Compare the different iPad models
Compare iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad, and iPad Mini
- The best iPad there is.
- Can handle the most demanding programs.
- Excellent image quality, 11 or 12.9 inches.
- Most powerful iPad for school or work.
- Can handle the most demanding programs.
- Good image quality, but not excellent like the Pro.
- Small iPad for on the go.
- Good speed, but not excellent like the Air.
- Excellent image quality
- An iPad for basic use.
- Good speed, but not excellent like the Air.
- Good image quality, but not excellent like the Pro.
iPad Pro vs iPad Air vs iPad Mini vs iPad
| iPad Pro (2022) | iPad Air (2022) | iPad Mini 6 | iPad (2022) | iPad (2021) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen | 11-inch Liquid Retina, 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR | 10.9-inch Liquid Retina | 8.3-inch Liquid Retina | 10.9-inch Liquid Retina | 10.2-inch Retina |
| Processor | Apple M2 chip | Apple M1 chip | A15 Bionic chip | A14 Bionic chip | A13 Bionic chip |
| Storage capacity | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB | 64GB or 256GB | 64GB or 256GB | 64GB or 256GB | 64GB or 256GB |
| Charger connector | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C | Lightning |
| Compatibility accessories | Apple Pencil 2, Magic Keyboard | Apple Pencil 2, Magic Keyboard | Apple Pencil 2 | Apple Pencil 1, Magic Keyboard Folio | Apple Pencil 1 |
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. The 12.9-inch version has a Liquid Retina XDR display that allows you to see the contract between colors even better than the 11-inch iPad Pro.
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 crashing. 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.
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. The processor of the iPad Mini is a bit older than those of the other iPad Models. This makes it a bit slower, so apps take longer to open and more demanding games crash.
Apple iPad: home for the family
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
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 basic 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.
