Choose your size
The iPad now comes in four models with five different screen sizes
There are now four different iPad models available, ranging from the 8.3-inch iPad mini to the 12.9-inch iPad Pro. So the first thing to do when buying a new iPad is simply to decide on the screen size that you need.
The iPad mini’s compact design is ideal for travelling, and the A15 Bionic chip provides plenty of power. However, the 8.3-inch display doesn’t lend itself to precise graphics or video-editing work, and the small on-screen keyboard isn’t ideal for typing anything longer than a few emails. It’s a great option for entertainment on the go, though, from simple web browsing and ebooks, to gaming or watching a few films on a long journey.
Portable pad
If you don’t need an ultra-portable design, the 10.2-inch iPad is the most affordable option. The size and weight means it’s still very portable, and is great for most forms of entertainment, and it’ll enable you to type up a storm in Pages, Mail or other apps. Its A13 Bionic chip is a few years old, though, and doesn’t have the graphical horsepower needed for the latest games or top-level graphics apps.
The next step up in screen size is the 10.9-inch iPad Air – although this is where things get a bit tricky. The screen size and resolution of the iPad Air are very similar to those of the 11-inch iPad Pro, and both models have the same M1 chip, which provides strong performance for graphics, design and video work. However, the iPad Air is limited to 256GB storage, while the iPad Pro can go up to 2TB. The iPad Pro also includes Face ID and a Thunderbolt 4/USB 4 connector, while the iPad Air sticks with USB-C.
And, of course, the iPad Pro is also available with a 12.9-inch screen. It’s the heaviest iPad of the lot, but it’s still only around half the weight of an M1 MacBook Air. It has a higher screen resolution than the MacBook Air too, making it a great option for pro-level graphics work on the go.
The screen size and resolution of the iPad Air are very similar to those of the 11-inch iPad Pro