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We must admit that we weren’t the biggest fans of the iPad when it first came out. Although doubtlessly pleasing to the eye and fantastic for streaming movies, the original iPads simply seemed to lack the type of functionality and customizability that most true tech junkies crave. Fortunately, the iPad has come a long way since its humble inception, and thanks to a combination of increased processing power, lower weights, and a string of peripherals that make it easier to treat the iPad as more of a laptop than a tablet, we now stand fully by the iPad revolution as a legitimate contribution to the world of personal computing. Used by both business people looking to finish their work on the train and children whose parents want them to be entertained on road trips, iPads now play an undeniably significant role in our lives. It seems that with each new generation, more and more people are embracing tablet technology in general. Modern iPads are even suitable for creative professionals because the Apple Pen helps you create the most spectacular artworks, drawings, edits, etc. There are countless other tablet options to choose from, many of which are far more affordable than the iPad. However, we still believe that if you have the money to throw around, the iPad remains the best bang for your buck in terms of overall quality, aesthetics, and functionality across a wide range of third-party apps and services. Here are some of the best iPads you can purchase in 2022.
If iPhones have the Pro Max models as their top-of-the-line options, the iPad has the Pro models for those who want the best of the best. Their largest option is the 12.9-inch variant which is excellent for those working in the creative field. Like previous iPad models, you can pick between a Wi-Fi only model or a Wi-Fi + Cellular model. You also have flexibility with storage because it comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB storage options. This iPad features a Liquid Retina XDR multi-touch display with IPS technology, a 2D backlighting system, ProMotion technology, and more. All your apps will run smoothly without lag because the device is powered by Apple’s M1 chip. It features an 8-core CPU and GPU. For the 128GB-512GB storage option, you get 8GB RAM, while the models with higher storage get 16GB RAM. The iPad has a unique camera system, which is rarely found on tablets from other brands. You get a 12MP wide camera and 10MP ultra-wide camera on the back, and a 12MP ultra-wide camera on the front for taking selfies. The rear camera can record 4K footage up to 60 fps, while the selfie camera’s maximum resolution is 1080p at 60 fps. The device promises a fast connection on Wi-Fi or mobile data because it supports Wi-Fi 6 and 5G connectivity. The iPad Pro is like a computer because instead of a lightning port, you get a Thunderbolt 4 (USB Type-C) port you can use to connect external drives, displays, etc. The device is equipped with a 40.88-watt-hour rechargeable lithium-polymer battery, and you get up to 10 hours of web surfing on Wi-Fi per charge. You can maximize the functionality of your iPad when you use it with an Apple Pencil, Smart Keyboard Folio, and Magic Keyboard, but you will have to spend extra cash to get such accessories.
Large high-quality displayPowerful Apple M1 chipUp to 2TB storageExcellent camerasThunderbolt 4 (USB Type-C) port
PriceyApple Pencil, Smart Keyboard Folio, and Magic Keyboard not includedCould use more color variations
For those who don’t need the largest iPad with the highest storage, you can go for the latest iPad Air, released in 2022. It’s available in Blue, Purple, Pink, Starlight, and Space Gray. It will cost you around $899 for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model with 256GB storage, but you can expect to pay less if you opt for the Wi-Fi only option with 64GB storage. This iPad features a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display. It’s a fully-laminated display with an anti-reflective, fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating. The device comes with the Apple M1 chip and 8GB RAM, so you can expect it to have a snappy performance. It has a 12MP Ultra Wide selfie camera and a 12MP rear camera. You can record 4K videos at 60 fps and take spectacular 1080p slo-mo videos at 240 fps. Instead of Face ID, the iPad Air uses a Touch ID sensor built into its top button. The tablet comes with a USB-C port which you can use as a charging port or DisplayPort. Its 28.6-watt-hour rechargeable lithium-polymer battery delivers up to 10 hours of video playback on Wi-Fi per charge. On the other hand, you can expect about 9 hours of web surfing on a single charge when using cellular data. The iPad Air runs on iPadOS 15 and works with the Magic Keyboard, Apple Pencil, and Smart Keyboard Folio, which are all sold separately.
Slim, lightweight, and stylishStunning displayApple M1 chip and 8GB RAMDecent camerasTouch ID sensor
Not the best battery lifeOnly available in 64GB and 256GB storage options
The Apple iPad Mini is a fantastic choice for those who need a tablet they can easily carry throughout the day. This iPad is the smallest option out of the bunch, having a display that’s only 8.3 inches. You shouldn’t underestimate its smaller size because it still promises top-notch quality since it’s an LED-backlit Multi-Touch display with IPS technology. The tablet features the A15 Bionic chip with a 6-core CPU and 5-core GPU. Users can take high-quality photos and videos with this iPad because of its 12MP wide camera and 12MP Ultra Wide front camera. It’s perfect for hopping on conference calls on the go since it comes with Apple’s Center Stage feature. The iPad Mini supports Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 6 and also comes with 5G connectivity. Like the latest iPad Air, this device also has a Touch ID sensor integrated into the top button. It also uses a USB-C port instead of a lightning port, so you can use it as a DisplayPort. The iPad Mini has a 19.3-watt-hour rechargeable battery that promises up to 10 hours of web browsing over Wi-Fi. The tablet will work with the latest Apple Pencil, but it isn’t compatible with the Magic Keyboard and Smart Keyboard Folio. Thankfully, you can still use it with third-party Bluetooth keyboards.
Compact and portableA15 Bionic chip12MP wide camera and 12MP Ultra Wide front camera5G and Wi-Fi 6 supportTouch ID sensorUSB-C portApple Pencil support
Not compatible with the Magic Keyboard and Smart Keyboard FolioLimited storage optionsStill pricey despite being smaller
The iPad 10.2-inch (2021) has got to be the most affordable model in the entire iPad lineup. It’s perfect for those purchasing a tablet for the first time and planning to use it for more basic tasks. The tablet is only available in either Space Gray or Silver, and 64GB or 256GB storage options. It features a more old-school design because of its top and bottom borders, and you still get the physical home button with a Touch ID sensor. Its 10.2-inch Retina display features IPS technology, True Tone technology, and 500-nit brightness. The iPad will work with the Apple Pencil (1st generation) and Smart Keyboard. It’s powered by the A13 Bionic chip, which is pretty outdated compared to the other iPad models. The device has a 12MP Ultra Wide front camera and an 8MP wide rear camera. Unfortunately, it isn’t capable of shooting 4K videos. It also doesn’t have 5G support yet, so you’ll have to settle for a 4G signal. Its battery life is similar to other iPads because you can expect up to 10 hours of usage per charge. The iPad uses a lightning port, so you will need to purchase adapters for HDMI, DVI, or VGA connections.
Most affordable iPadApple Pencil (1st generation) and Smart Keyboard supportFantastic front camera
Won't work with newer iPad accessoriesOutdated designDisappointing rear cameraNo 5G suport
The 12.9-inch iPad Pro might be too big of a device to be carrying around to different places within the day, so if you’re looking for a version that’s a bit smaller, you can opt for the 11-inch iPad Pro. This iPad also comes with storage options from 128GB to 2TB. It’s not ideal for those who prefer colorful devices since it’s only available in Space Gray and Silver, but you can always get a protective case in the color you’d like. The 11-inch iPad Pro only has a Liquid Retina display compared to the Liquid Retina XDR display that the 12.9-inch variant has. Nonetheless, it still comes with IPS Technology, ProMotion technology, and 600-nit maximum SDR brightness. It’s equipped with the Apple M1 chip, featuring an 8-core CPU and GPU. The 1TB and 2TB model comes with 16GB RAM, while the others only have 8GB RAM. The iPad Pro 11-inch comes with a superb pro camera system. You get a 12MP wide camera and 10MP ultra-wide camera at the back and a 12MP ultra-wide camera at the front. The tablet supports Bluetooth 5.0 technology, Wi-Fi 6, and 5G connectivity. Face ID makes it convenient to unlock your device, authenticate payments, and secure data. The iPad Pro comes with a Thunderbolt 4 (USB Type-C) port used as a charging port and DisplayPort. Users can expect up to 9 hours of browsing over cellular data and 10 hours over Wi-Fi. The device is compatible with Apple’s latest iPad accessories like the Apple Pencil (2nd generation), Magic Keyboard, and Smart Keyboard Folio.
Speedy performanceBeautiful displayExcellent pro camera system5G, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.0 supportThunderbolt 4 (USB Type-C) portApple Pencil (2nd generation), Magic Keyboard, and Smart Keyboard Folio support
M1 chip's power is limited due to iPadOSLimited color optionsPricey
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