We may earn compensation from reviewed products. Learn about our editorial policies.
Apple recently updated their tablet lineup with the new M4 iPad Pro and M2 iPad Air. So if you’re in the market for a new tablet, there’s plenty to choose from. But which iPad should you buy?
From the budget-friendly 10th-generation iPad to the powerful and feature-packed iPad Pro, the options can seem overwhelming at first glance. But reading this buyer guide should help you decide which Apple iPad is right for you.
The iPad Air M2: The Best iPad for the everyday user
What sets the iPad Air M2 apart is its ability to cater to a wide range of users. Whether you’re a creative professional, a student, or a casual user looking to enjoy movies, games, and social media, the iPad Air M2 is suitable for your needs.
The iPad Air M2 has the most ideal balance of performance, features, and price. Boasting the same M2 chip found in Apple’s latest MacBooks, this tablet is great for multitasking and provides a fast performance.
It’s the first iPad Air that offers two sizes, similar to that of the Pro: 11-inch or 13-inch Retina display. It is also able to support the Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard.
The 2024 iPad Air features the squared-off design and boasts a 10-hour battery, which is just fine for a day out without a charger,
The 10th Generation iPad: The Budget-Friendly Workhorse
For those on a tighter budget, the 10th-generation iPad emerges as a compelling option.
While it may not boast the same level of raw power as its more expensive siblings, this entry-level tablet has the modest yet powerful A14 Bionic chip and 4GB of RAM.
What the 10th gen iPad lacks in processing prowess, it makes up for in its approachable price point and well-rounded feature set. Its 10.9-inch Retina display, while not as advanced as the iPad Air’s, still delivers a vibrant visual experience, perfect for media consumption, and casual gaming. The iPad 10 also has a USB-C port and Touch ID sensor.
One of the standout features of the 10th-generation iPad is its compatibility with the first-generation Apple Pencil and the Magic Keyboard Folio.
These accessories, while not as advanced as their counterparts for the higher-end models, are capable and affordable.
For those seeking a capable and modern iPad without breaking the bank, the 10th-generation model is an appropriate choice, offering a balance of performance, features, and value.
The iPad Pro M4: The Tablet for Power Users
At the apex of Apple’s tablet lineup sits the ultra-thin iPad Pro M4.
Powered by the new M4 chip, this tablet delivers the best performance to the point of overkill. It’s ideal for power users, creative professionals, and those who demand the absolute best from their mobile computing devices.
The iPad Pro M4’s standout feature is its display. Featuring a tandem OLED panel, this tablet is created for vibrant colours, deep blacks, and an impressive peak brightness of up to 1,600 nits.
The 120Hz refresh rate ensures smoother scrolling and seamless interactions, making the iPad Pro M4 more than suitable for tasks ranging from video editing to immersive gaming.
The iPad Pro M4’s advanced features include hardware-accelerated ray tracing and a powerful neural engine, and it also supports the latest Apple Pencil Pro.
Whether you’re a professional artist, a video editor, or an architect, this tablet can serve as a versatile and capable companion, capable of handling demanding workflows.
Of course, the iPad Pro M4’s premium performance and features come at a premium price. Starting at $999 for the 11-inch model and $1,299 for the 13-inch variant, this tablet is undoubtedly an investment.
The iPad Mini: The Compact Companion for On-the-Go Users
While the larger iPad models have captured the limelight, there’s one tablet in Apple’s lineup that caters to a more niche audience – the iPad Mini. At Mark Ellis Reviews, the iPad Mini 6 has a good rep.
We’ve written a lot about it!
It’s compact and lightweight for portability. Whilst it lacks raw power and screen real estate, but features an 8.3-inch Retina display and a surprisingly high-quality panel. It also supports the Apple Pencil 2 and features the squared-off design aesthetic of its larger siblings.
Powered by the A15 Bionic chip, this diminutive tablet delivers more than enough performance for everyday tasks, from web browsing and e-book reading to light photo editing and casual gaming.
While the iPad Mini may not be the best choice for those seeking a tablet to replace a laptop, it’s a portable device that can fulfil on-the-go needs.
Choosing the Right iPad for Your Needs:
Now that we’ve explored the key highlights of Apple’s iPad lineup, let’s dive deeper into the specific factors you should consider when selecting the perfect tablet for your needs and budget.
Screen Size and Display Quality
One of the primary considerations when choosing an iPad is the screen size and display quality. The 10th generation iPad and iPad Mini offer more compact 10.9-inch and 8.3-inch displays, respectively, while the iPad Air and iPad Pro models come in 11-inch and 13-inch variants.
The display quality also varies across the lineup, with the iPad Air and iPad Pro boasting more advanced features like higher brightness, wider colour gamut, and faster refresh rates.
If you plan to use your iPad for tasks like media consumption, creative work, or productivity, the larger and more high-end displays of the iPad Air and iPad Pro may be worth the investment.
Performance and Chip Architecture
Apple’s latest iPad models are powered by a range of chip architectures, from the entry-level A14 Bionic in the 10th generation iPad to the cutting-edge M2 and M4 chips found in the iPad Air and iPad Pro, respectively.
For users who prioritize raw performance and future-proofing, the M-series chips in the iPad Air and iPad Pro offer a significant advantage, delivering exceptional processing power and enabling advanced features like hardware-accelerated ray tracing and improved machine learning capabilities.
However, the A14 Bionic in the 10th generation iPad still provides more than enough power for most everyday tasks, making it a viable option for those on a tighter budget.
Storage and Connectivity
When it comes to storage, the iPad lineup offers a range of options, from the 64GB and 256GB variants of the 10th generation iPad to the up to 2TB capacities available on the iPad Pro.
If you plan to store a large media library, work with high-resolution files, or simply want to future-proof your device, you’ll want to opt for higher storage.
Regarding connectivity, all current iPad models feature USB-C ports, which offer faster data transfer speeds and support for a wide range of accessories.
The iPad Pro, however, takes things a step further with its Thunderbolt-enabled USB-C port, providing a greater performance for tasks like video editing and file transfers.
Accessory Compatibility
The 10th generation iPad is compatible with the first-generation Apple Pencil and the unique Magic Keyboard Folio, while the 2024 iPad Air and iPad Pro support the more advanced Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard.
If you plan to use your iPad for tasks like digital art, note-taking, or productivity, the compatibility with the Apple Pencil and keyboard accessories can greatly enhance your overall experience.
Keep in mind that the newer and more advanced accessories tend to be more expensive, so factor that into your budget as well.
Pricing and Value Proposition
Finally, when selecting an iPad, it’s essential to consider your budget and the overall value proposition of each model.
The 10th generation iPad offers an excellent balance of features and performance at a relatively affordable price point, making it a great choice for those on a tighter budget.
The iPad Air M2, on the other hand, strikes a compelling balance between price and capabilities, delivering a good experience without the sky-high price tag of the iPad Pro. And for power users who are willing to invest in the best, the iPad Pro M4 offers unparalleled performance and features, though at a significantly higher cost.
So, what do you think?
Ultimately, the “best” iPad for you will depend on your specific needs, usage patterns, and budget, but we hope this article helped!
Let us know which one you purchased in the comment section down below!
Images courtesy of Apple.
