Here's Your Holiday iPad Buyers Guide

The season of spending and giving has arrived once more with many people looking to get new iPads. Apple has recently unveiled a new redesign of the iPad Mini alongside the updated iPad 9th generation. With these two new models and the iPad Pro models released earlier in the year, there are quite a few options to choose from. I'll break down all the current models to help you decide which device to pick up.

This year I have managed to purchase every new iPad model. I started the year with a base model iPad, switched to an Ipad Air in the spring, had an iPad pro in the summer, and will end the year with the new iPad Mini. All models have a few key differences, and many more consistencies.

Let's start with the base model iPad 9th generation, and work up the food chain. With a starting price of $329, this is the cheapest and most budget-friendly device you can purchase in the lineup. You get a new front camera with a 12mp sensor, a new Tru-tone display, the new Center Stage camera tracking feature, and a new standard storage option of 64gb (up from last year's base 32gb). The device also has support for the 1st generation Apple Pencil.

The Ipad 9th generation is the best overall value for an iPad. You get all the same software features packed into a bundle that can handle every task you would usually use it for. There are a few downsides like the dated design and display, but this is certainly the tablet most people should purchase. For this reason, there may be a bit of a supply shortage this year so I would try and snag one fast!

The new iPad Mini starts at $499 and boasts a variety of new features. The tablet has thinner bezels and a new boxy design comparable to the iPad Air 2020. It supports Apple's latest chipset featured in the iPhone 13 lineup. It also has support for the 2nd generation Apple Pencil and 5g connectivity. It's noteworthy to mention that the display on this new model suffers from a 'jelly scroll' which can be a problem for some people.

The new price tag on the iPad mini might make some inclined to purchase the $599 iPad Air 2020 model for the bigger screen. If you're looking for something a bit easier to carry or hold, the iPad mini might just be the device for you.

The 2020 iPad air is the perfect middle man in the iPad lineup. With a price of $599 this puts it right in the middle of the base model iPads and the pro models. If there was an iPad Pro killer out in the world the iPad Air would certainly be the #1 contender. It features a wide 10.9" edge-to-edge display along with Apple Pencil 2 and Magic Keyboard support. It packs more than enough power for those who love a little extra screen, for a little less money.

The Ipad Air cuts out some features compared to the pro models including the ProMotion OLED display or M1 chipset, but the differences for most people won't be a deal-breaker. Those who want the latest and greatest, however, probably should wait a few months or buy a different model as the Ipad Air is expecting an update sometime in the Spring. The good news is most retailers are selling the iPad Air 2020 for $549 which will save you a good amount of money.

Finally, we have the iPad Pro models which come in an 11" and 12.9" model. These iPads are more of the niche devices in the lineup. They feature the M1 chipset which is advertised to bring stellar performance alongside a new 8GB of RAM. If you don't know what these things mean or why they would be exciting then this device is not for you. Most people that purchase these iPads have very specific goals in mind like video editing or using apps like Adobe Photoshop.

The benefits of getting a pro model would be the displays. They feature buttery smooth ProMotion displays with the 12.9" model boasting an OLED screen which makes watching and viewing content a delight. The downsides are the price. With the 11" starting at $899 and the 12.9" starting at $1099, these iPads are hard to recommend.

There is one simple saying when it comes to iPads: an iPad is an iPad. Design-wise these devices have a few standout features between them, but generally speaking, every iPad can do the same thing. Sure you might get a bigger, brighter, display with an Ipad Air or Pro but there's really nothing on a software or application basis that can push the iPad to its max. In the future that may change, but for now, stick with what your budget allows. You will get a great experience no matter which device you choose.

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