pro in features and price and is suitable for both multimedia and work tasks. The iPad Air has a beautiful 10.9-inch screen, surrounded by narrow bezels and a razor-sharp resolution. You can buy the tablet in five trendy colors.
The iPad Air is a lot faster than the normal iPad, because it runs on a more powerful A14 processor. It is also in the iPhone 12 series. Apple provides the iPad Air with a good selfie camera, a USB-c port for fast charging and 64 GB of storage memory. You can also buy a 256 GB model, possibly with 4G support.
It’s nice that the iPad Air can handle the second-generation Apple Pencil, which works better than the first. The tablet also works with the Smart Keyboard Folio keyboard and the more luxurious Magic Keyboard. These separately available accessories transform the iPad into a smaller laptop. The price difference with the entry-level model is significant.
Handy: iPad Mini
Do you think an iPad is too big and are you looking for a tablet with a more manageable design? Apple has been offering a specific model for this for years. This iPad Mini has a 7.9-inch screen with sharp Full-HD resolution and measures 13.9 by 20 by 0.6 centimeters. It weighs 300 grams and has 64 or 256 GB storage memory.
You can use the smaller iPad more comfortably with one hand and it is less noticeable in your bag. The iPad Mini is nice and fast, optionally supports 4G internet and is suitable for the first generation Apple Pencil. You can connect a bluetooth keyboard to it for typing. Apple’s own keyboards are not suitable, because they are intended for larger iPads.
The iPad Mini has a long battery life, but charges slowly via the lightning port. The cameras are nice. Good to know is that the most recent iPad Mini dates back to 2019.
According to the reliable website Bloomberg, Apple is currently working on a new iPad Mini that should be released at the end of this year. The compact tablet would, among other things, get a more modern appearance with narrower bezels around the screen and a faster processor. It is not yet clear how expensive the new iPad Mini will be.
Laptop replacement: iPad Pro
If you want the best iPad of the moment, you will find the iPad Pro. This series was renewed in May and consists of the iPad Pro 11 (2021) and iPad Pro 12.9 (2021). The tablets have screens of 11 and 12.9 inches respectively. The 12.9-inch version uses a new mini LED screen with higher peak brightness and better colors. Both iPad Pros run on the Apple M1 processor that is also included in the MacBook Air and Pro and Mac Mini.
Apple adds as much RAM as in the computers, making the iPad Pros very fast and therefore suitable for heavy work. The main focus of the iPad Pro series is the price, which is very high. Models with more storage memory and possibly 5G support are even more expensive.
If you want to turn the iPad Pro into a real laptop, the costs continue to rise. Apple’s Smart Keyboard Folio keyboard starts at 199 euros and for the more luxurious Magic Keyboard you pay at least 339 euros. All in all, an iPad Pro with keyboard costs at least as much as an Apple MacBook Air laptop.
Finally, read more about this model in our iPad Pro 2021 review. And keep an eye on our site for the latest iPad announcements!
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