Which iPad Should I Buy? Best iPad Guide

The Apple iPad became an icon the moment that it first hit shelves in 2010, and without a doubt, it's the most recognizable tablet out there. This hasn't happened by chance – Apple worked hard to ensure that its reputation for crafting powerful, intuitive devices continued with its iPad range, and the excitement generated by each new iteration shows that we're still as passionate about the tablet as we've always been.

If you're looking to pick up a new iPad, whether you're buying for the first time or upgrading from an older model, there's a good selection to choose from. Do you go for the all-singing, all-dancing iPad Pro, the newly announced 10.2-inch iPad, the tiny iPad Mini, or the lightweight iPad Air?

In this guide, we'll talk you through the options and help you choose the iPad that suits you best.

Which iPad is Best for You?

There are three models in the current iPad range: iPad Mini, iPad, and iPad Pro. None of them disappoint, although some are better suited to different types of users:

1. 1. 10.2-inch iPad: Best all-round iPad for almost everyone Apple's newest iPad gives the entry-level model a larger screen, making it one of Apple's most compelling budget models yet. Unless you desperately need the power of a Pro model, there's little reason to spend more.
   2. iPad Mini 2019: Best for portability With a 7.9-inch screen, the Mini is the smallest iPad. In terms of tech, it was just updated this year, which makes it one of the more sleek options at Apple. If you like your tablets ultra-portable, and don't already use a large-screen phone, you'll love the new Mini.
   3. iPad Pro 2018: Best for creatives or professionals The most recent addition to the iPad line-up, the 2018 Pro is a beast of tablet, available in either 11-inch or 12.9-inch sizes. Incorporating Apple's fastest iPad processor, the A12X, it runs fast, handling graphically intensive apps with ease. It's the ideal designers' tool.
   4. iPad Air: Best for professionals on the go With a beefier processor than the 9.7-inch iPad, the iPad Air brings the lightweight body to the heavy-duty iPad experience that Apple users have come to know and love.
   5. 9.7-inch iPad: Good if you can find it at a discount 2018's 9.7-inch iPad has been superseded by the 10.2-inch 2019 replacement. It's not typically as cheap as the newer 10.2-inch iPad, but if you can track it down on sale, it's still a great tablet to buy.
   6. iPad Pro 2017: Best for creatives on a budget Smaller and with a less up-to-date processor than 2018's Pro (10.5-inches and packing an A10X chip), the older Pro still packs a punch, and is worth considering for business professionals, or any designers or artists who can't quite stretch to the 2018 model.

Scroll horizontally to view full table on mobile devices

	10.2-inch iPad	iPad Mini 2019	iPad Pro 2018	iPad Air	9.7-inch iPad	iPad Pro 2017
Verdict	Great value and the best iPad for most people	New and portable, great for a quick trip	The most modern iPad, but expensive	New and lightweight, but much pricier than the iPad 10.2	An older model, surpassed by the cheaper iPad 10.2	Still a great iPad for business users
Price from	$279	$399	$783	$499	$349	$636
Screen size	10.2-inch	7.9-inch	11-inch & 12.9-inch	10.5-inch	9.7-inch	10.5-inch & 12.9 inch
Storage size	32GB – 128 GB	64GB – 256 GB	64GB – 1TB	64GB – 256 GB	32GB – 128 GB	64GB-512GB
Processor	A10	A12	A12x	A12	A10	A10x
Face ID	No	No	Yes	No	No	No
Rear camera	8Mp	8Mp	12Mp	8Mp	8Mp	12Mp
Front camera	1.2Mp	7Mp	7Mp	7Mp	1.2Mp	7Mp
Buy

iPad 10.2-inch

The best iPad for most people, and fantastic value

For all but the most demanding business or design users, this is the iPad we'd recommend every time. First revealed in September 2019 conference, the iPad 10.2 replaces the 9.7-inch model, and has an attractive price tag of under $300.

Other than the small boost in screen size, the changes to the 9.7-inch model are minimal. The 10.2-inch model utilizes the same A10 processor, and still offers either 32GB or 128GB storage options. The rear camera remains at 8Mp, and the front facing camera is 1.2Mp.

Should you get the iPad 10.2, Air or Mini?

The short answer is you should get the iPad 10.2 in nearly all cases. It's far cheaper than its iPad stablemates, and has all the power that most users will need. The Air is a touch more modern, and yes, a little slimmer, but there's not enough in it to recommend spending so much extra. The iPad Mini is considerably smaller, which might make it ideal if you need something to carry about with you. But, in an age of ever-larger smartphone screens, the iPad Mini is a lot less compelling.

Business users tempted by the iPad Pro should pause to remember that the iPad 10.2 is also compatible with the first generation iPad pencil, and Apple have released a Smart keyboard attachment, which it is selling for $159.

The latest iPad is also the first model to have its aluminium chassis made entirely from recycled materials.

Verdict: The everyman of the iPad lineup, this model is excellent value. It has a respectable processor, large display, and most everything you'd need. While there are faster options in the range, including the Air, Mini and Pro, you won't get more for your money than the entry-level iPad.

iPad Mini 2019

The Best Portable iPad, particularly with the update

The iPad Mini is aimed at people who want the iPad experience, but in a smaller form than the standard 9.7-inch model can offer. Enter then, the diminutive 7.9-inch model, which offers a more portable solution.

After ignoring the iPad Mini for nearly four years, Apple finally decided to upgrade the portable option in 2019.

What's new with the iPad Mini?

The A12 processor puts it firmly ahead of some of Apple's older models and the 8Mp rear and 7Mp front cameras give it the update look everyone has been waiting for.

This new iteration is a charming tablet that's intuitive to use, and will run your apps with ease. Plus, the new attention by Apple makes it easy to recommend, especially when the 9.7-inch iPad is looking older and older by the day.

Verdict: If you're looking for a small, portable, affordable iPad, the Mini might be your best best. The updated version has all the bells and whistles you'd expect, albeit in a smaller package.

iPad Pro 2018

A stunning iPad, best for creatives

Want the biggest, most powerful iPad on the market? Then you want a Pro.

Apple's newest addition to the line-up is also arguably the best looking. Gone are the trademark thick bezels, thanks to the home button getting the boot. You now unlock your Pro with Face ID, just like the iPhone X. It means that the Pro has been able to receive a remodelling, and is now arguably the sleekest looking tablet Apple makes.

iPad Pro model choices

Size wise, you're looking at either 11-inches or 12.9-inches, both with stunningly vivid displays that really impress. The older, 2017 Pro started at 10.5-inches, which didn't feel too much larger than the standard model, but here you definitely notice the increase. Despite this, Apple have managed to ensure that the Pro stays light and easy to hold for extended periods.

Then there's the processor. Under the hood, you'll find the A12x chip, which is incredibly fast and powerful. The tablet doesn't show any signs of stopping when faced with intensive graphical apps, which is why it's so appealing to designers and creatives. If you're simply browsing the internet and watching Netflix, then this iPad is overkill (although Stranger Things would look incredible on that 12.9-inch display, admittedly).

Verdict: Large, powerful and expensive, the Pro is a status symbol and the pinnacle of Apple's tablet design to date. For the average surfer, its abilities are wasted, but for those that can push it – and have the budget – the Pro is likely to be a faithful companion for years to come.

See our full iPad Pro (2018) review for more

iPad 9.7-inch

An older model that's less advanced (and pricier) than the iPad 10.2

The 9.7-inch iPad was once the everyman of Apple's line-up. But, having been replaced by the more updated iPad 10.2 – which is also, crucially, cheaper – we'd hesitate to recommend the iPad 9.7 unless you find it at a killer discount.

Even though it's an older model, that's not to say it's lacking in power. Utilizing the A10 processor, the tablet is super snappy and quick to respond to commands.

Should you still buy the iPad 9.7?

It might not have the wow factor of the Pro series, but keep in mind that's also half the price. Also, unless you're a designer or someone who needs maximum performance from their iPad, the Pro is likely to be overkill for you.

Apple really went to town in 2018 marketing the tablet as a study aid, and it's not too hard to see why. Yes, it's powerful and has an excellent 10-hour battery life, but the new model also adopted a function previously reserved for the Pro – the ability to annotate on the screen with the Apple Pencil. It's a practical addition that gives you one more reason to save money on the Pro and go with the iPad.

Verdict: Now it's been superseded by the most recent 10.2-inch iPad, we'd hold off buying the iPad 9.7. There is a good chance that retailers might start selling the 9.7-inch model at a discount to make way for the newer model, so look out for this 2018 model at bargain prices.

iPad Air

Great for professionals in need of lightweight portability 

Bigger than the iPad Mini, cheaper than the iPad Pro. The iPad Air sounds like a slam-dunk device to go for – Apple struck gold last year with the 2018 MacBook Air, arguably its best consumer laptop. But, there's a major caveat with the iPad Air – for most people, it may be too expensive to recommend over the 9.7-inch iPad.

The $499 iPad Air comes with a 10.5 inch, putting it firmly ahead of all other models outside of the decidedly more expensive (an extra $300) iPad Pro. It's also compatible with the Apple Pen and Smart Keyboard, which makes it a viable alternative to your laptop for a fraction of the price.

Is the iPad Air the right choice?

There are reasons why the iPad Air isn't a true iPad Pro contender, though. The lightning port keeps it from being easily compatible with other devices, and the 2224×1668 resolution could certainly be more impressive, given the upgrades of recent technology.

Verdict: If you're looking for a fairly affordable, lightweight model that can still take advantage of some of Apple's more luxurious features, the iPad Air is great. The shortcomings are hardly dealbreakers. But, for everyday browsing and typical apps, you may be better off getting the cheaper 9.7-inch iPad.

iPad Pro 2017

A great iPad for business users, though not the most up-to-date

The 2017 iPad Pro may have been surpassed by the 2018 model, but that doesn't mean it should be overlooked – especially if you can get it at a discount.

The case for buying the older iPad Pro

Coming in 10.5-inch and 12.9-inch sizes, the older Pro still has that vibrant screen that is the selling point of the series, and although it may not have the A12x processor of its successor, the A10x it has under the hood is nothing to sniff at – and still packs more of a punch than the standard iPad.

It doesn't have Face ID like the 2018 version, but this is hardly essential. However, it does mean that the older model retains the larger bezel and the home button, so it's not quite as sleek as the 2018 Pro.

Verdict: For those who need a high-powered tablet but can't quite stretch to the cost of the 2018 Pro, the 2017 model is worth consideration.

Pros

• Cheapest way to buy a Pro
• Still packs a powerful processor
• Pencil compatible

Cons

• 2018 model not much more expensive
• Accessories (pencil/keyboard) cost extra

Buy iPad Pro 2017 at Amazon

iPad 10.2 vs iPad Pro

The iPad 10.2-inch and Pro have a lot in common. Both offer ten-hour battery life, and thanks to the 2018 update, both are now compatible with the Apple Pencil, meaning that you can make annotations on the screen.

The Pro is available in bigger sizes – either 11-inch or 12.9-inch, compared to the standard 10.2-inch iPad. The Pro also has a faster processor, ideal for intense graphical work and demanding apps. It has also scrapped the home button that we're so used to seeing on the iPad, and instead uses face recognition to automatically unlock the screen.

While it's the fastest iPad on the market, that's not to say that the standard 10.2-inch iPad is lacking in power. With the A10 processor running the show, it still offers a lot of bang for your buck – especially considering that it's half the price of the Pro.

Verdict: Want the ultimate iPad? Get the Pro. However, be aware that you'll need to pay a premium for it, and if you're not looking to stretch its capabilities, you probably won't get your money's worth. For most, the 10.2-inch iPad offers the best mix of power and value in Apple's line-up.

iPad 10.2 vs iPad Mini

If you're looking for a portable, everyday tablet, then you won't go far wrong with the 10.2-inch iPad or the latest Mini. Both offer a smooth experience, and are light and slim enough to pop into a bag.

When it comes to power, the Mini has been equipped with a speedy A12 processor, compared to the 10.2-inch's A10 – that's not to say that standard iPad will be sluggish, but in a race, the Mini has it beat every time. The Mini also packs a better camera too, meaning that it could be appealing to those that like to take snaps or shoot video on their tablet.

Of course, screen size is nothing to scoff at either. The iPad 10.2 screen is almost over two inches larger than its tiny compatriot, and that can matter significantly, particularly when your phone is already on the larger side. In short, if you already use a large phone (6-inches or over) then you may not benefit from choosing the iPad Mini – it's not that much bigger. For a screen-size upgrade, the 10.2-inch iPad is a smarter choice.

Verdict: At this point, the Mini offers more in terms of power, but if you're looking for the full-on tablet experience, the iPad 10.2 has enough screen to make it actually worth it to have two different devices.

iPad 10.2

• 10.2-inch screen
• A10 processor
• Up to 10 hours battery life
• 32GB or 128GB
• 1.07 pounds
• From $329

Mini 5

• 7.9-inch
• A12 processor
• Up to 10 hours battery life
• 64GB or 256GB
• 0.66 pounds
• From $399