Purchasing an iPad can be a significant investment, and choosing the right model for your needs is crucial. In this blog, I’ll be reviewing and ranking the best iPads based on real user feedback and in-depth reviews to help you find the perfect fit for your needs.
1. Apple iPad 10.2 inch 9th Gen:
Helpful Review: I have never owned an iPad before. but I wanted one because moving my laptop would be cumbersome and using my phone tires my eyes as the screen is too small. i got this for the purpose of watching movies in bed, but I find myself using the calendar, using quick notes, and surfing the internet. The battery lasts a long time. its a lot easier to read on an iPad than it is on a phone.
I got a generic stylus pencil from ali express and it works fine with the iPad. I like apple but 80 dollars for a glorified stylus is kinda ridiculous. The price may be a deciding factor but you cannot buy this model in stores anymore (to the best of my knowledge) and apple products (FROM THE APPLE STORE) on amazon tend to be cheaper than physically in store. you can still get apple care.
I will be using this for textbooks as well. I do not have a keyboard but I like writing with the pencil. maybe one day ill get a keyboard but at that point if you are doing all that then I suggest you get a Chromebook or a smaller MacBook. I do not feel like the iPad would be good for anything extensive but that’s just my opinion. my needs are very basic.
When I want to make music i use my computer because its easier to see waveforms on the monitor. I feel like trying to make music on an iPad would be difficult. If you get a renewed iPad from a seller that is not directly from the apple store, you might get a defective product. I did trying to save money and it was a complete waste of my time. Overall I am very happy with my purchase and know i will have and use this product for a long time.
2. Apple iPad 10th Generation:
Helpful Review: As I get older, vision challenges make it inconvenient to spend a lot of screen time on my iPhone – whether it’s checking emails, Facebook posting, or playing games. I decided to bite the bullet and move up to the IPad, and although it’s only been a couple of weeks, I’m extremely pleased with my investment (and it was an investment, as I went with the newer model and higher memory). It’s extremely convenient and the screen is amazingly clear. I’ve even splurged on Apple News, so that I can get all the latest – including video footage – daily at my fingertips.
After using for a bit, I went back and purchased one of the cases, as the screen seemed pretty exposed and vulnerable, but that may just have been my perception. I also seem to burn through the battery more quickly than the marketing tells me. I did learn that apps don’t close quite the same way that they do on an iPhone, and that if I set the IPad to sleep when not in use, the battery lasts longer. I’ve just adapted to keeping the cord nearby and changing whenever I’m doing something else. Since my main usage is in my home, that causes me no inconvenience.
All in all, a pricey investment, but one I’m not a bit sorry I made. In fact, we may be ordering another for my husband shortly, as he seems a bit jealous of my new toy!
3. Apple iPad Air 10.9 Inch:
Helpful Review: This iPad Air is an absolute powerhouse and is able to accomplish so many of the things that you would typically do in your day to day that the Pro model almost doesn’t seem worth it. To start, this iPad is thin, light, and takes up virtually no space in most work bags and backpacks. It is easy to take on the go, and the battery life is incredible. This iPad is also compatible with the Apple Pencil, which makes sketching and taking notes a simple task.
For me, however, the best part about this iPad is the power under the hood. The M1 chip is capable of running virtually any iOS app flawlessly, and honestly makes the MacBook feel like an accessory. I’ve used this to play multiple mobile games with high frame rates, edit videos on the go, and for watching videos when sitting in waiting rooms. I haven’t had any issues with apps slowing down or freezing, and it is capable of doing anything I need. When using it with an add-on keyboard, it really does make the MacBook and other computing devices feel obsolete as it has so much processing power even in 2024.
The iPad also has a built-in front and rear camera for taking photos, recording videos or to FaceTime your coworkers or family. The quality of these cameras are not the greatest, but are still nice to have. The speakers also get very loud and sound good overall but there is a bit of thinness to some details in various movie scenes and songs. The only real complaint I have is the limited storage space, but as long as you aren’t taking too many photos or working on too many projects at a time, the storage is more than enough.
Overall, this iPad still holds its own in 2024, as when it is on sale, it is an absolute steal. I would highly recommend getting this for those uncertain on what to choose, and I must say I have been very happy with it!
4. Apple iPad Pro 6th Generation:
Helpful Review: It’s everything you could want in an iPad. The features of the iPad Pro 12.9 6th generation are over the top. The touch screen is dreamy with a soft touch. I use the Apple Pen and it’s capabilities are amazing from a light touch, drawing, correcting, erasing, writing notes and converting to text. The screen size is comparable to a laptop. Movies while traveling do not require squinting. Sound is excellent (no tinny sound). Sure the 12.9 is a bit more $ than the 11″ but the extra screen size makes quite a difference for me. Add all the features to the RAM and storage, speed and high quality graphics and camera, and you’ve got the ultimate iPad.
I purchased this iPad 6th generation to get the facial recognition which is amazing for logging in to many apps because it eliminates the need to enter passwords. I’m 68 and have no desire to keep a list of passwords! I love it. Kudos to Apple. I read a lot of reviews from tech experts and was hoping it would live up to the hype although they did recommend the 11″ since the 12.9″ really has no great upgrade on capabilities other than the large screen. Still, I’m so glad I chose the size which for me is perfect. Highly recommend.
5. Apple iPad 2018 Model:
Helpful Review: Well, first off when I unboxed it, the first thing that I noticed was that the box and all the packaging was cool from it being left outside my door but the iPad was hot. That’s because it was shipped powered on. Not to mention it came with a USB-C to USB-C charger which this version of iPad does not use, so I have to buy a lightening charger. This tells me my item was not shipped with care.
I am concerned about the home button. It is wobbly and unstable and I get the feeling it’s going to eventually be pushed down and then either not pop back up or not work it feels wobbly inside the little circle when you push it so I try not to push the home button too much but it also concerns me because that means my fingerprint ID won’t work anymore if it does break and I hope it’s within the return period.
Considering the condition that was advertised it’s really not as banged up as I expected as a matter of fact I don’t really notice any scratches or dings except around the charging port and that’s not even a big deal. I charged it up it seems to hold a charge OK I’ll bring it to my home office to stream while I’m working and it starts at 100% and is down to 45% after 7 hours of streaming. Not bad. So far no complaints. It will get light used for me as I do have a iPhone and a MacBook this is something I can throw in my bag and take it with me when I travel and I also use it to read all my kindle books. For what I paid I am very pleased
Considerations for Choosing the Right iPad:
Performance Needs:
Consider the chip model (A13, A14, M1, M2) based on your performance requirements.
Display Size and Quality:
Choose a display size and quality that suits your preferences, especially if you plan to use it for multimedia or productivity.
Connectivity Options:
Consider USB-C for versatile connectivity or Wi-Fi 6 for faster internet access.
Storage Capacity:
Assess your storage needs and choose an iPad with an appropriate capacity (64GB, 256GB, or higher).
Budget Constraints:
Balance your requirements with your budget to find the best value for your money.
Intended Use:
Tailor your choice based on whether you need the iPad for general use, creative tasks, or professional applications.
Longevity:
Consider the model’s release date and potential future-proofing based on your usage expectations.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, choosing the right iPad among the top 10 models in 2024 requires careful consideration of your specific needs and preferences. Each iPad caters to a distinct set of users, from budget-conscious individuals seeking essential features to professionals demanding cutting-edge performance. The Apple iPad 10.2 inch 9th Gen stands out as an affordable performer for general use, while the iPad Pro 6th Generation caters to professionals with its top-tier capabilities.
For those prioritizing modern design and powerful performance, the iPad 10th Generation is a sleek and efficient choice, while the iPad Air 10.9 Inch, with its M1 chip, is a creative powerhouse for demanding tasks. Budget-friendly options like the iPad 2018 Model, 2017 Model, and 7th Generation provide practical solutions for basic usage and multimedia consumption. The iPad Air 2 strikes a balance between performance and cost, making it a reliable choice.
If you’re looking for a recent model with versatile features, the iPad 8th Generation offers a well-rounded performance at a moderate price. Lastly, the iPad 5th Generation remains an entry-level device, providing a budget-friendly option for users with more modest needs.
To make the right choice, carefully assess your performance requirements, budget constraints, and intended use. Consider factors such as chip models, display size, connectivity options, and storage capacities. By aligning your priorities with the features of each iPad, you can confidently select the one that best suits your lifestyle, ensuring a satisfying and tailored iPad experience.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ):
Q1: Which is the best iPad for students?
A: The Apple iPad 10.2 inch 9th Gen is an excellent choice for students. It offers a balance of performance and affordability, making it suitable for various academic tasks, learning, and entertainment.
Q2: What is the best iPad for seniors?
A: Seniors may find the Apple iPad 8th Generation (2020 Model) to be a versatile option. Its moderate price, user-friendly interface, and reliable performance make it a suitable choice for everyday tasks.
Q3: What is the best iPad for drawing?
A: The Apple iPad Pro 6th Generation stands out as the best choice for drawing. Its M2 chip, enhanced Apple Pencil support, and large, high-resolution display make it ideal for creative professionals and artists.
Q4: What is the best iPad for Procreate?
A: Procreate users will appreciate the capabilities of the Apple iPad Pro 6th Generation. Its powerful M2 chip, exceptional display quality, and support for the Apple Pencil make it an excellent choice for digital illustration and design.
Q5: Which is the best iPad for gaming?
A: For gaming enthusiasts, the Apple iPad Pro 6th Generation with its M2 chip and exceptional display, or the iPad Air 10.9 Inch with the M1 chip, offer top-tier performance, ensuring a smooth gaming experience.
Q6: What is the best iPad for college?
A: The Apple iPad 10th Generation is a great fit for college students. With its modern design, A14 Bionic chip, and multitasking capabilities, it supports various academic tasks, note-taking, and productivity.
Q7: What is the best iPad for work?
A: Professionals seeking a powerful iPad for work-related tasks should consider the Apple iPad Pro 6th Generation. Its M2 chip, multitasking capabilities, and large, high-quality display make it well-suited for productivity and demanding workloads.
