Apple has updated most of its lineup in 2024, with the latest addition being the refreshed iPad mini. How to wisely choose the perfect travel pill for your budget this holiday season?
Apple offers its iPads at a wide range of price points. The brand offers value that caters to everyone, from budget-conscious consumers to those seeking premium quality and exceptional features.
The iPad is no exception to this rule.
From entry-level iPads that offer affordability without sacrificing usability to top-of-the-line models that showcase unparalleled performance.
Following Apple’s 2023 iPad supply chain disruptions, the company has been working to rectify issues across its entire iPad lineup. In 2024, adjustments were made to the iPad Pro, while improvements to the were a late-year addition.
Despite this, Apple has successfully managed to offer iPads at various price points that align with different buyer budgets. While the thought of choosing an iPad may seem overwhelming at first, knowing how much you’re willing to spend can greatly simplify the decision-making process.
Evaluating the iPad panorama requires consideration of various aspects at every price point, with key factors including display quality, processing power, storage capacity, camera performance, and overall value.
The finest iPads for general value range are as follows:
Apple’s vast array of options for the iPad encompasses numerous choices. At the lower end of the spectrum lies the $349 iPad, a tenth-generation entry-level model boasting 64GB of storage capacity.
On the higher-end tier, the most expensive option stands out, boasting impressive specs including up to 2TB of storage, sleek Nano-texture glass, and seamless mobile integration. At a substantial cost of $2,599.
There exists a significant price difference of $2,250 between the least expensive iPad option and its most expensive counterpart. Would you get the same value from six budget-friendly iPad models as the priciest one, leaving you with $155 to spare for accessories?
To facilitate a comprehensive comparison, we’re dividing the market into three distinct categories: under $650, between $650 and $1,000, and above $1,000.
What’s the best iPad for you?
While base costs may provide a seemingly comparable benchmark, other options can influence the specifications and ultimately maximize your investment’s value. When assessing the cost-effectiveness of competing solutions, complexity can arise from attempting to compare like-for-like metrics across different platforms.
Apple typically equips its iPads with two prevalent connectivity options. Typically, a standard mannequin comes equipped with Wi-Fi capabilities; however, an upgrade to mobile connectivity is available for a one-time fee of either $150 or $200, depending on the specific model and features desired.
That improvement in valuation is equivalent to a storage enhancement, which may be justified. To stay connected on-the-go with a minimal reliance on external devices, this approach is the best bet.
Although you would employ tethering options, akin to converting your phone into a hotspot, to manage mobile connectivity aspects of concerns. While this setup may save you money by avoiding duplicate subscription costs, it does rely slightly more on your iPhone’s battery life.
One key consideration is the additional storage capacity, which can be upgraded for a fee. If you’re someone who tends to store and carry around copious amounts of information, then a storage upgrade will undoubtedly prove extremely valuable.
Notwithstanding the leaps in storage capacity, the value of this enhancement increases accordingly. The iPad Pro’s highest capacity option can reach a maximum of 2TB, increasing its value by $1,000 compared to the base model’s 256GB storage.
While considering the use of exterior storage as a viable alternative to incurring high storage improvement costs may seem appealing at first glance, it is not a prudent suggestion in this instance. The iPad’s portability is compromised when external storage devices require additional items to carry around?
Before committing to a new storage solution, carefully consider the actual amount of storage you require, weighing the benefits of increased capacity against potential costs. Additionally, evaluate whether enhanced features such as cloud integration would significantly improve your productivity and workflow, making it a worthwhile investment?
The proliferation of measurement capabilities has become a defining feature of modern life, as the additional visual displays enable users to engage in a multitude of activities that were previously unimaginable. While larger screens may be ideal for creative pursuits like art, there is undoubtedly a price disparity between different size options.
We consider the 11-inch and 13-inch formats of iPad Air and iPad Pro as distinct models, comparable to the Wi-Fi and cellular versions.
The final choice is Nano-textured glass, a characteristic borrowed from nanotechnology. This technology diminishes the impact of ambient light on the display, ensuring crisp visual clarity even in bright or poorly lit settings.
For those investing in premium iPad Pro models, this factor holds significant weight. Unless the pill’s efficacy hinges solely on its nano-textured surface, spending a significant amount due to this feature might be unwarranted.
Finest iPad – Underneath $650
The concept of a fund’s ending is quite straightforward to grasp. For an absolute minimum investment, you’ll get just a single option: the base Tenth-generation iPad with 64GB storage for $349.
For $499, you’ll have a more realistic starting point, allowing you to opt for the 256GB iPad Air with enhanced storage, the 64GB model with cellular connectivity, or the 128GB iPad mini. While all options offer reasonable protection, we recommend the iPad mini due to its enhanced processor support capabilities.
For $599, consider opting for the 11-inch iPad Air with 128GB of storage and the A14 chip, or upgrade to a more portable iPad mini with 256GB of capacity. While the iPad Air may be the more desirable option, the iPad mini remains the better choice if you’re seeking a compact device that’s easy to carry around.
For $649, the top-tier option narrows down to a choice between a 256GB Wi-Fi only iPad, a 128GB cellular-enabled iPad mini, or two alternatives priced at $599. Whether mobile and dimension concerns weigh heavily with you, the iPad Air and iPad mini are often considered the best options.
Top-of-the-Line iPads: $650-$1,000
While pricing for the $650 to $1,000 range can be volatile due to fluctuations in supply and demand, this tier’s complexity stems from the variety of models entering and exiting the market.
As the previous segment concluded, the next value tier to consider is $699, where the 11-inch iPad Air receives a boost to 256GB of storage. A mobile iPad mini could be a viable alternative, but ultimately, the importance of display size cannot be overstated.
The 11-inch iPad Air, priced at $749, offers a maximum 128GB storage capacity in its mobile configuration, whereas the iPad mini can reach up to 256GB of storage when equipped with a mobile chip. While the 11-inch iPad Air with Mobile might seem like a good option, it ultimately depends on the desired size.
At a price point of $799, customers can opt for the highest-capacity non-cellular iPad mini, boasting an impressive 512GB of storage. Alternatively, the 13-inch iPad Air, also available at this tier, offers 128GB of storage for those who prefer a larger screen and more powerful device. Considering your preference for the 13-inch display, opting for smaller screens with superior capabilities seems like a more practical decision.
For $849, the 11-inch iPad Air with cellular connectivity is available with up to 256GB of storage, making it a top-tier option in its class. In the event that you disregard dimensional constraints.
For a total savings of up to $899, customers can opt for a bundle featuring a 512GB 11-inch iPad Air, a 256GB mobile model, and a $50 discount, or choose the 256GB 13-inch iPad Air. The 256GB iPad mini with Wi-Fi and cellular capabilities remains a compelling option at a significantly discounted price of $150 less than before, making it an attractive choice for those seeking a portable device with ample storage.
For an additional $50, you’ll have the option to upgrade to a 512GB iPad mini with cellular connectivity or opt for the 128GB 13-inch iPad Air and choose your own mobile carrier. Air fashion trends may be the safest bet for investing your money.
Given that the original iPad mini no longer has any significant advantages over more recent models or competing tablets, its prime position on this scale can be considered redundant. For $999, you’d essentially receive what’s offered at the lower-tiered $949 level, or upgrade to a version with 256GB of storage.
To truly harness the full potential of the chip, you’re more likely to enjoy significant cost savings and enhanced capabilities by opting for any of the iPad Air models available in this tier.
Though the prospect of an iPad Pro might be tantalizing at this point.
Which top-of-the-line iPad is worth the hefty price tag of $1,000?
The region is primarily characterized by the presence of iPad Pro models. Although early iterations of high-capacity mobile options still cater to your needs depending on your requirements.
For $1,049, customers can opt for either a 11-inch iPad Air with 512GB of storage or a 13-inch iPad Air with 256GB of storage. You could potentially save $50 by opting for the entry-level 11-inch iPad Pro, which would offer a more comprehensive overall experience.
For an additional $50, the 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Air models without cellular connectivity can be purchased at capacities of 1TB and 512GB, respectively, for a total cost of $1,099. Unless storage capacity is your top priority, consider a more balanced approach: weighing the benefits of the affordable and portable mobile iPad Air options against those of the lower-cost 11-inch iPad Pro models that offer similar functionality at a lower price point.
As you reach $1,199, the option to upgrade to the 11-inch iPad Pro becomes available, complete with 256GB of storage. Can you upgrade to a 512GB Wi-Fi-only iPad Air for roughly the same price?
For $1,249, Apple’s new mobile storage options bring the 13-inch iPad Air up to 512GB and the 11-inch iPad Air to a whopping 1TB of storage. While other options may offer comparable features, the iPad Pro line remains the top choice for many users due to its exceptional display quality and capabilities.
As the 13-inch iPad Air maxes out at 1TB for $1,299, it must contend with more affordable mobile options, including a newly launched rival. The 13-inch iPad Pro debuts in a new iteration, featuring 256GB of storage.
While the 13-inch iPad Pro is more than capable, consider that you could save $100 and enjoy twice the power with the 11-inch model instead. Save $50 to get your hands on a 13-inch iPad Air with mobile internet capabilities and an impressive 512GB of storage.
For $1,449, the most expensive iPad Air configuration becomes a viable option, featuring 1TB of storage in its 13-inch form. Upgrade to the 13-inch iPad Pro for just $50 more and enjoy either 256GB of storage space on-the-go, or take it up a notch with 512GB’s increased capacity.
Following the value threshold, only iPad Pro models are available, leaving you with sole concerns regarding display size, capacity, and mobility. For the 1TB and 2TB models, you’ll need to pay an extra $100 for the privilege of adding Nano-texture glass, which enhances overall picture quality significantly.
The top-of-the-line 11-inch iPad Pro is available for a hefty $1,999, or $2,099 if you opt for the premium Nano-texture glass and configure it with 2TB of storage. For $1,899, customers would receive a mobile device with Nano-texture glass and 1 terabyte of storage. The option to upgrade to a 13-inch iPad Pro with the same specifications would cost an additional $100, while opting for the same configuration on a smaller mobile model would be priced at $2,099.
The top-tier configurations of the 11-inch iPad Pro continue until a price tag of $2,299, reached by pairing it with maximum storage capacity of 2TB and the sleek Nano-texture glass finish. Without sacrificing storage, consider the 13-inch iPad Pro without glass, available for the same price, or opt for a 13-inch model with cellular connectivity and glass for $100 less.
The 13-inch iPad Pro without cellular connectivity exits the conversation at $2,399, featuring 2TB of storage and a glass cover. For an additional $200, you can upgrade to a top-of-the-line mobile model featuring 1TB of storage and a sleek Nano-texture finish.
For a whopping $2,599, the top-of-the-line 13-inch iPad Pro, equipped with 2TB of storage and the coveted glass finish, has reached new heights of luxury.
Which iPad is Right for You?
Selecting the optimal pill remains a daunting task whenever numerous options are available. With Apple’s product lineup, it’s undeniable that this holds true when examining their offerings at its core.
Before opting for greater efficiency, consider whether it’s truly necessary. If you plan to rely heavily on an iPad as your primary computing device, it’s reasonable to invest in higher-end models.
The versatile iPad is well-equipped to handle many everyday tasks for consumers in various usage scenarios.
The display screen dimensions are a crucial consideration, offering three options: the compact iPad mini, the 11-inch model, or the larger 13-inch variant. To maximize productivity and content creation, larger pill sizes often prove beneficial, making a 13-inch option a reasonable consideration.
While mobile internet may be considered the most dispensable connectivity option, its absence can still cause inconvenience; thus, having a reliable alternative like tethering to an iPhone or cell hotspot for Wi-Fi-unavailable situations remains a vital feature. While the value distinction may be sufficient to justify the cost of upgrading certain features.
Storage is the paramount value driver, and its impact is not a straightforward, linear correlation. The enhancement is virtually imperceptible at the lower end, but it significantly increases value.
Before splurging on a massive storage upgrade for your iPad Pro, take the time to genuinely consider whether you truly need 2TB of space. You could potentially save $400 and possess 1TB of storage, an ample amount capable of supporting advanced usage scenarios.
Considering alternative solutions that may assist in addressing concerns related to AppleCare+ and hardware? Often overlooked in the initial cost calculation for a brand-new iPad, these additional features can significantly enhance its overall value while providing valuable functionality.
Where to buy an iPad from Apple
Every current iPad model is available at a discounted price in our store. As of our publication date, deals were available on Professional fashion models, offering discounts across the range, including the ninth-generation lineup. Discovering Your Core Values
You may also browse our carefully curated roundup, crafted by the Offers Staff to help you save both time and money.
