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How to pick the model that’s right for you


Earlier this week, Apple introduced a redesigned iPad and updates to the iPad Pros. They’ll likely help the company spur sales during the ever-important holiday shopping season. But, it also means the company now sells six different iPads, and you might find it a bit tricky to pick the one that’s best for you or a loved one.

If you’re considering buying a new iPad, that means you need to choose between:

  • The new 12.9-inch iPad Pro
  • The new 11-inch iPad Pro 11-inch
  • The iPad Air
  • The redesigned regular iPad
  • The iPad mini
  • Or last year’s regular iPad

That might look like a daunting list, so here’s a guide to help you figure out which iPad best fits your needs, listed in order of the cheapest iPad to the most expensive model.

iPad: You just need a tablet

Apple iPad

Source: Apple Inc.

The ninth-generation iPad was introduced in September 2021. It starts at $329 and is the cheapest option in Apple’s current lineup. It has great all-day battery life and is perfect for basic tablet needs like streaming movies, reading, catching up on emails, browsing the internet, scrolling social media and FaceTiming.

It’s the cheapest, but it doesn’t feel like it. This is the iPad I currently use. It’s the right pick for you if you want to save a little money, and don’t perform complex tasks like video editing. There are some drawbacks, though.

The screen and cameras aren’t as good as any of the other iPads. It has a dated A13 processor, first introduced in 2019, and it only works with the older Apple Pencil. Apple doesn’t sell a model with support for 5G cellular networks, so you’re stuck on slower networks if you pick that model. This is the “I just need a tablet” tablet.

2022 iPad: You just need a tablet but want some newer features

Pick this iPad if you need a great tablet and can spend a little more on the newest entry-level version available. It’s currently available to order online and will be in stores on Oct. 26.

The new entry-level iPad (10th generation) got a major redesign and starts at $449, a bit of a premium over the $329 iPad.

It has a larger 10.9-inch display and no longer has the home button. Now, the power button on top of the iPad has Touch ID capability. So, you just tap and hold that button to unlock it.

Another big change is the position of the front-facing camera. It’s now on the long side of the tablet, instead of the short side, which should help you look more centered on the camera during video chats. It also comes in new colors including white, yellow, red, and blue.

The new iPad is powered by the slightly older A14 Bionic chip, but it offers faster performance and longer-lasting battery life compared to the cheaper iPad. It has sharper front camera and back cameras. And, if you need it, you can also buy a 5G cellular version.

But here’s a drawback you should know about: the new iPad only works with the older Apple Pencil. And that only charges and pairs through the old Lightning port. So, you need to buy a $9 dongle if you want to charge that pencil with the new iPad. It’s silly that Apple didn’t add support for the newer second-generation Apple Pencil, which charges and pairs through magnets on the side of other iPads.

It doesn’t hurt it’s also available in some fun colors. Yellow iPad, anyone?

iPad Mini: You need a super portable tablet

Apple iPad Mini 2021

Todd Haselton | CNBC

iPad Air: The middle of the pack

iPad Air

Source: Apple Inc.

iPad Pro: You need as much power as you can get in a tablet.

Apple’s new iPad Pros in 11-inch and 12.9-inch sizes.

Apple

The new 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pros are the highest-end iPads available, with the 12.9-inch iPad Pro offering a brighter and more colorful screen than the 11-inch version. The new models, updated with Apple’s M2 processor and more, are currently available to order online and will be in stores on Oct. 26.

This is the iPad for serious gamers, video editors, photographers, designers (creatives in general) and anyone who just wants the best iPad you can buy. The bigger screen on the 12.9-inch iPad might make it attractive for people who prefer using a tablet instead of a laptop.

The M2 chip is the biggest update to the new iPad Pros. It’s the same processor that was introduced in the MacBook Air earlier this year. Apple said M2 offers about a 15% speed boost over the M1 processor used in last year’s iPad Pro. That might be beneficial for people trying to eke out as much speed as possible while rendering videos. There are some other upgrades, too.

Both new iPad Pro models support Apple’s new Hover feature. With Hover, the screen can now detect the tip of the Apple Pencil up to 12 mm above the surface of the screen. Apple says this will allow artists to sketch with more precision and makes handwriting-to-text conversions faster. The iPad Pro works with the $129 second-generation Apple Pencil.

The 11-inch version starts at $799 with Wi-Fi while the 5G cellular model starts at $999. The 12.9-inch model starts at $1,099 with Wi-Fi and the 5G cellular version starts a $1,299. If you opt for maximum storage of 2TB, the new 12.9-inch iPad Pro will set you back $2,399.

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