Which iPad Is Right For You?

Choosing the perfect iPad can feel overwhelming with Apple’s diverse lineup of models, each with unique features and capabilities. As a tech reviewer with extensive hands-on experience testing almost every iPad model since its inception, I’ll bring practical insights beyond spec sheets to help you find your perfect match. This comprehensive guide will help you compare features, performance, and pricing across all iPad models available in 2025 to decide based on your specific needs, preferences, and budget.

The Quick List

Apple currently offers four main iPad categories, each designed for different types of users:

iPad 11th Gen	iPad Mini 7	iPad Air M3	iPad Pro M4
Bottom Line	Bottom Line	Bottom Line	Bottom Line
The affordable entry point with solid performance	Ultra-portable design for on-the-go use	Balance of performance and value in two sizes	Premium performance for professionals and power users
Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price

Let’s explore each model in detail to determine which one might be right for you.

iPad (A16, 11th Gen, 2025): The Affordable Entry Point

The standard iPad represents Apple’s most accessible entry point into the tablet ecosystem. Its balanced performance and reasonable price make it perfect for users who need a reliable device for browsing, streaming, video calls, and light productivity. While it doesn’t support the latest Apple Pencil Pro, it remains an excellent choice for students taking notes or casual artists.

The standard iPad is a popular choice among first-time buyers due to its affordability and versatility. The A16 chip handles multitasking smoothly, whether you’re switching between educational apps for children or managing household schedules.

Key Features:

• 11-inch non-laminated Liquid Retina Display with 500 nits brightness. 
• Powered by the A16 Bionic chip, delivers 12% higher CPU clock speed than the A14 (the actual single-core performance improvement is around 26%) and multi-core performance is about 43% better, according to Geekbench benchmarks.
• The GPU improvements are also notable, with up to 33% better performance in AnTuTu benchmarks and a higher GPU frequency (~9%) than A14.
• 128GB base storage, upgradable to 512 GB.
• Support for USB‑C Apple Pencil and Apple Pencil (1st generation)
• All-day battery life for extended use
• A budget-friendly option starting at $449.

Limitations:

• Lacks ProMotion technology for smoother scrolling
• No support for Apple Pencil Pro and its advanced features
• Display is not laminated, creating a small gap between glass and screen
• Thicker bezels compared to more premium models

Ideal For:

• Casual users seeking an affordable Apple tablet
• Students who need a reliable device for note-taking and research
• Families sharing a device for education, entertainment, and communication.
• Seniors looking for an intuitive communication and entertainment device

iPad Mini (A17 Pro, 7th Gen, 2024): The Compact Powerhouse

The iPad Mini 7 combines powerful performance with extreme portability. At just 0.65 pound (293 grams), it’s Apple’s most portable iPad while still offering enough power for demanding tasks.

During a recent business trip to Bangkok, I found the iPad Mini invaluable for reading documents in cramped airplane seats and navigating unfamiliar streets with maps. Its size allowed me to comfortably hold it for hours during a long-haul flight while watching movies, which would have been tiring with larger models.

The iPad Mini 7 features the powerful A17 Pro chip, which makes it easy to handle demanding apps and multitask. For professionals who are constantly on the move or anyone who values portability above all, the iPad Mini is an outstanding choice.

Key Features:

• Compact 8.3-inch display with True Tone and wide color support
• The A17 Pro features two performance cores clocked at 3.78 GHz, compared to 3.46 GHz in the A16 Bionic. Depending on the benchmark, this delivers up to 10-16% faster single-core performance. Multi-core performance is also improved by approximately 9-13%.
• The A17 Pro has a 6-core GPU, an upgrade from the 5-core GPU in the A16, resulting in approximately 20% faster graphics performance. The A17 Pro also introduces hardware-based ray tracing, offering four times the performance of software-based ray tracing.
• The Neural Engine in the A17 Pro is twice as fast as its predecessor, capable of performing up to 35 trillion operations per second versus 17 trillion on the A16.
• 128GB to 512GB storage options
• Support for Apple Pencil Pro
• USB-C connectivity with faster transfer speeds
• Perfect size for one-handed use

Limitations:

• Smaller screen limits multitasking.  
• No Magic Keyboard compatibility.  

Ideal For:

• Frequent travelers need a lightweight device for reading and streaming. 
• Reading enthusiasts who want a premium reader
• Note-takers who need something that fits in a small bag
• Medical professionals, Pilots and field workers.
• Professionals use it as a secondary device for quick tasks. 
• You’re already invested in the Apple ecosystem and want a portable option.

iPad Air (M3, 2025): The Perfect Middle Ground

The iPad Air occupies the sweet spot in Apple’s lineup, offering near-Pro performance at a more accessible price point. The M3 chip provides enough power for demanding creative applications like photo editing, video production, and digital art without the premium cost of the Pro models.

In benchmark tests, the iPad Air’s M3 chip delivers up to 60% faster than the M1 and approximately 2.2x faster than the A14 in multicore performance. This translates to real-world improvements like rendering a 4K video in half the time or handling complex Procreate illustrations with dozens of layers without lag.

From my experience using the iPad Air for work and personal projects, its versatility is impressive. The 11-inch model is perfect for those prioritising portability, while the newer 13-inch version offers more screen real estate for creative work. Paired with the Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard, it transforms into a capable laptop alternative for many workflows.

Key Features:

• Available in 11-inch and 13-inch display options
• iPad Air’s M3 Chip Features an 8-core CPU (4 performance cores + 4 efficiency cores). Delivers up to 35% faster multithreaded performance compared to the M1 chip.
• The 9-core GPU delivers up to 40% faster graphics than the M1 chip.
• Hardware-accelerated ray tracing
• 128GB to 1TB storage configurations
• Support for Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard
• Excellent balance of power and portability
• Wi-Fi 6E and optional 5G support

Limitations:

• Lacks Face ID and ProMotion.  
• The base model starts at 128GB, which may require upgrades for heavy users.  

Ideal For:

• Creative professionals needing performance without Pro pricing
• College students balancing creative projects and entertainment
• Content creators working with photos and videos
• Remote workers need a reliable secondary device
• Photographers editing high-resolution images on the go
• Users seeking a middle ground between the standard iPad and Pro models.

iPad Pro (M4, 2024): The Ultimate iPad Experience

The iPad Pro represents the pinnacle of Apple’s tablet technology, offering desktop-class performance and the best display available. The M4 chip rivals many laptops in raw power, while the stunning tandem OLED display (which combines two OLED panels for exceptional brightness) offers unmatched color accuracy and contrast, essential for professional creative work. 

It handles resource-intensive tasks like video editing and graphic design projects with ease. The ProMotion technology makes the Apple Pencil Pro experience feel incredibly natural for drawing and note-taking, with virtually no lag. For professionals whose livelihood depends on creative work, the iPad Pro is a worthwhile investment that continues to expand what’s possible on a tablet.

Key Features:

• Features a stunning OLED Ultra Retina XDR display with ProMotion technology for exceptional brightness, contrast, and color accuracy, available in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes
• iPad Pro’s M4 Chip in base models features a 9-core CPU (3 performance cores + 6 efficiency cores) for desktop-level performance.
• It has a more powerful 10-core GPU, offering ~22% higher graphics performance than the M2 chip.
• Hardware-accelerated ray tracing
• Up to 2TB storage capacity
• Support for Apple Pencil Pro with enhanced features
• Thunderbolt connectivity for professional peripherals
• Supports Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard

Limitations  

• Highest starting price in the lineup ($999+) 

Ideal For:

• Professionals require top-tier hardware for intensive workflows. 
• Video editors rendering 4K footage
• Architects using AR/VR applications for 3D modeling
• Power users who need laptop-level performance for demanding workflows.
• Anyone seeking the absolute best iPad experience

Specs Comparison of iPad models (2024–2025)

Final Verdict

Ultimately, the “right” iPad depends entirely on your needs, your plan, and your budget. There isn’t a single best choice for everyone. The standard iPad is a fantastic all-rounder for everyday use, the Mini excels in portability, the Air offers a great blend of power and value, and the Pro is the ultimate tool for demanding creative and professional tasks.

I recommend visiting an Apple Store to experience the different models firsthand. Pay attention to how each device feels in your hands, the differences in the display, and whether the size suits your needs. Consider your usage patterns today, but also consider how your needs might evolve over the next 2-3 years.

By carefully weighing these factors against your budget constraints, you can confidently select the iPad that will serve you best for years. And remember—even the base model iPad offers an exceptional tablet experience that outperforms many competitors in its price range.