Choosing an iPad can be exciting, but with various models and sizes available, it’s essential to Compare Ipad Sizes to find the one that perfectly suits your lifestyle and needs. Since Apple introduced the first iPad, these tablets have continually evolved, becoming more powerful and versatile. Whether you’re considering the standard iPad, the powerhouse iPad Pro, the balanced iPad Air, or the ultra-portable iPad mini, understanding the different iPad screen sizes and dimensions is crucial for making the right decision.
Understanding iPad Models and Sizes
Apple’s iPad lineup is diverse, offering something for everyone. To effectively compare iPad sizes, it’s helpful to look at each product line individually and see how their dimensions and screen sizes have evolved over generations.
iPad: The Classic Choice
The standard iPad is Apple’s most accessible tablet, and it has seen ten generations. Screen sizes for the regular iPad have ranged from 9.7 inches to 10.9 inches. The latest iPad 10th generation (released in 2022) boasts the largest screen in this line, offering a significant visual upgrade.
iPad Pro: Power and Performance in Two Sizes
For users who demand top-tier performance and larger displays, the iPad Pro is the answer. The current iPad Pro models come in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes, both powered by the advanced M4 chip. Historically, iPad Pro sizes have evolved from initial 9.7-inch and 10.5-inch models, growing to meet the needs of professionals and creatives.
iPad Air: The Sweet Spot of Portability and Screen Size
The iPad Air strikes a balance between portability and screen real estate. Starting with a 9.7-inch screen in its first generation, the iPad Air now features 11-inch and 13-inch models with the M2 chip, offering a larger display option without sacrificing the lightweight design that defines the Air series.
iPad mini: Compact and Ultra-Portable
If portability is your top priority, the iPad mini is unmatched. For many years, the iPad mini maintained a 7.9-inch screen. However, the iPad mini 6th generation introduced a slightly larger 8.3-inch display while retaining its compact and easily pocketable form factor.
iPad Size Comparison Tables
To get a clearer picture when you compare iPad sizes, let’s look at the dimensions in detail across different models and generations. The tables below break down the screen sizes, height, width, and depth in both inches and millimeters for each iPad product line.
iPad Size Comparison Table
| Model | Year | Screen size | Inches (H/W/D) | Millimeters (H/W/D) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPad 10th Gen | 2022 | 10.9″ | 9.79 x 7.07 x 0.28 | 248.6 x 179.5 x 7.5 |
| iPad 9th Gen | 2021 | 10.2″ | 9.8 × 6.8 × 0.29 | 250.6 × 174.1 × 7.5 |
| iPad 8th Gen | 2020 | 10.2″ | 9.8 × 6.8 × 0.29 | 250.6 × 174.1 × 7.5 |
| iPad 7th Gen | 2019 | 10.2″ | 9.8 × 6.8 × 0.29 | 250.6 × 174.1 × 7.5 |
| iPad 6th Gen | 2018 | 9.7″ | 9.4 × 6.67 × 0.29 | 240 × 169.5 × 7.5 |
| iPad 5th Gen | 2017 | 9.7″ | 9.4 × 6.67 × 0.29 | 240 × 169.5 × 7.5 |
| iPad 4th Gen | 2012 | 9.7″ | 9.5 × 7.31 × 0.37 | 241 × 186 × 9.4 |
| iPad 3rd Gen | 2012 | 9.7″ | 9.5 × 7.31 × 0.37 | 241 × 186 × 9.4 |
| iPad 2nd Gen | 2011 | 9.7″ | 9.5 × 7.31 × 0.35 | 241 × 186 × 8.8 |
| iPad 1st Gen | 2010 | 9.7″ | 9.56 × 7.47 × 0.50 | 243 × 190 × 13 |
iPad Pro Size Comparison Table
| Model | Year | Screen size | Inches (H/W/D) | Millimeters (H/W/D) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPad Pro 13″ (7th gen) | 2024 | 13″ | 11.09 x 8.48 x 0.20 | 281.6 x 215.5 x 5.1 |
| iPad Pro 11″ (7th gen) | 2024 | 11″ | 9.75 x 7.03 x 0.23 | 247.6 x 178.5 x 5.9 |
| iPad Pro 12.9″ (6th gen) | 2022 | 12.9″ | 11.04 × 8.46 × 0.25 | 280.6 x 214.9 x 6.4 |
| iPad Pro 11″ (6th gen) | 2022 | 11″ | 9.75 × 7.03 × 0.23 | 247.6 x 178.5 x 5.9 |
| iPad Pro 12.9″ (5th gen) | 2021 | 12.9″ | 11.04 × 8.46 × 0.25 | 280.6 × 214.9 × 6.4 |
| iPad Pro 11″ (5th gen) | 2021 | 11″ | 9.75 × 7.03 × 0.23 | 247.6 × 178.5 x 5.9 |
| iPad Pro 12.9 (4th gen) | 2020 | 12.9″ | 11.04 × 8.46 × 0.23 | 280.6 × 214.9 × 5.9 |
| iPad Pro 11″ (4th gen) | 2020 | 11″ | 9.75 × 7.03 × 0.23 | 247.6 × 178.5 x 5.9 |
| iPad Pro 12.9″ (3rd gen) | 2018 | 12.9″ | 11.04 × 8.46 × 0.23 | 280.6 × 214.9 x 5.9 |
| iPad Pro 11″ (3rd gen) | 2018 | 11″ | 9.75 × 7.03 × 0.23 | 247.6 × 178.5 x 5.9 |
| iPad Pro 12.9″ (2nd gen) | 2017 | 12.9″ | 12.04 × 8.69 × 0.27 | 305.7 × 220.6 × 6.9 |
| iPad Pro 10.5″ (2nd gen) | 2017 | 10.5″ | 9.87 × 6.85 × 0.24 | 250.6 × 174.1 × 6.1 |
| iPad Pro 12.9″ (1st gen) | 2015 | 12.9″ | 12.04 × 8.69 × 0.27 | 305.7 × 220.6 × 6.9 |
| iPad Pro 9.7″ (1st gen) | 2015 | 9.7″ | 9.4 × 6.67 × 0.24 | 240 × 169.5 × 6.1 |
iPad Air Size Comparison Table
| Model | Year | Screen size | Inches (H/W/D) | Millimeters (H/W/D) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPad Air 13″ M2 | 2024 | 13″ | 11.04 x 8.46 x 0.25 | 280.6 x 214.9 x 6.4 |
| iPad Air 11″ M2 | 2024 | 11″ | 9.74 x 7.02 x 0.24 | 247.6 x 178.5 x 6.1 |
| iPad Air 5th Gen | 2022 | 10.9″ | 9.74 × 7.03 × 0.24 | 247.6 × 178.5 × 6.1 |
| iPad Air 4th Gen | 2020 | 10.9″ | 9.74 × 7.03 × 0.24 | 247.6 × 178.5 × 6.1 |
| iPad Air 3rd Gen | 2019 | 10.5″ | 9.87 × 6.85 × 0.24 | 250.6 × 174.1 × 6.1 |
| iPad Air 2nd Gen | 2014 | 9.7″ | 9.4 × 6.67 × 0.24 | 240 × 169.5 × 6.1 |
| iPad Air 1st Gen | 2013 | 9.7″ | 9.4 × 6.67 × 0.30 | 240 × 169.5 × 7.5 |
iPad mini Size Comparison Table
| Model | Year | Screen size | Inches (H/W/D) | Millimeters (H/W/D) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPad mini 6th Gen | 2021 | 8.3″ | 7.69 × 5.3 × 0.25 | 195.4 × 134.8 × 6.3 |
| iPad mini 5th Gen | 2019 | 7.9″ | 8.0 × 5.3 × 0.24 | 203.2 × 134.8 × 6.1 |
| iPad mini 4th Gen | 2015 | 7.9″ | 8.0 × 5.3 × 0.24 | 203.2 × 134.8 × 6.1 |
| iPad mini 3rd Gen | 2014 | 7.9″ | 7.9 × 5.3 × 0.30 | 200 × 134.7 × 7.5 |
| iPad mini 2nd Gen | 2013 | 7.9″ | 7.9 × 5.3 × 0.30 | 200 × 134.7 × 7.5 |
| iPad mini 1st Gen | 2012 | 7.9″ | 7.9 × 5.3 × 0.28 | 200 × 134.7 × 7.2 |
Choosing the Right iPad Size for You
The best iPad size isn’t universal; it depends entirely on how you plan to use your tablet. Let’s consider some common use cases to help you decide which size might be the best fit for you.
Best iPad Size for Portability and Travel
If you’re frequently on the go and need a tablet that’s easy to carry, the iPad mini is the clear winner. Its small size allows it to fit comfortably in bags, and it’s light enough to hold for extended periods while commuting or traveling.
Best iPad Size for Reading and Studying
For avid readers, especially of e-books and digital magazines, the iPad mini is also an excellent choice. Its size is comparable to a physical book, making it comfortable to hold for long reading sessions. However, for PDFs and textbooks with complex layouts, a slightly larger screen like the 11-inch iPad Air or 11-inch iPad Pro may offer a more comfortable viewing experience, reducing the need for frequent zooming.
Best iPad Size for Creative Work and Productivity
Professionals and creatives who need a mobile workstation will appreciate the larger screens of the 12.9-inch or 13-inch iPad Pro and 13-inch iPad Air. These larger displays provide ample space for multitasking, using creative apps, and viewing detailed documents or spreadsheets. The larger canvas is also beneficial for artists using the Apple Pencil. The 11-inch iPad Pro and 11-inch iPad Air offer a more portable alternative while still providing a significant screen size for productivity tasks.
Best iPad Size for Gaming and Entertainment
For immersive gaming and movie watching, a larger screen enhances the experience. The 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Pro models, as well as the 13-inch iPad Air, are ideal for entertainment, offering vibrant displays and powerful speakers. However, for casual gaming and media consumption, the 10.9-inch iPad and 11-inch iPad Air offer a great balance of screen size and comfortable handling.
Consider Refurbished iPads for Value
Once you’ve decided on the ideal iPad size, consider purchasing a refurbished iPad. Refurbished iPads from reputable sources offer significant cost savings while providing the same performance as new devices. Exploring refurbished options across all iPad models can allow you to get a larger size or a higher-end model within your budget. Websites like RefurbMe aggregate deals on refurbished iPads, making it easy to compare prices and find the best offers.
Conclusion
Choosing the right iPad size is a personal decision driven by your individual needs and usage patterns. By comparing iPad sizes across the different product lines – iPad, iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad mini – and considering how you intend to use your tablet, you can confidently select the perfect iPad to enhance your digital life. Whether you prioritize portability, screen size, or performance, there’s an iPad size that’s just right for you.
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FAQ
What is the biggest iPad?
The largest iPad currently is the iPad Pro 13″ (7th gen) released in 2024, measuring 11.09 x 8.48 x 0.20 inches.
What is the smallest iPad?
The smallest iPad is the iPad mini. The iPad mini 1st generation is the smallest in dimensions, measuring 7.9 × 5.3 × 0.28 inches.
What is the size of the original iPad?
The original iPad featured a 9.7-inch display, a size that remained standard for the regular iPad for several generations. The latest iPad 10th generation has a larger 10.9-inch screen.
What is the most popular iPad screen size?
Popularity varies depending on user needs. The portable 7.9-inch iPad mini is favored for portability, while the larger 12.9-inch iPad Pro is preferred for professionals needing a larger workspace.
What is the best iPad size for reading a book?
The iPad mini is often considered the best iPad size for reading e-books due to its book-like size and comfortable portability.
What is the best iPad size for reading PDFs?
For reading PDF documents, especially those with complex formatting, a larger screen like the iPad Pro is recommended to avoid excessive zooming and scrolling.
