Since its Australian launch in 2010, the Apple iPad has made waves as a handy companion for creatives at home, and on their commute.
The best iPad to buy
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 can, of course, run productivity apps, and it supports Apple’s split-screen and multitasking features (except for the new Stage Manager windowing option), but it’s not the iPad I’d choose if I were planning to use it every day for work due to its smaller, less featured screen and weaker accessory options. 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.
What’s the Best iPad to Buy in 2023?
Apple has a great set of tablet-focused apps, an easy-to-use operating system, and an excellent service and support structure. It has the same basic design as the Pro and supports the newer second-generation Apple Pencil, but costs hundreds less. Fits existing iPad cases and keyboards Light and easy to carry CONS Battery life could be longer Battery life could be longer No millimeter-wave 5G support SPECS Name Value Operating System iPadOS 15 Dimensions 9.74 by 7.02 by 0.24 inches Weight 1 lb Screen Size 10.9 inches Screen Resolution 2,360 by 1,640 pixels CPU Apple M1 Storage Capacity 64 GB Battery Life 5 hours 11 minutes All Specs GET IT NOW $499.99 Amazon $499.99 Best Buy $599.99 Apple.com Learn More Apple iPad Air (2022) Review
It also lost the outdated bezels and gained a more modern design that matches the Air and Pro models. Who It’s For This is the iPad most buyers should choose for its affordable price, solid performance, and long-term support from Apple. Improved speakers Faster performance CONS Higher price than previous model Higher price than previous model Loses traditional Touch ID button Loses traditional Touch ID button No Face ID SPECS Name Value Operating System Apple iPadOS 16 Dimensions 9.79 by 7.07 by 0.28 Weight 1.05 lb Screen Size 10.9 inches Screen Resolution 2,360 by 1,640 pixels CPU Apple A14 Bionic Storage Capacity 64 GB Battery Life 5 hours, 59 minutes All Specs GET IT NOW $349.00 Amazon $349.00 Best Buy $399.00 Walmart Learn More Apple iPad (10th Generation, 2022) Review Creators who need to run multimedia editing and producing apps, as well as those who want a powerful and lightweight laptop replacement for use on the go. Accessories add up quickly Awkward front camera placement SPECS Name Value Operating System Apple iPadOS 16 Dimensions 11.04 by 8.46 by .25 inches Weight 1.5 lb Screen Size 12.9 inches Screen Resolution 2,732 by 2,048 pixels CPU Apple M2 Storage Capacity 128 GB Battery Life 10 hours (est.) Who It’s For The mini is for those who want a smaller companion tablet that’s easier to carry around and use but still powerful enough to perform productivity tasks.
Long battery life Works with second-generation Apple Pencil CONS No multi-user option in iPadOS No multi-user option in iPadOS Pricier than previous model SPECS Name Value Operating System Apple iPadOS Dimensions 7.7 by 5.3 by 0.3 inches Weight 10.4 oz Screen Size 8.3 inches Screen Resolution 2,226 by 1,448 pixels CPU Apple A15 Bionic Storage Capacity 64 GB Battery Life 6 hours, 41 minutes All Specs GET IT NOW $399.99 Amazon $399.99 Best Buy $499.99 Target Learn More Apple iPad mini (2021) Review iPads run Apple’s iPadOS, which is essentially a tablet-focused version of iOS with split-screen multitasking. It’s not a full-fledged desktop-style windowed OS, but younger people who aren’t used to multi-window OSes might be perfectly happy to use an iPad for chatting, gaming, schoolwork, and video editing.
It offers many iPad Pro features (a fast processor, better audio, and compatibility with the vastly better second-generation Apple Pencil) for less money. The second-gen Pencil is easier to hold because it’s not perfectly round and conveniently charges with a magnetic connector on the side of the tablet.
Apple also offers a full lineup of cases, covers, and keyboards for its iPads if you want to protect your device and extend its functionality further. Some Android tablets sell for less—even under $100—and are acceptable for basic gaming and media streaming, though not for schoolwork or productivity.
Best iPad deals for November 2023
Just remember, iPads are always in high demand, so as a result they tend to sell out fast. As a result, we’re recommending you snatch up any iPad deals you see right now before models run out of stock. Make sure to follow our Black Friday deals coverage for the best discounts happening now through the end of the year. The tablet features a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display (2360 x 1640), 12MP wide (rear) camera, USB-C charging, and Magic Keyboard support.
It packs an 11-inch 2388 x 1668 Liquid Retina display with ProMotion (120Hz), Apple Pencil 2/Magic Keyboard/Smart Keyboard Folio support, and works with Apple Pencil hover, which lets you see a preview of your mark before you make it. In our iPad Pro 2022 review we called it an all-around great tablet that delivers solid performance, a handy new Apple Pencil Hover feature, and excellent video quality. If you’re an artist, using an iPad Pro with an Apple Pencil can be just as effective as a high-end graphics tablet for a much lower price. The matte finish, weighted feel and wireless charging also make it a great upgrade over the 1st Generation Apple Pencil. Amazon is taking up to 40% off select ZAGG iPad cases and keyboards.
It’s got an outstanding feature set, with a built-in keyboard and trackpad and dedicated shortcut buttons. Through the year, I’ve learned to spot a good iPad deal from an ordinary sale. Generally speaking, Amazon and Best Buy are my go-to retailers for iPad deals.
No other retailer comes close to offering the prices you’ll find at Amazon and Best Buy. So if you see one iPad on sale at Best Buy, chances are high Amazon is also offering that price (or will in the very near future). One of my favorite ways to save money on your next iPad purchase is to trade-in your old model.
Note: iPad deals on new models can usually be found within a month of the tablet’s release, sometimes faster.
Check out our iPad 2021 review to see our full thoughts on Apple’s budget tablet. But don’t let its size fool you — the iPad mini is one powerful tablet.
The 2021 iPad mini features an all new thin-bezel design, a larger 8.3.inch Liquid Retina display, A15 Bionic CPU, 12MP wide camera, and USB-C connectivity. It packs Apple’s powerful M1 chip, a 12MP front camera with Center Stage, and 5G connectivity (optional). 11-inch iPad Pro ($749): This tablet packs an 11-inch 2388 x 1668 Liquid Retina display with ProMotion (120Hz). Note: This tablet doesn’t feature mini-LED technology found on the larger iPad Pro 12.9-inch.
Other retailers like Best Buy, B&H Photo, and Walmart tend to offer similar prices. So when looking for iPad deals at Amazon, it’s worth checking various colors for the lowest price.
So it’s always worth checking older iPad models (when available) to save some extra cash.
iPad (2022) vs. iPad Air (2022): Which one’s really better for you?
iPad (2022) iPad Air (2022) Display 10.9-inch IPS running at 2,360 x 1,640 10.9-inch IPS running at 2,360 x 1,640 Apple Pencil support Supports Apple Pencil (1st gen) Supports Apple Pencil (2nd gen) Processor A14 Bionic M1 Physical connectivity USB-C charging and data port, Nano-SIM tray (cellular models) USB-C charging and data port, Nano-SIM tray (cellular models), magnetic connector Storage options 64GB, 256GB 64GB, 256GB Cameras 12MP rear camera; 12MP ultra-wide front camera It matches the iPad Air in every way that matters for a youngster, including screen size, battery life, local storage, and connectivity.
While it doesn’t feature the magnetic connector included with the iPad Air that lets that model connect with Apple’s Magic Keyboard, the standard iPad does support the new Magic Keyboard Folio, which offers nearly all of the same capabilities, and turns the device into a homework powerhouse. The jump between the two versions isn’t revolutionary, but the newer 5.2 protocol offers faster pairing and longer battery life through improvements to transmission efficiency.
The only problem is that the first-gen Pencil is designed to charge via its built-in Lightning connector and the latest iPad has switched its power/data port to USB-C. This means you’ll need an adapter cable to connect and charge your Pencil, adding more hassle and another thing to forget. That’s because the iPad Air’s latest update uses the same M1 chip that Apple used in its MacBook and Mac Mini lines. This laptop-class CPU provides far more oomph than most tablet apps will ever need, ensuring you can get work done without slowdown no matter how many tabs you have open, or how intense your creative processes are. The newer stylus also features a matte finish and angular design that makes it more pleasant to hold in the hand and less likely to roll away on you. If you plan to use your iPad of choice as a drawing tablet, note-taking device, or for any purpose that requires a stylus, the extra price difference might be worth it for this one upgrade alone. Apple’s Magic Keyboard is a big part of the reason why you might now consider iPad as a legitimate replacement for your laptop or desktop. The M2 chip in the latest model puts just about every other laptop to shame, while its upgraded camera array is useful for some serious content creation, which it can store thanks to its 2TB of maximum space.
you won’t save any cash by going smaller, but if it’s the most ideal size for your, the Mini is worth it, even at about the same price.
Purchase from officeworks.
Newly bought IPhone 13 pro i just bought an iPhone 13 pro from New York Apple store through a friend as I live in Bangladesh which has no official apple store.
Australia’s best iPad deal? $619 for 128GB iPad Air 2 at Officeworks
Well that theory went out the window today when I noticed Officeworks have a stunning deal on an iPad Air 2! Harvey Norman – Driving the big deals – $688 – solid discount, but miles away from Officeworks.
How Do Officeworks iPad Prices Compare?
However, iPad sales from other retailers happen fairly regularly, so using the price match option to get an even cheaper deal shouldn’t be difficult. (Note that the item has to be in stock at any online store and delivery charges will be included when calculating the competitor price.)
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