iPad Buying Guide 2022: Which Apple Tablets Should You Get?
You’ve decided to buy an iPad, but the question is which one. Apple offers four models, each with its pros and cons. Don’t worry. This iPad buying guide is here to help.
We cover each model’s specs, compare them, and consider your usage. Because you want an iPad that does what you need it to do.
There’s no point in getting one that doesn’t have the functions you need and one that has the extra functions you don’t need. Let’s get started!
Apple iPad Pro (2021, 5th Gen 12.9 Inches, 3rd Gen 11 Inches)
The first on our iPad buying guide is the iPad Pro. It comes in 12.9 inches and 11 inches.
The iPad Pro, which comes with the Apple Pencil, is suitable for those using it as a canvas. It is also ideal for a heavy workload. For instance, videographers or producers would work for endless hours and need software and programs.
Moreover, it has the M1 chip, which powers the MacBooks. It also has ProMotion with a refresh rate of 120 Hz. In addition, it has a new thermal system allowing the chip to maintain higher performance for longer.
The iPads traditionally use LCD, but Apple introduced the Mini LED display backlighting technology for the Pro. Apple didn’t equip it with OLED display like the newer iPhones because the Mini LED display is a new tech set to overtake OLED. Furthermore, it delivers better contrast, more brightness, and better dynamic range.
However, unlike the rest, the Pro only has Face ID and no Touch ID. Moreover, it has two cameras, a 12-megapixel wide-angle and a 10-megapixel ultrawide. They can record videos at 4k at 60 fps. The Pro also has LiDAR, making it the perfect AR tool.
Lastly, it is compatible with the Smart Keyboard and the Magic Keyboard.
Apple iPad Air (2020, 4th Gen)
The iPad Air possesses similar speed and performance to the Pro, and it looks similar except it’s smaller. Like the Pro, it has flat sides and a near edge-to-edge display. The Air has a 10.9-inch screen instead, and it only has Touch ID.
The Air also supports the Apple Pencil and is compatible with both Apple keyboards. Hence, it should be enough if you’re doing a light workload.
The Air has a Retina display with TrueTone ambient colour matching. It’s also equipped with the new A14 Bionic chipset and two cameras – a 7-megapixel front camera and a 12-megapixel rear camera.
If you’re new to tablets or need an upgrade, and your activities are light workload, reading, and communicating, we’d recommend the Air. It isn’t as high-end and lacks flashy features, but it’s enough and more affordable.
Apple iPad Mini (2021, 6th Gen)
The iPad Mini looks like a mini iPad Pro with slimmer bezels. However, it’s more like the Air in terms of specs.
It has the same Retina display, two cameras, a 7-megapixel front camera, an 8-megapixel rear camera, and the same Touch ID. It also supports the Apple Pencil.
With an 8.3-inch screen, the Mini is compact and portable. It might be small, but it can handle intensive apps with the A15 Bionic processor.
It also has a USB-C charging port, making charging convenient if you have a MacBook charger. It may not have a Smart Connector for the Smart Keyboard, but you can pair it with any Bluetooth keyboard.
The Mini offers similar tech to the Air; the difference is its size. If you’re always on the road and prefer something light, the Mini’s just for you.
Apple iPad (2021, 9th Gen)
The last in our iPad buying guide is the iPad 9 – the best tablet for entry-level casual users. It has the basic features and a 10.2-inch screen without costing a ton.
It is compatible with all the accessories, and like the Air, the screen has TrueTone. Unlike the rest, it has the Home button. The iPad 9 also lacks a fully laminated display meaning interaction with the slate isn’t as precise.
It now has the A13 Bionic chip and upgraded storage of 64GB. The iPad’s front camera was upgraded to a 12-megapixel ultrawide camera, capable of taking 1080p videos.
If you’re doing picture editing or animation, the iPad 9 isn’t enough. Consider the Pro or Air. However, if you’re doing regular daily tasks, the iPad 9 is enough and affordable.
The iPad Dilemma
It is essential to consider your budget and use. So, we hope this iPad buying guide has helped you decide which iPad suits you best. Is it the iPad Pro with its Mini LED Display? Or is it the portable and tough iPad Mini that can handle intensive apps?
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