It may be hard to find the best iPad for you according to your needs since Apple has plenty of models on the market. In the past, when you needed an Apple tablet, you would buy the iPad in any color and storage you desired. Here at TechTrends we made a list of the best iPads in 2022 to help you choose the right one according to your preferences.
There are many iPad models released by Apple over the past few years, from the big, gorgeous iPad Pro to the svelte iPad Air. In addition, there are models like the iPad Pro (2021) and iPad Air (2022) both having Apple silicon. There are many differences when it comes to performance and price in these iPads depending on their size as well. In order to assist you in your decision making in buying an iPad, we put together an easy-to-read list of the best iPads in 2022 talking about each of these iPads’ strength and weaknesses. Having one of these means so much more than just reading e-books or streaming shows. No matter what you are looking for, Apple has something to offer. The first mainstream tablet was the Apple iPad and they went on to master it.
Apple producing the best tablets does not come as a surprise to any, considering the iPad Pro 12.9 2022, which can take tablets to another level with its wonderful display that is perfect for professional graphics design. Even the new iPad 10.9 2022 is doing a great job and performing more capably than ever. Without further ado, let’s get to the list.
The Best iPads in 2022
The line of iPad by Apple is definitely unmatched when it comes to tablets across all platforms. If you believe that buying an iPad is as simple as getting the latest model, you have to reconsider. The four main iPad models have strengths and are quite capable, but there are definitely differences in what they have to offer. This guide will help you make the best decision based on your needs. Here are the best iPads in 2022.
- iPad Pro 12.9 (2022): The best iPad by far
- iPad Air (2022): The best iPad for most people
- iPad Pro 2021 (12.9-inch): The biggest, most beautiful iPad you can buy
- iPad mini 6 2021: The best super-portable iPad
- iPad Pro 2021 (11-inch): The best iPad for power users on the go
- iPad 2022 (10th gen): The best regular iPad in years
1. iPad Pro 12.9 (2022)
Specifications:
- Weight: 688g
- Dimensions: 6 x 214.9 x 6.4mm
- OS: iPadOS 16
- Screen size: 9-inch
- Resolution: 2048 x 2732 pixels
- CPU: Apple M2
- Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB/2TB
- microSD slot: No
- Battery: Up to 10 hours
- Rear camera: 12MP + 10MP + LiDAR
- Front camera: 12MP
One of the best iPads in 2022 and undoubtedly the top on our list is the iPad Pro 12.9 2022. iPad might be mostly about the big screen, so this iPad is not only the biggest, it is also the latest and more advanced model. Its Apple XDR-branded display has mini-LED technology. In addition, it has Apple’s M2 chip inside, which means it will be quite powerful like Apple’s MacBook laptops that have the save chip. This chip offers better graphics as well as a quicker memory access for high-end apps. Even if you add a lot, its design is super thin and light. However, it is pretty expensive, which makes it suitable for serious professionals who need it for having multimedia power. The Pencil also has many capabilities and the iPad also has a camera setup able to record Apple ProRes video. This is unquestionably unmatched.
For those who only need it for watching movies and video chatting for friends, it is an overkill. However, if you need to have the best out there, then we strongly recommend it as one of the best iPads in 2022.
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2. iPad Air (2022)
Specifications:
- CPU: M1
- Display: 9-inch (2360 x 1640 pixels) Liquid Retina
- Storage: 64GB/256GB
- Ports: USB-C
- Dimensions: 7 x 7 x 0.24 inches
- Weight: 1 pound
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6, optional 5G
The iPad Air 5 has replaced the iPad Air 4 when it balanced between portability and power. This iPad is incredible for consuming and making content, with the price tag starting from $599, making it reachable for many users. Sine M1 is added to this iPad, it is quite similar to the iPad Pro. However, it does not mean that it can replace a Pro; it means that the gap they have in power has become much smaller. This feature as well as its reasonable price has definitely made this one of the best iPads in 2022 you can buy and it became more compelling than Pro for those on a budget. Generally, the newest iPad Air is an outstanding tablet. Although it can improve in the future, this sleek and powerful tablet is hard not to notice. Many will find it the best tablet on the market.
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3. iPad Pro 2021 (12.9-inch)
Specifications:
- CPU: M1
- Camera Resolution: 12MP (rear, wide) 10MP (rear, ultra wide), 12MP True Depth (front)
- Display: 9 inches, 2732 x 2048 pixels
- Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB
- Ports: USB-C, Smart Connector
- Dimensions: 11 x 8.5 x 0.3 inches
- Weight: 5 pounds
- Wi-Fi: 11ax Wi-Fi 6 with optional 5G
When Apple released the super-powerful M1 chip, the best of its product became better. The iPad Pro 2021 also features that chip, which set new tablet records in Geekbench and Adobe Premiere Rush. In addition, the 12.9-inch has Apple’s Liquid Retina XRD display, which means it will be brighter, about 1588 nits. Moreover, there is a feature in it capable of doing a new video conferencing trick named Center Stage. In this trick, the camera follows you when you go around in your video call.
The basics are incredible as always. The Magic Keyboard, which is optional, helps you experience a comfortable typing. In addition, the battery life is enough to last a full day. However, the HDR content needs to thrive in the super-bright XDR display. Moreover, it is a little expensive; even more than the MacBook Air. Despite all of that it is one of the best iPads in 2022 and offers an incredible experience when you use it.
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4. iPad mini 6 2021
Specifications:
- CPU: A15 Bionic
- Camera Resolution: 12MP (front and rear)
- Display: 3-inch (2266 x 1488 pixels) Liquid Retina
- Storage: 64GB, 256GB
- Ports: USB-C
- Dimensions: 7 x 5.3 x 0.3 inches
- Weight: 7 pound
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6, optional 5G (Sub-6)
None of the iPads listed so far in the article of the best iPads in 2022 are as portable and light as the new iPad mini. The design of this iPad appears like the iPad Air mini as it has thin bezels and flat edges. In addition, it supports Apple Pencil as well as USB-C. Moreover, the A15 Bionic processor makes it pretty fast and the battery can last for longer than you would expect it to. The size in particular is very likable as it is really easy to use and only one hand can do, unlike the other iPads. However, the smaller size does not mean that you are compromising for any modern features. The fact that it does not have a proprietary, Apple-made keyboard might be an issue but with this size, it would not have worked either way.
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5. iPad Pro 2021 (11-inch)
Specifications:
- CPU: M1
- Camera Resolution: 12MP (rear, wide) 10MP (rear, ultra wide), 12MP True Depth (front)
- Display: 11 inches (2388 x 1668 pixels)
- Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB
- Ports: USB-C, Smart Connector
- Dimensions: 7 x 7 x 0.2 inches
- Weight: 1 pound
- Wi-Fi: 11ax Wi-Fi 6 with optional 5G
Although the 12.9 iPad Pro has the larger and brighter screen, the 11-inch iPad Pro is more favorable to some people. Not only does it have great battery life which can last for more than 13 hours, it is lighter and appears better when used with Magic Keyboard from last year. In addition, it is a couple of hundred dollars cheaper than the bigger brother. Furthermore, the Apple M1 chip offers outstanding speed, which makes it suitable for using editing apps. As one of the best iPads in 2022, the 11-inch iPad Pro gets things done quite well and is an entertainment device. The display is very sharp and colorful, the sound is great courtesy of the four speakers, and the optional Magic Keyboard gives you a pleasurable experience typing.
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6. iPad 2022 (10th gen)
Specifications:
- CPU: A14 Bionic
- Camera Resolution: 12MP (rear), 12MP with 122-degree FOV (front)
- Display: 9-inch (2360 x 1640) Liquid Retina
- Storage: 64GB, 256GB
- Ports: USB-C
- Dimensions: 79 x 7.07 x 0.28 inches
- Weight: 05 pounds
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, optional 5G
The iPad 2022 is quite new and looks that way as well, which is a welcome change. The design is much sleeker and the display is also bigger. However, some would miss the headphone jack that the 9th gen iPad had. Moreover, this incredible iPad has Touch-ID button, its front camera is repositioned and it has a USB-C charging. In addition to all of that, its processor is A14 Bionic chip, with 5G connectivity. However, it is a bit expensive and although apple has the cheaper iPad 9th gen on the market, the price jump stings. The biggest problem is the Apple Pencil as charging it is awkward and there is no place to store the stylus when you are not using it. Overall, this is among the best iPads in 2022, but it definitely is not the best due to its price tag and Apple Pencil blunder.
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How to choose the best iPad for you
If you have your heart and mind set on an iPad, then you have eliminated Android and Windows tablets off your list, which makes things easier. Now you need to take a couple of things into consideration before opting for your favorite iPad.
How do you plan to use this iPad?
Are you going to use the iPad for light entertainment, such as watching YouTube videos or browsing Reddit? Then you do not need an iPad that has Apple’s new M1 chip and buying the svelte iPad Air will do with a lot less money. However, if you need a tablet for more creative purposes, or if you want to replace it with your laptop, you need to add a Magic Keyboard and buy the premium iPad Pro model. Since they have Apple’s new M1 chip, they are very fast and perform well for more professional use.
If you want to splurge, then buy the 12.9-inch model as not only does it have a very big screen, it also has mini-LED display.
How much storage do you need?
Since you cannot upgrade the iPad once you buy it, be careful about the storage as Apple is unfriendly when it comes to that. The entry-level models do not have enough storage to get by. Therefore, do not get anything less than 64GB and if you want to store a lot of videos and apps on your iPad, then we suggest getting at least 128GB.
Do you want cellular connectivity?
If your iPad has cellular data network it can be really helpful and increase the quality of its use as the internet-reliant apps will be easily accessed. However, for those who do not get their iPad on the go, then a simple Wi-Fi connection might be enough.