Are you planning to buy iPad tablet? On this moment Apple offers a choice of four models. Of course, this is many times less than among Android tablets, but an inexperienced buyer will be confused here too. Which iPad is better buy: fourth-generation Retina iPad, thin Air or something from the mini? Which one will be best for you? What should you spend your money on?

Let's take a closer look current situation. We can choose from two mini iPads and two 9.7-inch tablets. We used to complain about Apple only offering one tablet model, but today some people are scratching their heads over which iPad is the best one to buy.

All four current models have in common the presence of a Lightning connector, a long time battery life and the ability to connect to LTE networks(if you pay $129 more). But, besides the sizes, they also differ in what is hidden “under the hood”. The iPad Mini's screen isn't high resolution, and its A5 processor is a thing of the past. The larger iPads and the Retina Mini have much more in common.

iPad Mini (non-Retina) – $299

This is the cheapest iPad. Although this model and appeared in 2012, its characteristics are in many ways similar to the iPad 2. Now you can only buy a model with 16 GB of memory. The option with LTE support costs $429, and without it is $129 cheaper. iPad Mini with 16GB of storage costs the same as 32GB iPod Touch and $200 less than the cheapest iPad Air.

This is the thinnest and lightest device in the Apple iPad family, but its display does not have the proud Retina prefix. If you are looking for a lightweight iOS tablet, then this option would be a good choice.

Lower screen resolution means smaller video files optimized for it. This means that in terms of the number of films stored in memory, it is not much inferior to its older brothers with a price twice as high.

This is the only non-Retina tablet (1024 x 786 screen resolution) from Apple you can buy these days. Considering the smaller diagonal, this is not so bad. But text on this screen looks less crisp than on any other retina iPad.

It also uses the least powerful processor. The A5 was already outdated when the iPad Mini came out. Other Apple tablets you can buy today use A6X or A7 processors.

Buy if: You want the cheapest, no-frills iPad and don't intend to use it as an e-reader.

Don't buy if: you need something else.

iPad with Retina Display (4th generation) – $399

As with the iPad Mini, you can only buy a 16GB version today, and you'll have to shell out $529 for the LTE version.

But it does have a Retina display, just like the iPad Air. You can save $100 by getting a screen with the same 2048 x 1536 resolution, the same 264 pixels per inch, and the same picture quality.

This is the heaviest of the tablets reviewed. It will probably fit into your bag without any problems, but you will notice the difference from the Air or any Mini when you pick it up.

The A6X processor isn't as fast as the A7, but it's a big step up from the A6. After all, this processor is used in the iPhone 5. For the vast majority of games and movies high resolution no more is needed.

This tablet will accept cases, keyboards, and many other accessories from older models, with the exception of anything that plugs into the connector. If you have something like this lying around, then you can breathe a second life into it by buying an iPad 4.

If, when considering the question of which iPad is better to buy, you do not lose sight of the camera, then know that this model has it as good as the Air. All you lose is the 3x zoom when shooting video.

Buy if: Screen quality is important to you, but you want to save money.

Don't buy if: You want a lightweight tablet.

iPad Mini with Retina Display – $399

For the same price as the 16GB iPad 4, you can buy the Retina Mini. But if you're willing to pay more, you can choose from models with 32, 64 or 128 GB of memory and/or LTE.

The A7 processor in the Retina Mini is said to be slightly slower than the one found in the iPad Air, but the iPhone 5S uses the same one. It features improved graphics performance.

Compact and Retina ready. On paper it's a little heavier than the non-Retina Mini, but in actual use it's barely noticeable. The display of this model has a diagonal of 7.9 inches, and the number of pixels is the same as that of the “large” iPads, so there are 326 pixels per inch. When working with text, we get an incredibly clear picture. Color saturation is slightly lower compared to the iPad Air and iPad 4, but only perfectionists will notice this.

This model has a lot in common with the iPad Air: M7 coprocessor, operation in 64-bit mode, improved WiFi antennas and LTE. But it is smaller and cheaper than Air.

For many, this is the ideal combination of price and tablet performance. But the video experience here isn't as enjoyable as on larger screens, and accessories like the keyboard or case aren't very convenient to use with this iPad.

Buy if: You want a better-featured iPad for less money, or you want a high-performance but compact tablet.

Don't buy if: You want the perfect Retina display, or you use the tablet primarily for watching videos/working with photos, or you want to use a tablet with a keyboard as a laptop replacement.

iPad Air – $499

This flagship model Apple iPad. Is it worth paying that kind of money for it? Well, in return you get the most advanced hardware and a 9.7-inch diagonal screen. But the difference between this model and Retina Mini is smaller, it seems at first glance.

It is very light and looks its best. Its dimensions are somewhere in between the iPad 4 and Mini. That is, you will have to buy new cases and other accessories. And this means additional costs.

The difference between the A6X (iPad 4) and A7 (iPad Air) processors is large, but not catastrophic. The biggest difference is the support for 64-bit operations. Only a few applications take advantage of this, but this will change over time. As I mentioned, the Wi-Fi and LTE antennas are improved here and on the Retina Mini.

If you want to buy an iPad that will stay modern for the longest time, then the Air is exactly what you need. But you will have to pay at least five hundred dollars for it.

Buy if: You want the best iPad and price is not an issue for you, and if you don't want to look for a replacement in the near future.

Don't buy if: you want to spend less.

After the recent presentation and discontinuation of two versions of the tablet at once, it’s time to set priorities and think about which tablets are worth getting and which ones you need to get rid of as soon as possible.

Current models

There are currently four current tablets in the iPad lineup:

• iPad mini 4
• iPad 9.7″, which was presented on March 27
• iPad Pro 10.5″
• iPad Pro 12.9″

Models iPad 2017 And iPad Pro 9.7″ officially withdrawn from sale, but they can still be found at resellers.

iPad mini 4

The fourth generation iPad mini was introduced back in the fall of 2015. The tablet is already two and a half years old and they are in no hurry to update it. We regularly hear rumors that Apple is no longer interested in the compact tablet segment.

At one time, the Cupertino team managed to displace most Android devices with a screen diagonal of 7-8 inches, but now the model is starting to get in the way iPhone sales Plus.

Everyone who wanted to get such a tablet did so a long time ago. If you don't have an iPad mini yet, then you simply don't need it.

We do not recommend purchasing an iPad mini 4 in 2018. The tablet runs on an outdated processor Apple A8(how in iPhone 6 And 6Plus), although it has 2 GB random access memory, but with iOS 11 it works at its limit.

At the same time, the device is available from officials only with a 128 GB drive for RUB 29,990, for +3 thousand you can get a new full-size iPad with a similar drive, which was presented on Tuesday, and for 25 thousand the same tablet with a memory capacity of 32 GB.

Already this fall, after the release of iOS 12, the iPad mini 4 will most likely have difficulty coping with most typical tasks.

If you already have it: If the form factor suits you, continue to use your Mini; with a high degree of probability, the model may become the last of its kind. If you don’t like the iPad mini for some reason, try to quickly sell it on the secondary market, while they still sell 20-25 thousand for it.

• Buy new: from 29,990 rub.
• Buy used: from 25,000 rub.

iPad 2018

The new “budget” iPad was presented only the day before yesterday at a presentation in Chicago. The tablet is not much different from its predecessor, which was shown a year earlier.

The affordable model was equipped with a more powerful processor Apple A10 Fusion instead of the outdated Apple A9 and added support Apple Pencil. Now this is not just an inexpensive full-size iPad for home, but also an excellent device for creativity.

This can be taken by children for drawing, by an artist for sketches, and by a designer for sketches. For 25 thousand rubles an excellent device, in a couple of months you can find it for 22-23 thousand.

If a tablet has a place in your use cases, the 2018 iPad is the best buy.

If you already have it: it's not for sale yet.

• Buy new: coming soon from 24,990 rub.

iPad Pro 10.5″

This tablet was introduced less than a year ago; it gives the user a new experience of use due to the changed display diagonal and a new matrix with a refresh rate of 120 Hz.

Among the less significant differences from the cheap version, it is worth noting the presence of technology True Tone, four speakers instead of two, better cameras (12 and 5 megapixels versus 8 and 1.2 megapixels, respectively), 4K video shooting, support for Apple's proprietary keyboard and a thinner body.

At the same time, prices for iPad Pro 10.5″ start at 46 thousand. The device is almost twice as expensive as the previous model and has a dubious set of advantages. We do not recommend buying such an iPad against the backdrop of the release of a completely rethought tablet with a number of features from the iPhone X.

If this happens, the iPad Pro 10.5″ will become completely irrelevant; if this does not happen, the firmware will most likely be updated in the coming year.

If you already have it: It’s not worth selling for the sake of a future upgrade; the release date of new models is too uncertain. Just keep using it and be happy with your purchase.

• Buy new: from 45,990 rub.

iPad Pro 12.9″

This model was quietly updated last summer along with the presentation of the 10-inch version of the tablet. Inside, an improved processor, more modern camera modules and a display with support for True Tone and 120 Hz were installed.

In addition, it has changed the lineup in terms of storage volume. Instead of the 32/128/256 GB and 128/256 GB + LTE models, 64/256/512 GB and 64/256/512 GB + LTE were introduced.

When purchasing on the secondary market, you should be especially careful not to purchase a 2015 device under the guise of a 2017 model. It is worth focusing on serial numbers models, different storage capacities and readings from the Geekbench 4 application from the App Store.

Only those who know exactly why they need such a large iPad should buy such a tablet. Against the backdrop of the release of a new iPad with reduced frames and dimensions, the purchase does not look like the best investment.

If you already have it: the situation is similar to the previous model, you need to sell it to those who are disappointed in the model or do not use the tablet, because it will slowly become cheaper in the future.

• Buy new: from 58,990 rub.
• Buy used: from 27,000 rub.

Not current models

The iPad lineup is quite large. There are many devices that Apple does not officially sell, but they are still on the shelves of electronics stores and are actively sold on the secondary market.

iPad 2017

A good tablet, which was introduced a little over a year ago, can only be considered as a purchase after the prices have been reduced. Now it is still available on the shelves of most resellers, but after the arrival of the 2018 model, you should expect discounts.

You should regularly monitor the assortment so as not to miss the moment when the device disappears from the shelves.

Essentially the same model, but without Apple support Pencil and with a slightly weaker processor.

If you don't need a stylus, but a good one inexpensive tablet I want it, wait for the iPad 2017 for 20-21 thousand rubles.

If you already have it: It only makes sense to sell to upgrade to an updated model. In this case, place a sale ad as soon as possible.

• Buy new: from 23,990 rub.

iPad Pro 9.7″

The models are already two years old, but for the tablet market this is not yet a respectable age. The devices easily serve their owners for 4-5 years without noticeable loss of performance.

All iPad differences Pro 9.7″ from iPad 2017. If we compare the new current models, the benefit is on the side of the public sector, but when we compare discontinued devices, the situation changes a little.

Now you can find an iPad Pro 9.7 for about 30-32 thousand rubles. In the coming month, prices will drop another couple of thousand. It will turn out to be a pretty serious competitor to the new iPad 2018. It can do all the same things, but is thinner, has a better camera, four speakers and supports the Apple keyboard.

The main thing is not to miss the moment when the remains of the model are bought up by satisfied users.

It is also profitable to buy the device on the secondary market. This iPad will serve faithfully for several more years, and if you turn it off iOS update, it will remain a fast tablet for five years.

If you already have it: We recommend selling only as a last resort. Getting a 10-inch iPad will take a lot of work, and with the money you earn you will only be able to buy the iPad 2018.

iPad Pro 12.9″ 2015

Those who were among the first to take the huge Apple tablet are now clearly not winning. The device remained quite niche, did not receive specific software features, and after the update in the summer of 2017, the first generation completely turned into a pumpkin.

Now it will be very difficult to sell such a device, but it is already difficult to cope with the assigned tasks and does not have a couple of newfangled features (True Tone and 120 Hz screen refresh).

This iPad has rather modest 8 MP and 1.2 MP cameras, it weighs more than the updated device, and the model with a SIM card does not support LTE Advanced.

If you already have it: accept it and use it.

iPad mini 3

This is the first iPad mini with Touch ID technology. It has almost the same hardware as the second generation iPad mini and is slightly inferior in performance to the iPad mini 4.

iPad mini 3 was sold from October 2014, and in September 2015 the model was discontinued. It was essentially an iPad model Mini Retina 2013 with biometric sensor. The device was greeted coldly at the start of sales, preferring last year's cheaper tablet.

Now this is a completely old device, which makes no sense to purchase either on a secondary market or a new device that has been lying around in an electronics store.

Of course, in line with earlier iPad models mini and not worth watching.

If you already have it: just keep it, because you won’t be able to sell it for normal money.

iPad Air 2

When choosing an Apple gadget, many cannot decide whether to choose the same iPad that their friends recommend to them, seek advice on forums, or rely on personal preferences. Making a choice is really difficult, because each Apple tablet is unique in its own way. IN official sale Today you can find all versions of Apple tablets, with the exception of its very first model.

iPad 1

You should not buy such a tablet, even if it is used. The only amendment is that you can purchase it either at the lowest possible price, or for small children, so as not to mind. Causes:
Inability to update software not only up to iOS 7, but even up to iOS 6. The maximum possible operating system on the first iPad is iOS 5.1.1.
Due to the small amount of RAM, the first Apple tablet is quite slow. Perhaps, if you never use other devices, you may not notice this. But if you try to work at least a little on newer and improved models, the feeling of braking of the first one will be extremely noticeable.
Many great applications may not run on the first generation iPad for various reasons.

iPad 2

If we remember that the second iPad was on official sale for three whole years, then we can say with confidence that this is a very successful product from Apple.

But today it is recommended to buy a second tablet from Apple only in rare cases - as a gift to children as their very first gadget, or if there is not enough money to buy a newer model. You should consider a list of positive and negative qualities of this product.

Advantages:

• Compared to the first iPad, this model has more RAM, better processor, bugs corrected. The tablet itself is much lighter, there is a camera, although Bad quality. But almost nothing slows down and you can even communicate on Skype.
• One of the decisive factors is low price.
• Despite the screen's imperfections, many apps look and work as expected.

Flaws:

• Compared to the third Apple device, the screen quality is too low. It is then that the understanding comes that the second one is clearly outdated.
• It is important to know that this model will not last long on the market, so it is worth taking into account the fact that selling it later will be problematic or even completely unrealistic. Taking into account the release of more and more new models, Apple will most likely remove the device from sale very soon.
• You can also install modern iOS 7 and even iOS 8 on this tablet, but their performance is not guaranteed.

Third generation of gadgets

Officially this version The tablet was sold for less than a year and was discontinued. This model is not worth buying, even brand new, because there really are much best ipad. True, if a fairly cheap used model is offered for purchase, it will be best option. New and high quality Retina screen, good camera, quite powerful processor. In general, the characteristics are very similar to the next generation of Apple devices and, we can hope that Apple’s support for the third iPad will continue. The only thing is that it gets very hot, but not critical.

iPad 4 (aka iPad with Retina Display)

One of the latest tablets with a 9.7-inch screen is the fourth iPad. It takes into account and corrects absolutely all the shortcomings previous models. It is perfectly compatible with the operating system iOS system 8, which allows you to install and enjoy playing all modern games and use the most popular applications, of which there are a huge variety in the App Store. But against the backdrop of fresh Mini and Air gadgets, buying a fourth Apple tablet is only worth it if the price is low. A small difference with the fourth-generation model is the new thin Lightning charger.

Air first series

If financial possibilities allow, then it is certainly worth paying attention to the most latest tablets from Apple. In 2014, the world was amazed by the gadget with the Air index, and in 2015 it was released Air second generations. The tablet series features more powerful hardware, although the screen remains the same as in the previous generation of Apple devices.

iPad Air 2

The second Air is considered the most powerful version of 2015 in the line of all Apple products. With its huge reserve of power, it is possible to install on the tablet not only the coolest programs from the App Store, but also a variety of games that it can easily run. The only catch is that the cost of such a gadget is commensurate with its quality and novelty.

iPad Mini (first 7.9-inch tablet)

Apple's first mini-tablet is famous for its minimum size and weight, and contains only one drawback - the lack of a retina screen. In general for the rest technical parameters it looks a lot like the second iPad.

It is not expensive, has good characteristics and is quite suitable as a first mobile device for a child. True, many applications can slow down significantly and load poorly.

Many were in no hurry to buy such a device, because they knew that very soon a more powerful and improved version of the tiny tablet would probably be released. And they were not mistaken. In 2013, Apple introduced the world Mini tablet with Retina Display.

Mini with Retina Display

A great tablet that has the same technical stuffing, like an Air device, but much thinner, smaller and lighter.

He truly deserves the "most best tablet"! His powerful filling together with a seven-inch retina screen they give an incredible feeling of lightness, speed and high quality of the product.

Mini 3

In the wake of the popularity of the iPad mini, its third version really let us down. It differs from the second generation gadget only Touch function ID, which means that even in terms of power it is quite inferior to Air 2. Will there be a similar situation with
Mini 4 is still unknown. The only question of choice is the cost of tablets: does it make sense to overpay a lot of money for Touch ID?

Choosing between Wi-Fi and Celluar tablets (3G, 4G, LTE)

It is necessary to consider the most important points, which you should pay attention to when choosing an iPad:

• Cost - models with Wi-Fi are much cheaper.
• The presence of a cellular module in the LTE model allows you to access the Internet using cellular systems. You just need to install a SIM card on your tablet.
• Availability GPS module in the LTE model.

If you plan to work with GPS repeatedly, it is worth purchasing a gadget with a 3G function. It is also necessary to take into account several nuances:

• If you use the device most of the time at home, there is no point in choosing the LTE model.
• If you want to use a tablet on the way to work and back, you should take a closer look at models with a cellular module.
• At active image life, constant trips and travel, an apple tablet with GPS is suitable.
• If you live in remote villages, where there is no need for GPS, and you have never heard of 3G, you should save money and choose an iPad with Wi-Fi.

In general, the choice depends specifically on the situation. For example, if the phone has enough functions, there is no need to purchase a tablet with a cellular module.

Choosing between gadgets with 16/32/64/128 gigabytes of memory

When choosing between the quality and power of gadgets and their volume internal memory everyone chooses what they need specifically, depending on the situation and purpose of the Apple tablet.

16 gigabytes

It should be understood that 16 gigabytes is the total capacity of the tablet. In fact, the user is left with no more than 13 gigabytes, and when using GPS programs and even 12. This is exactly how much is left for installing various applications.
If you consider that on average a good application from the App Store weighs about 100 megabytes, and games weigh 500. That is why, in most cases, you will have to make a difficult choice between the most necessary and entertainment and gaming applications to install them on a tablet with 16 gigabytes. The question of choosing priorities is especially problematic in families in which several different people use the tablet.

32 gigabytes

One of the most optimal models– 32 gigabytes. This volume allows you to pump up half as much and other variety in addition to the essentials. The average person does not need to keep a lot of games and applications on their device. Moreover, new, more “necessary” or interesting ones constantly appear. On such a tablet you can install several games for children, download many different genres of books to iBooks, download great amount music for every taste and color. That's why to an ordinary person 32 gigabytes of memory is quite enough. If you plan to spend less money and don’t plan to clutter your tablet with “just in case” applications and useless games large quantities You should take a closer look at these versions.

64 gigabytes

This amount of memory is enough for any user of an Apple gadget. Although some may not have enough. Most often, this much memory is needed by those people who store a large list of games, love listening to music and therefore download many tracks to their tablet, and sometimes prefer to watch movies on the road.

When Apple introduced the 4th generation iPad, many were outraged at how quickly Cupertino decided to update its tablet computer. previous version lasted on the market for only six months - this is a real anti-record for the duration of a product’s stay on the market. Buyers around the world were faced with a choice: to upgrade their “troika”, purchased for 5-6 hundred dollars, to a little different “four” or not. It was a very difficult dilemma.

But with the iPad 4, Apple introduced the iPad mini - a product that, on the one hand, gave us more options to choose from, and on the other, made it more difficult for us to make that very choice.

We have prepared a guide to help you decide whether to buy a tablet. What to take - a large iPad 4 with a Retina screen or a mobile iPad mini? Ultimately, it all comes down to what exactly you want to get out of your device. And we will help you understand what you really want.

Similarities

First, you need to understand what you'll get from both the iPad Retina and the iPad mini. As for the place on disk drive, you can purchase versions with 16, 32 or 64 GB of internal memory. Recently, you can buy an iPad Retina with 128 GB of internal memory.

Although the iPad mini is relatively small device, it is not without good photography opportunities. The iSight camera for iPad and iPad mini boasts a 5-megapixel sensor, autofocus, face detection, backlight, hybrid infrared filter and aperture f/2.4. FaceTime camera HD allows you to take 1.2 megapixel photos and videos in HD resolution. The main camera of the iPad and iPad mini shoots video in Full HD 1080p resolution.

Both devices are available from mobile operators AT&T, Sprint and Verizon and have the same wireless interfaces and opportunities cellular communications, including Bluetooth technology 4.0. iPad and iPad min work up to 10 hours on one full charge when surfing the Internet, watching videos and listening to music.

Each device is equipped with a Lightning connector, with which you can connect your tablet to a computer or power supply. Siri is also available on both devices.

And finally, on the iPad and iPad mini you can run any application from the App Store - however, due to the screen size and hardware, the user experience may vary.

Screen

The biggest difference between the iPad and iPad mini is pixel density. The iPad mini display is 7.9 inches with a resolution of 1024x768 pixels. Its density is 163 pixels per inch. The Retina iPad comes with a 9.7-inch screen with a resolution of 2048 x 1536 pixels and a density of 264 pixels per inch.

For everyday use, the 2-inch difference between screens is not significant, but the experience of using some things may vary. So, if you use your tablet as a media player - watch movies, edit photos, then the iPad Retina will be the best choice. The reason is simple: you'll see more content on a bigger screen. In addition, this is the best choice in terms of performance, and such a tablet is better for navigation.

However, iPad screen The mini displays content quite well too, and may be a better option if you'll be using it more on the go. iPad mini is better for gaming because it's more mobile-like game console than the relatively bulky iPad Retina.

Keep in mind that according to some reports, at the end of this Apple of the Year may release an iPad mini with a Retina display, so it might make sense to wait for this version of the tablet. But most likely they won’t do this in Cupertino.

Power and speed

The iPad Retina uses a dual-core A6X processor with quad-core graphics, and this hardware is undoubtedly stronger than the iPad mini with its A5. But this shouldn’t surprise you too much, that’s why iPad mini and mini. If speed and performance are the most important thing for you, then choose the iPad Retina.

However, it is worth saying that the mini has the same capabilities as its larger brother, but it does not perform some operations as quickly as the Retina.

Physical Dimensions

Naturally, the iPad mini is much smaller than its older brother. It's more of a "mobile" device than the iPad Retina. It fits easily in your pocket, bag or backpack. If you're concerned about the smaller screen than Retina, you can always connect the mini to your TV via AirPlay and Apple TV.

Physical size is a very interesting aspect that contains many interesting points. Some people, for example, even compare the mini to the iPhone - the iPad can do the same thing as the iPhone, but it can’t make calls. And if you compare the iPad mini with Samsung Galaxy Note, It turns out that the difference between them is only 2 inches. This is amazing and it shows how much more logical the Apple product ecosystem is.

iPad Retina has classic iPad dimensions and the main difference between it and mini, as already mentioned, is the screen.

Price

For many buyers, the price difference will be the most important argument when choosing a tablet. iPad mini starts at $329 Wi-Fi model with 16GB of storage and ends at $659 for the Wi-Fi and 4G model with 64GB of storage on board. iPad Retina prices range from $499 to $929.

You need to ask yourself: Are those $170 and $270 worth the sacrifice you'll make in exchange for performance and display? In many cases, the answer to this question will help you make right choice, but again, it all depends on how exactly you plan to use your iPad.

Ultimately, the iPad mini is a product for those Apple customers who are already familiar with iOS ecosystem, but consider the iPad Retina too big device. iPad Retina is created for those who want to get a full experience from working with tablet computer, with a large screen and maximum performance.

Third option

Even though Apple stopped producing iPad third generation, you can still buy yourself an iPad 2. Many people say that the iPad 2 is no longer suitable for serious tasks, and in principle they are right. But it is quite enough to decide standard tasks. I myself had an iPad 2, and you don’t have to worry - it’s quite enough for viewing email, Internet surfing and simple games.

iPad 2 comes with an A5 processor - the same one found in the iPad mini. It's only available in a 16GB version and is slightly thinner and lighter than the iPad Retina, but lacks many photography capabilities. But you must admit, this is not the most important thing for a tablet.

Price for new iPad 2 is $399 and $529 for the Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + 3G variants respectively. You can find an iPad 2 on the secondary market for much less money.

Bottom line

We hope this guide helps you do the right purchase and you will get everything you expect from the device. Share your thoughts in the comments about which tablet you should choose, which one you use and why.

Since Apple introduced the original iPad in 2010, it has dominated the tablet market. At that time, choosing an iPad was very easy - there was only one model and that was it. Now, the line includes modifications that will satisfy every taste, budget and needs. True, the differentiation is not so clear that you can make a decision right away, especially if you have not previously had experience with the company’s devices.

There are differences not only in the screen diagonal, but also “under the hood”. To make this choice easier for you, we decided to write this article.

Memory capacity: 16 GB, 64 GB or 128 GB?

The iPad has a fixed amount of internal memory for storing data, unlike most of its competitors. Android control. Due to the fact that in the future you will need to buy more micro SD card To expand the space it will be simply impossible, you need to think carefully about the option with how many gigabytes to choose.

At this time Apple moment offers versions of the tablet with 16 GB, 64 GB and 128 GB. The 16 GB option is worth buying only if you use the device as a “reader”, to surf the Internet or watch multimedia online, and also if you are not an ardent fan of games.

64 gigabytes of memory is currently optimal solution for all. This is more than enough to install all the necessary software and favorite games, as well as download a dozen movies in HD quality and other content. I can say with confidence that the $100 difference is worth paying extra.

The option with 128 GB of memory is the most expensive. We can recommend it to those who prefer to carry everything with them and do not like to remove anything if there is a chance that it will suddenly come in handy. Also, this a good option for people who use iPad as their main device for consuming various multimedia content.

Weight and dimensions

iPad mini 4 is the lightest ever Apple tablets. It weighs 298 grams, which is just over a third the weight of the iPad Air 2 (437 grams) and less than half the weight of the iPad Pro (713 grams). It can be held in one hand for a long time without any problems.

If you travel often or just want to always have your favorite device at hand (in your bag, wallet or jacket pocket), the iPad mini 4 will be just the perfect choice.

If you need a cool and big screen, and you plan to use the tablets themselves more on the sofa, table or somewhere on a bench - pay attention to the iPad Pro. True, the price may confuse many.

The iPad Air, in every sense, will be somewhere in the middle, between these two models.

WiFi or 4G version?

iPad model that only has WiFi module, can only connect to the Internet via wireless network. This imposes a number of restrictions - if you leave a place with WiFi coverage, access to the Internet will become unavailable to you.

True, this tablet model costs $100 less, which for some users can be a significant amount. Therefore, you need to start from the use case.

So, choose an iPad with WiFi only if:

• you plan to use the tablet mainly at home or in the office, that is, places where wireless networks are always available;
• you are going to view multimedia or other content after downloading it to your device, and not online;
• you do not use services that require online access regularly, or you do not need to do this on the fly;
• You do most tasks that require an Internet connection on your iPhone;
• you do not want to pay additionally for mobile Internet services.

But it’s worth buying a 4G version of the tablet in the following cases:

• you often move around the city or travel, and all this time you take your iPad with you;
• Internet access anytime, anywhere is for you important point, for personal or work reasons;
• you prefer to consume multimedia content online, without downloading it to your device;
• additional monthly payment for communication services will not be something burdensome for you;
• you need to use GPS applications, for example, during car trips;
• you actively use applications that require constant access to the Internet, for example, Skype, Email, social media etc.

What common?

An iPad is far from the cheapest investment. But Apple products have a number of interesting features, which make such a purchase justified. First of all, we're talking about O high quality and a developed market for used devices, which gives you the opportunity to easily sell the device at favorable price, if you suddenly want to do this.

Regardless of which tablet model (within the same year of manufacture) you decide to buy, each of them will have a number of common, and I must say quite pleasant, features:

• high-quality retina screen with almost perfect color rendition;
• several years of guaranteed updates for latest version iOS;
• aluminum body, which is durable and gives a pleasant tactile sensation;
• protection when Help Touch ID, by recognizing the owner’s fingerprints;
• high performance and battery life.

Latest model or previous generation

Not everyone has the opportunity to buy the newest iPad, especially since our prices are significantly higher than in the USA. If you are not going to use the device to play the latest sophisticated games, but more for purposes such as surfing online, reading and watching videos, last year’s model will suit you just right. The special thing about the iPad is that the stock comfortable work with him, we can say, at the level of 3 years for sure. Only after this time has passed, you may notice some slowdown in performance, and even then, most likely, if we are talking about games.

True, you shouldn’t discount the option that you simply don’t have enough money for the newest iPad. In this case, it is better to simply use installments and pay the required amount in a few months. The pleasure is worth it.

Which iPad is better to buy?

If, after reading this article, you still don’t understand which tablet model is best for you, let’s draw some conclusions.

If compactness is important to you, but at the same time the diagonal screen of your smartphone is not enough for you to work comfortably, the iPad mini will be an excellent option. It is practically not inferior in performance to its larger brothers, and is great for gaming, watching multimedia and a number of other everyday tasks. It has everything the same as the ten-inch model, including a fingerprint sensor finger touch ID. In addition, the “mini” costs $100 less.

For those who need maximum performance, comfort of working with documents and the ability to use the tablet not only as an entertainment device, but also as a work tool - we recommend that you leave your choice on the iPad Air last generations. The ten-inch screen allows you to fully enjoy watching videos, playing games, reading and working with, for example, Microsoft files Office.

iPad Pro is the ultimate solution, and it is worth recommending it to two categories of users: professionals who actively work with design and graphics, as well as those who want home device for entertainment that can provide the most amazing content consumption experience. For such delights as four speakers, a 12.9-inch screen, a stunning Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard, you will have to shell out a considerable amount of money, but in some cases it is worth it.

You shouldn't spend money if you're not sure about the right choice. Chances are, your iPad will be on your list of most frequently used items, and will serve you well for many years. Therefore, it wouldn’t hurt to just go to the nearest store to hold the tablet in your hands and understand which one you like best in terms of appearance and amenities.