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Thanks to its exceptional hardware and optimized software, the Apple iPad lineup has consistently been the go-to tablet recommendation for many. But first, let’s guide you on which iPad model is best suited for your needs.
Initially, choosing a new iPad may seem straightforward. The 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Pro and iPad Air models primarily differ in size. The new A16-based iPad is the most budget-friendly choice, while the iPad Mini offers features similar to the iPad Air but in a more compact form. However, the various upgrade options and accessory compatibility across models make selecting the right iPad more nuanced than it may appear at first glance.
Before delving into each model, let’s cover the basics. The summary table below provides an overview of how the current iPads differ in price, display, processing prowess, accessory support, and storage capabilities.
| Model | iPad | iPad Mini | iPad Air | iPad Pro |
| Generation | 11th-gen | 7th-gen | 7th-gen | 7th-gen |
| Release Date | Mar 2025 | Oct 2024 | Mar 2025 | May 2024 |
| Starting Price | $350 | $399 | $599 | $899 |
| Processor | A16 | A17 Pro | M3 | M4 |
| Display Size | 10.9″ | 8.3″ | 10.9″ or 12.9″ | 11″ or 13″ |
| Display Technology | 60Hz LCD | 60Hz LCD | 60Hz LCD | 120Hz OLED |
| Min / Max Storage | 128GB / 512GB | 128GB / 512GB | 128GB / 1TB | 256GB / 2TB |
| Keyboard | Magic Keyboard Folio | n/a | Magic Keyboard for iPad Air | Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro |
| Pencil | 1st-gen & USB-C | Pencil Pro & USB-C | Pencil Pro & USB-C | Pencil Pro & USB-C |
Is the Basic iPad Enough for You?
If you seek an excellent tablet for watching videos and browsing the web, the basic, most affordable iPad will meet your needs well. The base iPad offers the same display resolution (2360 x 1640) and maximum brightness (500 nits) as the 11″ iPad Air. Moreover, it includes an ultra-wide 12MP front camera, like the other models.
If you desire a tablet that can double as a basic laptop, the iPad supports the Magic Keyboard Folio, with function keys and a trackpad. While the kickstand design demands more desk space, it allows you to detach the keyboard when needed.
For its price, the base iPad offers impressive features, though it may not suit everyone. The display lacks an anti-reflective coating, which can make it less ideal for outdoor use. If you will use your iPad for drawing, you’ll appreciate the fully laminated display and broader color gamut available on other models.
Most notably, the A16 SoC and 6GB of RAM fall short when compared to the Apple M3 and 8GB offered by the iPad Air. Additionally, it is the only current model that cannot run Apple Intelligence, which leverages on-device processing.
Despite its USB-C connector, the iPad still supports the 1st-gen Pencil. If you already own the 1st-gen Pencil, you’ll need a $9 adapter to connect it. Alternatively, it supports the more affordable USB-C Pencil, which omits pressure sensitivity but magnetically attaches to the iPad’s bezel.
The iPad starts at $349 with the 128GB Wi-Fi model. Unlike previous years, there’s no need for the iPad Air if more storage is desired. For an additional $100, you can upgrade to 256GB, and upgrading from 256GB to 512GB will cost an extra $200. Color options include silver, blue, pink, and yellow, offering vibrant choices even without a case.
The iPad Mini: Smaller, But Is It Slower?
The iPad Mini received an update in 2024 with the A17 Pro chip. While it doesn’t match the performance of the most expensive models, it’s challenging to find anything faster in such a small package and at this price.
The Mini is one of the largest tablets most adults can comfortably hold in one hand, with dimensions of 7.7″ x 5.3″ (19.5 x 13.4 cm). If you need a tablet for use while standing, the Mini may be the ideal choice. It’s the only iPad with its front camera positioned on the shorter edge, making it well-suited for one-handed use.
With a resolution of 2266 x 1488, the 8.3″ display boasts the highest pixel density of all iPads.
While it only supports Bluetooth keyboards, it does accommodate the wireless Pencil Pro, which adds features like rotation, squeeze, haptic feedback and Find My compatibility. Even with the USB-C version, the Mini supports the mouse-like Pencil hover feature.
The Mini is available in light blue and purple in addition to “starlight” and “space grey.” The Mini officially starts at $499, but it is currently available for $399 with 128GB of storage and Wi-Fi. The storage upgrade options are the same as for the basic iPad.
When is the iPad Air the Best Value?
Powered by Apple’s M3 processor and 8GB of RAM, the iPad Air excels in gaming, multitasking, 3D modeling, and even video editing, except for HDR content. The Air is compatible with the new space-efficient Magic Keyboard as well as the Pencil Pro.
The 11″ iPad Air starts at $599 with 128GB of storage. For an extra $200, you can upgrade to the 13″ model, which offers higher maximum brightness (600 nits), enhanced bass, and a 4:3 aspect ratio that reduces scrolling when held horizontally.
A comparable upgrade to the iPad Pro would cost $300. The Air’s color options include starlight, space gray, and subtle shades of blue and purple.
Like the Mini, the Air allows upgrades to 256GB and 512GB of storage. For an additional $200, you can expand from 512GB to 1TB—a more affordable option than the $400 cost on the iPad Pro. If you’re seeking an iPad with a 13″ display and ample 1TB storage, the Air can save you a lot of money.
Do You Need the iPad Pro?
The iPad Pro is designed for professionals who demand top performance. Graphic artists will appreciate the smooth experience of drawing on a 120Hz display. For interior designers needing to showcase room layouts to clients in real-time, what their next kitchen or office will look like, the built-in LiDAR is a must-have.
Video editors who work on the go may find the Pro to be the device of their dreams. With one OLED panel on top of another, it provides 1600 nits of peak brightness (1000 nits for the whole screen) while being able to display true black at the pixel level.
It’s also a great backup camera, with ProRes recording (the 256GB versions can only shoot ProRes at 1080p), audio zoom, and stereo recording.
The Apple M4 chip outshines the M3 in the Air, and the USB-C port supports USB4/Thunderbolt speeds. Only the 1TB and 2TB versions boast a fully enabled M4 with four performance cores, six efficiency cores, and 16GB of RAM, suitable for heavy multitasking. Other Pro versions feature one disabled performance core and 8GB of RAM, yet they still outperform the fully enabled M3.
The iPad Pro is compatible with the Pencil Pro and the Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro, which includes function keys and haptic feedback on the trackpad. The device also boasts four speakers and a TrueDepth front camera with Animoji and Memoji support.
The 11″ iPad Pro Wi-Fi model currently begins at $899 with 256GB of storage. The larger 13″ iPad Pro presently costs an extra $200 (a cool and hefty $1,099). Increasing storage to 512GB will cost $200 more. Upgrading from 1TB to 2TB—or even starting at 1TB—can be another $400.
An appealing optional upgrade is the anti-reflective nano texture display for $100, but it’s exclusive to the 1TB and 2TB models. The iPad Pro only comes in black and silver.
Should You Get a Wi-Fi + Cellular iPad?
Adding sub-6GHz 5G to your basic iPad, iPad Mini or iPad Air will make them $150 more expensive. Adding the same capability to your iPad Pro will increase the price by $200. While you can turn your smartphone into a hotspot, it will drain the battery of both devices.
The more expensive the iPad, the more practical it may be to invest in cellular connectivity. For a Pro model with 1TB or more of storage, the $200 addition might be deemed a worthy investment.
