The release of the 10.5-inch iPad Pro 2 alongside the 2nd generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro, the iPad (5th generation), and the iPad mini 4 gave users a choice of three models in four sizes of iPads. Which iPad is right for you? Size matters, especially when it comes packed with a powerful processor, but sometimes, smaller is better. We reviewed the iPad (5th generation), iPad Pro 2, and iPad mini 4 to help you make a decision.
Overall Findings
These iPads differ in size, speed, price, camera specifications, and the number of speakers. All the models are upgradeable to iPadOS 13, so they are workhorses that can do anything most people need.
The two sizes of the 2nd generation iPad Pro are designed for productivity, but they make excellent home devices as well. They are the top of the line iPads, and their prices reflect that. The iPad (5th generation) is a solid entry-level iPad that is the lowest priced of the bunch. The iPad mini 4, although the oldest, is still capable of impressive performance in a compact package.
Best Performance: No Contest Here. iPad Pro 2 Dominates
The refresh of the iPad Pro lineup brings a 6-core processor that is 30% faster and has 40% more graphical performance than the original iPad Pro (which was already as fast as most laptops). As Apple’s flagship iPad, it doesn’t disappoint. The iPad (5th generation) with an A9X chip and iPad mini 4 with an A8 chip can’t keep up with the Pro in speed.
Best Price: iPad (5th Gen) Is the Most Affordable
The iPad (5th generation) and iPad mini 4 cost hundreds of dollars less than the iPad Pro 2. If you don’t need the power, speed, and graphics capability of the Pro, you can save money with either of the smaller models. The iPad (5th generation) is the cheapest way to get into an iPad. You don’t need the fastest processor and biggest screen to check emails, read books, and visit your favorite social media sites.
What doesn’t the iPad (5th generation) have? It isn’t compatible with the Apple Smart Keyboard or the Apple Pencil accessories. However, except for a few specialized apps, the iPad can run the same software and has all the basic features, including the ability to multitask by bringing up multiple apps on the screen at the same time.
If you’re in the market for a smaller iPad you can tuck into a purse or pocket, the iPad mini 4 is also a great value.
Best Display: iPad Pro 2 Doesn’t Disappoint
It may cost more, but the display on the second generation iPad Pro is worth every penny. The wide color display, along with True Tone technology and ProMotion technology, make it the best-looking iPad display ever. That doesn’t mean that the display on the iPad (5th generation) and iPad mini 4 are substandard. They aren’t. They can’t keep up with their big brother.
Best Cameras: iPad Pro 2 Wins Easily
You may not take photos with your iPad like you do with your phone, but if you need it, the camera is there—both the rear-facing camera for snapping pics and the front-facing camera for video chats and selfies. The 12.9-inch and the 10.5-inch iPad Pro models come with a 12-megapixel back-facing camera and a 7-megapixel front-facing camera.
Other Specs: iPad Pro Edges Out Its Competition
Apple increased the entry-level storage to 64 GB for both sizes of Pad Pro 2, which is plenty for most people. The fast processor helps future-proof the iPad Pro.
The iPad (5th generation) is the easiest-on-the-wallet entry into the iPad world. If you are curious and don’t have high expectations, it is a good value for the lowest price.
Why consider an iPad mini 4? The smaller size means the iPad mini 4 can fit into many purses and pockets, which gives it a certain amount of portability that can’t be matched by the other iPad models in Apple’s lineup. While this might seem like a small difference, the more you have your iPad with you, the more you are likely to use it.
Final Verdict
The clear winner in just about every category—except the price—is the iPad Pro 2. Its performance can’t be topped, and the display is stunning. For power users who can afford it, the iPad Pro is the obvious choice. Amateur and professional artists can appreciate the creative advantage an Apple Pencil accessory adds to the iPad Pro lineup. The addition of a compatible keyboard turns the Pro into a laptop substitute.
The iPad Pro is targeted at productivity, but it makes a great family iPad. The iPad Pro’s four speakers combined with the large screen size make for an engrossing movie-watching experience for one person or an entire family.
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