iPad: differences between the Air, Pro, Mini and 9th generation models | Submarine
Anyone looking for a tablet for learning, productivity or content consumption at home will find the Apple iPad a well-rounded product, with an efficient operating system and a number of applications to complement their activities. But there are several iPads on the market, in different versions and generations. That’s why Submarino comes up with a simple guide to understanding Apple’s current lineup and choosing your new iPad.
There are currently four different types of iPad:
– Traditional iPad, which is in the ninth generation
– iPad Air, which reaches the fifth generation
– iPad mini, which is in the sixth generation
– iPad Pro, which is in its fourth generation
All run iPadOS, an operating system developed by Apple, derived from the iPhone’s iOS, but with a focus on improving the user experience with their tablets.
The latest version, iPadOS 16, is primarily focused on using the device for work and productivity to make the most of the screen size, especially on larger devices.
Even the integration of iPadOS with iPhone’s iOS or Apple computer’s operating system (macOS) is unmatched, which ends up keeping many users in the brand’s ecosystem.
For watching videos, movies and series, you can find applications from almost all streaming services, which work smoothly, even on devices with an older processor. The same goes for a book app, Kindle, or other reading options.
Anyone who will use the tablet to play games, create, draw or design needs to pay attention to the generation and processor, in order to properly invest in an iPad with the power for those purposes.
All iPads support Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboards, available in every model size, and also support other keyboards via Bluetooth (with the exception of traditional iPads).
Is the traditional iPad worth it?
The traditional iPad is in its ninth generation. It is the last tablet from Apple that has not yet received a design update, all the others followed the iPad Pro and iPhone and already got flat sides, with a cleaner and more industrial look.
The ninth generation iPad has the A13 Bionic chip and can be found with storage options of 64 or 256 GB, as well as Wi-Fi connection or 4G, with the chip. And this is the only iPad that still has a Lightning connector, all other sizes already come with a USB-C port.
It has a 60 Hz Retina LCD screen of 10.2 inches and a resolution of 1620 x 2160 pixels. Above the screen is an ultra-wide 12 MP camera with Center Stage feature, which always keeps the user in focus during a video or call. There is an 8 MP wide-angle camera on the back.
Currently, the 9th generation iPad is Apple’s most profitable tablet. It is an ideal model for reading books, watching YouTube videos or even watching a movie or series without disturbing the rest of the house. It also serves as a work tool, for reviewing text or answering e-mails on weekends.
You can still find stores and retailers stocking the eighth-generation iPad, but it’s worth considering the price difference. The previous model has basically the same design and structure, but comes with the A12 Bionic chip (used in 2018 iPhones), which is slower and less efficient than the A13.
How big is the iPad mini?
The iPad mini is a powerful tablet compacted to only 8.3 inches, i.e. 195.4 x 134.8 x 6.3 mm, weighing less than 300 grams. For those with small hands or wanting a device that’s smaller, but bigger than a smartphone, to carry in your purse, this could be the perfect choice.
The 6th generation models already have the A15 Bionic processor, the same one that equips the iPhone 13 family and the new iPhone 14 and 14 Plus.
The iPad Mini comes with a Liquid Retina LCD display with True Tone technology, a Quad HD resolution of 1488 x 2266 pixels and a refresh rate of 60 Hz. It also has two cameras, the front is 12 MP with the Center Stage feature.
The consumer finds a small tablet with options of 64 or 256 GB, only with Wi-Fi or also 5G.
And just like with the traditional iPad, the consumer may find variations in price between generations, depending on availability.
What makes iPad Air different?
The 5th generation iPad Air came to market with the powerful Apple M1 processor, the first ARM-based system-on-a-chip built with a 5 nanometer process and used in previous versions of the Macbook Air and Macbook Pro, to rival powerful notebook chips such as is Intel Core i7.
At 10.9 inches, the iPad Air aims to be a high-performance middle ground for those who use the tablet for entertainment, study and work, and who cannot suffer from crashes or slowdowns, even in the routine of multiple applications open at the same time. With the Apple Pencil, this is the ideal iPad for creatives.
It is also a more portable tool than the Pro model, at around 460 grams, and can easily replace a laptop for those who need to take notes quickly. In combination with the Smart Keyboard or a portable Bluetooth keyboard, the user has a 10.9-inch laptop with a high-quality screen at his disposal.
It has a Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 2360 x 1640, TrueTone and anti-glare coating, stronger stereo speakers on the side, two built-in microphones, an ultra-wide front camera of 12 MP with Central Stage and the possibility of 5G connection.
Who needs an iPad Pro?
iPad Pro is the ultimate tool for those who have managed to adapt their working reality to a screen with a touch-sensitive interface, alternating between keyboard and mouse and Apple Pencil. The latest versions also have the Apple M1 chip and lack nothing for the Macbook Air and Macbook Pro versions.
That is, this tablet is not only for content creators, designers and graphic artists, but also for image editors, video editors and 3D animators.
The fourth-generation iPad Pro has 11-inch (247.6 x 178.5 x 5.9 mm) and 12.9-inch (280.6 x 214.9 x 6.4 mm) models. The smaller one has the same Liquid Retina display, while the larger version comes with a Liquid Retina XDR display (with Mini LED technology).
There are options with 128 GB, 256 GB or 512 GB of memory, which have 8 GB of RAM; 1 TB or 2 TB, which come with 16 GB of RAM.
Its purpose for professional use is so clear that iPad Pro comes with a USB-C port compatible with Thunderbolt technology, which allows better connection of accessories and external high-resolution displays (up to 6K), while facilitating file transfers.
An iPad or other tablet can be a good gift idea for children, since it is a device that serves as both a toy and an educational tool. Read more here.
To browse options between different iPad models, visit the website or download the Submarino app.
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