Choosing an iPad can feel overwhelming. Apple’s tablet lineup boasts a variety of models, from the powerful Pro to the compact Mini, each with different features and price points. After a quiet 2023, Apple’s “Let Loose” event in May 2024 unveiled exciting new iPads, making the decision process even more crucial. This guide breaks down the current iPad range, comparing key specifications and features to help you find the perfect Apple tablet to suit your needs and budget.
Understanding the Current iPad Lineup: A 2024 Overview
Apple’s iPad family is diverse, catering to a wide range of users. Currently, the lineup includes:
- iPad Pro: The ultimate in iPad performance, boasting cutting-edge technology and designed for professionals and power users.
- iPad Air: A balance of performance and portability, ideal for users who want a powerful yet lightweight tablet.
- iPad: The standard iPad, perfect for everyday tasks, entertainment, and general use at an accessible price.
- iPad Mini: The smallest iPad, offering portability and convenience without sacrificing performance for on-the-go users.
Let’s delve into a detailed comparison of each iPad model, starting with the top-tier iPad Pro.
iPad Pro Comparison: 2024 vs. Previous Generations
The iPad Pro represents the pinnacle of Apple’s tablet technology. The latest 2024 models introduce significant upgrades, particularly with the new M4 chip and stunning Tandem OLED displays. Here’s a comparison across recent iPad Pro generations:
| 13-inch iPad Pro (2024) | 11-inch iPad Pro (2024) | 12.9-inch iPad Pro (2022) | 11-inch iPad Pro (2022) | 12.9-inch iPad Pro (2021) | 11-inch iPad Pro (2021) | 12.9 iPad Pro (2020) | 11 iPad Pro (2020) | 12.9 iPad Pro (2018) | 11 iPad Pro (2018) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Price | $1299 | $999 | $1099 | $799 | $1099 | $799 | $999 | $799 | $799 |
| CPU | Apple M4 | Apple M4 | Apple M2 | Apple M2 | Apple M1 | Apple M1 | A12Z Bionic chip with Neural Engine | A12Z Bionic chip with Neural Engine | A12X Bionic chip with Neural Engine |
| Motion Processor | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Resolution | 2752×2064 | 2420×1688 | 2732×2048 | 2388×1668 | 2732×2048 | 2388×1668 | 2732×2048 | 2048×1536 | 2732×2048 |
| Security | Face ID | Face ID | Face ID | Face ID | Face ID | Face ID | Face ID | Face ID | Face ID |
| Display | 13-inch Tandem OLED Ultra Retina XDR with ProMotion | 11-inch Tandem OLED Ultra Retina XDR with ProMotion | 12.9-inch IPS LED-backlit with TrueTone, displays qualifies for Apple’s requirements of XDR display | 11-inch IPS LED-backlit with TrueTone | 12.9-inch IPS LED-backlit with TrueTone, displays qualifies for Apple’s requirements of XDR display | 11-inch IPS LED-backlit with TrueTone | 12.9-inch IPS LED-backlit with TrueTone | 11-inch IPS LED-backlit with TrueTone | 12.9-inch IPS LED-backlit with TrueTone |
| Storage | 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB | 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB | 64 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB |
| Rear Camera | 12 MP wide, 4K video, ProRes | 12 MP wide, 4K video, ProRes | 12 MP, 10 MP Ultra Wide, 4K video support, LiDAR scanner for AR | 12 MP, 10 MP Ultra Wide, 4K video support, LiDAR scanner for AR | 12 MP, 10 MP Ultra Wide, 4K video support, LiDAR scanner for AR | 12 MP, 10 MP Ultra Wide, 4K video support, LiDAR scanner for AR | 12 MP (wide); 10 MP (ultrawide) with 4K video support | 12 MP (wide); 10 MP (ultrawide) with 4K video support | iSight 12 MP with 4K video support |
| Front Camera | Landscape 12 MP Ultra Wide with Center Stage and TrueDepth | Landscape 12 MP Ultra Wide with Center Stage and TrueDepth | 12 MP with Retina Flash | 12 MP with Retina Flash | 12 MP with Retina Flash | 12 MP with Retina Flash | 7 MP with Retina Flash | 7 MP with Retina Flash | 7 MP with Retina Flash |
| Data Rate | Gigabit-class LTE | Gigabit-class LTE | Gigabit-class LTE | Gigabit-class LTE | Gigabit-class LTE | Gigabit-class LTE | Gigabit-class LTE | 4G LTE | 4G LTE |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 4.2 |
| Siri | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Barometer | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| GPS | Cellular version only | Cellular version only | Cellular version only | Cellular version only | Cellular version only | Cellular version only | Cellular version only | Cellular version only | Assisted |
Key Takeaways for iPad Pro:
- M4 Chip Power: The 2024 iPad Pro models boast the groundbreaking M4 chip, offering unparalleled performance for demanding tasks like video editing, graphic design, and gaming.
- Tandem OLED Display: The new Ultra Retina XDR display with Tandem OLED technology delivers stunning visuals with incredible contrast, brightness, and color accuracy, particularly on the 13-inch model.
- Pro-Level Features: Features like ProMotion, Thunderbolt/USB 4 connectivity, and advanced camera systems solidify the iPad Pro as a true laptop alternative for creative professionals.
- Price Point: iPad Pro models are the most expensive in the lineup, reflecting their premium features and performance.
iPad Air Comparison: Balancing Power and Portability
The iPad Air is designed to provide a sweet spot between performance and portability. The latest iPad Air 6 (2024) introduces the M2 chip and a new 13-inch size option, making it even more appealing. Here’s how the iPad Air models compare:
| 13-inch iPad Air 6 (2024) | 11-inch iPad Air 6 (2024) | iPad Air 5 (2022) | iPad Air 4 (2020) | iPad Air 3 (2019) | iPad Air 2 (2014) | iPad Air (2013) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Price | $799 | $599 | $599 | $599 | $599 | n/a |
| CPU | Apple M2 | Apple M2 | Apple M1 | Apple A14 Bionic | A14 Neural Engine | 1.5 Ghz Tri-Core 64-bit Apple A8X |
| Resolution | 2732×2048 | 2360×1640 | 2360×1640 | 2360×1640 | 2060×1640 | 2048×1536 |
| Touch ID | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Display | 13-inch Liquid Retina LED backlit with IPS | 11-inch Liquid Retina LED backlit with IPS | 10.9-inch IPS LED-backlit | 10.9-inch IPS LED-backlit | 10.2-inch IPS LED-backlit | 9.7-inch IPS LED-backlit |
| Storage | 128 GB 256 GB 512 GB 1 TB | 128 GB 256 GB 512 GB 1 TB | 64 GB 256 GB | 64 GB 256 GB | 64 GB 256 GB | 16 GB 32 GB 64 GB 128 GB |
| Rear Camera | 12 MP wide, 4K video | 12 MP wide, 4K video | 12 MP Wide | 12 MP | 12 MP | iSight 8 MP |
| Front Camera | Landscape 12 MP Ultra Wide with Center Stage | Landscape 12 MP Ultra Wide with Center Stage | 12 MP Ultra-Wide | 7 MP | 7 MP | 720p |
| Data Rate | Gigabit-class LTE | Gigabit-class LTE | 5G NR | GSM LTE | Gigabit-class LTE | 4G LTE |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6E | 802.11 Wi-Fi 6 | 802.11 Wi-Fi 6 | 802.11ax | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac |
| MIMO | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 4 |
| Barometer | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| GPS | Cellular version only | Cellular version only | iBeacon | iBeacon | 4G version only | 4G version only |
Key Takeaways for iPad Air:
- M2 Chip Upgrade: The iPad Air 6 benefits from the powerful M2 chip, delivering a significant performance boost over previous generations for multitasking and demanding apps.
- New 13-inch Size: The introduction of a 13-inch model offers users a larger screen option, bridging the gap between the 11-inch Air and the iPad Pro sizes.
- Balanced Features: iPad Air retains features like Touch ID, excellent Liquid Retina display, and compatibility with Apple Pencil 2, offering a premium experience without the top-tier price of the Pro models.
- Mid-Range Pricing: Positioned in the mid-range, iPad Air provides excellent value for users seeking a powerful and portable tablet.
iPad Comparison: The Everyday Tablet
The standard iPad is Apple’s most affordable tablet, designed for everyday tasks, entertainment, and general use. The 10th generation iPad (2022) brought a modern redesign and key improvements. Here’s a comparison of recent standard iPad models:
| iPad 10 (2022) | iPad 9 (2021) | iPad 8 (2020) | iPad 7 (2018) | iPad 6 (2017) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Price | $449 | $329 | $329 | $329 |
| CPU | A14 Bionic Neural Engine | A13 Bionic Neural Engine | A12 Bionic Neural Engine | 2.34 Ghz Quad-Core 64-bit Apple A10 Fusion |
| Resolution | 2360‑by‑1640 | 2160×1620 | 2160×1620 | 2048×1536 |
| Touch ID | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Display | 10.9 IPS LED-backlit | 10.2 IPS LED-backlit | 10.2-inch IPS LED-backlit | 9.7-inch IPS LED-backlit |
| Storage | 64 GB 256 GB | 64 GB 256 GB | 32 GB 128 GB | 32 GB 128 GB |
| Rear Camera | 12MP Wide | 8 MP Wide | 8 MP | iSight 8 MP |
| Front Camera | 12 MP Ultra Wide | 12 MP Ultra Wide | 1.2 MP | 720p |
| Data Rate | Gigabit-class LTE | Gigabit-class LTE | Gigabit-class LTE | 4G LTE |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac |
| MIMO | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 4.2 | 4.2 | 4.2 |
| Barometer | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| GPS | Cellular version only | Cellular version only | 4G version only | 4G version only |
Key Takeaways for iPad:
- Affordable Entry Point: The standard iPad is the most budget-friendly option, making it accessible to a wider range of users.
- A14 Bionic Chip Performance: While not the latest chip, the A14 Bionic still offers solid performance for everyday tasks, browsing, streaming, and light gaming.
- Modern Design (10th Gen): The 10th generation iPad features a modern, all-screen design, USB-C port, and landscape front camera, bringing it closer in design to the Air and Pro models.
- Great for General Use: Ideal for students, families, and anyone who needs a reliable tablet for entertainment, communication, and basic productivity.
iPad Mini Comparison: Compact Powerhouse
For those who prioritize portability above all else, the iPad Mini is the perfect choice. Despite its small size, the iPad Mini 6 (2021) packs a punch. Here’s a comparison of recent iPad Mini generations:
| iPad Mini 6 (2021) | iPad Mini 5 (2020) | iPad Mini 4 (2015) | iPad Mini 3 (2014) | iPad Mini 2 (2013) | iPad Mini (2012) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Price | $499 | $399 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| CPU | A15 Bionic chip with Neural Engine | A12 Bionic chip with Neural Engine | 1.5 Ghz 64-bit Apple A8 | 1.29 Ghz 64-bit Apple A7 | 1.29 Ghz 64-bit Apple A7 |
| Motion Processor | Yes | Yes | M8 | M7 | M7 |
| Resolution | 2266×1488 | 2048×1536 | 2048×1536 | 2048×1536 | 2048×1536 |
| Touch ID | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Display | 8.3-inch LED-backlit with TrueTone | 7.9-inch LED-backlit with TrueTone | 7.9-inch IPS LED-backlit | 7.9-inch IPS LED-backlit | 7.9-inch IPS LED-backlit |
| Storage | 64 GB, 256 GB | 64 GB, 256 GB | 128 GB | 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB | 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB |
| Rear Camera | 12 MP, 1080p video | 8 MP, 1080p video | iSight 8 MP | iSight 5 MP | iSight 5 MP |
| Front Camera | 12 MP with Retina Flash | 7 MP with Retina Flash | 720p | 720p | 720p |
| Data Rate | Gigabit-class LTE | Gigabit-class LTE | 4G LTE | 4G LTE | 4G LTE |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 a/b/g/n | 802.11 a/b/g/n |
| MIMO | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Barometer | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| GPS | Cellular version only | Cellular version only | Cellular version only | Cellular version only | Cellular version only |
Key Takeaways for iPad Mini:
- Ultimate Portability: The iPad Mini is incredibly compact and lightweight, perfect for reading on the go, travel, and users with smaller hands.
- A15 Bionic Power: The A15 Bionic chip in the iPad Mini 6 delivers impressive performance, making it capable of handling demanding apps and games despite its size.
- Redesigned Form Factor: The iPad Mini 6 features a modern, edge-to-edge display and USB-C port, aligning with the design language of other modern iPads.
- Niche Appeal: The iPad Mini caters to a specific niche of users who prioritize portability above screen size and are willing to pay a premium for the compact form factor.
Choosing the Right iPad: Factors to Consider
Selecting the best iPad for you depends on your individual needs and priorities. Consider these factors when making your decision:
- Budget: iPads range in price significantly. Determine your budget and explore the models within your price range. The standard iPad is the most affordable, followed by the iPad Mini and Air, with the iPad Pro being the most expensive.
- Intended Use: What will you primarily use your iPad for?
- General Use & Entertainment: iPad (10th Gen) or iPad Air.
- Professional Creative Work: iPad Pro.
- Portability & Reading: iPad Mini.
- Balance of Power & Portability: iPad Air.
- Performance Needs: Do you need top-of-the-line performance for demanding tasks? The iPad Pro with the M4 chip offers the most power. The iPad Air with M2 is also highly capable, while the standard iPad and Mini are sufficient for everyday use.
- Screen Size: Consider the screen size that best suits your needs. The iPad Pro and Air are available in larger sizes (13-inch and 12.9-inch), while the standard iPad offers a 10.9-inch display, and the Mini has an 8.3-inch screen.
- Features: Evaluate features like display technology (OLED vs. LED), storage capacity, camera quality, and Apple Pencil compatibility based on your requirements.
FAQ About Comparing iPads
What’s the difference between an iPad and a tablet?
The term “iPad” is often used interchangeably with “tablet,” but technically, iPad is a specific brand of tablet from Apple. The key difference lies in the operating system. iPads run on iPadOS, while tablets from other manufacturers like Samsung or Google typically run on Android. iPads also utilize Apple’s proprietary hardware, such as their powerful in-house designed chips.
Which iPad should I buy?
The best iPad for you depends entirely on your individual needs and how you plan to use it. For basic tasks like watching videos and reading, the standard iPad or iPad Air would suffice. If you are a creative professional or need a device that can potentially replace a laptop, the iPad Pro is the ideal choice.
Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect iPad Match
Navigating the iPad lineup can seem complex, but understanding the key differences between models simplifies the decision. By Comparing Ipads based on performance, features, portability, and price, you can confidently choose the Apple tablet that best aligns with your needs and enhances your digital life. Whether you prioritize power, portability, or affordability, there’s an iPad designed to be your perfect match in 2024.
