Rating of the TOP 12 Apple tablets of 2022: review and characteristics of the best models

Apple products occupy a special niche in the electronics industry. Most people with average incomes have at least one Apple gadget, and it adds prestige to its owner.

Of course, the most popular devices from Apple are iPhone smartphones , but many people dream of getting tablets that combine the compactness of a smartphone and the functionality of a computer.

How to choose an Apple tablet so that it satisfies all your needs and suits the price?

Appearance

The new iPad looks like the old iPad, which in turn follows the design of an even older iPad. The appearance of the basic Apple tablet has not been updated for several generations, except for the increase in screen size, everything remains the same. Aluminum case, screen with wide frames and an air gap, the same “Home” button with a fingerprint scanner.

You still need to choose from three colors that have become classic: silver, dark gray and gold. It's a shame they didn't add fun new colors like they did for the iPad Air, but that's Apple's will.

It only remains to add that the dimensions have changed slightly relative to the old generation, but these are little things that only a gadget expert will notice.

Features of Apple tablets

Note! Apple tablets have their own name - iPad devices are called in the traditional style of the company.

Their key feature is the unique iOS operating system , which no other company uses.

The gadgets also have their own design and processor. Apple was the first to release tablets based on IPS panels.

This was a real breakthrough in computer technology, although many companies are now introducing modern IPS matrices with good viewing angles into their products.

The shape with rounded edges is also an Apple design.

In addition, only this brand has several lines of tablets with their own characteristics, including a smaller iPad Mini and a thinner iPad Air.

For your information! If we talk about other parameters of the devices, we can find the following features:

• large battery capacity;
• lack of “bangs” for the front camera;
• wide choice of colors. Interestingly, Apple practically does not use black when creating new gadgets, but the frames of most tablets are black;
• step-by-step increase in memory capacity - 16, 32, 64, 128 gigabytes. This affects the final cost of the device and allows you to choose the best option for yourself;
• very good display quality, starting from the already mentioned IPS matrix, ending with resolution, color gamut, brightness and contrast;
• multifunctional cameras with good shooting quality.

In general, Apple tablets are multifunctional, reliable devices with an attractive design, a good battery, a convenient operating system and a high-quality screen.

Display

The oleophobic coating on my iPad Pro had long since peeled off, and when I picked up the 8th generation iPad, I again felt that indescribably pleasant feeling when my finger glides so smoothly across the surface.

If we talk about the screen characteristics, the iPad (2020) uses a 10.2-inch screen with a good brightness margin, high-quality picture and excellent sensitivity. Unlike more expensive Apple tablets, there is an air gap between the matrix and the protective glass - a feature of the simplest iPad model.

There are no bells and whistles like True Tone mode or 120 Hz support, there are minimal options, but you don’t have to overpay.

Safety

In iOS 14, Apple paid special attention to data privacy: the system shows which applications and sites want to know more about you.

The fingerprint scanner under the screen, tested over the years, is responsible for the safety of information in the tablet. Works perfectly, quickly and without failures. It may not be as technologically advanced as the Face ID system, but, to be honest, life isn’t much worse without face unlocking.

Obvious differences between gadgets

How to call from iPad via SIM card to mobile phones

The obvious differences can be broken down into points described below.

Battery

From the technical characteristics, the main thing that distinguishes the iPad from any iPhone is the battery capacity. The smartphone is, of course, smaller, so its battery will not last long. And anyone who likes to have a tablet at hand for work will certainly appreciate its durability.

Performance

The productivity and long service life of the iPad is higher, because they are not released so often, so the functions are more productive. iPhones update their line too often, and this is their problem. Some functions may turn out to be weak, since the world is chasing new products, and they are often simply not finalized.

The iPad has a larger screen and can handle more complex programs. iPads are often used in different companies, so the power of the device is very important.

The iPad has a stylus, which is convenient for designers and for work in general

Other Features

Other differences include the fact that iPhones are waterproof. They have a dual camera, fingerprint or face login. In short, these are bells and whistles that are not needed for the iPad. Even if they appear, it won’t be soon, because they are not very relevant on a tablet.

An equally interesting question is: iPhone, smartphone, iPad - what is the difference between the products. An iPhone is needed for calls and quick communication on social networks. A tablet is more useful for work or entertainment. If you bought an iPhone, you will have to change it every 2-3 years. The battery drains quickly, so using the smartphone becomes inconvenient.

Performance

The new iPad (2020) has an Apple A12 processor, the same one used in the iPhone XS, iPhone XR and iPad Air 3. The tablet can easily cope with any tasks, you can play demanding games or work simultaneously with several applications on one screen - there will be no problems . Compared to the old generation, where there was no special power reserve and it was difficult to play top shooters with high graphics settings, there is clear progress.

I don’t really like shooters like PUBG, but it’s always nice to play my favorite strategy - Company of Heroes is going great, I previously talked about it:

Review of the great game Company of Heroes on iPad

Alexander Pobyvanets

14 February 2020

I can’t say for sure how long Apple will update devices with such a processor, but considering how long it takes the company’s phones and tablets to receive the latest versions of iOS, you can safely count on a period of 3-4 years.

The amount of memory has not changed: the iPad still gets a modest 32 GB of memory in the standard version, and if you pay extra, it will be 128 GB. In my opinion, you can live with 32 GB if you don’t play on a tablet, because toys frantically devour memory. Call of Duty requires 2.78 GB, Company of Heroes - 4.45 GB, GRID - 4 GB, I took “heavy” games as an example, but there are a lot of games in the App Store that eat up about 500 MB, but it’s better to have it in mind.

If you store data in the cloud, use streaming music services, watch videos and work with documents in the same way, you won’t suffer much. In the same case, if you are choosing a tablet for games for yourself or a child, then it is better not to save money and pay extra for additional space.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of the iPad?

Firmware for iPhone or iPad - instructions and list of current versions

The iPad is good in many ways. The list of advantages is quite long:

• ideal colorful screen with high resolution, good responsiveness;
• powerful processor allows you to work at high speed;
• easy to work with photographs;
• long battery life;
• any Apple equipment can see each other.

Important! A significant difference with other tablets is the many applications that are already on the device, and can also be installed additionally.

This device does not support Adobe Flash, which prevents you from viewing content on many sites. He doesn't have a video camera to call his friends. Using an iPad is not so convenient because you can’t insert a flash drive into it; all the work is done using memory and the cloud. No memory card slot, no HD output.

The worst thing about the device is that it does not have multitasking capabilities. It is either used for reading a book or viewing photographs. Every time you need to switch between programs to select something. The tablet is also heavy enough to be held in one hand.

Sound

The tablet retains a 3.5 mm jack; there is no headset included, but if necessary, you can connect your favorite wired headphones. Although, most likely, in 2022 you already use Bluetooth headphones and the “mini-jack” already seems something old-fashioned.

The tablet has two speakers, they are located at the bottom end - in the same place as the Lightning connector. The speakers are loud and play well - but since they are located on one side, there won’t be a surround effect like on Pro tablets. However, given the price of the iPad, this is forgivable.

Accessories

There is a Smart Connector on the side, with its help you connect a case with a keyboard, then the tablet turns into a mini-laptop. I’ve been using the Smart Keyboard for a long time, I type a lot, so the accessory is simply irreplaceable; the convenience compared to touch input is on a completely different level.

You can also splurge on the first-generation Apple Pencil for drawing or taking handwritten notes. iOS has a ton of different stress coloring books, not to mention advanced apps for creating illustrations. Even though not everyone has the talents of an artist, the very possibility of using a separate accessory is pleasing - you can drag your finger across the screen, but it’s still more pleasant to work with a pencil.

It’s convenient to view photos on the iPad and edit them before publishing them on social networks. An adapter for an SD card will be an indispensable thing; I recommend it to anyone who is interested in processing.

What to choose: iPhone or iPad, and why

Those who constantly want to be in touch, but do not work with websites, documents and mail, can get by with a smartphone. This is a mobile device that quickly opens the necessary pages and makes it easy to surf social networks.

For entrepreneurs or people who need to view photos, work with texts, send emails, it is better to purchase a tablet. Large screen size, ease of viewing the necessary information - all this speaks for the tablet.

Attention! Those who value work and communication will have to buy two devices.

It’s better to read books and watch movies on an iPad, because the screen allows you to avoid squinting. This is difficult to do on an iPhone.

Both devices do not have a memory card, so the number of GB in the device itself matters a lot. The more, the better, but such a device will cost more. Not everyone can afford a new smartphone, but the iPad's prices have slowed down a bit, and you can find a much cheaper model. However, even the flattest iPad still cannot be put in a purse or pocket, so for now portability wins.

Possibility of integration into iOS using any Apple gadget

Connection

The tablet is still sold in two versions: with and without a physical SIM card. The surcharge for the ability to use a SIM card is decent, more than ten thousand rubles, which is a third of the tablet, just for a moment.

Considering that, if necessary, the Internet can be distributed from a phone by connecting an iPad to it for a while, the issue is easily resolved. But if you often use your tablet on the street outside the Wi-Fi zone or plan to load it with navigation, then you need to take the version with a SIM card.

Cameras

The coronavirus year 2022 has shown that the front camera in a device is a very useful thing during calls. Alas, the iPad (2020) cannot boast of picture quality: the front camera here is simply antediluvian at a modest 1.2 megapixels.

The main camera for a tablet is a secondary thing; it takes good photos of the iPad. Here are some examples:

The iPad only records video in 1080p; unfortunately, 4K is not supported. Although you are unlikely to worry too much about this, this function is rather optional.

What are the differences by item?

Figuring out the difference between an iPhone and an iPad is not that difficult. The first thing that catches your eye is the screen size. It's larger on the iPad because the tablet is more suitable for games, watching movies and taking text notes. This is precisely the convenience of a tablet compared to a smartphone.

What do iPhone and iPad look like in comparison?

The camera on a smartphone is better, because it is designed for selfies and panoramic shots. The manufacturer is investing more and more features into this device, and the camera is becoming almost perfect. You can zoom in when shooting, take perfect portraits, the photo quality is simply amazing.

As for the camera, there is no point in comparing iPad and iPhone: victory is on the side of the smartphone. The camera on the iPad is weak, but on the latest PRO models it reaches 12 MP. Usually on older tablet models the resolution is not as high.

For your information! Based on the listed data alone, it is difficult to understand why this or that product is good, so you need to pay attention to other significant differences.

Working hours

It’s very nice that the new iPad also comes with a new charger. Now the tablet is sold with a 20 W power supply instead of 12 W, and with it we also get a cable with USB Type-C, and not with USB-A, as was the case before. Considering that Apple is rarely generous with such things, this is a very nice innovation.

How often you have to charge the tablet depends on your work scenario; in my case, in moderately active mode, it lasts about three days on one charge. This is with games, YouTube videos, browsing websites through Safari. If in the evenings you just read on the tablet for an hour before going to bed, then the charge will last for a week, and there will even be a reserve left.

iPad tablets have always been an excellent example of well-optimized devices, this generation is no exception, the new product works for a long time.

⇡#Magic Keyboard

Along with the iPad Pro, Apple introduced the Magic Keyboard. And although it went on sale a little later than the tablet itself, I was lucky to get both devices for testing at the same time. Don't be fooled by the fact that it has the same name as the Wireless Keyboard for Mac (which the new iPad is also compatible with), but it's a completely different device. Very expensive (27 thousand rubles in official retail!), but very effective and comfortable. And yes, this material was written from start to finish on an iPad with Magic Keyboard in the Bear text editor.

The keyboard has two key features. The first is that the iPad is fixed in such a way as if it were suspended, and is held extremely securely. The angle of inclination can finally be adjusted, but within very small limits - otherwise it would be impossible to achieve a stable position. Is it possible to work in this mode while holding the tablet on your lap? If you really want to, yes, but in general it will be more convenient to place it on a horizontal surface, even if it is a folding table on an airplane.

The second feature of the Magic Keyboard is the built-in trackpad. It is small and does not have the Force Touch function, but is quite convenient to use. Press evenly over the entire surface. Why is it needed at all? As practice shows, when working with text, it is more convenient to keep your hands on the plane of the table and control the cursor from the trackpad than to raise your hand and use the touch screen. Well, it’s worth adding here that the iPad Pro is compatible with Magic Tackpad. If you use it, for example, in conjunction with an iMac, then you can easily pair it with an iPad.

The Apple Pencil hardly needs any introduction, I'll just note that since my last acquaintance with it, the pen has become completely wireless. This awkward moment when the pen had to be connected to the tablet connector (then Lightning) for charging and pairing via Bluetooth is forever a thing of the past. The current model of the stylus is attached to the body magnetically, charges there and connects via Bluetooth at the first touch. It has definitely become more convenient, although in my case this accessory was used extremely rarely. And not for drawing, but for highlighting fragments in books - I used to like to highlight sections of text with a marker on paper, now I do it on a tablet. Of course, you can use your finger too, but the sensations are not the same.

Budget issue

Compared to last year's iPad (2019), which was sold for 27,990 rubles, you can see the price increase. Now the iPad (2020) 32 GB is sold for a couple of thousand more, the price in Europe has not changed. But currency exchange rate fluctuations are to blame here; it is useless to blame Apple for this.

Official prices for iPad (2020) in Russia are as follows:

• iPad 32 GB - 29,990 rubles;
• iPad 32 GB Cellular - 41,990 rubles;
• iPad 128 GB - 38,990 rubles;
• iPad 128 GB Cellular - 50,990 rubles.

The world of tablets has become small: besides Apple, interesting tablets are offered by Huawei and Samsung. Once upon a time, Sony produced top-end tablets, but it failed to consolidate its success; ASUS also folded. In the end, you have to choose between the iOS or Android ecosystems, and here it all comes down to money.

In terms of price-quality ratio, the simple but practical Apple iPad has been and will be the best offer. It is simpler in terms of characteristics than older models, it does not have such a cool sound, the design is boring, but why pay more if the iPad is mainly used for surfing the Internet? Moreover, the latest generations of iPad are becoming more interesting every year.

Better performance, you can connect an Apple Pencil and keyboard, and if you want something more, then there is the charming iPad Air and the top-end iPad Pro. Each has its own use case, but the iPadOS capabilities of the basic iPad are excellent, working with the system is interesting and convenient, and the software updates are exactly the same as for older models.

Rating of the TOP 12 best Apple tablets

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