Falling somewhere between a laptop and an iPhone, iPads are extremely portable and can function as both when needed, with the help of accessories. The latest big screen iPad Pro is actually more powerful than many laptop computers, thanks to the Apple M1 chip inside it. With the latest version of iOS, they can even support a keyboard and mouse (or Apple’s own Magic keyboard with a built in trackpad), blurring the line between tablet and computer even more. Read on to see a comprehensive list of iPad models and generations. Under the hood, there’s a powerful new A14 bionic processor and you can pick from 64GB or 256GB of storage. The rear camera is a capable 12MP sensor that can record at 4K, while the front camera has a 7MP sensor. As with other newer iPad models, the Air 4 comes with USB-C for charging. CPU: A14 Bionic | RAM: 4GB | Display: 2360x1640 | Models: Wi-Fi+ Cellular & GPS, Wi-Fi only | Storage: 64GB, 256GB An advantage that come with the Air is that it supports both the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard, unlike the mini, which only works with the Pencil. However, while the Air does have True Tone adjustment for the display, it doesn’t have ProMotion, which means that there will be more latency when using the Pencil compared to the iPad Pro. CPU: A12 Bionic | RAM: 3GB | Display: 2224x1668 | Models: Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi+Cellular | Storage: 64GB, 256GB CPU: 1.5 GHz Tri-Core 64-bit Apple A8X w/Apple M8 Motion Co-Processor | RAM: 2 GB | Display: 2056x1536 | Models: Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + 4G | Storage: 16 GB, 64 GB, 128 GB CPU: 1.4 GHz Dual-Core 64-bit Apple A7 w/Apple M7 Motion Co-Processor | RAM: 1 GB | Display: 2056x1536 | Models: Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + 4G | Storage: 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB, 128 GB
iPad Mini
This makes it more widely compatible with non-apple products, though if you currently only use Apple devices it means carrying around different cables in addition to the lightning cable you use with your iPhone. Other changes with this edition of the iPad Mini include support for the second generation Apple Pencil, a slightly larger screen, as well as Wi-Fi 6 and 5G compatibility. One other positive point to make about the 2021 iPad Mini is that much of its construction is now composed of recycled materials, making the device much more environmentally friendly. CPU: A15 Bionic | RAM: 4GB | Display: 2266x1488 | Models: Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi+Cellular | Storage: 64GB, 256GB Even more impressive, the mini 5 incorporates some features you’ll find on higher-end iPad models, like Apple Pencil support and the productivity features of the latest iPad OS updates. However, you still won’t get Smart Keyboard compatibility, USB-C, or Face ID. CPU: A12 Bionic | RAM: 3GB | Display: 2048x1536 | Models: Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi+Cellular | Storage: 64GB, 256GB The iPad mini 4 is essentially the same as the iPad Air 2, which provides quite a boost to the mini 3. This extra processing power also means the mini 4 should be compatible with all of the latest multitasking features in iOS. CPU: 1.5 GHz Tri-Core 64-bit Apple A8X w/Apple M8 Motion Co-Processor | RAM: 2 GB | Display: 2056x1536 | Models: Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + 4G | Storage: 16 GB, 64 GB, 128 GB CPU: 1.4 GHz Dual-Core 64-bit Apple A7 w/Apple M7 Motion Co-Processor | RAM: 1 GB | Display: 2056x1536 | Models: Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + 4G | Storage: 16 GB, 64 GB, 128 GB The iPad mini 2 is officially referred to as the “iPad mini with Retina display”. CPU: 1.4 GHz Dual-Core 64-bit Apple A7 w/Apple M7 Motion Co-Processor | RAM: 1 GB | Display: 2056x1536 | Models: Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + 4G | Storage: 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB, 128 GB The original iPad mini and the second generation “iPad 2” were the two best-selling iPad models. CPU: 1 GHz Dual-Core ARM Cortex-A9 (Apple A5) | RAM: 512 MB | Display: 1024x768 | Models: Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + 4G | Storage: 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB
iPad Pro
Powering that big, beautiful display is the Apple M1 chip, which is the same processer you’ll find in Apple’s latest Macbook computers, albeit limited due to the strikingly thin form factor of the iPad Pro. It’s also now possible to get a whopping 2 terabytes of built in storage, though that upgraded model may set you back as much as two grand. CPU: Apple M1 | RAM: 8GB | Display: 11-inch (2388x1668) , 12.9-inch (2732x2048) | Models: Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi+Cellular | Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB To that end, you have the new, more powerful A12Z Bionic chip powering the Pros along with a 120Hz high refresh display. The screen is an IPS panel that’s big and bright, making it easy and smooth to draw on. The latest iOS 13.4 update also comes with features to make using multiple apps at the same time easier, and improving productivity. An additional accessory that many will find useful is the Magic Keyboard, which includes the first trackpad designed for an iPad and a USB-C port. There’s even a cursor now. CPU: A12Z Bionic | RAM: 6GB | Display: 11-inch (2388x1668) , 12.9-inch (2732x2048) | Models: Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi+Cellular | Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB CPU: A12X Bionic chip with Neural Engine | RAM: 4 GB (1 TB model includes 6 GB) | Display: 2388x1668 | Models: Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + Cellular | Storage: 64 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1TB CPU: A12X Bionic chip with Neural Engine | RAM: 4 GB (1 TB model includes 6 GB) | Display: 2732x2048 | Models: Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + Cellular | Storage: 64 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1TB CPU: 6-Core 64-bit Apple A10X Fusion | RAM: 4 GB | Display: 2734x2048 | Models: Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + 4G | Storage: 64 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB CPU: 6-Core 64-bit Apple A10X Fusion | RAM: 4 GB | Display: 2734x2048 | Models: Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + 4G | Storage: 64 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB The 9.7-inch iPad Pro also works with Apple’s new Smart Keyboard and the Apple Pencil, an advanced stylus for precise drawing. CPU: Dual-Core 64-bit Apple A9X | RAM: 2 GB | Display: 2056x1536 | Models: Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + Cellular | Storage: 32 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB CPU: 2.26 GHz Dual-Core 64-bit Apple A9X | RAM: 4 GB | Display: 2734x2048 | Models: Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + Cellular | Storage: 32 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB
iPad
Additionally, the 2021 iPad doubles the 2020 model’s storage by offering 64GB and 256GB variants, as opposed to the comparatively meager 32GB and 128GB variants of the previous generation. The 2021 iPad also gets a new, more powerful processor. CPU: A13 Bionic | RAM: 3GB | Display: 2160x1620 | Models: Wi-Fi + Cellular | Storage: 64GB, 256GB CPU: A12 Bionic | RAM: 3GB | Display: 2160x1620 | Models: Wi-Fi + Cellular | Storage: 32GB, 128GB CPU: A10 Fusion | RAM: 3GB | Display: 2160x1620 | Models: Wi-Fi + Cellular | Storage: 32GB, 128GB CPU: 2.34 Ghz Quad-Core 64-bit Apple A10 Fusion | RAM: 2 GB | Display: 2056x1536 | Models: Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + 4G | Storage: 32 GB, 128 GB CPU: 1.85 Ghz Dual-Core 64-bit Apple A9 | RAM: 2 GB | Display: 2056x1536 | Models: Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + 4G | Storage: 32 GB, 128 GB CPU: 1.4 GHz Dual-Core Apple Swift (Apple A6) | RAM: 1 GB | Display: 2056x1536 | Models: Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + 4G | Storage: 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB, 128 GB CPU: 1 GHz Dual-Core ARM Cortex-A9 (Apple A5X) | RAM: 512 MB | Display: 2056x1536 | Models: Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + 4G | Storage: 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB CPU: 1 GHz Dual-Core ARM Cortex-A9 (Apple A5) | RAM: 512 MB | Display: 1024x768 | Models: Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + 3G | Storage: 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB The original iPad still has some uses, but no longer supports operating system updates. Many apps do not support the first iPad. CPU: 1 GHz ARM Cortex-A8 (Apple A4) | RAM: 256 MB | Display: 1024x768 | Models: Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + 3G | Storage: 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB Daniel Nations has over 20 years of experience in the computer industry. He specializes in Apple products, including the iPad. Ajay Kumar joined Dotdash in November 2018 and brings with him nearly a decade of experience in tech journalism and digital publishing. He is an expert in consumer electronics, including Apple’s iPad. Jeremy Laukkonen is a tech writer and the creator of a popular blog and video game startup. He specializes in consumer technology, including tablets like the iPad. Jordan Oloman is a Newcastle-based tech writer whose work has appeared in PC Gamer, TechRadar, Eurogamer, IGN, and GamesRadar. His areas of expertise include Apple’s iPhone, iPad, and iPod. Sandra Stafford is a writer who specializes in tech and writes about all sorts of gadgets, including the Apple iPad. She praised the iPad mini as a great replacement for an e-reader.
What to Look For in an iPad
Display
One of the advantages of buying an iPad is that you can be sure that within the time they were released they are certain to have one of the best screens among comparable tablets. The top end iPad Pro, of course, has the best display, but even a base model iPad screen looks great.
It’s also worth noting that photographers often find iPads to be excellent tools for processing images captured on a DSLR or mirrorless camera while they’re on the road. I’d personally recommend Adobe Lightroom Mobile as the ideal app for on-the-go iPad image processing.
Storage
A possible disadvantage of iPads is the lack of any convenient form of expandable storage. There’s no microSD card slot, and even the newer models, which start with 64GB of internal storage, are probably going to fill up faster than you think. If you know you’re going to want to store a lot of data on your iPad it’s probably worth springing for the upgraded models with extra storage.
Processor
If you’re buying the latest iPad, you really need not concern yourself too much with the processor (also known as the CPU). This is the part of the iPad that determines how many applications you can run, and how well those applications will be able to run. The processor in a new iPad will be able to handle everything you can throw at it for a good few years. However, it’s a much more important consideration if you’re thinking of buying an older used iPad. An older iPad means an older, slower processor that might struggle to keep up with modern applications.
