Knowing which iPad to buy has been confusing for a long time. And thanks to the powerful specs boost the iPad Air got at Apple’s September 2020 event; things just got even more muddled.
Below, I’ve put all the current iPads’ specs, features and NZ prices into a table to help you see what you are, and aren’t getting, in each iPad model.
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Which iPad should I buy 2021?
That’s a tough question. And it’s not one there’s an easy answer for. Which is probably why Apple has released so many different iPads recently.
If you’re just looking for an iPad to give to your child (no judgement here), then I suggest saving some money and opting for the iPad Mini (5th-gen) or iPad (8th-gen) and spending some of that money you’ve saved on a rugged case.
If you’re looking for a laptop replacement, then the iPad Pro used to be the device that Apple had designed specifically for you. However, with the updates the iPad Air (4th-gen) got at the same September 2020 Apple Event, things got more confusing. Again.
Now, with Magic or Smart Keyboard support compatibility, the exact same display, and the improved A14 processor (albeit not the same number of cores). The iPad Air (4th-gen) is the device that I think most people should buy for work. Unless you have a specific need for ProMotion, LiDAR, an extra camera, Face ID, and an extra 0.3-inches/2-inches of display – the iPad Air is the device you should buy for serious work.
Unless you have a specific need for ProMotion, LiDAR, an extra camera, Face ID, and an extra 0.3-inches/2-inches of display – the iPad Air is the device you should buy for serious work.
iPad specs and NZ price comparison table (October 2020)
| 12.9-inch iPad Pro (4th-gen) | 11-inch iPad Pro (2nd-gen) | iPad Air (4th-gen) | iPad (8th-gen) | iPad mini (5th-gen) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 12.9‑inch | 11‑inch | 10.9‑inch | 10.2-inch | 7.9-inch |
| Display tech | Liquid Retina display | Liquid Retina display | Liquid Retina display | Retina display | Retina display |
| Resolution | 2732 x 2048 | 2388 x 1668 | 2360 x 1640 | 2160 x 1620 | 2048 x 1536 |
| Selfie camera | 7MP | 7MP | 7MP | 1.2MP | 7MP |
| Main camera(s) | 12MP, 10MP ultrawide | 12MP, 10MP ultrawide) | 12MP | 8MP | 8MP |
| Apple Pencil | 2nd-generation | 2nd-generation | 2nd-generation | 1st-genertion | 1st-genertion |
| Keyboard support | Magic Keyboard, Smart Keyboard Folio, and Bluetooth keyboards | Magic Keyboard, Smart Keyboard Folio, and Bluetooth keyboards | Magic Keyboard, Smart Keyboard Folio, and Bluetooth keyboards | Smart Keyboard (non-folio) and Bluetooth keyboards | Only Bluetooth keyboards |
| Port | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C | Lightning | Lightning |
| Processor | A12Z Bionic | A12Z Bionic | A14 Bionic | A12 Bionic | A12 Bionic |
| Storage | 128 / 256 / 512GB / 1TB | 128 / 256 / 512GB / 1TB | 64 / 256GB | 32 / 128GB | 64 / 256GB |
| Weight | 641 grams | 471 grams | 458 grams | 490 grams | 300.5 grams |
| NZ Price (Wi-Fi) | $1,849 / $2,029 / $2,389 / $2,749 | $1,499 / $1,679 / $2,039 / $2,399 | $999 / $1,249 | $569 / $749 | $679 / $929 |
| Price (Wi-Fi + Cellular) | $2,129 / $2,309 / $2,669 / $3,029 | $1,779 / $1,959 / $2,319 / $2,679 | $1,219 / $1,469 | $789 / $969 | $899 / $1,149 |
| Security | Face ID | Face ID | Touch ID built into power button | Touch ID built into home button | Touch ID built into home button |
| Battery | 10 hours | 10 hours | 10 hours | 10 hours | 10 hours |
| Wifi 6 | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Headphone jack | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Speakers | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Other | LIDAR, ProMotion, True Tone | LIDAR, ProMotion, True Tone | True Tone | True Tone |
