iPad Deals Decoded: Finding the Right Model for Your Needs

Breaking down the basics of Apple's tablets, so you can find the best iPad deals.

Oct 20

^{Photo by Roberto Nickson via Unsplash}

The iPad—maybe you've heard of it—was first announced by Steve Jobs at the Apple Inc. press conference on January 27, 2010, and it was released less than three months later. iPads weren’t the first tablet, but there’s a good reason they rapidly became the most popular tablet on the market.

Their iconic look isn’t the only thing iPads bring to the table. They also blend some excellent hardware with a user-friendly interface, filling that remarkably useful niche of a device that’s more portable than a laptop but more powerful (and easier to see) than a smartphone. As well-known as these tablets are, they’ve been around for a while, and quite a few models have been released. If you’re shopping for an iPad, you may not know where to begin, especially if you don't want to just go for the newest (aka most expensive) one.

How to Shop for an iPad

Not all iPads are built the same, and not all iPads are priced the same. Whether you’re shopping on a budget or trying to find the right device for your needs, there are a few things to keep in mind. Buying an iPad is kind of like buying a car. You’ll want to look out for the hardware under the hood, the model, and the year it was made, and all of those can influence the price you might end up paying. That, and if you’re buying brand new or if you can find a good refurbished deal.

Understanding iPad hardware specifications

Looking at the hardware specifications of any device can be intimidating if you haven’t done your research. Once you get to know some of the big players, it’s not too hard to judge what kind of iPad you’re looking at. Some of the major things to look out for in any iPad are the chip, internal storage, monitor, camera, type of connectivity, and battery life.

Chips: Apple's chips are like the engines that power your iPad, determining how fast and capable it is. Usually, the newer the chip, the better the performance and power efficiency. Right now, the M2 chip is the most powerful, found in the latest iPad Pro.

^{Photo by Nature via iStock}

If you want a balance of good performance and value though, consider models with chips like the A14 Bionic in the iPad Air 4th gen or the A13 Bionic in the iPad 9th gen. For tighter budgets, older models with A12 or A10 chips still do a good job for everyday tasks. So, when you're buying an iPad, think about what you'll use it for and choose a chip that matches your usage needs and how much cash you want to throw down.

Internal storage: Just like your computer or phone, iPads use their internal storage for files like photos and documents along with apps, cache data, and all your other software. You can’t add more storage space to an iPad, so be mindful of how much room you might need. If you’re worried about going over budget to get a bigger hard drive, remember cloud storage is always an option. The smallest iPad storage option is 64GB on the base iPad 10.2 and 10.9 iPad, iPad Air, and iPad mini. Some iPad Pros now go up to 2TB, so there’s a broad spectrum.

Monitor: iPads sizes range from 7.9-inches on the tiny iPad mini to 12.9-inches on the broad iPad Pro, with some variation in between for iPad Air and standard iPad. Every iPad has a Retina display with some variants like the Liquid Retina display, which you won’t find on any other tablet model, and they look incredible.

Camera: With the exception of the first iPad, every iPad model has had a front and back-facing camera for FaceTime or snapping stunning pictures. In general, the higher the camera resolution, the more detail a picture can have. A 5-megapixel (MP) camera and a 10MP camera may both be able to snap a clear photo, but the latter camera will have more to zoom in on. Bigger isn’t necessarily always better for everyone, though. Keep in mind that super high-resolution photos can take up a lot of room on your hard drive.

Connectivity type: Some iPads can go online with Wi-Fi only, and others can use Wi-Fi and a SIM card. Make sure to check if a tablet has something in the hardware specifications saying “Wi-Fi Only.” With a SIM card, some iPads are capable of 4G or 5G connectivity.

Battery life: iPads will be listed with their max battery life, but this doesn’t necessarily mean you’re guaranteed that much time before needing to recharge. Some apps draw power quicker than others, and older batteries may not hold a charge as well. Don’t despair if you found a bargain with a bad battery though. Some devices may be eligible for AppleCare+, which means you can get a free battery replacement if your battery can only hold 80% or less of its original capacity.

Operating System: While not exactly hardware, an iPad's OS is directly related to the hardware it has installed. Older models may not be able to upgrade to a more recent OS, which affects which apps you can run. The situation with classic iPads isn’t all doom and gloom though. Apple recently released iOS 12.5.6 for older iPads, which adds an important security update. So there’s still plenty of room to play with older tablets without risking your data.

Should You Get a Refurbished iPad?

^{Photo by vm via iStock}

Refurbished tech has seen a huge surge in recent years and with good reason. The benefits of buying a refurbished device are extensive, from reduced prices to reduced impact on the environment. And you can get some great deals on reliable products by shopping refurbished.

Refurbished iPads are no different from other refurbished tech. Make sure to check the quality of the restoration and the hardware specifications on each device you’re interested in. Older iPads will have greatly reduced prices, but they also have limited capabilities. If you’re looking for a tablet for work, newer may be better. If you just want a portable screen to watch movies on, enjoy some major discounts on older iPads.

Which iPad Model Should You Get?

There are four iPad models spanning the years. The base iPad, the iPad mini, the iPad Air, and the iPad Pro. Each model excels in a different area, with a range of sizes, hardware capabilities, and prices. Take a look at what you can expect from each of these devices with options for where to find them.

Base iPads

The base iPad is Apple's general-use tablet. It’s affordable and practical with mid-range specs. It's great for everyday use, from browsing the web and watching videos to checking emails and using a wide range of apps. While it may not have the most cutting-edge features, it provides excellent value for a tablet. If your plans mainly consist of scrolling social media for too long and ordering DoorDash too much, you'll be fine with one of these. We've got some bundled with Beats headphones to sweeten the deal.

Apple iPad 5th Gen (2017) 32GB - Space Gray (Refurbished: Wi-Fi Only) + Beats Flex Headphones Bundle, $170 (reg. $219.99)
Apple iPad 6th Gen (2018) 32GB Space Gray (Refurbished: Wi-Fi Only) + Beats Flex Headphones Bundle $190 (reg. $249.99)
Apple iPad 7th Gen (2019) 32GB Silver (Wi-Fi Only) Bundle with Beats Flex Headphones (Refurbished), $230 (reg. $299.99)
Apple iPad 7th Gen (2019) WiFi Only Bundle with Beats Flex Headphones (Refurbished), $230 (reg. $299.99)

iPad mini

The iPad mini is a compact and lightweight tablet designed for those who've got places to go and people to see. With its smaller form factor (9.7"), it's easy to carry around, so it’s ideal for reading, note-taking, or simple tasks on the go. It could be particularly useful for travelers and students due to its small size and versatility.

Apple iPad mini 2 (2013) 7.9" 16GB - Silver (Refurbished: Wi-Fi Only), $80 (reg. $139.99)
Apple iPad mini 4 (Refurbished: Wi-Fi Only) + Accessories Bundle, $230 (reg. $499)
Apple iPad mini 4, 64GB - Silver (Refurbished: Wi-Fi Only) + Accessories Bundle, $230 (reg. $499)
Apple iPad mini 4, 128GB - Gold (Refurbished: Wi-Fi Only) + Accessories Bundle, $290 (reg. $599)

iPad Air

The iPad Air offers a balance of performance and sleek design. It's thinner and lighter than the base iPad, making it a comfortable option for light productivity and streaming or gaming. Also not a huge hassle to haul if you just want a bigger screen than the mini has to offer.

Apple iPad Air (2013) WiFi Space Gray/32GB/Grade A+ (Refurbished), $110 (reg. $149.99)
Apple iPad Air 2 64GB - Space Grey (Refurbished: Wi-Fi Only), $120 (reg. $149.99)
Apple iPad Air (2013) 32GB Black (Wi-Fi Only) Bundle with Beats Flex Headphones (Refurbished), $140 (reg. $160)
Apple iPad Air 16GB - Space Gray (Refurbished: Wi-Fi Only), $150 (reg. $499.99)
Apple iPad Air (2013) Black (Wi-Fi Only) Bundle w/ Beats Flex Headphones (Refurbished), $150 (reg. $499.99)
Apple iPad Air 128GB - Space Gray (Refurbished: WiFi + 4G AT&T) & Accessories Bundle, $239 (reg. $399)
Apple iPad Air 10.5" (3rd Gen) Wi-Fi Only Bundle Space Gray/256GB (Refurbished), $420 (reg. $499)

iPad Pro

The iPad Pro is Apple's heavyweight tablet, built for professionals and power users. It boasts cutting-edge technology, high-resolution displays, and powerful processors. Pair it with peripherals (OK, we're loving all this alliteration) like the Apple Pencil, and this tablet is ideal for tasks like graphic design, video editing, and advanced productivity, making it a top choice for those who demand the best in performance and versatility. It's available in a bunch of sizes, too, so getting what you really want is a little easier with this line.