By Jennifer Y Omiloli
The best Apple Ipads to buy in 2019. This list only includes current models that can be purchased brand new.
More iPads are on the way, too. Apple has just revealed that it will release the iPad Air 3 and the iPad Mini 5 in 2019. Both upgrades have been a long time coming; the iPad Air 2 was launched in 2014 and the iPad Mini 4 in 2015.
1. Apple iPad (2018): Best standard iPad
Another year, another new standard model iPad. It’s nothing really all that groundbreaking, but that doesn’t mean that it’s not an excellent tablet for those looking for a good, all-purpose iPad. With an Apple A10 Fusion processor, the 2018 iPad is, internally, a significant upgrade on the 2017 iteration – though it looks identical, and weighs the same too.
It’s got a beautiful 9.7in 2,048 x 1,536 display, and added support for the Apple Pencil means that if you don’t need the beefier iPad Pro, but still want to use the Pencil, you’re now able to. The best thing? It’s the cheapest 9.7in iPad that Apple has ever released, costing only £319 for the basic version or £409 for the 128GB Wi-Fi model (we’d recommend splashing out for the extra storage).
Who is it for?
People who want a solid, all-purpose iPad that’s also great value for money. If you don’t need the bells and whistles of the more expensive Pro models and like the added benefit of Apple Pencil-support, go for the newer 2018 9.7in iPad. The announcement of the iPad Air 3 and the iPad Mini 5 means that it’s currently the cheapest new iPad available.
2. Apple iPad Pro 10.5in (2017): Cheapest iPad Pro
The all-singing, all-dancing 2017 10.5in iPad Pro is the entry-level model of the Pro range, yet it’s better than the 9.7in iPad in every way – except price, that is. It’s got a larger display than the standard iPad, but with smaller bezels, lending it a more sleek and modern look compared to the basic model.
It’s also much more powerful than the basic iPad, despite being older. With a six-core A10X Fusion chip and 4GB RAM, it’s far nippier than the old iPad Pro 9.7 and the 2018 iPad. It’s an advantage when you’re running more demanding apps, while it also means that the Apple Pencil works more smoothly.
Who is it for?
If you want a tablet with premium display quality and performance, but can’t quite stretch to the bigger, pricier 2018 iPad Pros, this is a solid option. Budding artists and designers will get the most from it; taking advantage of Apple’s TrueTone technology, the 10.5in iPad Pro adjusts the colour gamut depending on the environment you’re in.
This makes it easy to work on the iPad in any location, without constantly being distracted by the fact that you’re working on a tablet and not a laptop.
3. 12.9in Apple iPad Pro (2018): The fastest iPad ever
The third-generation of Apple’s 12.9in iPad Pro is its most powerful yet – actually, it’s the fastest iPad ever. Apple likes to make incremental changes year on year but its flagship tablet has a number of key improvements including USB Type-C connectivity (bye bye, Lightning port) and wireless charging for the Apple Pencil.
In conjunction with the optional smart keyboard and Apple Pencil stylus (both sold separately), the 12.9in iPad Pro represents a genuine 2-in-1 laptop replacement. And with Apple’s latest A12X Bionic chip and 6GB RAM this is a scarily powerful tablet capable of high-level video and photo editing. Frankly, it’s a lot more than the average consumer could possibly need.
Who is it for?
Professionals who need powerhouse performance and a massive 12.9in screen for work. This iPad isn’t cheap, and on top of that price, you’ll have to buy a £200 smart keyboard to make it a true laptop replacement. But if you prefer the larger screen and have the expendable money, then there’s no other iPad that can beat the 12.9in iPad Pro.
4. Apple iPad Mini 4: Most compact iPad
It’s now well over two years since the iPad Mini 4 brought 8in tablet joy into our lives. Apple’s bite-sized tablet has been superseded in most ways by the latest standard iPad, but it still might be a suitable option if you find the 9.7in display on the 2018 iPad just a little too big.
Considering that it runs on old hardware, the iPad Mini 4 still packs a lot of punch. With 2GB of RAM and Apple’s A8 chip, the iPad Mini is best for those who don’t want to lunk around an iPad with a massive screen. With a manageable 7.9in display, the iPad Mini is the most portable of the entire range. It’s also a lot lighter than the other models, weighing just 299g.
Who is it for?
For those who want a small, portable iPad, the iPad Mini 4 finds the happy medium between the iPhone 8 Plus and the 2018 9.7in iPad. That said, it doesn’t have the best camera, it doesn’t have the best battery, and it’s not really all that cheap anymore, either. The 128GB iPad Mini is only £10 cheaper than the newer, faster, Pencil-popping 2018 9.7in iPad.
