iPad generations: which Apple tablet should you buy in 2024?

There are lots of different iPad generations, so it can get a little confusing. Don't worry, though: our list here contains every single iPad available to buy today, along with details of how they differ. 

We've divided into four, to cover the four broad types of iPad: the iPad Pro, iPad mini, iPad Air, and the basic iPad (which Apple just calls 'iPad').  Sometimes these come in different sizes; for example, the latest iPad Pro comes in 12.9 inch and 11 inch versions. Also be aware that there are often differences between these models beyond just the screen size.

You'll find details of all these things in the product name. For example iPad Pro 12.9 (2022) is the model of iPad Pro with a 12.9-inch screen from 2022. However, sometimes rather than the year they'll put the generation number: for example, the model we just mentioned is the 6th generation. To make things easy, we've included both in our listings.

Our top picks

iPad generations in 2024

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iPad Pro

The iPad Pro line is aimed at professional content creators. The most powerful of iPads, these tablets give the best performance when it comes to resource-intensive tasks such as photo and video editing. 

By the same token, they may be overkill if all you want to do is just check your emails and streaming music and video. In that case, we'd suggest you skip to the best basic iPads. Alternatively, see our guide to the best iPad Pro deals.

(Image credit: Future)
The latest and largest iPad Pro is the best iPad overall

Specifications

Weight: 685g (5G), 682g (Wi-Fi)
Dimensions: 280.6 x 214.9 x 6.4 mm
OS: iPadOS 16.1
Screen size: 12.9-inch
Resolution: 2048 x 2732 pixels
CPU: Apple M2 chip
Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB/2TB
microSD slot: No
Rear cameras: 12MP wide (f/1.8), 10-MP ultra-wide (f/2.4)
Front camera: 12MP ultra-wide (f/2.4)

Reasons to buy

+
Latest M2 processor
+
USB-C slot
+
Apple Pencil hover

Reasons to avoid

-
Not so different from 2021 model

This latest and greatest iPad Pro features the M2 processor, which will make everything run faster than the M1 chip in the previous model. That means it's basically as powerful as a MacBook. And if you want to team it with a Magic Keyboard (sold separately) you'll have a very advanced tablet-laptop hybrid. 

And that's not all. The new 12.9-inch iPad Pro M2 also features USB-C ports, a more advanced Wi-Fi set up, called Wi-Fi 6E, and a camera that can record Apple ProRes video. You might also want to turn it into a hybrid laptop by teaming it with the best iPad keyboard.

Finally, if you use an Apple Pencil 2 (sold separately), there's a new feature called Hover, which detects the Apple Pencil when the tip is 12mm (0.47 inches) away from the screen. Depending on how the app uses this information, you can do a number of cool things. For example, if you hover over the Markup toolbar in Notes, you can touch the tool you want to use (eg pencil, pen, or brush), then pull away to select it.

In short, if you want to do some animation or video editing on a tablet, with software such as Procreate Dreams, this is well worth checking out.

Read our full Apple iPad Pro (2022) review

(Image credit: Apple)

2. iPad Pro 11 M2 (2022)

The latest iPad Pro's smaller, cheaper sibling

Specifications

Weight: 470g (5G), 466g (Wi-Fi)
Dimensions: 247.6 x 178.5 x 5.9 mm
OS: iPadOS 16.1
Screen size: 11-inch
Resolution: 2388 x 1668 pixels
CPU: Apple M2
Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB/2TB
microSD slot: No
Battery: 7,538mAh
Rear camera: 12MP wide (f/1.8), 10 MP ultrawide (f/2.4)
Front camera: 12MP ultrawide (f/2.4)

Reasons to buy

+
Specs almost all the same as 12.9 
+
Compact and lightweight
+
Cheaper than the 12.9

Reasons to avoid

-
Lower quality screen than the 12.9's
-
Only 600 nits brightness

The iPad Pro M2 also comes in an 11-inch version, and the most obvious difference from the 12.9-inch version is the smaller screen. While that might be a negative for some people, it also makes it lighter and more compact, so choosing between them will really depend on how much you prize portability.

Also bear in mind, though, that it's not just the size of the screen that sets these two iPad Pros apart. The 11-inch Pro's display, a Liquid Retina IPS LCD offering 600 nits of brightness, is less high quality than the 12.9-inch version's Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED LCD, which delivers up to 1600 nits of brightness. On the plus side, the 11-inch model also comes in at a more affordable price.

(Image credit: Matthew Bolton/Digital Camera World)
This older iPad Pro offers excellent value

Specifications

Weight: 682g
Dimensions: 280.6 x 214.9 x 6.4 mm
OS: iPadOS 14
Screen size: 12.9-inch
Resolution: 2048 x 2732 pixels
CPU: Apple M1 chip
Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB/2TB
microSD slot: No
Rear cameras: 12MP wide (f/1.8), 10-MP ultra-wide (f/2.4)
Front camera: 12MP ultra-wide TrueDepth (f/2.4)

Reasons to buy

+
Fast processor
+
Best-in-class camera
+
Max 2TB storage

Reasons to avoid

-
Lacks microSD slot

The iPad Pro (2021) 12.9 has been put in the shade a little by its 2022 M2 successor, but it's still very capable nontheless. Housing Apple's M1 processor, its 8-core CPU is 50% faster than previous models, and the 8-core GPU delivers 40% faster graphics. You also get up to 2TB in storage and support for 5G, so it's great for photographers on the go. 

The rear camera's pretty good too, featuring a 12MP ultra-wide front-facing camera with a 122º field of view, and an ISP and LIDAR scanner for extra low-light detail. Its selfie camera was also the first to get the Center Stage function, which tracks your movement when recording video, and follows you to keep you in the centre. 

Unlike the 2022 iPad Pros, you won't get the Apple Pencil 2's Hover function, a USB-C port, Wi-Fi 6E, or the ability to shoot ProRes video. You won't get the super-fast M2 processor either. But if these things don't bother you too much, you'll also get to save a bit of money on the price.

(Image credit: Apple)

4. iPad Pro 11 (2021)

The 2021 iPad Pro's smaller, cheaper sibling

Specifications

Weight: 468g
Dimensions: 247.6 x 178.5 x 5.9 mm
OS: iPadOS 13
Screen size: 11-inch
Resolution: 2388 x 1668 pixels
CPU: A12X Bionic
Storage: 64GB/256GB/512GB/1TB
microSD slot: No
Battery: 7,812mAh
Rear camera: 12MP
Front camera: 7MP

Reasons to buy

+
Compact for portability
+
More affordable than 12.9-inch version
+
Matches almost all 12.9 specs

Reasons to avoid

-
Only 600 nits brightness

The 2021 version of the iPad Pro also comes in a more compact 11-inch version. That means the screen and overall is slightly smaller, it's lighter, and it's also cheaper. Apart from that, as with the 2022 iPad Pros, the main difference between the two versions is the quality of the screen, particularly the brightness (600 nits on the 11-inch compared with 1,600 nits on the 12.9). Otherwise, though, you get everything else on offer with the 12.9-inch version: the same M1 chip, the same generous storage, and the same excellent cameras.

(Image credit: Apple)

5. iPad Pro 12.9 (2020/4th generation)

A very affordable iPad Pro

Specifications

Weight: 639g
Dimensions: 280.4 x 214.8 x 5.8 mm
OS: iPadOS 14
Screen size: 12.9-inch
Resolution: 2048 x 2732 pixels
CPU: A12Z Bionic
Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB
microSD slot: No
Battery: 9,720mAh
Rear cameras: 12MP wide (f/1.8), 10-MP ultra-wide (f/2.4)
Front camera: 7MP

Reasons to buy

+
Fast performance
+
Excellent cameras
+
Magic Keyboard support

Reasons to avoid

-
Lacks M1 chip

The iPad Pro 12.9 (2020) may not have the latest M1 or M2 chip, but it does have a A12Z Bionic chip that's still very fast. So if you're not doing anything very heavy duty with your iPad, such as editing 8K video or massive RAW image files, you're unlikely to notice any difference between this and the 2021 version. That makes the more affordable price of this slightly-old-but-still-kind-of-new iPad a very tempting buy.

This iPad also offers supports the Magic Keyboard and offers a very nice camera setup. On the rear you get 12MP wide and 10MP ultra-wide sensors, along wth ToF LiDAR scanner for depth, and support for video up to 4K at 60fps. On the front, there's a 7MP camera for calls and selfies.

(Image credit: Apple)

6. iPad Pro 11 (2020/4th generation)

A smaller version of the 12.9 version, but otherwise the same

Specifications

Weight: 471g-473g
Dimensions: 247.6 x 178.5 x 5.9 mm
OS: iPadOS 13
Screen size: 11-inch
Resolution: 1668 x 2388 pixels
CPU: A12Z Bionic
Storage: 128GB/256GB/1TB
microSD slot: No
Battery: 7538Ah
Rear cameras: 12MP wide (f/1.8), 10-MP ultra-wide (f/2.4)
Front camera: 7MP

Reasons to buy

+
Compact and portable
+
More affordable than 12.9 version
+
Matches specs of 12.9 version

Reasons to avoid

-
You may prefer a larger screen

The 2020 iPad Pro also comes in an 11-inch version, which is as you'd expect, smaller, lighter and more portable. That's literally the only difference: in terms of specs, the two iPads are otherwise the same. So the choice between them comes down to how much the extra screen space of the 12.9-inch version is worth to you, and whether it's worth paying the extra cost or not.

iPad generations: Older iPad Pros

These older iPad Pros may also still be available as second-hand or refurbished models.

  • iPad Pro 12.9 inch, 3rd generation: 12MP Wide camera with Auto HDR and 4K video at 60 fps; 7MP FaceTime HD front camera with Auto HDR; 12.9-inch Retina display with ProMotion technology and True Tone
  • iPad Pro 12.9 inch, 2nd generation: 12MP Wide camera with Auto HDR and 4K video at 30 fps; 7MP FaceTime HD front camera with Auto HDR; 12.9-inch Retina display with ProMotion technology and True Tone
  • iPad Pro 12.9 inch, 1st generation: 8MP Wide camera with HDR and 1080p video; 1.2MP FaceTime HD front camera with Auto HDR; 12.9‑inch Retina display
  • iPad Pro 11 inch, 3rd generation: 12MP Wide camera with Auto HDR and 4K video at 60 fps; 7MP FaceTime HD front camera with Auto HDR; 12.9-inch Retina display with ProMotion technology and True Tone
  • iPad Pro 11 inch, 2nd generation: 12MP Wide and 10MP Ultra Wide cameras with Smart HDR and 4K video at 24 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps 7MP; TrueDepth front camera with Portrait mode, Portrait Lighting and Smart HDR; 11‑inch Liquid Retina display with ProMotion technology and True Tone
  • iPad Pro 11 inch, 1st generation: 12MP Wide camera with Smart HDR and 4K video at 30 fps or 60 fps 7MP; TrueDepth front camera with Portrait mode, Portrait Lighting and Smart HDR; 11‑inch Liquid Retina display with ProMotion technology and True Tone
  • iPad Pro 10.5 inch: 12MP Wide camera with Auto HDR and 4K video at 30 fps; 7MP FaceTime HD front camera with Auto HDR; 10.5-inch Retina display with ProMotion technology and True Tone
  • iPad Pro 9.7 inch: 12MP Wide camera with Auto HDR and 4K video at 30 fps; 5MP FaceTime HD front camera with Auto HDR; 9.7‑inch Retina display with True Tone

iPad Air

Until recently, things were pretty simple. The iPad Air sat in between the iPad Pro and the basic iPad in terms of price and performance. It was cheaper than the former, but more capable than the latter. Which meant that if you use an iPad regularly, but not for anything particularly resource-intensive, it would probably offer you the best value overall.

Since March 2022, however, that's all changed. The latest version of the iPad Air is something else entirely....

(Image credit: Rosie Hilder)
A serious alternative to the iPad Pro

Specifications

Weight: 461g
Dimensions: 247.6 x 178.5 x 6.1 mm
OS: iPadOS 15.4
Screen size: 10.9-inch
Resolution: 1640 x 2360 pixels
CPU: Apple M1
Storage: 64GB/256GB
microSD slot: No
Rear camera: 12MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/3", 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF
Front camera: 12 MP, f/2.4, 122˚ (ultrawide)

Reasons to buy

+
M1 chip
+
Fast transfer speeds
+
Decent selfie camera

Reasons to avoid

-
Pro still superior in many ways

In March 2022, Apple set the cat among the pigeons with this new 10.9-inch iPad Air. Equipped with the Apple-designed M1 chip, it delivers a massive leap in performance, making it a serious alternative to the iPad Pro for creatives.

Compared with its predecessor, you also benefit from an upgraded USB port for up to two-times-faster transfer speeds. There's an improved selfie camera featuring an Ultra Wide front camera, with Centre Stage. And you now get 5G on cellular models. 

Whether that justifies the extra price of this iPad Air really depends on how powerful a processor you need. If you're not running any heavy-duty software or games, you'll probably find that an earlier, cheaper iPad Air is just as good for things like surfing the web and watching movies. 

That said, for photographers, photo editors, video editors and graphic designers, as well as hardcore gamers who want to run AAA titles smoothly, the iPad Air 2022 is definitely worth considering. 

See our Apple iPad Air (2022) review 

(Image credit: Apple)

2. iPad Air (2020/4th generation)

A brilliant all-round iPad

Specifications

Weight: 458g
Dimensions: 247.4 x 178.3 x 6.1 mm
OS: iPadOS 15.1
Screen size: 10.9-inch
Resolution: 1640 x 2360 pixels
CPU: A14
Storage: 64GB/256GB
microSD slot: No
Rear camera: 12MP
Front camera: 7MP

Reasons to buy

+
Fast processor
+
Decent cameras
+
Great value overall

Reasons to avoid

-
Lacks M1 chip

The iPad Air provides more power than a basic iPad, but at a lower price than an iPad Pro. And with this version of the iPad Air, you're getting quite a decent amount of power.

Featuring Apple's A14 chipset, which is also used in the iPhone 12, it's pretty darned fast. You get a sophisticated Liquid Retina IPS LCD display, 10.9 inches in diameter, with a resolution of 2360 x 1640 and up to 500 nits of brightness; a smidge below the 600 nits on the iPad Pro 11-inch (2021). There's a 12MP wide camera on the rear, and a 7MP camera on the front supporting HDR. 

Yes, the iPad Pro 2021 is a cut above in all these respects, but we're not sure a lot of people will notice in practice, making this an excellent choice when it comes to value.

(Image credit: Apple)

3. Apple iPad Air (2019/3rd generation)

An older model that's still worth investigating

Specifications

Weight: 456g
Dimensions: 250.6 x 174.1 x 6.1 mm
OS: iPadOS 12
Screen size: 10.5-inch
Resolution: 1668 x 2224 pixels
CPU: A12 Bionic
Storage: 64GB/256GB
microSD slot: No
Rear camera: 8MP
Front camera: 7MP

Reasons to buy

+
Affordable price
+
Matches most 2020 specs

Reasons to avoid

-
Less powerful chip
-
Lower-res main camera

The 2019 iPad Air is cheaper than 2020 version, so what are the main differences? Firstly, the display is smaller, at 10.5 inches in diameter, and the resolution is a little lower, at 2224 x 1668. You're dropping down from the A14 Bionic chip to the A12 Bionic chip. And you're going from a 12MP rear camera to an 8MP one. 

In most other respects, though, they're pretty similar. And so if you can find this model at a bargain price, you shouldn't rule it out.

These older iPad Airs may also still be available as second-hand or refurbished models.

  • iPad Air 2: 8MP Wide camera with HDR and 1080p HD video; 1.2MP FaceTime HD front camera; 9.7‑inch Retina display
  • iPad Air 1st generation: 5MP Wide camera with HDR and 1080p HD video; 1.2MP FaceTime HD front camera; 9.7‑inch Retina display

iPad

As well as the iPad Pro, iPad Air and iPad mini, Apple also offers a basic line that's just called 'iPad'. If you want to do a lot of work on your iPad, especially if that involves photo or video editing, we wouldn't recommend these particular devices. However, they are a lot cheaper than other iPad lines, and so if all you want to do is a bit of light web surfing, play music and stream video, they're a great value choice. That said, the latest 2022 version of the 'basic iPad' isn't actually so basic...

(Image credit: Future)
The best base-level iPad

Specifications

Weight: 477g (Wi-Fi), 481g (LTE)
Dimensions: 248.6 x 179.5 x 7 mm
OS: iPadOS 16.1
Screen size: 10.9-inch
Resolution: 2360 x 1620 pixels
CPU: A14 Bionic
Storage: 64GB/256GB
microSD slot: No
Battery: 28.6Wh
Rear cameras: 12MP f/1.8
Front camera: 12MP f/2.4

Reasons to buy

+
Fastest processor on base-level iPad
+
Lovely screen
+
Good cameras

Reasons to avoid

-
Doesn't support Apple Pencil 2

The latest version of the base-level iPad is not just the best to date, it's quite a big jump up from its 2021 predecessor. This reimagined iPad offers a much cleaner, more modern design, a faster chip (A14 Bionic), a bigger screen (10.9 to 10.2 inches), and Wi-Fi has been upgraded to the Wi-Fi 6 standard. 

You'll also benefit from a better camera set up. On the front there's an ultrawide 12MP sensor with a 122-degree field of view (on the landscape side for better video calling), and on the back a 12MP back camera that can record up to 4K at 60fps, or 240fps slow-motion video. 

In short, this is certainly the most advanced 'basic' iPad to date, although with a signficantly higher price to match. Note, however, that like all the basic iPads, it does not support the Apple Pencil 2, only the Apple Pencil 1. (For details of the difference between these styluses, see our article Apple Pencil 1 vs 2).

Read our full Apple iPad (10th Gen, 2022) review

(Image credit: Apple)

2. iPad 10.2 (2021/9th generation)

A more affordable version of the basic iPad

Specifications

Weight: 487g
Dimensions: 248.9 x 172.7 x 7.4 mm
OS: iPadOS 15
Screen size: 10.2-inch
Resolution: 2160 x 1620 pixels
CPU: A13 Bionic
Storage: 64GB/256GB
microSD slot: No
Battery: 32.4Wh
Rear cameras: 8MP f/2.4
Front camera: 12MP f/2.4

Reasons to buy

+
A13 Bionic
+
TrueTone technology
+
Affordable price

Reasons to avoid

-
Less powerful than iPad Pro

The 2021 iPad is a step down from the pricier 2022 version. But it's still got a lot to offer. Most notably, it uses the A13 Bionic chip, making it 20% faster than the previous 8th-gen (2020) 10.2-inch iPad, and enabling machine learning features like Live Text, which can recognize text in a photo. 

It uses Apple's True Tone display technology to automatically adjust screen colours to react to the ambient lighting in your physical space. And it starts at 64GB storage, double that of the previous version. On the rear there's an 8MP camera, which is the same as the previous iPad, but the ultra-wide 12MP front camera is the range's best to date, capable of recording video in Full HD and supporting the Center Stage video feature.

(Image credit: Apple)

3. iPad 10.2 (2020/8th generation)

Older, more affordable version of the basic iPad

Specifications

Weight: 483g
Dimensions: 250.6 x 174.1 x 7.5mm
OS: iPadOS 13
Screen size: 10.2-inch
Resolution: 1620 x 2160 pixels
CPU: A12 Fusion
RAM: 3GB
Storage: 32/128GB
microSD slot: No
Battery: 8,827mAh
Rear camera: 8MP
Front camera: 1.2MP

Reasons to buy

+
Affordable price
+
Good performer overall

Reasons to avoid

-
Selfie camera not great

The 2020 version of the iPad 10.2 is cheaper still than the 2021 one, so what are you losing? There are two main differences that really matter. Firstly, the front-facing camera is a lot poorer, slumping from 12MP to just 1.2MP, and not supporting Center Stage. And secondly, the A12 Bionic chip is not as fast as the more zippy A13 Bionic Chip in the current version. 

We're talking degrees, though, rather than a massive slowdown. And so as long as you're not bothered about using the front camera much, this older model is still worth considering if the price is right.

(Image credit: Apple)

4. Apple iPad 10.2 (2019/7th generation)

Earlier means cheaper: a great budget iPad for casual use

Specifications

Weight: 483-493g
Dimensions: 250.6 x 174.1 x 7.5mm
OS: iPadOS 13
Screen size: 10.2-inch
Resolution: 1620 x 2160 pixels
CPU: A10 Fusion
Storage: 32/128GB
microSD slot: No
Battery: 8,827mAh
Rear camera: 8MP
Front camera: 1.2MP

Reasons to buy

+
Affordable price
+
Matches 2020 resolution
+
Matches 2020 cameras

Reasons to avoid

-
Not as fast as 2020 version

Now this 2019 version of the basic iPad is ageing, you should be able to pick one up for a cheap price. But what will you be getting? Well, it's actually not that different from the 2020 model. The dimensions are exactly the same. The screen resolution is exactly the same. And the front and rear cameras are exactly the same, too. 

The main difference between the 2019 and 2020 iPads comes with the processor. The A10 Fusion chip in this older model isn't quite as fast, so if speed and responsiveness are important to you, this might be a saving too far. If you can live with waiting the odd second or two for stuff to load though, you might prefer to save the money as there should be some pretty good discounts out there right now.

iPad generations: Older iPads

These older iPads may also still be available as second-hand or refurbished models.

  • iPad 6th generation: 8MP Wide camera with HDR and 1080p HD video; 1.2MP FaceTime HD front camera with HDR; 9.7‑inch Retina display
  • iPad 5th generation: 8MP Wide camera with HDR and 1080p HD video; 1.2MP FaceTime HD front camera with HDR; 9.7‑inch Retina display
  • iPad 4th generation (2012) 
  • iPad 3rd generation (2012)
  • iPad 2nd generation (2011)
  • iPad 1st generation (2010) 

iPad Mini

While the iPad mini is smaller than the basic iPad line, it's not cheaper but actually more expensive. That's because this line has a more powerful processor and more sophisticated display. So if you want a high-end iPad, but in a compact and portable form, these are the ones to go for.

(Image credit: Apple)

1. iPad Mini (2021/6th generation)

The latest and greatest iPad mini

Specifications

Weight: 290g
Dimensions: 203.2 x 134.8 x 6.1 mm
OS: iPadOS 13
Screen size: 8.3-inch
Resolution: 1488 x 2266 pixels
CPU: A15 Bionic
Storage: 64GB/256GB
microSD slot: No
Battery: 5,124mAh
Rear camera: 12MP
Front camera: 12MP

Reasons to buy

+
Beautifully portable
+
Powerful processor
+
Supports 5G

Reasons to avoid

-
Lacks M1 chip

If you do a lot of travelling, and like to travel light, a standard iPad can be too bit big and bulky. So the iPad Mini is a great choice, combining a compact size and light weight with impressive specs. 

This latest version comes with Apple's A15 Bionic processor, which also powers the iPhone 13, so it's a fast worker. It's got a lovely 8.3 inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone, and supports 5G (unless you opt for the Wi-Fi only version). 

The cameras are pretty great too. On the rear, you'll find a 12MP wide camera with Smart HDR 3 that supports 4K video at 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps. And on the front there's a 12MP ultra wide camera with Centre Stage and Smart HDR 3.

(Image credit: Apple)

2. Apple iPad mini (2019/5th generation)

A cheaper way to get an iPad mini

Specifications

Weight: 300.5g
Dimensions: 203.2 x 134.8 x 6.1 mm
OS: iPadOS 12
Screen size: 7.9-inch
Resolution: 1536 x 2048 pixels
CPU: A12 Bionic
Storage: 64GB/256GB
microSD slot: No
Battery: 5,124mAh
Rear camera: 8MP
Front camera: 7MP

Reasons to buy

+
Affordable price
+
Good performer

Reasons to avoid

-
Lower res cameras
-
Less powerful chip

The 2019 iPad mini is worth considering, either if you want to save money or you want a slightly smaller device.

This compact iPad, which sports a 7.9 inch Retina display with True Tone, has a slightly slower processor, in the form of the A12 Bionic chip. It's also a step down in terms of cameras, featuring an 8MP Wide camera with Auto HDR and 1080p HD video on the rear and a 7MP FaceTime HD front camera with Auto HDR on the front. 

But although this isn't quite as high-end as the 2021 iPad mini, these are quite impressive specs overall. And so if it were considerably cheaper than the latter, you wouldn't want to dismiss it.

iPad generations: older iPad Minis

These older iPad Minis may also still be available as second-hand or refurbished models.

  • iPad mini 4: 8MP Wide camera with HDR and 1080p HD video; 1.2MP FaceTime HD front camera with HDR; 9.7‑inch Retina display
  • iPad mini 3: 8MP Wide camera with HDR and 1080p HD video; 1.2MP FaceTime HD front camera with HDR; 9.7‑inch Retina display
  • iPad mini 2nd generation (2013) 
  • iPad mini 1st generation (2012)

FAQs

What is an iPad?

An iPad is a line of tablet computers designed and marketed by Apple. They run on the iOS or iPadOS operating system and offers various features like web browsing, email, media consumption, and app usage. The first iPad was launched in 2010, but there have been dozens of new versions since, and we list them and explain the differences between them in our article above.

Can I use a stylus or Apple Pencil with my iPad?

Many iPad models support the use of the Apple Pencil, which is a stylus designed for precise input, drawing, and handwriting recognition, and you can usually use other styluses with them as well. However, you'll need to check first that your specific iPad model is compatible with an Apple Pencil. You'll find details of this in the article above, or on the Apple website.

How can I extend my iPad's battery life?

You can extend your iPad's battery life by adjusting settings like screen brightness, disabling unnecessary background apps, enabling low-power mode, and managing push notifications. If that doesn't keep your iPad going long enough, you can also use a power bank for additional charging when on the go. Ultimately upgrading your iPad to a newer version will probably give you better battery life, but that will obviously come at a cost.

Was there a 2023 iPad?

You'll notice that despite it being 2024, the most recent iPads on our list above are dated 2022. That's because Apple's been taking a bit of a break lately, with no new models emerging since October of that year. And there's still no sign of new iPads on the horizon, although we're pretty sure they're coming at some point this year.

How to choose the best iPad

To find the ideal iPad, start by considering your budget. Then, focus on specific features that are important to you. These may include screen size and quality, but there may be compromises to made here. For instance, some come with 12.9 inch diameter screen, which will give you the maximum display area, but that does make the iPad larger and less portable, not to mention more expensive, so you may prefer a smaller model for these reasons. 

Another important factor is on-board storage. If you need lots of space for large files, you'll want an iPad Pro, as these are the only models that go beyond 256GB of storage; however, these are also the most expensive type of iPad. If you want to draw on your tablet, you'll want to pay attention to which iteration of the Apple Pencil each iPad supports; in our view, the Apple Pencil 2 is the best, but it's not supported by some older iPads.

Finally, when it comes to cameras the iPad Pro models stand out here, with their dual-lens rear cameras and most advanced on-device processing, plus a LiDAR sensor for focusing. However, ultimately no tablet can hold a candle to smartphones or dedicated cameras for taking photos or videos, so consider how important the camera on your tablet really is before chposing on that basis.

How we test iPads

Our experienced writers are experienced at both using and formally reviewing iPads. As a photography and video website, we pay close attention to each model's front and rear cameras, how it performs in photo and video editing, and the quality of the display. We'll also test more generally to assess the iPad's processing speed and battery life, combining both standard, objective tests such as benchmarking software and real-life usage scenarios, such as working through image libraries and using video editing apps. 

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Best stylus for iPads and iPhones

Tom May

Tom May is a freelance writer and editor specializing in art, photography, design and travel. He has been editor of Professional Photography magazine, associate editor at Creative Bloq, and deputy editor at net magazine. He has also worked for a wide range of mainstream titles including The Sun, Radio Times, NME, T3, Heat, Company and Bella.