Apple is a company that strives for simplicity and yet its iPad lineup is as confusing as it can be. There are multiple models of iPad that you can buy for 2020. These iPad models are concurrently available for purchase at Apple Store and each of them carries a different price tag, features and form factor. Sometimes knowing which iPad is the best for you can be a confusing affair.
The easiest way to compare iPads is by looking at their best features and looking at what other models have to offer. In this guide we will attempt to layout some of the main differences between various iPad models. With our iPad comparison we will hopefully help you in finding the right iPad for yourself.
So how many models of iPad are there for the year 2020? Well the answer is too many. If you go on Apple’s website right now, you will find four different models of iPad, which includes the following.
- iPad Pro
- iPad Air
- iPad
- iPad mini
With the exception of iPad Pro, which comes in two different size options all other iPad models that are available for purchase right now only come in one size. All models come with various storage options, cellular and non-cellular options.
Let’s explore main differences between iPad models to find out which iPad model is most suitable for your needs and budget.
iPad Pro: An iPad for the ‘Pros’
The iPad Pro is Apple’s most advanced and powerful iPad. iPad Pro comes in two sizes including 11-inch and 12.9-inch. Apart from being most advanced and powerful this is also the most distinctive iPad model due to its design. The 3rd generation iPad Pro features an all-screen design and unlike other iPad models it lacks home button. iPad Pros also offer features like Face ID, Second Generation Apple Pencil support, Liquid Retina Display with ProMotion, A12X Bionic Chip, 12-megapixel rear camera, a USB-C charging port and a 10 hour battery life.
iPad Pro’s all-screen design gives this iPad its modern look and feel that is missing from other models on sale from Apple.
Things that make iPad Pro different from other iPads:
- All-Screen Design
- Most powerful specs
- Face ID
- USB-C Port
- Second Generation Apple Pencil
- Liquid Retina Display with ProMotion (120hz refresh rate)
iPad Pro starting price for 11-inch and 12.9-inch: $799 and $999 respectively
iPad Air: For iPad lovers who want the best iPad experience
If you are looking for an iPad that is powerful, packed with features and does not cost $799 or higher, then look no further than iPad Air. This is the iPad for those who want the best specs and are not too fused about getting the device with the latest design. This third-generation iPad Air packs A12 Bionic Chip, 10.5-inch Retina Display that is fully laminated and features antireflective coating, support for first-generation Apple Pencil, 8-megapixel rear camera, FaceTime, Touch ID, stereo speakers and more.
Things that make iPad Air different from other models:
- Mid-range starting price
- 10.5-inch Fully Laminated and Antireflective coating equipped Retina Display
- Powerful A12 Bionic Chip
What iPad Air does not have:
- A12X Bionic chip
- All-screen design
- Face ID
- ProMotion display
- USB-C
- Second generation Apple Pencil support
iPad Air starts at $499
iPad: A budget friendly iPad that will not burn a hole in your pocket
Simply the ‘iPad’ is the newest addition to Apple’s iPad family. This iPad is Apple’s budget-friendly option that has a 10.2-inch Retina Display. The most distinctive feature of the 10.2-inch iPad is its low starting price of $329. In terms of price this iPad offers the best value for money and is easily the most suitable iPad for those looking for students, first time iPad buyers, casual gaming and as a media consumption device.
However that does not mean this iPad is not capable of doing heavy tasks. It offers all the features that are available with iPadOS, comes with A10 Chip, 10.2-inch Retina Display, 8-megapixel camera, First-Generation Apple Pencil support, Smart Keyboard support, Touch ID, FaceTime and more. Notably this iPad does not offer Fully Laminated and Antireflective coating screen features.
Things that make 10.2-inch iPad different from other models:
- An affordable price point
- 10.2-inch display
What iPad does not have:
- All-screen design
- A12(x) Bionic chip
- Fully Laminated, Antireflective and ProMotion equipped screen
- Face ID
- USB-C
- Second generation Apple Pencil support
iPad starts at $329
iPad mini: A small iPad that focuses on portability
If you are in the market for an iPad that offers portability without any sacrifices, then iPad mini is the iPad for you. The design of iPad mini has remained unchanged since its birth, yet this iPad looks and feels modern. 5th-Generation iPad mini has a screen size of just 7.9-inch, making it the most easy to carry iPad on the market. iPad mini offers features like A12 Bionic chip, 7.9-inch Retina Display that has Antireflective coating and is fully laminated, Apple Pencil support, Touch ID, 8-megapixel camera and more.
Things that make iPad mini different from other models:
- A small footprint for improved portability
- 7.9-inch Fully Laminated and Antireflective coating equipped Retina Display
- Powerful A12 Bionic Chip
What iPad mini does not have
- A12X Bionic chip
- All-screen design
- A12(x) Bionic chip
- Fully Laminated, Antireflective and ProMotion equipped screen
- Face ID
- USB-C
- Second generation Apple Pencil support
iPad mini starts at $399
There you have it, these are the main differences between various iPad models. In this iPad buying guide for 2020 we told you about what features different iPad models have that make them distinctive and what features are missing from these iPad models. The why we have compared iPads is to make your buying decision easier and help you in making an informed decision when buying new iPad for 2020.
If you have any questions regarding the iPad lineup, then feel free to let us know in the comments section below.
