I’ve spent years using various iPads for both entertainment and work and have tested all of the current and recent models to know what they are best suited for. Out of the box, any iPad provides an excellent portable video or movie-watching experience; access to a wide array of apps and games through the App Store; the ability to read ebooks, documents, and web articles on a bright comfortably sized screen; and communicate via email, messaging services, or video calls. Apple also has a strong track record of supporting the iPad for many years with software updates, so even older models can benefit from the majority of new features. That means you can often find excellent options on secondhand, open-box, and refurbished iPads that save a lot of money and still offer an up-to-date, performant experience.
The refurbished market changes too frequently for me to make specific recommendations in this guide, so everything here is based on the new, full retail cost. But I’ve personally bought multiple refurbished iPads over the years and have never regretted not having the latest and greatest model. Released in 2022, the fifth-generation iPad Air offers a bright 10.9-inch high-resolution display, extremely fast performance thanks to its M1 processor, a modern design with even bezels around the screen, and excellent speakers. It’s compatible with the same keyboard and stylus accessories as the iPad Pro, so it can work well as a small laptop-like device or digital notepad / drawing tablet.
The Air comes in a variety of colors, including blue, pink, purple, gold (which Apple calls “Starlight”), and a dark gray. The iPad Air can be paired with Apple’s Magic Keyboard to turn it into a small laptop replacement for productivity work. It’s significantly larger than a phone and provides a better video-watching, reading, and multitasking experience, but it’s not nearly as large as a laptop display, so it’s easier to carry around or hold when lounging on the couch. The size makes it easy to transition from reading in portrait orientation to knocking out an email in landscape mode.
The jump to 256GB costs $150 (at Apple’s regular retail price), but it’s worthwhile if you plan to hang on to this iPad for multiple years. If you are a frequent traveler and plan to use an iPad outside of your home a lot, however, a built-in cellular connection is often faster, more reliable, and easier than using your phone’s hotspot. I’ve used an iPad Pro with built-in cellular during a long train commute for years, and it’s been worth the cost every time.
The Air’s design is the same as that of the iPad Pro, with a squared-off aluminum back and sides and evenly proportioned bezels around its whole display. But when you’re holding the iPad Air in landscape orientation, the camera feels like it’s in the wrong spot, and Apple’s software tricks to correct it are not always the most convincing. (Apple has addressed this problem with its lower-tier 10th-gen iPad by moving the camera to the longer edge, but it has not yet done so for the rest of the lineup.)
The Air’s stereo speakers (one on the left and right side, when held in landscape orientation) are loud and clear and work great for movie or video watching. The Air also supports Apple’s latest Pencil ($129 retail, sometimes on sale for less) for writing and drawing, and it can magnetically snap to the side of the tablet for charging and storage.
You, as a parent, will still want it to be updated to current software and security patches, so it’s important to avoid something that isn’t supported anymore. The ninth-gen model has the traditional iPad look, with larger bezels around the screen and a home button (with Touch ID biometric authentication). It’s clear that even Apple realizes the 10th-gen iPad isn’t quite a direct replacement for the ninth-gen model due to its significantly higher price and different features. So as long as Apple continues to sell the ninth-gen model, that is our recommendation for budget shoppers and an iPad for kids.
It works fine as a stylus for writing and drawing on the screen, but there’s nowhere to store it when you’re not using it unless you buy a third-party case, and charging it requires plugging it into the iPad’s Lightning port, which is awkward and clumsy. In my testing, it never lagged or slowed down when I was using it, the screen is sharp and colorful, and it’s comfortable to hold for long stretches of time.
The 12.9-inch Pro rewards you with a more expansive display for juggling multiple apps, especially if you use the new Stage Manager windowing feature. It also has the best screen on any iPad, with its Mini LED technology, providing searing brightness, deep blacks, and rich colors. As a result, many iPad Pro 12.9 owners find they don’t end up taking it out of the Magic Keyboard case very often. A new feature introduced with the 2022 model allows you to preview line strokes or selections with the Apple Pencil before you put them onto the screen.
Most people do not need all of the features of the latest iPad Pro, which makes buying an older version a compelling option. At full prices, the iPad Air is a better option than the 11-inch Pro, but if you’re able to find a prior-year model refurbished or on sale, then it might be the one to go with. The Mini provides access to many more reading sources than a Kindle, though it can’t match the battery life of Amazon’s e-reader. This is the only iPad that Apple doesn’t make a keyboard accessory for, and it’s obvious why: it’s just too small to really be comfortable to type anything of length on.
iPad Pro with M2 chipset; India and US prices compared: Here is how much it costs more in India
Apple has launched its latest iPad Pro (2022 edition) which comes with the all-new M2 chipset. Users will be able to choose from silver and space grey colour options with 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB configurations. In comparison, the 11-inch iPad Pro starts at Rs 81,900 for the Wi-Fi model in India.
Apple reduces the price of this iPad by Rs 5,000
It is larger, brighter, and sharper, making it ideal for watching videos, playing games, and working on creative projects.The A14 Bionic chip is the same chip that powers the iPhone 12 lineup, making it one of the most powerful mobile processors on the market. This means that the 10th-gen iPad can easily handle even the most demanding tasks, such as video editing, gaming, and multitasking.The 12MP ultra-wide front camera with Center Stage is a significant improvement over the 7MP front camera on the previous model.
APPLE iPad (9th Gen) 64 GB ROM 10.2 inch with Wi-Fi Only (Space Grey)
Learn about your options, rights and more by reading our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
iPad
The ultimate iPad experience with the most advanced technology. (11″) Liquid Retina display Supports Apple Pencil Supports Apple Pencil
Serious performance in a thin and light design. (10.9″) Liquid Retina display Touch ID in top button Supports Apple Pencil
Supports Apple Pencil
The all‑new colourful iPad for the things you do every day. (10.9″) Liquid Retina display Landscape 12MP Ultra Wide front camera
Touch ID in top button Supports Apple Pencil Supports Apple Pencil
All the essentials in the most affordable iPad.
Touch ID in Home button Supports Apple Pencil
The full iPad experience designed to fit in one hand. Touch ID in top button Supports Apple Pencil Supports Apple Pencil
Buy iPad 10.2-inch
Newer Wi-Fi + Cellular models include built-in eSIM technology that acts as a digital SIM card. All Wi-Fi + Cellular models include a nano-SIM tray that supports a network provider SIM card.
Be First to Comment