Buying the right iPad feels complex these days since Apple sells four main iPad models, each available in different sizes and configurations. My extensive testing of every current iPad model shows that you’ll definitely find one that matches your budget and needs.
The iPad stands as one of the best tablets you can get today. Its quality apps and seamless integration with Apple’s ecosystem make it a standout choice. This piece will guide you to pick between the powerful iPad Pro 13-inch (2024) and the budget-friendly iPad 10.9-inch (2022). The iPad 10.9-inch (2022) is maybe the best cheap tablet available with its A14 Bionic chipset and bright 10.9-inch display. On top of that, I’ll help you find iPads that give the best value to students, professionals, and everyday users in 2024.
iPad 11-inch (2025): Best iPad for most people
Image Source: The New York Times
Apple’s newest entry-level tablet, the iPad 11-inch (2025), gives you the perfect mix of performance and value that makes it a great choice for most users. This 11th-generation iPad arrived in early 2025 with meaningful upgrades while keeping the same $349 starting price as before. Here’s why this model should be on your radar if you’re looking for the best iPad to buy right now.
Specs and performance overview
Apple packed their A16 chip into this iPad – the same one from the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 15. This upgrade from the previous model’s A14 chip brings a 5-core CPU, 4-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine. The result is smooth performance that handles everyday tasks easily.
The iPad 11-inch (2025) benchmark scores show:
- 2,577 on single-core performance
- 5,408 on multi-core performance
These numbers mean the iPad can run most App Store apps smoothly. Our testing showed it handled demanding games like Call of Duty: Mobile and League of Legends: Wild Rift well, with just a few minor hiccups.
Storage got a nice boost too – you now start with 128GB instead of 64GB. This gives you plenty of room for apps, photos, and videos without buying extra storage.
The 11-inch Liquid Retina display packs 2,360 x 1,640 pixels at 264 ppi. Movies look crisp, games pop, and text stays sharp. The screen hits 500 nits brightness which works great indoors, though direct sunlight might give you trouble.
This iPad comes with Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, and 5G on cellular models. USB-C replaces the old Lightning port completely.
Why it’s the best value for everyday use
The 11-inch (2025) model gives you amazing value at $349. You get a device that breezes through daily tasks. The A16 chip powers through anything you throw at it.
Battery life stays strong – Apple says you’ll get 10 hours of web browsing or videos on Wi-Fi (9 hours on cellular). Our tests showed the iPad lasted a full workday with mixed use. You can count on it for both work and fun.
The cameras stand out at this price point. The back camera shoots 4K video at 60fps, and the 12MP front camera sits in landscape mode – perfect for video calls. Center Stage keeps you in frame during calls, even as you move around.
You can use this iPad with the first-generation Apple Pencil and USB-C Pencil. Professional artists might miss Apple Pencil Pro support, but it works great for notes and casual sketching.
The A16 chip doesn’t support Apple Intelligence. This might matter if you want Apple’s newest AI features.
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Who should buy this model
This iPad works best for:
- Students who take notes, research, and watch media
- Casual users browsing the web, watching videos, and using social media
- Families sharing one device
- Budget-conscious buyers wanting Apple quality without the premium price
The entry-level iPad shines when you just need reliable performance without pro features. Users upgrading from older iPads (9th generation or earlier) will notice big improvements in design and speed.
Skip this model if you’re:
- A professional artist or designer needing Pencil Pro support
- A power user wanting Stage Manager’s multitasking
- Someone who needs Apple Intelligence features
- A video editor working with big projects
The iPad Air or iPad Pro might suit these needs better, which we’ll cover later.
The 11-inch (2025) model hits that sweet spot between power and price that makes it the best iPad to buy for most people. Double storage at the same price, the A16 chip, and future software updates make this entry-level iPad an excellent value in Apple’s lineup.
iPad Pro 13-inch (2024): Best iPad for power users
Image Source: Mashable SEA
The iPad Pro 13-inch (2024) stands as Apple’s top-tier tablet. This premium device measures just 5.1mm thick, making it Apple’s thinnest product yet. Power users will find an exceptional blend of performance and portability.
M4 chip and OLED display explained
Apple’s groundbreaking M4 chip powers the iPad Pro 13-inch (2024). This device jumped straight past the M3 chip, unlike its 11-inch counterpart. Apple wanted to redefine the limits of its pro-level tablets. The M4 packs a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU. CPU performance jumps 1.5x higher compared to the previous iPad Pro’s M2 chip.
The M4’s graphics capabilities really shine. The GPU brings hardware-accelerated ray tracing and mesh shading to iPad for the first time. These features were once exclusive to high-end gaming PCs. Professional apps like Octane now render 4x faster than with the M2.
The display tech breaks new ground too. A tandem OLED setup stacks two panels to reach amazing brightness levels. The screen hits 1,000 nits full-screen brightness in both SDR and HDR, with HDR peaks at 1,600 nits. A 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio means perfect blacks and vibrant colors.
The screen keeps Apple’s ProMotion tech with refresh rates from 10Hz to 120Hz. This balances smooth performance and battery life. The 1TB and 2TB models can come with nano-texture glass. This feature cuts glare so you can work outside or under bright lights.
Ideal for creatives and professionals
The iPad Pro 13-inch becomes the best iPad to buy when you pair that M4 chip with the Ultra Retina XDR display. Creative pros will love the Neural Engine’s 38 trillion operations per second. This powers AI and machine learning tasks that enhance creative work.
Video pros can record 4K ProRes footage right on the device. Apps like Final Cut Pro let you separate subjects from backgrounds in 4K with one tap. This usually needs special hardware.
Artists and designers get precise colors and exceptional contrast. This makes the iPad perfect for illustration, photo editing, and graphic design. The 1TB and 2TB versions pack 16GB of RAM, great for complex projects with many layers.
Battery life beats Apple’s own claims. Apple says you’ll get 10 hours of web browsing on Wi-Fi or 9 hours on cellular. Real tests show the iPad Pro 13-inch (2024) lasting 14 hours and 50 minutes on Wi-Fi. Even cellular use stretched to 13 hours and 13 minutes.
Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard support
The iPad Pro 13-inch (2024) works best with Apple’s latest accessories. The Apple Pencil Pro brings smart features that lift the drawing and note-taking experience. Squeeze the barrel and a tool palette appears, letting you switch tools, line weights, and colors without breaking your flow.
The new Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro got a complete makeover. An aluminum palm rest adds comfort, and 14 function keys control brightness, volume, and more. A bigger glass trackpad with haptic feedback makes it feel like a laptop.
The keyboard connects through the Smart Connector with magnetic attachment. No Bluetooth pairing or separate charging needed. It folds to protect your iPad’s front and back while staying slim.
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Why it’s overkill for casual users
Regular users might want to skip the iPad Pro 13-inch (2024). The price starts well above $1,000, which seems steep for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and streaming.
The ProMotion display, M4 chip, and pro accessories don’t add much value for everyday use. TechRadar puts it well: “For the day-to-day tasks that many of us use tablets for, such as browsing the web and watching movies, there are much more affordable options out there”.
This iPad Pro really shows its worth when handling demanding pro work. Reviews now suggest this iPad over a MacBook for power users who need portable performance. All the same, content consumers should look at the iPad Air or standard iPad models.
This iPad Pro 13-inch (2024) shows what happens when Apple builds without limits. Pros who tap into its full potential will find an exceptional tool that changes their workflow. Everyone else might see it as an impressive but unnecessary luxury.
iPad Air (2025): Best iPad for students and creators
Image Source: Forbes
The iPad Air (2025) sits right between budget and premium options. It gives exceptional performance to students and creative professionals without the Pro models’ high cost. This tablet has become a favorite choice for people who want powerful features in a light, easy-to-carry package.
M3 chip and multitasking features
Apple’s impressive M3 chip powers the iPad Air (2025). This processor runs almost 2x faster than the iPad Air with M1 chip and up to 3.5x faster than iPad Air models with A14 Bionic. The M3 comes with an 8-core CPU that has 4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores. Its 9-core GPU runs graphics 40% faster than the M1 model.
The M3 chip’s advanced graphics architecture makes it special. It’s available in the iPad Air for the first time. The chip supports dynamic caching with hardware-accelerated mesh shading and ray tracing – features that only high-end devices had before. Graphics-intensive rendering runs up to 4x faster than M1 models. This means better lighting, reflections, and shadows for creative work and gaming.
Stage Manager makes multitasking smooth on the iPad Air. You can resize and overlap windows however you like. Switching between multiple apps or grouping them for specific tasks becomes easy. Students find this helpful when they research, take notes, and write assignments at the same time.
The device has 8GB of RAM that keeps everything running smoothly with demanding apps. The M3 chip’s Neural Engine handles AI tasks 60% faster than the M1. This makes the device ready for new AI apps that might come out later.
Apple Intelligence compatibility
The iPad Air (2025) works perfectly with Apple Intelligence. It comes with many AI-powered features ready to use. You get help with writing and tasks while keeping your privacy safe.
Photos app has a Clean Up tool that removes unwanted things from pictures. You can find specific photos by describing what you want in normal words. Students and note-takers can use Image Wand in Notes. Just draw a circle around your rough sketch with Apple Pencil, and it becomes a polished image.
Apple Intelligence gives you more features:
- Image Playground for creative visual expression
- Genmoji for creating personalized emojis
- Writing Tools for dynamic text enhancement
- More conversational Siri with improved context retention
- ChatGPT integration with Writing Tools and Siri
The iPad Air helps students with writing assignments and creative professionals with their work. Apple runs many AI models directly on the device. This keeps your personal data safe.
Why it’s a great middle-ground option
The iPad Air (2025) balances performance and price perfectly. It’s the best iPad for students and creative professionals who don’t want the highest specs. You get many premium features at a lower price than the iPad Pro.
Students love how easy it is to carry around. It works with Apple Pencil and lets you do many things at once. The new Magic Keyboard turns it into something like a laptop. Taking notes in class and finishing assignments becomes easier. The M3 chip handles tough educational apps with no problem.
Creative professionals get hardware-accelerated ray tracing for realistic lighting and shadows in their designs. Unlike the simple iPad, the Air works with both Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C). Artists and designers get more precision and features.
Looking for which iPad should I buy in 2025? The Air might be your answer. It’s better than the simple iPad with its M3 chip, nicer display, and smoother multitasking. You don’t have to pay Pro model prices. Video editing and content creation work smoothly in everyday use.
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The iPad Air (2025) hits the sweet spot in Apple’s tablet lineup. It’s strong enough for serious work and creative tasks but costs less than what students and budget-conscious professionals might expect. This balance of power, features, and price makes it maybe the best iPad for the money if you want more than a simple tablet but don’t need Pro-level features.
iPad Mini (2024): Best iPad for portability and kids
Image Source: CNET
Want an iPad that fits in your jacket pocket or small bag? The iPad Mini (2024) packs powerful performance into Apple’s most compact tablet. This mighty device weighs less than 300 grams and matches a Kindle Paperwhite’s size. You get the complete iPad experience in the smallest possible package.
Compact size and A17 Pro chip
The iPad Mini’s 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display balances portability and usability perfectly. The screen comes with True Tone, P3 wide color, and ultralow reflectivity that keeps text sharp and colors vivid whatever the lighting conditions.
Under its compact frame sits the impressive A17 Pro chip—the same processor you’ll find in the iPhone 15 Pro. This is a big deal as it means that you get 30% better CPU performance and 25% improved graphics capabilities compared to its predecessor. The new 16-core Neural Engine handles AI tasks twice as fast as before. This brings Apple Intelligence features that smaller tablets couldn’t run before.
Storage starts at 128GB—twice what you got in the previous model. You’ll have plenty of space for apps, games, and media. The iPad Mini runs everything smoothly, from AAA games with hardware-accelerated ray tracing to professional creative apps.
The device brings major upgrades to connectivity. You get Wi-Fi 6E that’s twice as fast as the previous generation, plus a USB-C port that doubles data transfer speeds up to 10Gbps.
Perfect for reading, note-taking, and travel
Reading feels natural on the iPad Mini. Its size matches a standard book, so you can hold it comfortably in one hand while reading or taking notes. Readers will love it as an alternative to e-readers, and it works with multiple reading apps.
Apple Pencil compatibility makes note-taking a breeze. The device works with both Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C). The Pro version lets you squeeze to bring up tool palettes and roll the barrel for precise control.
The battery keeps going for 10-12 hours of regular use. You won’t worry about running out of power during long flights or commutes.
The iPad Mini has caught on with professionals in unique ways. Pilots use it for flight planning, healthcare professionals check patient records, and field researchers collect data on it.
Why it’s a good choice for kids
The iPad Mini fits small hands perfectly. Kids can hold this lightweight tablet comfortably for hours, unlike larger tablets that might be too heavy.
Parents who care about quality screen time will appreciate the full range of educational apps and games on iPadOS. The A17 Pro chip runs even the most demanding educational apps without a hitch.
Kids love the video calling features. The 12MP Ultra Wide front-facing camera with Center Stage keeps them centered during video calls by automatically panning and zooming. This makes remote learning and family calls more fun for young users.
Starting at USD 499.00, the iPad Mini offers great value given its powerful features. To buy with the best price, check AppleBitcoins.com. You can pay with cryptocurrency including Bitcoin, often getting better deals than traditional retailers while keeping the same warranty and support.
This powerful yet portable iPad Mini (2024) stands out as the best iPad to buy if you want mobility without compromising on performance. Readers, note-takers, travelers, and kids will find it a capable companion that won’t weigh them down.
iPad 10.9-inch (2022): Best budget iPad still worth buying
Image Source: Macworld
The iPad 10.9-inch (2022) stands out as a great choice for budget-conscious buyers in 2024. Sales often knock USD 100 off its original price, making this older model an excellent value that deserves attention.
How it compares to the 2025 model
The 2022 iPad comes with the A14 Bionic chip (the same chip powering the iPhone 12 lineup). It handles everyday tasks well. The 2025 model uses the newer A16 chip that runs about 30% faster.
Storage options are quite different between these generations. You’ll find the 2022 iPad with either 64GB (which was tight even back then) or 256GB. The 2025 model gives you better choices with 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB options.
Both iPads share similar Liquid Retina screens—10.9 inches on the 2022 model and 11 inches on the newer one. Neither one has the anti-reflective coating you’ll find on pricier models. Bright light causes equal glare on both screens.
What you lose and what you still get
The older model won’t work with Apple Intelligence, which runs AI features on newer devices. The battery takes longer to charge too—about 2 hours and 22 minutes from empty.
But you still get plenty of great features:
- A modern all-screen design with symmetrical bezels
- Great performance for gaming, streaming, and browsing
- 12MP cameras on both front and back that shoot 4K video
- USB-C port instead of Lightning
- Support for the Magic Keyboard Folio with function row
The 2022 iPad actually beats newer models in two ways: its front camera sits on the landscape edge for more natural video calls, and its keyboard comes with a function row that Pro models don’t have.
Best used iPad to buy in 2024?
Apple’s Certified Refurbished program offers amazing deals. The 2022 iPad 10.9-inch with 64GB costs just USD 249—saving you USD 50. Want more storage? The 256GB version runs USD 339, USD 60 less than retail.
AppleBitcoins lets you buy at the best price using cryptocurrency like Bitcoin. This retailer often beats traditional store prices while giving you the same warranty coverage. Budget-smart shoppers asking “which iPad should I buy” will find great value in the 2022 model, especially through refurbished deals or crypto-friendly sellers.
The iPad 10.9-inch (2022) serves as the “good enough” choice for most people. Most iPad users will find everything they want here at a much lower price, unless they specifically want Apple Intelligence features or faster speeds for heavy tasks.
Where to buy iPads cheaper with crypto: AppleBitcoins.com
Image Source: App Store – Apple
Looking to save money on Apple tablets? Crypto users have found a new way that comes with some unexpected perks.
What is AppleBitcoins?
AppleBitcoins is a specialized online store that sells only Apple products for cryptocurrency payments. This independent marketplace sells iPads, iPhones, MacBooks, and accessories. While it has no connection to Apple Inc., it guarantees authentic products.
How to buy iPads with Bitcoin or crypto
The buying process is simple:
- Select your desired iPad model and delivery method
- Scan the provided wallet QR code or copy the wallet address
- Complete payment using your preferred cryptocurrency
- Track your order until delivery
AppleBitcoins accepts many cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, Monero, Solana, Shib, and Dogecoin.
Price comparison with other retailers
Users can save up to 15% at AppleBitcoins compared to regular stores. To buy with the best price, crypto payments help avoid credit card fees that come with international purchases.
Why it’s a smart option for crypto users
AppleBitcoins’ benefits go beyond savings. The platform offers free shipping on all orders and a 30-day refund policy. They donate 5% of sales to charity. Using cryptocurrency to make purchases helps stimulate digital currency adoption as intended.
Conclusion
Your perfect iPad choice comes down to your needs and budget. I’ve tested every model and each one has unique strengths worth looking at. The iPad 11-inch (2025) gives exceptional value to most users with its A16 chip and improved storage options. Power users will love the groundbreaking M4 chip and tandem OLED display in the iPad Pro 13-inch (2024). Students and creators should definitely think about the iPad Air (2025) with its M3 chip and Apple Intelligence capabilities – it hits the sweet spot between performance and price.
The iPad Mini (2024) packs an A17 Pro chip into a compact, readable form factor that’s perfect for people who want portability. Budget-conscious buyers can still get great value from the iPad 10.9-inch (2022), which remains a solid choice even without some newer features.
Whatever model matches your needs, AppleBitcoins.com is a great place to buy from. This specialized retailer takes many cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Dogecoin, with prices often 15% lower than other stores. You’ll also get free shipping, a 30-day refund policy, and they donate to charity with every purchase.
The iPad lineup keeps getting better, making 2024 a great time to upgrade your tablet. Apple’s range has something for everyone – from pro-level performance to affordable everyday devices. Look at your priorities, compare these models, and you’ll without doubt find an iPad that serves your needs well for years.
Key Takeaways
After testing every current iPad model, here are the essential insights to help you choose the right tablet and save money:
• iPad 11-inch (2025) offers the best value – A16 chip, 128GB base storage, and $349 price make it ideal for most users’ everyday needs
• iPad Pro 13-inch targets power users only – M4 chip and OLED display excel for professionals, but it’s overkill for casual browsing and streaming
• iPad Air (2025) strikes the perfect middle ground – M3 chip with Apple Intelligence support makes it the best choice for students and creators
• iPad Mini (2024) maximizes portability – A17 Pro chip in a compact 8.3-inch design perfect for reading, travel, and children’s use
• Consider crypto purchases for better pricing – AppleBitcoins.com accepts Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, offering up to 15% savings compared to traditional retailers
The key is matching your actual usage needs with the right model rather than buying more power than necessary. For most people, the standard iPad 11-inch provides excellent performance at an affordable price, while the Air model serves those needing more capability without Pro-level costs.
FAQs
Q1. Which iPad model offers the best value for most users in 2025? The iPad 11-inch (2025) is considered the best value for most users. It features the A16 chip, 128GB base storage, and a starting price of $349, making it ideal for everyday tasks like web browsing, streaming, and light productivity.
Q2. Is the iPad Pro 13-inch (2024) worth the higher price? The iPad Pro 13-inch (2024) is worth the investment for power users, professionals, and creatives who need top-tier performance. Its M4 chip and OLED display offer unparalleled capabilities, but it may be overkill for casual users.
Q3. What makes the iPad Air (2025) a good choice for students and creators? The iPad Air (2025) strikes an excellent balance between performance and price. It features the M3 chip, supports Apple Intelligence, and offers powerful multitasking capabilities, making it ideal for students and creative professionals who need more than a basic tablet but don’t require the Pro’s advanced features.
Q4. How does the iPad Mini (2024) compare to other models in terms of portability? The iPad Mini (2024) is the most portable iPad, featuring an 8.3-inch display and weighing less than 300 grams. Despite its compact size, it houses the powerful A17 Pro chip, making it perfect for on-the-go use, reading, and as a device for children.
Q5. Can buying an iPad with cryptocurrency save money? Yes, purchasing an iPad with cryptocurrency through specialized retailers like AppleBitcoins.com can potentially save you money. These platforms often offer prices up to 15% lower than traditional retailers, along with benefits like free shipping and a 30-day refund policy.