Complete history of Apple tablets: All iPad models. Why is iPad unique? The very 1st iPad

13.12.2023

Apple introduced its first iPad in 2010, and since then it is this name that first comes to the mind of any user from any country in the world when trying to find an association with the concept of a tablet computer. We think about a tablet, and the iPad immediately comes to mind, even if we are an ardent fan of Samsung or Microsoft products. This material contains the history of the development of the iPad from 2010 to 2018.

Screen- 9.7 inches;
CPU- Apple A4;
Memory: 16, 32, 64 GB;
Colors: silver back panel, black front panel;
Model numbers: A1219 (Wi-Fi) and A1337 (Wi-Fi + Cellular).

The idea of creating a tablet originated with Steve Jobs back in the mid-2000s, but the busyness of Apple engineers with the iPod Touch and iPhone projects made it possible to begin its implementation and release the finished device only by 2010. This is how the first iPad appeared - an intermediate link between a laptop and a smartphone, with a 9.7-inch diagonal multi-touch screen and a resolution of 1028 × 768 pixels (132 ppi).

The first iPad had a single-core 1 GHz Apple A4 processor and 256 MB of RAM, which looks pretty sad by today's standards. The tablet had no cameras at all, although the iOS 4 it supported already provided the ability to make video calls via FaceTime.

The first iPad supported a microSIM card.

Screen- 9.7 inches;
CPU- Apple A5;
Memory: 16, 32, 64 GB;
Colors:
Model numbers: A1395 (Wi-Fi), A1396 (Wi-Fi + Cellular), A1397 (Wi-Fi + CDMA).

So, even for the level of technology development at the end of 2010, the first Apple tablet was not impressive with its characteristics, to put it mildly. But already in March 2011, Apple introduced a new version of the iPad, in the description of which you can find many “2” numbers. The iPad 2 processor became 2-core, 2 times more RAM was installed (512 MB), and 2 cameras appeared at once with a resolution of 0.3 and 0.7 megapixels. In addition, Cellular models now supported the more popular MicroSIM cards, instead of the bulky standard ones.

In 2012, Apple also released a modified version of the iPad 2 with increased battery life, which was achieved through an improved Apple A5 processor (manufactured using a 32nm process) and a larger battery.

Screen- 9.7 inches;
CPU- Apple A5X;
Memory: 16, 32, 64 GB;
Colors: silver back panel, black or white front panel;
Model numbers: A1416 (Wi-Fi), A1430 (Wi-Fi + Cellular), A1403 (Wi-Fi + Cellular, Verizon subscribers only)

The main innovation of the iPad 3 was the Retina display with a resolution of 2048 × 1536 pixels, which provided twice the picture quality - 264 pixels per square inch versus 132 pixels in previous models. In addition, instead of the useless 0.7-megapixel main camera, the iPad 3 was equipped with a competitive iSight optical module with a 5-megapixel matrix. The Apple A5X processor had the same two cores and a clock frequency of 1 GHz, but the capacity of the RAM module was doubled again, to 1 GB.

Screen- 9.7 inches;
CPU- Apple A6X;
Memory: 16, 32, 64, 128 GB;
Colors: silver back panel, black or white front panel;
Model numbers: A1458 (Wi-Fi), A1459(Wi-Fi + Cellular), A1460 (Wi-Fi + Cellular, MM (multi-mode))

Six months later, in October 2012, another update awaited the line of Apple tablets. The main thing, from the point of view of the evolution of the model range, was the appearance in the new iPad of an 8-pin Lightning port (previously a wide 30-pin port was used), which is used to charge and synchronize iOS devices to this day. In addition, the iPad 4 was equipped with a faster Apple A6X processor and PowerVR SGX554MP4 graphics core, and also installed a front FaceTime camera with a 1.2 megapixel matrix. In February 2013, the iPad 4 with a built-in memory of 128 GB went on sale.

Screen- 7.9 inches;
CPU- Apple A5;
Memory: 16, 32 and 64 GB;
Colors:
Model numbers: A1432 (Wi-Fi), A1454 (Wi-Fi + Cellular), A1455 (Wi-Fi + Cellular, (multi-mode)).

The first “mini” became another intermediate link between a smartphone and a full-size tablet PC. The iPad mini with a 7.9-inch screen diagonal received a resolution of 1024 × 768 pixels (which corresponds to 163 ppi), as well as the Apple A5 processor, which was quite outdated at that time. The compactness of the device was ensured by narrowed side frames, and the volume rocker was divided into two autonomous buttons.

Screen- 9.7 inches;
CPU- Apple A7;
Memory: 16, 32, 64 and 128 GB;
Colors: silver back panel or space gray colors, black or white front panel;
Model numbers: A1474 (Wi-Fi), A1475 (Wi-Fi + Cellular), A1476 (Wi-Fi + Cellular, TD-LTE).

The “airy” name of the iPad Air, introduced in October 2013, was explained by the compactness and lightness of the device - it became 2 mm thinner, as much as 16 mm narrower and almost 30% lighter than the previous model. Following the iPhone 5s, the new flagship of the tablet line became the second Apple mobile gadget with a 64-bit A7 processor of its own production (in comparison with its “smartphone” counterpart, it was even overclocked by 0.1 GHz).

Screen- 7.9 inches;
CPU- Apple A5;
Memory: 16, 32, 64 and 128 GB;
Colors: silver or gray back panel, black or white front panel;
Model numbers: A1489 (Wi-Fi), A1490 (Wi-Fi + Cellular), A1491 (Wi-Fi + Cellular, TD-LTE)).

The iPad mini 2, also known as the iPad mini with Retina display, was introduced alongside the iPad Air on October 22, 2013. It’s not hard to guess that the main difference from the first mini-model was the high-resolution Retina screen (2048 × 1536 pixels, 326 ppi). The compact version of the tablet was also equipped with a 62-bit Apple A7 chip and an M7 motion coprocessor, thus placing it on the same shelf as the top gadgets of its time.

Screen- 9.7 inches;
CPU- Apple A8X;
Memory: 16, 32, 64 GB and 128 GB;
Colors:
Model numbers: A1566 (Wi-Fi), A1567 Wi-Fi + Cellular).

In the iPad Air 2, Apple for the first time for mobile devices used the 3-core Apple A8X processor, which had a decent clock frequency of 1.8 GHz, and also increased the amount of RAM to 2 GB. In addition, it was decided to abandon the specification with 32 GB of internal memory (it was later added) and implement the Touch ID fingerprint scanner expected by many users, which had been tested for a year on the iPhone 5s. Another long-awaited improvement is the upgrade of the main iSight camera matrix to 8 megapixels.

Screen- 7.9 inches;
CPU- Apple A7;
Memory: 16, 64 and 128 GB;
Colors:
Model numbers: A1599 (Wi-Fi), A1600 (Wi-Fi + Cellular).

iPad mini 3 does not have three processor cores; in general, its hardware and design are practically no different from the previous model. Among the notable innovations, the only notable innovations that can be noted are the appearance of a Touch ID fingerprint sensor and a gold-colored body.

Screen- 12.9 inches;
CPU- Apple A9X;
Memory: 32, 128 GB and 256 GB;
Colors: silver, gold back panel or space gray colors, black or white front panel;
Model numbers: A1584 (Wi-Fi), A1652 (Wi-Fi + Cellular).

In September 2015, Apple introduced the first device in its line of professional tablets, which can handle many tasks previously performed exclusively on laptops and desktop PCs. The gadget received a large 12.9-inch screen with a resolution of 2732 × 2048 pixels, a dual-core Apple A9X chip with PowerVR Series 7XT graphics and an M9 co-processor, as many as 4 GB of RAM, a smart connector for connecting an equally smart keyboard, stylus support Apple Pencil and four speakers for better sound.

Screen- 7.9 inches;
CPU- Apple A8;
Memory: 16, 32, 64 and 128 GB;
Colors: silver, gold back panel or space gray color, black or white front panel;
Model numbers: A1538 (Wi-Fi), A1550 (Wi-Fi + Cellular).

At the same time, in September 2015, the latest 4th generation iPad mini model was shown to the public. The gadget matches the iPad Air 2 in terms of technical characteristics, having received an Apple A8 processor, 2 GB of RAM, and an 8-megapixel camera. In addition, for the first time, the parameters of the case were changed (for example, it became thinner), which created a difference when purchasing accessories for the iPad mini 4 and earlier models of the line.

Screen- 9.7 inches;
CPU- Apple A9X;
Memory: 32, 128 and 256 GB;
Colors: silver, gold back panel or space gray, rose gold, black or white front panel;
Model numbers: A1673 (Wi-Fi), A1674/A1675 (Wi-Fi + Cellular).

The professional iPad in the usual 9.7-inch form factor is somewhat inferior to its older brother in terms of technical characteristics. It was equipped with a slightly less productive specification of the Apple A9X processor (2.16 GHz versus 2.26 GHz for the 12.9-inch model) and a RAM module cut in half - two gigabytes versus four. But the 9.7-inch iPad Pro was the first among all Apple gadgets to receive True Tone technology, which allows the display to change color temperature depending on the level of ambient light.

Screen- 9.7 inches;
CPU- Apple A9;
Memory: 32 and 128 GB;
Colors: silver, gold back panel or space gray color, black or white front panel;
Model numbers: A1822 (Wi-Fi), A1823 (Wi-Fi + Cellular).

In March 2017, Apple again diversified its tablet lineup by offering a lower-cost option for users who don't need the iPad Pro's features. The 9.7-inch gadget received a rather modest display matrix with a resolution of 2048 × 1536 (like the first generation iPad Air), an Apple A9 processor (without the “X”), and an 8-megapixel main camera. At the same time, the device has added in size and weight when compared with the iPad Air 2.

In this article we will discuss one of the most important characteristics of the iPad - screen diagonal. This is the most impressive detail of the tablet that immediately catches your eye. During its existence, the Apple company has released many models of this device. And they all come with different display sizes. Let's see how gadgets have changed according to this criterion over the years. Let's start the review with the very first lines - iPad 1, 2 and so on.

A tablet is a type of device whose display diagonal size is of great importance. The first generation, released 7 years ago, already came in a standard version, which took root for many years. The parameter in question did not change for gadgets until the 4th generation, although something new was added in terms of other screen characteristics:

iPad 1 had a diagonal of 9.7 inches (in iPad 2 the diagonal was left the same as in iPad 3 and iPad 4), with a resolution of 1024x768, 132 ppi.
iPad 2 – the same parameters in inches, exactly the same resolution and pixel density.
iPad 3 - 100% higher resolution than the first and second line of devices, the same with pixel density.
iPad 4 is all the same as its predecessor.

But regardless of the model, the picture on the display of Apple tablets has always been excellent. But technology is developing continuously and gadgets of the 3 and 4 line received a Retina display .

The four also increased the screen resolution and pixel density parameter. This made it possible to make the image look like a picture from a glossy magazine. Pixels are not visible at all, which adds realism. The developer made the 100% right choice by introducing this technology. Among 10-inch tablets, this device is considered the best. The only drawback is the lack of anti-reflective coating. This disadvantage was noted by many users on the forums.

The IPS matrix element, included in models of lines 1 – 4, produces a color gamut of maximum naturalism and provides maximum viewing angles. Its quality is especially visible when compared with previous display options. The capacitive sensor has also been improved. In addition, a warmer color scheme and improved image detail have been added.

Display sizes of iPad Air, iPad Air 2

The further development of tablets was very interesting. The body has been radically improved, new shades have appeared. The frames were significantly reduced, but the display sizes remained the same (as in the fourth and other iPads).

The more compact dimensions of the iPad Air line of tablets have taken them to a higher level, making them stylish and modern.

Characteristics of displays of Air model devices:

iPad Air – 9.7 inches, Retina, resolution 2048×1536, 264 ppi.
iPad Air 2 has exactly the same parameters as the first “air” tablet.

As you can see, everything remains the same. Only Retina technology is of interest. Thanks to it, the response period to touching the display and energy consumption have been significantly reduced.

iPad mini, iPad mini 2-4 screen parameters

The time has come to highlight tablets that are close to modern standards of top-end devices. The developer paused a bit with the display sizes and this innovation is for the better.

The mini versions have become widespread and are loved by many users. After all, carrying such a gadget with you is very comfortable, and its functionality is not inferior to ordinary models:

iPad mini - 7.9 inches, with a resolution of 1024x768, pixel density 163 ppi.
iPad mini 2 - the same diagonal, but the resolution and pixel density have been increased by 100%.
iPad mini 3 - exactly the same performance as the second mini variation.
iPad mini 4 - exactly the same as versions 2 and 3.

As can be seen from the characteristics presented above, the diagonals of the mini devices are not at all the same as in the 4 iPad and other standard versions. They are much smaller. The resolution setting is similar, but the number of dots is 1 inch larger.

Pro line tablets

In terms of “appearance”, the two variations of the gadget in this line are almost identical. Therefore, users here choose based on functionality, because not everyone needs a TV to carry with them all the time:

Pro variation 1 - 9.7 inches, Retina, resolution 2732x2048, 264 ppi.
Pro variation 2 – 12.9 inches, other parameters are exactly the same.

Today, these two models are the best, both in terms of picture quality and performance. The latest anti-reflective coating makes working in the sun comfortable.

Above was a historical background regarding the development of tablets from the Apple company in terms of display size. It's interesting how iPads will evolve in the future, but that's anyone's guess. But judging by the performance. For at least another 2-3 years, Pro will be at its best and will satisfy the needs of the most demanding users.

And since the subject of our conversation today is the second line of iPads, let’s take a closer look at the other characteristics of this line of tablets.

iPad 2 design

There has been no revolution since the release of the second generation of devices. Consumers were presented with the same product in a minimalist style, very neat, made of glass and aluminum materials. You may not like Apple devices, but you cannot deny that they are of decent quality. In terms of design, they are several steps ahead of similar gadgets from competitors. Let’s say you can’t put them on the same level as plastic products from Samsung Tab or Motorola XOOM, which consist of individual elements assembled together. If you have any doubts about this, just turn the Apple tablet in your hands and immediately feel the difference.

The rear part remained the same “indestructible”. It is made of scratch-resistant metal. The panel has now become almost flat - it narrows only towards the end part. The first line of tablets did not have this.

The Deuce is significantly thinner than its predecessor (and even the iPhone 4). Visually it seems that you can even scratch it, like a piece of paper. This effect is created thanks to the same narrowing towards the ends. In it, the developer used the same design idea as in the MacBook Air, in which the minimum thickness parameters are only 3 millimeters.

The tablet also lost a little weight. True, only 6 grams compared to its predecessors, but still this is a positive result. However, at that time, according to this criterion, the iPad 2 was ahead of its competitor from the Korean company - Galaxy, which weighed 7 grams less. At the same time, its body was made of plastic, which does not add to its price.

iPad 2 equipment

Everything here is standard and predictable, nothing new. In the box with the second tablet, in addition to the device itself, the user found:

charging element;
USB cord;
documentation;
brochures and stickers with Apple logos.

The Apple company, as always, has not betrayed the principles of minimalism. The rather large box did not contain anything notable accessories. By the way, the adapter is for an American outlet. So, whether you like it or not, you will have to purchase an adapter.

Battery for the second tablet

The period of operation without additional recharging of devices of the second line is the same 10-12 hours. The same was true for the starter product of this type. And this is all during active use using wireless elements, while watching movies and listening to music tracks.

All this is impressive, considering that we are talking about a device with a nine-cell battery. According to these criteria, Apple's tablet has no competitors to this day. Similar gadgets from other companies operating on Android work for about 6 hours without recharging. It is especially pleasing that a long period of autonomous operation was preserved with a significant reduction in the thickness of the case.

And a little more about the display...

This element was already the pride of the company in the very first tablet. At that time it was of the best quality - competitors had nothing like it. In the second generation tablet everything remains the same. Many fans of Apple products expected to see Retina technology in it, that is, a resolution increased by 400%. But for such parameters, the device did not have enough processor power and graphics element. In other words, a miracle did not happen. And if it happened, the starting price of the gadget would soar by at least 50%.

But this display has also become one of the best in terms of brightness, resolution and responsiveness to touch. It is not for nothing that any devices with a touch mechanism are usually compared with iPhones and iPads, because the latter have no equal.

However, there are also more significant distinctive points compared to the previous version and competitors. For example, thanks to the oleophobic layer, the display is not easily soiled. It is very difficult to stain it with touches. And if any dirt suddenly appears, it can be easily removed. Users have to clean the devices of the first line and tablets of competitors constantly.

Efficiency has increased in many areas - when surfing the Internet, when working with graphic elements. Separately, it is worth mentioning the increase in memory on board the second tablet to 512 megabytes. Of course, today such an indicator will seem ridiculous, but at that time it caused delight.

The operating system in this line of tablets, compared to the previous one, was also more advanced. She was an order of magnitude taller. Accordingly, the functionality has expanded, and the work has become faster.

The tablet performs all commands perfectly. This applies to the interface, a fast browser, no freezing or slowdown of programs, and lively playing video.

Apple has always been distinguished by its ability to present its own products. In 2010, Steve Jobs showed the world the iPad. In his opinion, the device was supposed to partially replace computers due to the compactness of the gadget. Moreover, the company has prepared several branded lines designed to fulfill the assigned tasks: work, study, leisure. We invite you to take a closer look at the families of tablets.

iPad lineup with average price:

iPad 1- 2010. Model: A1219, A1337. 5000 rub.
iPad 2- 2011. Model: A1395, A1396, A1397. 5000 rub.
- 2012. Model: A1416, A1430, A1403. 10000
iPad 4- end of 2012. Model: A1458, A1459, A1460. 10,000 rub.
iPad mini- end of 2012. Model: A1432, A1454, A1455. 6000 rub.
iPad Air- end of 2013. Model: A1474, A1475, A1476. 15000 rub.
- end of 2013 – beginning Model: A1489, A1490, A1491. 10,000 rub.
- end of 2014. Model: A1566, A1567. From 30,000 rub.
iPad mini 3- end of 2014. Model: A1599, A1600. From 20,000 rub.
iPad Pro 12.9- 2015. Model: A1584, A1652. From 65,000 rub.
iPad mini 4- 2015. Model: A1538, A1550. From 25,000 rub.
iPad Pro 9.7- 2016. Model: A1673, A1674. From 30,000 rub.
- 2017. Model: A1822, A1823.
iPad Pro 10.5- 2017. Model: A1701, A1709, A1852. From 40,000 rub.
iPad Pro 12.9(2nd generation) - 2017. Model: A1670, A1671, A1821. From 70,000 rub.

Classic line

Was shown in 2010. A revolutionary product at that time, now it looks clumsy. The weight of the gadget exceeded half a kilogram, and the technical parameters left much to be desired. At the first iPad there was no camera.

In 2011, the situation did not change radically. The iPad 2 looked awkward. Although the body was made more streamlined. But the technical characteristics have improved noticeably. U second iPad there was even a camera.

In 2012 third revision tablets created a real sensation. The design began to resemble the modern look of devices, and the technical parameters of iPad 3 took several steps forward:

In 2012, another event happened - the iPad 4 was released. In fact, the public was presented with a modified version of the “troika”, from which it is practically no different except for a few points:

The classic line of tablets was in a lull until 2017, when the company showed off the iPad 5. Distinctive model features consist of support for the latest versions of the OS, an updated processor and increased battery capacity. More details about technical specifications:

mini line

A compact copy of the classic iPad model - that's all you need to know about the mini line. In addition to its miniature size, the device also has other distinctive characteristics: narrow frames, solid color design of the body and buttons for volume control have physical media. We invite you to look at the hardware of a tablet computer iPad mini:

Successful sales of the mini forced the company to work hard on developing a compact family. We suggest you look what changed in iPad mini 2:

Apple did not delay the continuation for long and showed the general public the third member of the “mini” family. Most of the innovations concerned design. So the “home” key became identical in color to the body. Characteristics

One of the journalists called the fourth mini “a kitten in which a tiger is hidden.” It’s hard to argue with the statement, since the tablet, despite its modest dimensions, has a solid filling. iPad mini 4 is:

Air line

At the end of 2013, the Apple campaign prepared a new line - Air. The main difference from other families is the search for a golden mean between compactness and ergonomics, which is reflected in the appearance of the device. In technical terms, the iPad Air didn’t fly anywhere:

Literally a few months later in 2014, the second revision was released. Visually, the tablets were practically no different from each other. The only thing that influenced the design was the addition of golden color. Major changes iPadAir 2 touched on the hardware:

Pro versions of the tablet

The first tablet whose main audience is professionals (artists, animators, engineers, etc.). A distinctive feature of the family is the increased screen diagonal, as well as support for Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard tools. In all revisions, the hardware of the family is noticeably superior to representatives of other lines:

We present to your attention the smallest tablet of the professional family. Thanks to its small dimensions, the presented product becomes the most practical option for portable use. The developers awarded the iPad Pro 9.7 with the most powerful camera. Most other characteristics remain virtually unchanged

Representative of the line of the most powerful tablets from Apple with a 10.5-inch screen. It differs from previous revisions of “Professional Devices” in its average screen diagonal. Key parameters:

The broad consumer audience of the tablet market is gradually adopting a narrow focus. iPads are used primarily by people in creative professions. Especially for them, Apple has prepared an improved version of the largest iPad, which was released in 2017. The device has the following characteristics:

Latest iPad model 2018 (sixth generation)

The release of iPad 2018 is timed to coincide with the successful start of sales of the iPhone X, which was reflected in the design of the tablet. By tradition, the device has become a little thinner. The main changes lie in the technical characteristics, which will be discussed in more detail:

Aluminum frame, available in colors: “gold”, “space gray”, “silver”.
8 MP camera, supporting shooting in HD quality.
Volume drive: 32 and 128 GB.
Quad core CPU A10
Display Retina measuring 9.7 inches.
Touch ID.
Versions: A1893, A1954

New iPad release date

According to analysts, there is no point in expecting a new version of the iPad in the coming year. The presentation of the iPad 6 took place just recently, so the issue of the new product is postponed until next year. Among the new products this year you can only expect new versions OS, as well as the availability of the AirPower charging station. In addition, the company has not yet officially announced the iPhone SE 2.

How to find out your iPad model

If you want to buy a device from Apple, then you need to know everything about the tablet model. This kind of knowledge is especially good when you buy a tablet from someone else. Each iPad is well-built, but the hardware can vary greatly. Without knowing all the subtleties, there is probability of overpaying for an obsolete device. Although there have been cases when unscrupulous online stores sent customers an Iphone SE instead of an Iphone SE. In order to avoid such troubles, we offer several steps to help you decide:

If the iPad is in your hands and the desire to find out information about it is a personal interest, then you can use iTunes service.
After synchronization, the service will instantly display detailed technical characteristics of the device on the screen.

Apple tablets are characterized by quality, so don't be surprised that 2-year-old models remain the best representatives of the class in 2020.

There are also older models to consider, which, while not sold directly in Apple stores, remain available from retailers, often at steep discounts.

With all this in mind, the number of options available can seem overwhelming, and you could end up spending more than you planned on buying an iPad that doesn't suit your needs at all. But you can avoid this fate by simply reading our guide. Below you'll find our roundup of the best iPads in 2020, with pros and cons, tablet specs, and of course access to full reviews of each model in the rankings if you want to take a closer look at any of the options below.

Find out what are in the world;
Not an Apple fan? Look ;

1 | IPAD PRO 11 (2018)

BEST IPAD YOU CAN BUY IN 2020

pros: Stylus mount | Monstrous performance;
Minuses: Software inferior to laptop | Stylus and keyboard separately;

The iPad Pro 11 is the best iPad you can buy in 2020. It may be an expensive tablet, but it's Apple's most powerful iPad yet, and it aims for a 2-in-1 design if you can afford the pricey keyboard.

The tablet has a laptop-like design and performance, and the new Apple Pencil attaches to the iPad Pro body using built-in magnets. With excellent speakers and a great screen-to-body ratio, it's hard not to love the carefully crafted design and hardware components inside.

And with the release of iPadOS, its software has changed, making the tablet even better than at launch.

Another purely mobile problem: the tablet does not have a headphone jack. If you need a standard 3.5mm port in your mobile computer, an Apple tablet is not the best choice.

Everything the iPad Pro 11 offers makes it Apple's best tablet - you'll just have to swallow the high price and the fact that it won't completely replace the MacBook.

2 | IPAD PRO 12.9 (2018)

BEST IPAD AMONG LARGE TABLETS

pros: Big screen | Unsurpassed sound quality;
Minuses: Battery life | Face ID quality;

The iPad Pro 12.9 (2018) is a giant monster - a monster, but in a good way, as it will easily take over half of your life's digital tasks - goodbye mobile phone, laptop, album, mixing console, games console. It's the perfect tablet for creativity and work, with a huge screen, useful peripherals, and fast iPadOS.

It offers the most processing power available in a mobile device, four speakers, a bright screen and, depending on the model, more storage space than you'll ever need.

The tablet doesn't offer the best battery life, so don't expect long-term use. You may not be able to use it to watch movies on a long trip, nor will you be able to use it to mix music. The tablet also charges quite slowly.

Overall, the iPad Pro 12.9 (2018) is one of the best iPads you can buy in 2020, but if you don't need its huge display, the cheaper iPad Pro 11 will save you some money and remain more portable.

3 | iPad 10.2

Apple's base iPad gets a larger screen.

pros: The display has become larger | Smart Keyboard support;
Minuses: Slightly better than iPad 9.7 | iPad Air is better for drawing;

iPad 10.2 marks the next step in bringing Apple's base line of tablets even closer to the iPad Pro - or at least the latest iPad Air - thanks to support for the Smart Keyboard and a slight increase in screen size from 9.7 to 10.2 inches.

The iPad 10.2, among other things, offers some performance gains with at least one extra gigabyte of RAM compared to the iPad 9.7 (2018), although it still runs on A10 chips.

The design remains largely the same, meaning the bezels around the display are quite large and the home button remains, so if you're looking for one of Apple's sleekest tablets, this isn't it.

On the other hand, excellent battery life, decent performance and a very low price - at least by Apple standards - mean a lot to the average user, especially if you're looking for the best Apple iPad features on a budget.

4 | IPAD AIR 10.5 (2019)

BEST COMPROMISE FOR STUDENTS

pros: Laminated screen | Smart Keyboard support;
Minuses: Works with 1st generation Pencil | Old design;

The new iPad Air with a 10.5-inch screen is the perfect compromise between the entry-level iPad 9.7 and the more powerful but also expensive iPad Pro 11. In most stores in Russia it is sold at the price of the original iPad, so it is cheaper than the iPad Pro 10.5 (2017), which it replaces, although it is not a member of the “Pro” family. However, the tablet offers several high-quality features that make it a compelling addition to your laptop.

It's one of the cheapest iPads available that's compatible with Apple's Smart Keyboard Cover, meaning you won't have to deal with fancy Bluetooth keyboards to get the full tablet experience.

It is also equipped with Apple's A12 chipset, borrowed from the iPhone XS. This is an incredibly fast tablet. Students will be able to take notes and respond to email using a tablet, but artists will hate the first generation Apple Pencil.

5 | IPAD MINI (2019)

BEST SMALL TABLET OF 2020

pros: Compact size | Surprisingly powerful;
Minuses: Thick screen panels | Old Pencil;

Sometimes, as a tablet, you need a device that's little larger than a phone, and the iPad Mini (2019) fits the bill. It's a sleek tablet with impressive specs, the latest Apple processor, and decent battery life.

What makes the iPad Mini (2019) the best Apple tablet of 2020 is the ability to use the Apple Pencil, which turns the iPad into a tiny laptop in your pocket.

The iPad Mini (2019) is one of the best compact tablets available in the market in 2020, so if you are looking for a portable, pocket-sized device, you can't find a tablet better than the iPad Mini.

6 | IPAD PRO 10.5 (2017)

EXPERIENCE WITH IPAD PRO FOR CHEAPER

pros: Great speakers | 512 GB model;
Minuses: Screen raises price | iOS doesn't allow you to replace your laptop;

The iPad Pro 10.5 is Apple's all-star tablet, which recently succeeded the iPad Pro 11. There is good news for the Pro 10.5, however, as the tablet is now cheaper - although it continues to be sold directly from Apple

The new ProMotion screen offers an extra level of fluidity in everyday use - and the smaller bezels are exactly what make the screen larger while still keeping the overall size of a 9.7-inch tablet in 2020.

This is the iPad for professionals and those who enjoy consuming the highest quality multimedia content.

It takes advantage of the Apple Pencil and some iPadOS tablet features, including the Dock panel, Control Center, and Instant Markup with a stylus. If you invest in a recommended Smart Keyboard, you can take your iPad Pro to the next level without having to jump through hoops with Bluetooth accessories.

7 | iPad 9.7 (2018)

GOOD IPAD FOR THE TYPICAL USER

pros: Inexpensive | Works with Apple Pencil;
Minuses: Educational ambitions | No Smart Keyboard;

This is Apple's best iPad for the average consumer and education segment, even if it is still not the most powerful tablet from the manufacturer, what it lacks in performance it makes up for in price. On the other hand, the new iPad 10.2 is superior to the original iPad 9.7 in a number of ways, with the advantage of being available in Apple stores, whereas the 9.7-inch iPad is no longer available from Apple.

The new iPad (2018) succeeds the extremely similar iPad (2017), sitting below the Pro and Air series, remaining a solid tablet that hasn't changed much over the years - but Apple clearly thinks the idea is a success.

It works with Apple Pencil, offering you the cheapest way to draw on the 9.7-inch screen, although you won't be able to get a Smart Keyboard with this model, an option that remains exclusive to the Pro.

It also has a luxurious metal body, like all of Apple's iPad tablets, although it is slightly thicker than the iPad Air 2 and iPad Pro at 7.5mm.

With a built-in fingerprint scanner, iOS 12 under the hood, and up to 10 hours of battery life for web browsing or video, the new iPad (2018) is an excellent media player and a good tablet in every way, as long as you don't plan to use it for demanding applications. task performance.

8 | iPad 9.7 (2017)

PREMIUM BUT AFFORDABLE IPAD

pros: Sound quality | Performance for the price;
Minuses: Apple Pencil separately | Old design;

iPad (2017) marked a name change for Apple's tablet series, as the Cupertino firm ditched "Air" in favor of a clean moniker.

Since then, the iPad (2017) has been replaced by the new iPad (2018), followed by the iPad 10.2 (2019), but it's still a good iPad if you're looking for Apple's most affordable tablet in 2020.

The only real problem is that new iPads don't cost much more, so if you can afford the price difference, a new 2018 or 2019 tablet is a better buy.

9 | IPAD PRO 12.9 (2017)

OLD BUT GREAT IPAD

pros: Big screen | Huge productivity;
Minuses: Too expensive for some;

We really like the iPad Pro for its large size, and this tablet comes the closest to emulating the MacBook with its 2-in-1 hybrid form factor. It just runs iPadOS 13 instead of macOS.

It's the best tablet in terms of productivity and entertainment thanks to its 12.9-inch screen, four speakers and a docking station, along with a multitasking interface. Apple has redesigned its Control Center interface to make it easier to navigate between apps, and the tablet is also compatible with the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard.

Biggest weakness? The iPad Pro 12.9 price and size simply aren't right for everyone. But if you can afford it and want the largest iPad available, you'll love this tablet and it can replace a laptop for many.

10 | IPAD MINI 4

OUTDATED BUT DECENT.

pros: Big screen | Sleek design;
Minuses: Old processor | No fingerprint scanner;

Big screens aren't for everyone, which is where the 7.9-inch iPad Mini 4 comes in. The screen size means it's much more compact than Apple's larger tablets, especially since it weighs just 299 grams. Of course, it's not small enough that you can easily use it with one hand, but you'll be able to comfortably hold it for much longer than most Apple tablets, and you'll be able to toss it into your bag with ease.

It's also large enough that you can enjoy browsing the web or watching videos when you're away from home and the big screen, but the 7.9-inch tablet obviously won't be able to offer the same visual media consumption experience as older ones 9.7- and 12.9-inch Apple tablets.

Its small size and lack of Smart-Connector also make it less suitable for work than the Pro series tablets in the iPad camp, but the smaller tablet in the series is not intended to replace a laptop.

It's still quite a powerful tablet, thanks to 2GB of RAM and the aging but still impressive Apple A8. The screen remains sharp, rich in color and easy to see even in bright sunlight.

The iPad Mini 4 is without a doubt the best small tablet in the series, and it's also a fraction of the cost of the Pro range, with a price tag starting at $399. Models come in capacities up to 128GB of storage, so you won't be limited by any restrictions - although the Mini 4 doesn't have a 256GB version like the iPad Pro.

Notably, it was replaced by the iPad Mini (2019), which will be a much better value for most users, but it's still a serious tablet in 2020.

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