Best Apple iPads to Buy in 2022 [& Models to Avoid] 

Apple iPad is a feature-rich, portable, and versatile touchscreen tablet PC by Apple. For its useful specifications and sleek design, it has a large number of users worldwide. However, when buying an iPad, you may wonder which model is right for you. All the chaos of display, cameras, battery etc., seem difficult to understand. However, to help out, we have made a list of the best iPad to buy (and the ones that you should not)

#1 Apple iPad (9th Gen), 2021

When it comes to iPad with value, no model can beat the entry level iPad, i.e. Apple iPad (9th generation). What's not there to like? The A13 Bionic processor. Excellent. The 10.2-inch display and the new storage updates. Perfect! It basically has everything that you need, that too at an affordable range. 

The best thing about this iPad is its 12 MP front camera, which is quite an update from the 1.2 MP of prior models. Thus, you can stay assured of high-quality pictures and clear video calls. Along with this, you also get 1080p video quality. It has the new Center Stage feature that pans the camera when you move around (to keep you in frame). This could work wonders for influencers and video markers. Also, if you are into casual scrolling, searching, browsing, and gaming, this iPad would make an appropriate choice. 

Specifications

• Display Quality: 10.2-inch Retina 
• Biometrics: Touch ID 
• Storage: 64GB/256GB
• Processor: A13 Bionic 
• Colors: Space grey/silver 
• Cameras: Rear camera- 8MP; Front camera- 12MP; 1080p video 
• Weight and Dimensions: 487 grams (Wi-Fi), 498 grams (Wi-Fi and cellular); 9.87 x 6.85 x 0.30 inches 
• Others: 3.5mm headphone jack, single sim, lightning port

Pros

• High-speed, good performance
• Good storage capacity
• Consists headphone jacks
• Supports Apple pencil

Cons

• Outdated designs
• Lack of Face ID and USB C Port
• No-touch to wake screen 

#2 Apple iPad Mini (6th Gen), 2021

Apple iPad Mini (6th gen) has an upgraded design similar to both Air and Pro versions. Unlike the earlier versions, you will not get any home button. It has efficient elements like stereo speakers and angular design for a better experience. Also, the bezels are smaller than the earlier models. What else? You can get the Centre stage technology in this one too!

The A15 Bionic makes it more potent than the Air models. The best part? All this comes at the same price. While the lack of Magic keyboards may be a drawback, it's a good pick for on-the-go use. This means you can use it for home, office, or casual work. It's also a suitable iPad to use while travelling or commuting. 

Specifications

• Display Quality: 8.3-inch Liquid Retina 
• Biometrics: Touch ID 
• Storage: 64GB/256GB
• Processor: A15 Bionic 
• Colors: Purple/Pink/Starlight/Space grey/silver 
• Cameras: Rear camera- 12MP; Front camera- 12MP; 1080p video 
• Weight and Dimensions: 293 grams (Wi-Fi), 297 grams (Wi-Fi and cellular) ; 7.69 x 5.3 x 0.25 inches 
• Others: USB C, bluetooth, WiFi, fingerprint reader

Pros

• Good quality display
• Outstanding webcam
• USB C charging
• Portable
• Light design
• Supports Apple Pencil (2nd gen)

Cons

• Lack of headphone jack
• No Magic Keyboard
• A bit expensive

#3 Apple iPad Air (4th Gen), 2020 

Specifications

• Display Quality: 10.9-inch Retina display 
• Biometrics: Touch ID 
• Storage: 64GB/256GB
• Processor: A14 Bionic 
• Colors: Space gray/Silver/Green/ Rose Gold/Sky Blue 
• Cameras: Rear camera- 12 MP; Front camera- 7 MP; 4K video 
• Weight and Dimensions: 458 grams (Wi-Fi), 460 (Wi-Fi and cellular); 9.74 x 7 x 0.24 inches  
• Others: USB C port, 10 hours of battery life

Pros

• Fast processor
• Good internet speed
• High-quality camera
• Top-notch build

Cons

• Basic battery life
• Expensive than the earlier version

#4 Apple iPad Pro, 2021

If you want efficient features and outstanding performance, there is nothing as suitable as the latest versions of iPad Pro. The presence of the powerful M1 chip processor, which is present in their Mac systems, makes it even more promising. It comes with a thunderbolt port, 16 GB RAM, and 2TB storage. The larger models have a Liquid Retina XDR mini LED display for high-quality visuals.

This feature helps in rendering bright and contrasting colours to the display. It also supports second-generation Apple Pencil and Smart Connector (for Magic Keyboard). If you want an iPad that has all the essentials of a laptop, the 2021 iPad Pro is worth the choice. It's also an appropriate model if you want an iPad beyond scrolling or surfing.   

Specifications

• Display Quality: 11-inch Retina/ 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display
• Biometrics: Touch ID 
• Storage: 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB
• Processor: Apple Silicon M1 
• Colors: Space Grey/Silver 
• Cameras: Rear camera- 12 MP, 10 MP ultra-wide, 4K video; Front camera- 12 MP, ultra-wide camera
• Weight and Dimensions: 11-inches: 641 g, 12.9-inches: 677 g; 11-inches: 9.74 x 7.02 x 0.23 inches, 12.9-inches: 11.04 x 8.46 x 0.25-inches 
• Others: Thunderbolt/USB 4 port, 5 G cellular network connectivity

Pros

• Fast processor
• Quick AR rendering
• Impressive display and screen

Cons

• High cost
• Size issues

Three iPad Models to Avoid

Now that you know about the best iPad models to buy let's check out the version you should avoid. Despite how cheap you get it for, unless it's free, stay away from the below-mentioned models:

• iPad Mini 1-4
• Apple iPad 1-7 
• Original iPad Air 1-2

We are not demotivating the models. They may work swiftly as they did earlier. However, if you have the latest models available, it's best to choose them instead of older ones. That's because old iPad models are much slower than newer ones. Also, some of them do not get software updates anymore! So, it won't be a valuable investment.

Speaking of the above models, Mini (1-4) and iPad versions (before 8) may lack resolution. They may also have pixel-prone screens which can be a big turn-off. Similarly, the earlier versions of the original iPad Air may seem outdated. So, it's best to avoid such an Apple tablet. 

To Conclude

So, This was the list for all top Apple iPads. Hopefully, now you know the best iPad to buy for yourself.