How to Choose the Right iPad For you
How to Choose the Right iPad For you
When you're trying to understand the iPad different models and prices, there are four main characteristics to look for: size, networking, accessories, and storage.
- Size: The first choice you'll need to make is how big a screen you need. The 12.9-inch screen won't be for everyone, but the 10.5-inch and 9.7-inch screens are a difficult choice because they're so similar. The 10.5-inch screen offers more features and newer technology, but that iPad is more expensive, too.
- Networking: All iPad models offer Wi-Fi for networking, but there are also versions of both the iPad and iPad mini which offer 4G LTE wireless data from AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon. Unlike with the iPhone, there are no contracts for iPad data plans. While it would be crazy to get an iPhone without 4G LTE service, many people use the iPad in their homes and offices where Wi-Fi is available, so cellular data is less important
- Accessories: The iPad Pro models support the Apple Pencil and Apple's Smart Keyboard accessories. The Smart Keyboard helps make the iPad a viable laptop replacement for many. The Apple Pencil is terrific for artists and note taking. If you want the most flexibility for how you use your iPad, these are your best choices.
- Storage: The top-end iPad Pro models 64GB, 256GB or 512GB of storage, while earlier models are limited to 32GB and 128GB. It's always a good rule of thumb to buy as much storage as you can afford; you'll end up using it.
Current iPad Model and Price Comparison Chart
| iPad Pro 12.9-inch | iPad Pro 10.5-inch | iPad | iPad mini 4 | |
| Reviews | iPad Pro Review | Coming Soon | Coming Soon | iPad mini 4 Review |
| Processor | A10X | A10X | A9 | A8 |
| Capacity |
64GB
256GB 512GB | 64GB 256GB 512GB | 32GB 128GB | 128GB |
| Screen Size (in inches) | 12.9 | 10.5 | 9.7 | 7.9 |
| Resolution | 2732x2048 | 2224x1668 | 2048x1536 | 2048x1536 |
| True Tone Screen | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, 25-Band 4G LTE, Bluetooth | Wi-Fi, 25-Band 4G LTE, Bluetooth | Wi-Fi, 21-Band 4G LTE, Bluetooth | Wi-Fi, 20-Band 4G LTE, Bluetooth |
| 4G Carrier | AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon | AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon | AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon | AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon |
| Assisted GPS? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Touch ID | 2nd Gen. | 2nd Gen. | 1st Gen. | 1st Gen. |
| Apple Pencil | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Smart Keyboard | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Camera | Back: 12 megapixel still; Front: 1080p HD video, 7 megapixel still | Back: 12 megapixel still; Front: 1080p HD video, 7 megapixel still | Back: 8 megapixel still; Front: 720p HD video, 1.2 megapixel still | Back: 8 megapixel still; Front: 720p HD video, 1.2 megapixel still |
| Records Video | Yes, up to 4K | Yes, up to 4K | Yes, up to 1080p | Yes, up to 1080p |
| Slow-mo Video | 180p at 120 fps 720p at 240 fps | 180p at 120 fps 720p at 240 fps | 720p at 120 fps | 720p at 120 fps |
| HDMI Out? | With adapter | With adapter | With adapter | With adapter |
| Weight (in pounds) | 1.53 | 1.05 | 1.05 | 0.67 |
| Size (in inches) | 12 x 8.68 x 0.27 | 9.8 x 6.8 x 0.24 | 9.4 x 6.6 x 0.29 | 8 x 5.3 x 0.24 |
| Battery Life | 10 hours | 10 hours | 10 hours | 10 hours |
| Price | US$799-$1229 | $649-$1079 | $329-$559 | $399-$529 |
Discontinued iPad Model and Price Comparison Chart
| iPad Air 2 | iPad Air | 4th gen. iPad | |
| Reviews | iPad Air 2 review | iPad Air review | 4th gen. iPad review |
| Processor | A8X | A7 | A6X |
| Capacity | 16GB 64GB 128GB | 16GB 32GB | 16GB 32GB 64GB 128GB |
| Screen Size (in inches) | 9.7 | 9.7 | 9.7 |
| Resolution | 2048x1536 | 2048x1536 | 2048x1536 |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Dual-Band 4G LTE, Dual-Band 3G (HSPA, CDMA), Bluetooth | Wi-Fi, Dual-Band 4G LTE, Dual-Band 3G (HSPA, CDMA), Bluetooth | Wi-Fi, Dual-Band 4G LTE, Dual-Band 3G (HSPA, CDMA), Bluetooth |
| 3G/4G Carrier | AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon | AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon | AT&T, Sprint, Verizon |
| Monthly 3G/4G Cost | $15-$80 | $15-$80 | $15-$80 |
| Assisted GPS? | 4G/3G model only | 4G/3G model only | 4G/3G model only |
| TouchID | Yes | No | No |
| Camera | Back: 1080p HD video, 8 megapixel still; Front: 720p HD video, 1.2 megapixel still | Back: 1080p HD video, 5 megapixel still; Front: 720p HD video, 1.2 megapixel still | Back: 1080p HD video, 5 megapixel still; Front: VGA video and stills |
| Records Video | Yes, 1080p HD | Yes, 1080p HD | Yes, 1080p HD |
| Slo-Mo Video | Yes | No | No |
| HDMI Out? | Yes, with adapter | Yes, with adapter | Yes, with adapter |
| Weight (in pounds) | 0.96-0.98 | 1-1.05 | 1.46 |
| Size (inches) | 9.4 x 6.6 x 0.24 | 9.4 x 6.6 x 0.29 | 9.5 x 7.31 x 0.37 |
| Battery Life | 10 hours | 10 hours | 10 hours |
| Price | $499-$829 | $399-$579 | Discontinued |
| 3rd gen. iPad | iPad 2 | 1st Gen. iPad | |
| Reviews | 3rd gen. iPad review | iPad 2 review | 1st gen. iPad review |
| Processor | 1Ghz Apple A5X | 1Ghz Apple A5 | 1Ghz Apple A4 |
| Capacity | 16GB 32GB 64GB | 16GB 32GB 64GB | 16GB 32GB 64GB |
| Screen Size (in inches) | 9.7 | 9.7 | 9.7 |
| Resolution | 2048x1536 | 1024x768 | 1024x768 |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Dual-Band 4G LTE, Dual-Band 3G (HSPA, CDMA), Bluetooth | Wi-Fi, Dual-Band 3G (HSPA, CDMA), Bluetooth | Wi-Fi, HSPA 3G, Bluetooth |
| 3G/4G Carrier | AT&T, Verizon | AT&T, Verizon | AT&T, Verizon |
| Monthly 3G/4G Cost | $15-$80 | $15-$80 | $15-$80 |
| Assisted GPS? | 4G/3G model only | 3G model only | 3G model only |
| TouchID | No | No | No |
| Camera | Back: 1080p HD video, 5 megapixel still; Front: VGA video and stills | Back: 720p HD video; Front: VGA video and stills | N/A |
| Records Video | Yes, 1080p HD | Yes, 720p HD | No |
| Slo-mo Video | No | No | N/A |
| HDMI Out? | Yes, with adapter | Yes, with adapter | No |
| Weight (in pounds) | 1.44-1.46 | 1.3-1.35 | 1.5 |
| Size (inches) | 7.31 x 9.5 x 0.37 | 7.31 x 9.5 x 0.34 | 7.47 x 9.56 x 0.5 |
| Battery Life | 10 hours | 10 hours | 10 hours |
| Price | Discontinued | Discontinued | Discontinued |
Discontinued iPad Model and Price Comparison Chart: iPad Minis
| iPad mini 3 | iPad mini 2 | iPad mini | |
| Reviews | iPad mini 3 review | iPad mini 2 review | iPad mini review |
| Processor | A7 | A7 | A5 |
| Capacity | 16GB 64GB 128GB | 16GB 32GB | 16GB |
| Screen Size** | 7.9 | 7.9 | 7.9 |
| Resolution | 2048x1536 | 2048x1536 | 1024x768 |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Dual-Band 4G LTE, Dual-Band 3G (HSPA, CDMA), Bluetooth | Wi-Fi, Dual-Band 4G LTE, Dual-Band 3G (HSPA, CDMA), Bluetooth | Wi-Fi, Dual-Band 4G LTE, Dual-Band 3G (HSPA, CDMA), Bluetooth |
| 3G/4G Carrier | AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon | AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon | AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon |
| Monthly 3G/4G Cost | $15-$80 | $15-$80 | $15-$80 |
| Assisted GPS? | 4G/3G model only | 4G/3G model only | 4G/3G model only |
| TouchID | Yes | No | No |
| Camera | Back: 1080p HD video, 5 megapixel still; Front: 720p HD video, 1.2 megapixel still | Back: 1080p HD video, 5 megapixel still; Front: 720p HD video, 1.2 megapixel still | Back: 1080p HD video, 5 megapixel still; Front: 720p HD video, 1.2 megapixel still |
| Records Video | Yes, 1080p HD | Yes, 1080p HD | Yes, 1080p HD |
| Slo-mo Video | No | No | No |
| HDMI Out? | Yes, with adapter | Yes, with adapter | Yes, with adapter |
| Weight (in pounds) | 0.73-0.75 | 0.73-0.75 | 0.68-0.69 |
| Size (inches) | 7.87 x 5.3 x 0.29 | 7.87 x 5.3 x 0.29 | 7.87 x 5.3 x 0.28 |
| Battery Life | 10 hours | 10 hours | 10 hours |
| Price | Discontinued | Discontinued | Discontinued |
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