Compare the different iPad models

Written by Robyn

Edited on

24 October 2024

·

13:25

Compare the different iPad models

The Apple iPad is now available in 4 different versions: the iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad, and iPad Mini. The Apple iPad Pro is the most powerful iPad and can handle all demanding tasks and programs. The standard iPad model is the least powerful and has the lowest image quality. The Apple iPad Air and iPad Mini are somewhere in between those models. In this article, we'll compare all iPad models and tell you everything on the differences and similarities.

Compare iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad, and iPad Mini

iPad Pro vs iPad Air vs iPad Mini vs iPad

iPad Pro (2024)iPad Air (2024)iPad Mini 6iPad (2022)iPad (2021)
Screen11-inch Ultra Retina XDR, 13-inch Ultra Retina XDR11-inch Liquid Retina, 13-inch Liquid Retina8.3-inch Liquid Retina10.9-inch Liquid Retina10.2-inch Retina
ProcessorApple M4 chipApple M2 chipA15 Bionic chipA14 Bionic chipA13 Bionic chip
Storage capacity256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB64GB or 256GB64GB or 256GB64GB or 256GB
Charging portUSB-CUSB-CUSB-CUSB-CLightning
Compatibility accessories Apple Pencil 2, Magic KeyboardApple Pencil 2, Magic KeyboardApple Pencil 2Apple Pencil 1, Magic Keyboard FolioApple Pencil 1
Apple iPad Pro video editing

The Apple iPad Pro: the best iPad there is

The Apple iPad Pro is the most powerful and fastest iPad currently available. Thanks to the powerful processor, it runs demanding programs like Adobe Photoshop or Final Cut Pro smoothly. That makes this iPad the right choice if you edit photos and videos or do graphic design. You can enjoy a clear and bright screen with the Ultra Retina XDR display on the iPad Pro (2024). You can choose between 11 and 13 inches.

View Apple iPad Pro
Apple iPad Air photo editing

Apple iPad Air: for school and at the office

The Apple iPad Air also has an incredibly powerful processor. This makes it suitable for school or business use, just like the iPad Pro. You can smoothly switch between apps and open various programs next to each other without the iPad models slowing down. The image quality of the iPad Air isn't as good as that of the iPad Pro. The screen is smaller, less sharp, and less bright. That's why we don't recommend this iPad Air for graphic designers or videographers. The iPad Air works with the Magic Keyboard, which allows you to comfortably type long texts. You can choose between 11 and 13 inches.

Apple iPad Mini watching series on the go

Apple iPad Mini: manageable for on the go

The Apple iPad Mini is the smallest version of the Apple iPad series. With its 300g weight and compact screen, you can easily put it in your bag. It's a nice size for reading a book on the train, for example. The iPad Mini has a good speed, but an even better image quality. That's because the screen is very sharp and supports Dolby Vision. So you can watch your show on the go in high quality. Thanks to the powerful processor, you can smoothly play games and use demanding programs without slowing down.

Apple iPad: home for the family

Apple iPad (2022): for daily use

Apple iPad (2022): for daily use

The Apple iPad is suitable for daily use. It's an ideal iPad for the whole family. The Apple iPad (2022) doesn't have many extra functions, but the advantage is that you don't need those for your daily tasks. Thanks to the good speed and image quality, you can smoothly play games like Candy Crush and comfortably watch YouTube videos. The biggest difference between the iPad and the iPad air is the speed. The iPad Air has an excellent speed, while the iPad has a good speed.

Apple iPad (2021): starter model

Apple iPad (2021): starter model

The Apple iPad from 2021 truly is a starter model. It still has thick black borders around the screen and a home button to unlock the iPad (2021). You can use this model for basic tasks like browsing the internet and light games like Sudoku. The image quality and speed of this generation iPad aren't as good as those of the iPad (2022), so both specifications are decent for this model.

Conclusion

The biggest differences between all iPad models are the speed class and image quality. Which iPad is a good choice for you to buy depends on what you want to use it for.

  • Apple iPad Pro: best iPad, very suitable for work or study and graphic design.
  • Apple iPad Air: powerful iPad, suitable for work or study.
  • Apple iPad Mini: small, but excellent screen. Especially for watching movies on the go.
  • Apple iPad: starter model iPad for basic use and for the family.

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Article by Robyn

Apple Expert.

Robyn