Which iPad to buy in 2021

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Find out how the models available on the market differ and choose the tablet that's perfect for your needs.

Current models

Tablets that can be purchased through the Apple website and at partner stores. Officially supported and working with the latest software.

iPad 8th generation (2020)

• Screen diagonal: 10.2 inches.
• CPU: A12 Bionic.
• RAM: 3 GB.
• Storage device: 32 GB or 128 GB.
• Accessory support: Apple Pencil 1, Smart Keyboard and Bluetooth Keyboard.
• Price: from 29,990 rubles.

The most affordable option from the current iPad line, which will more than cover the needs of most people. Perfect for those who are choosing their first tablet: it will allow you to try out all the features of the Apple branded stylus and keyboard, as well as get acquainted with iPadOS.

Thanks to the use of the processor from the iPad Air, the performance of the device is sufficient for any need - the gadget is ideal for both study and home use. Incidentally, this is the only new Apple tablet that has a 3.5mm connector. The Home button with Touch ID is also retained.

iPad Air 4th generation (2020)

• Screen diagonal: 10.9 inches.
• CPU: A14 Bionic.
• RAM: 4 GB.
• Storage device: 64 GB or 256 GB.
• Accessory support: Apple Pencil 2, Magic Keyboard, Smart Keyboard Folio, and Bluetooth Keyboard.
• Price: from 55 990 rubles.

The best iPad in terms of price-performance ratio. It handles any task with ease, up to 4K video editing. In all respects, the iPad Air is very close to the Pro versions of tablets. It will satisfy the needs of most demanding users.

The new iPad Air features a larger bezel-less display, a performance chipset built into the top Touch ID button, and stereo surround speakers, a USB-C connector, Wi-Fi 6, and support for a new keyboard and stylus. In general, like the iPad Pro, only cheaper.

iPad Pro 11-inch 2nd generation (2020)

• Screen diagonal: 11 inches.
• CPU: A12Z Bionic.
• RAM: 6 GB.
• Storage device: 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, or 1 TB.
• Accessory support: Apple Pencil 2, Magic Keyboard, Smart Keyboard Folio, and Bluetooth Keyboard.
• Price: from 69,990 rubles.

The uncompromising professional tablet with the most productive iPad ever. Needless to say, it will be able to meet any need both now and in the next couple of years. Essentially, the iPad Pro 11 is a complete computer.

Ultra-accurate color display with ProMotion, True Tone and 120Hz refresh rate. The tablet has a LiDAR scanner for using an augmented reality app, four speakers and studio-quality microphones. Of course, the new magnetic stylus and backlit keyboard cover are supported. Also on board is a USB-C connector, a Wi-Fi 6 module and Gigabit LTE.

iPad Pro 12.9-inch 4th generation (2020)

• Screen diagonal: 12.9 inches.
• CPU: A12Z Bionic.
• RAM: 6 GB.
• Storage device: 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, or 1 TB.
• Accessory support: Apple Pencil 2, Magic Keyboard, Smart Keyboard Folio, and Bluetooth Keyboard.
• Price: from 86,990 rubles.

The largest and most powerful iPad ever. It is comparable in size and price to 13-inch notebooks such as the MacBook Air. Due to the very high price, it is a rather niche device. It can only be recommended to professionals who need a large display and are looking for an easier laptop replacement.

Like the younger model, the iPad Pro 12, 9 is impressive in performance and connectivity. But this is not surprising: both tablets have identical filling. The only differences are in the display diagonal and, of course, in the price.

iPad mini 5th generation (2019)

• Screen diagonal: 7.9 inches.
• CPU: A12 Bionic.
• RAM: 3 GB.
• Storage device: 64 or 256 GB.
• Accessory support: Apple Pencil 1, Bluetooth keyboard.
• Price: from 32,990 rubles.

Apple's latest compact tablet and the only option for those looking for a lightweight, on-the-go device that you can carry with you anytime, anywhere.

In 2019, iPad mini received an updated hardware that is powerful enough for most tasks. With the Apple Pencil, you can turn your tablet into a handy digital notebook for sketching and jotting down ideas. However, unlike other options, there is no Smart Connector. Therefore, if you need an external keyboard, you will have to be content with conventional Bluetooth-models.

Obsolete models

Discontinued tablets that are no longer sold by Apple, but are available in major chain stores. However, they are also officially supported and work with the latest software.

iPad 7th generation (2019)

• Screen diagonal: 10.2 inches.
• CPU: A10 Fusion.
• RAM: 3 GB.
• Storage device: 32 or 128 GB.
• Accessory support: Apple Pencil 1, Smart Keyboard and Bluetooth Keyboard.
• Price: from 26 980 rubles.

The 2019 iPad lags behind the performance of the updated 2020 model that replaces it. The tablet is not sold in Apple branded stores, but is still relevant. The only difference between the new iPad is the processor, otherwise they are the same. This is a great reason to save money, especially if you can find a good discount.

iPad Air 3rd generation (2019)

• Screen diagonal: 10.5 inches.
• CPU: A12 Bionic.
• RAM: 3 GB.
• Storage device: 64 or 256 GB.
• Accessory support: Apple Pencil 1, Smart Keyboard and Bluetooth Keyboard.
• Price: from 43 500 rubles.

As with regular iPads, the previous generation iPad Air has few differences compared to the new one. The old tablet is somewhat inferior in performance, it has a slightly smaller display, and also lacks support for new accessories. But it costs more than 12,000 rubles cheaper. And this does not include discounts.

iPad Pro 12, 9 3rd generation (2018)

• Screen diagonal: 12.9 inches.
• CPU: A12X Bionic.
• RAM: 4 GB (6 GB in the 1 TB version).
• Storage device: 64 GB, 256 GB, or 1 TB.
• Accessory support: Apple Pencil 2, Magic Keyboard, Smart Keyboard Folio, and Bluetooth Keyboard.
• Price: from 71,000 rubles.

Past generations of Pro tablets have very few differences, including a simpler camera without a LiDAR scanner and no Wi-Fi 6. The performance gap is also small. Considering a powerful processor even today, you can safely buy such a tablet: it will be relevant for at least another 2-3 years.

iPad Pro 11 1st generation (2018)

• Screen diagonal: 10.2 inches.
• CPU: A12X Bionic.
• RAM: 4 GB.
• Storage device: 64 GB, 256 GB, or 1 TB.
• Accessory support: Apple Pencil 2, Magic Keyboard, Smart Keyboard Folio, and Bluetooth Keyboard.
• Price: from 61 350 rubles.

Like the 12.9-inch version, the previous generation iPad Pro 11 is not much different from the new 2020 model. If there is an opportunity to buy a tablet at a discount, you can safely take it, and use the saved money to purchase a cover or stylus.

iPad Pro 12, 9 2nd generation (2017)

• Screen diagonal: 12.9 inches.
• CPU: A10X Fusion.
• RAM: 4 GB.
• Storage device: 64 GB, 256 GB or 512 GB.
• Accessory support: Apple Pencil 1, Smart Keyboard and Bluetooth Keyboard.
• Price: from 60 500 rubles.

The 2017 model looks outdated compared to the new one, but it is still a solid device that runs on the current iPadOS and supports the proprietary stylus and keyboard (albeit the first generations). Disadvantages include faster performance, bulky body and large bezels, and lack of Face ID, USB-C and LiDAR. The plus, of course, is the price.

UPD. Text updated on December 8, 2020 with the latest models added.