TOP 12 best Apple iPad tablets: 2022 rating, as well as a review of models

iPad 1

Entered the market in 2010. It was a real revolution in the electronic devices market. None of the tablet PC models available at that time could boast of such parameters (IPS, 1 GHz processor, 10 inches diagonally, etc.).

But it was an “experimental” model that had a number of shortcomings. Many complained about the short battery life. Others did not like the too “thick” dimensions of the device and the lack of a camera.

But the case turned out to be successful. The rounded edges paired with stylish buttons on the sides made up the unique design of the iPad.

Technical specifications:

display: 9.7 inches diagonal, resolution 768x1024;
processor: 1 core at 1000 megahertz;
no camera;
memory: 257 megabytes of RAM, from 16-64 ROM.

iPad 2

The second generation of iPads, released in 2011. The model was distinguished by greater performance and fewer defects compared to its predecessor.

Among the innovations we can note:

increased amount of RAM (up to 512 megabytes);

the presence of two cameras;

dual-core processor;

gyroscope.

This time there were two versions of the tablet, in different colors (with a black or white frame).

Characteristics:

screen: diagonal 9.7, resolution 768x1024;
processor: dual-core 890 megahertz;
camera: 0.69 and 0.3 megapixels;
memory: 512 megabytes of RAM, from 16-64 built-in.

iPad 3

A new model was released in 2012.

What's better:

increased display sharpness;

powerful battery;

built-in Retina protective glass;

improved camera.

The design changes affected only the lens itself (its dimensions). It could be used to distinguish the third generation of iPad.

The iPad 3 added support for 4G networks. At that time, this function was more useless than in demand, since fourth generation networks were not widespread.

Technical indicators:

display: 9.7, resolution – 1536x2048 pixels, Retina protective glass;
processor: two cores at 890 megahertz;
camera: 5 and 0.3 megapixels;
memory: 1 gigabyte of RAM, 16-64 gigabytes of internal memory.

View your iPad model name in iTunes

If you have a computer with iTunes installed and a cable to connect your iPad, then you can find out the model name through iTunes. To do this, simply connect your iPad to your computer, launch iTunes and click on the iPad icon that appears in the upper left corner of the window.

This will take you to the iPad settings. Here, in the upper right part of the window, the model name of your iPad will be indicated.

Other information will also be available here, such as the iPad serial number, iOS version and much more.

iPad 4

In the fall of 2012, the Apple company announced 2 types of devices, and one of them was the iPad of the fourth series.

The design has not undergone any changes, with the exception of an updated Lightning connector for connecting to a PC and charger. The port has become more compact and eliminated the problem of the “wrong side” for users. Now the cable could be inserted from either side.

Technical parameters have improved somewhat: an updated processor and graphics module. The model has acquired a new front camera – now 1.2 megapixels.

Characteristics:

screen: 9.7, resolution – 1536x2048 pixels;
processor: two cores at 1.4 megahertz;
camera: 5 and 1.2 megapixels;
memory: 1 gigabyte of RAM, from 16 to 128 GB of ROM.

iPad mini

The second model announced was the iPad mini. The first model of “smaller” tablets from the company.

According to the technical characteristics of the iPad mini, this is the second iPad, but with a Lightning port, a new selfie camera and, more relevant at that time, a 4G module.

The disadvantage of the model was the display resolution (HD only) and a weak battery. But, if you remember that this is a “mini” model, then the performance is quite acceptable (up to eight to ten hours without recharging).

The design has undergone some changes. To reduce the dimensions of the device, we had to trim the frames around the edges. The body was entirely painted in one color. The sound control keys have become three-dimensional (designed as independent buttons).

iPad mini specifications:

screen: 7.9, resolution – 768x1024 pixels;
processor: dual-core 890 megahertz;
camera: 5 and 1.2 megapixels;
memory: 512 megabytes of RAM, 16-64 gigabytes of ROM.

iPad Air

In 2013, the company made a revolution. Apple managed to combine a voluminous display and small dimensions.

The design of the model resembles an enlarged iPad mini. Due to the trimmed frames, the dimensions of the tablet have become smaller, but the diagonal remains the same as that of the fourth generation iPad.

Among the innovations: support for LTE and third generation networks. The model added stereo speakers located at the bottom of the case.

Technical specifications:

display: 9.7, resolution – 1536x2048 pixels;
processor: dual-core 890 megahertz;
camera: main – 5 megapixels, front – 1.2 megapixels;
memory: RAM – 1 gigabyte, ROM – from 16 to 128 gigabytes.

Air Series

In the iPad Air, users saw a long-awaited update to the design that was boring during the release of the iPad 2, 3 and 4. It looks a bit like an enlarged version of the mini: the frames around the display have become smaller, as well as the thickness of the device itself. At the bottom there are paired speakers.

There are three varieties:

A1474 - Wi-Fi.
A1475 - LTE.
A1476 - TD-LTE, aimed at Southeast Asia.

The latest tablet in the series, called Air 2, has a Touch ID scanner on the Home button, the silent mode switch has disappeared, the design of the speakers has changed, and the thickness has decreased. Apple abandoned further production of the Air series, using the same design in the iPad 5, as we said above.

iPad mini 2

The second series of mini iPads, no different in appearance from the iPad mini 1. From the technical side, everything is different.

The new version is equipped with an improved display, with protective Retina glass, and a new battery that adds several hours of battery life.

Technical indicators:

display: 7.9 inches, resolution – 1536x2048 pixels;
processor: dual-core 890 megahertz;
camera: main – 5 megapixels, front – 1.2 megapixels;
memory: 1 gigabyte of RAM, ROM – from 16 to 128 gigabytes.

mini series

The first iPad mini can be distinguished from other models by its size. In addition, all the buttons on it are made of metal, which is also a noticeable feature. There are three versions:

A1453 - Wi-Fi.
A1454 - Cellular for the USA.
A1455 - Global Cellular with CDMA support.

The second generation of the iPad mini tablet model is no different in appearance from the first, so you have to focus on the screen (the Retina screen is used for the first time in the series) and the numbers on the back panel:

A1489 - Wi-Fi.
A1490 – LTE.

The difference between the second and third generations is the addition of Touch ID and a new gold color scheme. Plus numbers:

A1599 - Wi-Fi.
A1600 – LTE, sold in most countries of the world.
A1601 – LTE, sold in Southeast Asia.

iPad mini 4 has a slightly longer and thinner body than its predecessors. Plus, the device does not have a hardware button to turn on silent mode - only volume control keys. There are two models - A1538 with Wi-Fi and A1550 with LTE.

iPad Air 2

The model was released in 2014. The new Air model featured a built-in fingerprint scanner, a slim body and a powerful processor, as well as an increased amount of RAM (3 gigabytes). The main camera has grown to 8 megapixels.

Apple has released three colors: silver, gold and gray.

Technical side:

display: 9.7 inches, screen – 1536x2048 pixels;
processor: three cores at 1.5 gigahertz;
camera: main – 8 MP, front – 1.2 MP;
memory: 3 gigabytes of RAM, ROM – 16-128 gigabytes.

Mini second generation

The second generation of Mini devices was introduced along with the iPad Air. The changes that befell it were quite significant - in fact, it is the same Air, only reduced to 8 inches. All the hardware of the device, except the processor, was transferred from the flagship tablet. As for the processor, it has become slower, receiving a frequency of 1.3 GHz.

Also in the iPad line there are devices with the prefixes Air 2 and Mini 3, which have slightly reduced dimensions compared to their predecessors, new powerful processors and fingerprint scanners.

Although the history of the iPad is not very long, over the years Apple, thanks to its professional approach and innovation, has managed to gain the trust of consumers of its tablets around the world.

iPad mini 3

Due to the popularity of smaller iPad models, the company felt it necessary to soon release the third generation of iPad mini.

There weren't that many changes:

golden color;

new visual frame for the Home button;

increased processor performance.

Gadget characteristics:

display: 7.9, resolution – 1536x2048;
processor: dual-core 1300 megahertz;
camera: main – 5 megapixels, “for selfies” – 1.2 megapixels;
Memory: 1 Gigabyte of RAM, from 16-128 built-in memory.

Checking iPad model by serial number

If you want to find out what kind of iPad you have, you can do this by checking the serial number on the Apple website. This check is designed to determine if your iPad is legal and if you are eligible for service and support from Apple. But, you can use this check to find out what model of iPad you have.

In order to use this method, you need to go to the page https://checkcoverage.apple.com/ru/ru/, enter the iPad serial number, which is indicated on the back of the device, enter the verification code and click on the “Continue” button.

It should be noted that the serial number on the back of the iPad is written in a very small and thin font, so entering it correctly the first time can be difficult, and the number of attempts to enter it is limited.

Once you have entered everything correctly, a page will appear with information about your eligibility for service and support.

Among other information, the model of your iPad will be indicated on this page.

iPad Pro 12.9

In fact, this is the fifth generation of iPad. The model became the owner of the largest diagonal on the tablet PC market.

The case has 4 stereo speakers. On the left side of the tablet there is a connector for connecting a keyboard. The iPad Pro's dimensions allow it to be used as a small laptop.

The “Pro” version boasts a 2.26 Hz processor, which is already comparable to a home PC.

An important innovation was support for the Apple Pencil stylus, as well as the introduction of a multitasking mode (for the first time in the tablet PC market).

Device characteristics:

display: 12.9 inches, resolution – 2048x2732;
processor: dual-core 2.26 megahertz;
camera: 8 and 1.2 megapixels;
memory: 4 gigabytes of RAM, from 128-256 ROM.

iPad mini 4

The new generation of the “small” iPad can rightfully be called updated. The changes affected the technical and aesthetic side.

The thickness of the device has decreased to 6.1 millimeters. Because of this, the new iPad has lost compatibility with outdated accessories (cases, protective glasses, etc.). The button for changing screen orientation has been removed.

The amount of RAM has doubled. The main camera has increased to 8 megapixels. The new graphics chip allows you to play the latest games in high quality.

The battery capacity has decreased significantly, but thanks to the energy-saving mode, the tablet can be used for the same ten hours.

Technical indicators:

display: 7.9 inches, resolution – 1536x2048 pixels;
processor: two cores at 1500 megahertz;
camera: 8 and 1.2 megapixels;
memory: 2 gigabytes of RAM, ROM: 16-128 gigabytes.

Third generation iPad

Unlike iPhones, which are still being finalized with serial numbers, the third generation iPad began to be called simply “New iPad.” For this generation of Apple gadgets, the developer has prepared a very important change - a fundamentally new screen made using Retina technology. The tablet's RAM has also increased to 1 GB. The main camera has the ability to shoot video in Full HD resolution. LTE support has also been implemented. As for memory. Then its volume remained unchanged - buyers can choose between 16, 32 and 64 GB devices.

iPad Pro 9.7

The same iPad Pro, but with a standard screen. The maximum assembly of the model acquired 256 gigabytes of RAM, an IPS matrix with modern color rendering, and a dual-core processor with a clock frequency of 2.16 gigahertz.

Multitasking, stylus support, changing the color palette in accordance with the lighting - all the features remain in place.

Tablet PC Specifications:

screen: diagonal – 9.7, resolution – 1536x2048 pixels;
processor: two cores at 2.16 gigahertz;
camera: 12 and 5 megapixels;
memory: 2 gigabytes of RAM, 32-256 gigabytes of ROM.