Lineup iPad. Which iPad is better? What iPad

Having studied all the iPad models and their characteristics, you can understand how tablet PC technologies have developed and progressed from 2010 to our time.

After all, these famous gadgets and a few years ago, and now are equipped with the most modern details. And you can see development in them.

Moreover, some analysts suggest that it is iPads that over time will be the first to displace a significant part of stationary computers from the market, surpassing them, if not in power, then at least in mobility and ease of use.

iPad 1

The first "iPad" went on sale in 2010 and became a truly revolutionary gadget that received a lot of technologies that other tablet PCs did not have at that time - an IPS display and a powerful gigahertz Apple A4 processor.

High speed, a screen with a diagonal of almost 10 inches and a capacious 6667 mAh battery made the iPad 1 popular.

However, it was still just an experimental model, with a number of shortcomings and shortcomings.

Among the disadvantages of the device was called a relatively short work on a single charge - even such a battery was not enough for a large display and resource-intensive operating system iOS.

In addition, the "iPad" was quite thick by the standards of other tablets and did not come with a camera, which is why it could not be used for video chatting.

But his case received rounded edges and stylish volume buttons on the right side.

The original decision of the developers was the button for switching the lock modes and screen orientation, which lights up in green when turned on.

Another impressive feature is the built-in memory of the tablet, maximum volume which was 64 GB.

Although the rather modest RAM parameters did not allow installing more modern versions on the tablet.

Technical specifications:

  • screen size: 9.7 inches;
  • resolution: 768 x 1024;
  • processor: single core, 1000 MHz;
  • cameras: none;
  • memory size: 256 MB of RAM and from 16 to 64 GB of built-in;
  • battery capacity: 6667 mAh.

iPad 2

The next generation iPad, which appeared in 2011, turned out to be more advanced and had much fewer flaws.

First of all, this concerned the amount of RAM increased to 512 MB - quite enough to run modern applications and install new operating systems.

In addition, the model received two cameras at once - the main one at 0.69 megapixels. and frontal with a resolution (640 x 480), a gyroscope and a dual-core processor.

Most of the other characteristics, except for a more powerful processor, remained at the same level. Visually, the gadget differed edging home buttons matching the color of the body.

Tablet options:

  • screen: 1536x2048 pixels, 7.9 inches;
  • chipset: 2 cores, 1300 MHz;
  • cameras: 5 and 1.2 megapixels;
  • memory: RAM - 1 GB, ROM - 16, 64 and 128 GB;
  • battery capacity: 6471 mAh.

Another plus is the most affordable price in the history of the release of the series. The basic version of the model can be purchased for only $329.

At the same time, decent features and quite affordable cost allow gadgets to compete with top versions from other manufacturers.

And not only among fans of Apple products, but also among users who prefer high performance and modern technologies.

It's a bit of a crazy Christmas shopping season again. Many look at products with a well-recognized bitten apple, but choosing an iPad is now more difficult than before. Our advice will help you make the right choice.

1. Outline the scope of tasks
Perhaps the most important way to avoid disappointment in a purchase is to be clear about how you are going to use the purchase. The first step is to figure out which device is right for you.

Thanks to a huge assortment of advanced software from Apple itself and third-party developers, iPads are now capable of very, very much. This is not only a "watch a movie - read the Internet" device, but also a completely adequate (although, of course, not without its limitations) working tool for a journalist, photo editor, designer, artist, DJ or musician.

The choice is not as easy as it seems at first glance.

If a year ago, the iPad 4 with a Retina screen and the most powerful processor at that time gave the iPad mini a huge head start in literally everything except for dimensions, weight and convenience, then this year the iPad Air and iPad mini with a Retina display have almost identical stuffing ( The iPad mini's processor runs at a slightly lower frequency and "decelerates" faster under load so as not to overheat). The display resolution is the same (2048 by 1536), because of this, the mini has the same pixel density as the iPhone 5 - 326 dpi. The mini screen has a slightly smaller color gamut, but this will be noticeable only to professionals. Does this mean that you can take any? Or mini - because it's cheaper?

The biggest differences are size (including screen size) and weight. Accordingly, you should choose Air or mini based on the intended use cases. Are you going to read a lot of books? iPad mini gives the same clear picture, but weighs less - it's easier to read, holding it with one hand, for example in transport. But for magazines formatted for iPad, the large screen size of the Air will be more convenient - as a rule, you can’t change the font size in magazine applications, so reading on the small mini screen will strain your eyes more.

For one-handed use, the iPad mini is definitely more comfortable.

For games, perhaps, both tablets are "equally useful", so no one bothers to take a more compact version, if desired, using Apple TV, you can "mirror" the screen on a large TV and actually play like on a set-top box. For "single" film viewing, there is also not much difference, but if you are going to watch a movie on the iPad together (on a trip, for example), then it is better to take Air - it is difficult to place the mini at a comfortable distance for both viewers.

If you plan to actively use the iPad for creative purposes, and use it comfortably, there is no alternative to the iPad Air. Drawing, serious music software, typing - all this requires a large screen and the ability to comfortably touch the often small interface elements with your finger. If nothing of the kind is planned, and the tablet is bought as an entertainment and communication device (mail, Skype, FaceTime) for use on the go, which you constantly carry with you while doing work on a laptop or PC, it is better to look at the iPad mini with Retina display.

2. Select volume
Apple charges buyers 4,000 rubles for each "step" in the amount of memory (32 - 64 - 128 GB) from the base 16 GB model, which, at current prices for flash memory, is increasingly reminiscent of robbery, especially for the 32 GB models. Some assumed (forgetting how capitalism works) that 16 GB built-in media in i-devices this fall will remain the lot of old budget models, and the capacity of the new iPads starts at 32 GB for the price of the "old" 16. It did not happen.

At the same time, applications are becoming "heavier" (including due to the need to use "retina" graphics), HD or Full HD video that takes up a lot of space is becoming easier to download on the Web. Because of all this, 16 gigabytes will be crammed into a user who actively uses a tablet for media consumption very, very quickly. It makes sense to take the least capacious iPad Air or mini model only in order to save money and if you plan to store at least music (with video it is still more difficult) on "cloud" services like iTunes Match or.

In Smart Case, iPad mini seems even more massive than the "naked" iPad Air

You can, of course, experiment with storing media on, connecting to the tablet via Wi-Fi, but remember that it’s really comfortable software solution manufacturers have not yet offered for them, user experience is not up to par yet. In general, from our point of view, spending 4,000 rubles on a more capacious iPad model (32 GB) definitely makes sense - at least you can upload a whole season of the series there (or even a couple, if in standard quality) before vacation.

At the same time, the 128-gigabyte model is still the lot of the most fanatical content consumers or simply non-poor people who want to have everything "the very best". For most buyers, it is most reasonable to choose between 32 GB (in practice, it turns out to be enough for most users) and 64 GB (if you definitely store a lot of video and music) models.

3. LTE or Wi-Fi only?
In new iPads with the module cellular communication(without it, a tablet of the same capacity will be 5,000 rubles cheaper) LTE support has appeared. LTE-compatible SIM cards work (nano-SIM format is needed) from leading mobile operators, speeds (subject to good coverage at a given point and an uncongested network) of several tens of megabits per download are quite achievable. True, there are not very many such points so far, judging by the reviews, fourth-generation networks in Russia are far from perfect.

In fact, if you mainly use the iPad to access the Internet at home, in the office, or in a cafe with Wi-Fi, then there is not so much sense in the cellular module. When, nevertheless, the need arises to go online from the tablet, as they say, "in the open field", you can always distribute the Internet from your smartphone. In addition, it is always easier to operate and pay for one SIM card than two.

So an iPad with LTE only makes sense for those who regularly (say, at least a couple of hours a day) need Wi-Fi-independent Internet access. By the way, in the "access point" mode, such a tablet is able to work continuously, distributing the Internet to a laptop, smartphone and other devices, for almost a day. If you find frequent use for this use case, then you should also look at the LTE version.

4. Save wisely
The official Apple online store sells not only the latest tablet models. If your task is to spend as little as possible, but at the same time buy Apple equipment officially, the choice is between the year before last iPad 2 from 14,990 rubles and last year's iPad mini from 11,990 rubles. Both are only available in 16 GB storage capacity, and by adding another 5,000 rubles to the price, you can purchase a device with a 3G module that has Internet access anywhere in your network. mobile operator and not just where there is Wi-Fi.

From our point of view, buying an iPad 2 for that kind of money makes no sense at all - the device, we recall, was released in 2011 and is already hopelessly outdated. But the iPad mini for 11,990 (and a little cheaper from "gray" sellers) is a good option for an "almost pocket" tablet for ridiculous money by Apple standards. Note that it is also available in a new color for Apple "space gray", in appearance you can not distinguish it from the Retina version.

7. Choose the right tools
If you're going to be constantly downloading new music and (especially) videos from the Web to your tablet, you need to remember: the implementation of this process on the iPad leaves much to be desired. The standard solution - to add media to the iTunes library (video - only in mp4 / m4v or mov) on a computer, then synchronize the tablet - for many will seem long and inconvenient. It is much easier, of course, to buy content on iTunes - there is almost any music and most of the current mainstream films with good translation (although there are still no TV shows). But many of our fellow citizens still react very emotionally to the offer to buy content, especially not on a physical medium.

There is, of course, an option to buy an Android tablet with a good screen. But even with "apples" you can make your life easier with the help of special programs. For example, to watch videos at home, if you have a PC and home network Wi-Fi, "streaming" with the Air Video app is perfect. And the free VLC video player allows you to upload movies in a variety of formats, including via Wi-Fi and bypassing iTunes. For a quick "upload" via cable from Apple's proprietary "media combine", there's still nowhere to go, but at least you don't need to add anything to the library in advance.

Want to turn your iPad into a typing tool? It's more real than you think - read on. Do you want to draw? The Paper app is here to help, and they even recently released a dedicated stylus to help unlock the full potential of the iPad as a platform for professional imaging. If, nevertheless, "apple" devices are not yours, among Android tablets it is worth taking a closer look at the ones already mentioned above or.

We appreciated best Apple iPads you can buy in 2019.

Picking the best iPad in 2019 is tricky because Apple released five new iPads last year, and there are older models that sell for less, not to mention that their names are very similar.

The best iPad will be able to offer you the performance of a computer, the stylish design of a 2-in-1 laptop and the familiar interface of a smartphone thanks to iOS 12, but the company's tablets will soon get better with the release in a few months.

It all comes together in an attractive design that easily replaces a classic laptop for most - though not all - users.

The next factor will be the price of the iPad: the new budget iPad 9.7 2018 comes at an affordable price, while performance-oriented and offer specs similar to a powerful laptop. New and years offer excellent value for money, all tablets support the Apple Pencil, which will appeal to the average consumer and students.

2 | iPad Pro 12.9 (2018)

BEST IPAD AMONG LARGE TABLETS


Weight: 632 g | Dimensions: 280.6 x 214.9 x 5.9mm | OS: iOS 12 | Screen size: 12.9 inch | Permission: 2732 x 2048 pixels | CPU: A12X Bionic | Built-in memory: 64GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB | microSD slot: No | Battery: 9720 mAh | Main camera: 12 MP | Front-camera: 7MP

  • pros: Big screen | Unsurpassed sound quality;
  • Minuses: Time battery life| Face ID quality;

iPad Pro 12.9 (2018) - a giant monster - a monster, but in a good sense of the word, as it will easily take on half the digital tasks of your life - goodbye, mobile phone, laptop, album, mixing console, game console. It is an ideal tablet for creativity and work, with a huge screen, useful peripheral devices and fast iOS.

It offers the highest processing power available on a mobile device, four speakers and a bright screen, and depending on the model, you get more storage space than you'll ever need.

The tablet doesn't offer the best battery life, so don't count on longevity. You may not be able to use it for watching movies on a long trip, or for mixing music. The tablet also charges quite slowly.

All in all, iPad Pro The 12.9 (2018) is one of the best iPads you can buy in 2019, but if you don't need its huge display, the cheaper iPad Pro 11 will save you some money and remain more portable.

3 | iPad (2018)

BEST IPAD FOR THE AVERAGE USER


Weight: 469 grams | Dimensions: 240 x 169.5 x 7.5mm | OS: iOS 12 | Screen size: 9.7 inch | Permission: 2048 x 1536 pixels | CPU: A10 Bionic | RAM : 2 GB | Built-in memory: 32 / 128 GB | microSD slot: No | Battery: up to 10 hours | Main camera: 8 MP | Front-camera: 1.2MP

  • pros: Inexpensive | Works with Apple Pencil;
  • Minuses: Educational ambitions | No Smart Keyboard

This is Apple's best iPad for the average consumer and education segment, even if it's still not the most powerful tablet from the manufacturer, it offers a great value.

The new iPad (2018) replaces the extremely similar iPad (2017) and before it the iPad Air 2 in the Apple tablet series.

It works with the Apple Pencil, giving you the cheapest way to draw on the 9.7-inch screen, although you won't be able to get a Smart Keyboard with this model, the option remains exclusive to the Pro. It also has a luxurious metal body like all Apple iPads, although it is slightly thicker than the iPad Air 2 and iPad Pro at 7.5mm.

With a built-in fingerprint scanner, iOS 12 under the hood, and up to 10 hours of battery life for web browsing or video browsing, the new iPad (2018) is a great media player and a good tablet in every way, as long as you don't plan to use it for demanding applications. task performance.

4 | IPAD AIR (2019)

THE BEST COMPROMISE FOR STUDENTS


Weight: 456 g | Dimensions: 250.6 x 174.1 x 6.1mm | OS: iOS 12 | Screen size: 10.5 inch | Permission: 2224 x 1668 pixels | CPU: A12 Bionic | Built-in memory: 64 GB / 256 GB | microSD slot: No | Main camera: 8 MP | Front-camera: 7MP

  • pros: Laminated Screen | Smart Keyboard support;
  • Minuses: Works with 1st generation Pencil | Old design;

The new iPad Air with a 10.5-inch screen is the perfect compromise between the entry-level iPad 9.7 and the more powerful but expensive iPad Pro 11. In most US stores, it is sold at the price of the original iPad, so it is cheaper than the iPad Pro 10.5 (2017), which he replaces, although he is not a member of the "Pro" family. However, the tablet offers several high-quality features that make it a compelling addition to your laptop.

It's the cheapest iPad that's compatible with the Apple Smart Keyboard Cover, which means you don't have to deal with fancy Bluetooth keyboards to get the most out of your tablet. It is also equipped with the Apple A12 chipset, borrowed from the iPhone XS. This is an incredibly fast tablet. Students will be able to take notes and respond to email using a tablet, but artists will hate the first generation Apple Pencil.

5 | IPAD MINI (2019)

BEST SMALL TABLET OF 2019


Weight: 304 g | Dimensions: 203.2 x 134.8 x 6.1mm | OS: iOS 12 | Screen size: 7.9 inch | Permission: 2048 x 1536 pixels | CPU: A12 Bionic | Built-in memory: 64 GB / 256 GB | microSD slot: No | Battery: 5124 mAh | Main camera: 8 MP | Front-camera: 7MP

  • pros: Compact size | Surprisingly powerful;
  • Minuses: Thick screen bezels | Old Pencil;

Sometimes what you need as a tablet is a device that's a little bigger than a phone, and the iPad Mini (2019) fits the bill. It's a sleek tablet with impressive specs, Apple's latest processor and decent battery life.

What makes the iPad Mini (2019) Apple's best tablet is the ability to use the Apple Pencil, which turns the iPad into a tiny laptop out of your pocket.

The iPad Mini (2019) is one of the best compact tablets available on the market in 2019, so if you're looking for a portable pocket machine, you can't beat the iPad Mini.

6 | iPad Pro 12.9 (2017)

OLD BUT BIG IPAD


Weight: 677 grams | Dimensions: 305.7 x 220.6 x 6.9mm | OS: iOS 12 | Screen size: 12.9 inch | Permission: 2732 x 2048 pixels | CPU: A10X Fusion | RAM: 4 GB | Built-in memory: 64 / 256 / 512 GB | microSD slot: No | Battery: 10875 mAh | Main camera: 12 MP | Front-camera: 7MP

  • pros: Big screen | Huge performance;
  • Minuses A: Too expensive for some;

We love the iPad Pro for its large size, and this tablet comes closest to emulating the MacBook with its hybrid 2-in-1 form factor. It just runs iOS 12 instead of macOS.

It's the best tablet in terms of productivity and entertainment, thanks to its 12.9-inch screen, four speakers, and an iOS 12 dock, along with a multitasking interface. Apple has redesigned its Control Center interface to make app transitions easier, and the tablet is also compatible with the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard.

Biggest weakness? An iPad Pro 12.9 price and also a size that just doesn't fit everyone. But if you can afford one and want an affordable iPad yourself big size, you will love this tablet, it can replace a laptop for many.

7 | iPad PRO 10.5 (2017)

EXPERIENCE WITH IPAD PRO FOR CHEAPER


Weight: 469 grams | Dimensions: 250 x 174.1 x 6.1mm | OS: iOS 12 | Screen size: 10.5 inch | Permission: 2224 x 1668 pixels | CPU: A10X Fusion | RAM: 4 GB | Built-in memory: 64 / 256 / 512 GB | microSD slot: No | Battery: 8134 mAh | Main camera: 12 MP | Front-camera: 7MP

  • pros: Excellent speakers | 512 GB model;
  • Minuses: Screen raises the price | iOS does not allow you to replace the laptop;

The iPad Pro 10.5 is Apple's all-star tablet of sorts, which recently succeeded the iPad Pro 11. There's good news for the Pro 10.5, though, as the tablet is now cheaper.

The new ProMotion screen offers an extra level of fluidity in daily use – and the smaller bezels are exactly what makes the screen bigger while maintaining the overall size of a 2016 9.7-inch tablet.

This is the iPad for professionals and those who love to consume the highest quality multimedia content.

It takes advantage of the Apple Pencil and some of iOS 12's tablet features, including the docking station, Control Center, and Instant Markup with a stylus. If you invest in a recommended Smart Keyboard (keyboard), you will be able to upgrade your iPad Pro to new level while avoiding jumping through hoops with Bluetooth accessories.

8 | iPad (2017)

PREMIUM BUT AVAILABLE IPAD


Weight: 469 grams | Dimensions: 240 x 169.5 x 7.5 | OS: iOS 12 | Screen size: 9.7 inch | Permission: 2048 x 1536 | CPU: A9 | RAM: 2 GB | Built-in memory: 32 GB / 128 GB | microSD slot: No | Battery: 8827 mAh | Main camera: 8 MP | Front-camera: 1.2MP

  • pros: Sound quality | Performance for the price;
  • Minuses: Apple Pencil separately | Old design;

The iPad (2017) marked a name change for Apple's tablet line, as the Cupertino-based firm dropped "Air" in favor of a clean name.

The iPad (2017) has since been replaced by the new iPad (2018), but it's still a good iPad if you're looking for Apple's most affordable tablet.

The only real problem is that the new iPad (2018) doesn't cost much more, so if you can afford that price difference, new tablet 2018 is the best buy.

9 | iPad PRO 9.7 (2016)

THE IPAD PRO THAT REMAINS THE BEST ON THE PLANET


Weight: 437 grams | Dimensions: 240 x 169.5 x 6.1mm | OS: iOS 12 | Screen size: 9.7 inch | Permission: 2048 x 1536 pixels | CPU: A9X | RAM: 2 GB | Built-in memory: 32 / 128 / 256 GB | microSD slot: No | Battery: up to 10 hours | Main camera: 12 MP | Front-camera: 5MP

  • pros: Excellent speakers | Up to 256 GB of memory;
  • Minuses: High price | Power below 12.9-inch iPad Pro;

For the traditional user, the iPad Pro 9.7 (2016) is one of the best and most versatile options out there.

The 9.7-inch screen strikes a great balance between a large bezel that is substantially larger than a phone's screen and a compact screen to keep the device portable.

And while Apple has dropped the Air moniker, measuring 240 x 169.5 x 6.1mm and weighing 437 grams, the iPad Pro 9.7 is as thin and light as the iPad Air 2.

And the Pro is there for a reason, pointing to the huge power headroom that comes with the A9X processor and 2GB of RAM, while the four speakers provide serious media potential and the excellent screen guarantees true tones, adapts color and its intensity to the environment. . Needless to say, the possibility of using the Smart Keyboard and Apple Pencil stylus if you want to use the tablet to its fullest.

The Apple iPad Pro 9.7 (2016) also comes with 256GB of storage, if you're willing to pay to not feel constrained by the lack of a microSD slot, and it's likely to remain a powerful and versatile tablet for years to come, which also justifies the tablet's hefty price tag.

10 | IPAD MINI 4

APPLE'S LATEST 7" IPAD


Weight: 299 grams | Dimensions: 203.2 x 134.8 x 6.1mm | OS: iOS 12 | Screen size: 7.9 inch | Permission: 2048 x 1536 pixels | CPU: A8 | RAM: 2 GB | Built-in memory: 16 / 32 / 64 / 128 GB | microSD slot: No | Battery: 5124 mAh | Main camera: 8 MP | Front-camera: 1.2MP

  • pros: Big screen | Graceful design;
  • Minuses: Old processor| No fingerprint scanner;

Big screens aren't for everyone, and that's where the 7.9-inch iPad Mini 4 comes in. The screen size means it's much more compact than Apple's larger tablets, especially since it weighs just 299 grams. Sure, it's not small enough for you to easily use it with one hand, but you'll be able to comfortably hold it for much longer than most Apple tablets, as well as toss it in your bag without difficulty.

It's also big enough for you to enjoy surfing the web or watching videos when you're away from home and the big screen, but the 7.9-inch tablet obviously won't be able to offer the same visual media consumption experience as the older ones. 9.7- and 12.9-inch Apple tablets.

The small size and lack of a Smart-Connector also make it less workable than the iPad Pro series, but the junior tablet in the series isn't designed to replace a laptop.

It's still a reasonably powerful tablet thanks to 2GB of RAM and the aging but still impressive Apple A8. The screen remains sharp, rich in color and easy to see even in bright sunlight.

The iPad Mini 4 is without a doubt the best small tablet in the series, and it also costs a fraction of the price of the Pro range, starting at $399 ($26,000). Models come with up to 128GB of storage, which you won't have to be limited with - though the Mini 4 doesn't have the 256GB version of the iPad Pro.

Since 2010, 7 generations of iPad, four generations of iPad mini and two generations of iPad Pro have been released:

  • iPad 1G released in 2 flavors: Wi-Fi model and 3G model
  • iPad 2 received 4 varieties at once: a Wi-Fi-only model, a 3G GSM model, a CDMA model, and a second revision of the Wi-Fi model
  • iPad 3 (The new iPad) came in three flavors: Wi-Fi, Cellular for GSM networks, and Cellular for CDMA networks
  • The iPad 4 (iPad with Retina display) and iPad mini came in three other flavors: Wi-Fi, the "global" Cellular model, and the "US" Cellular model
  • iPad Air, iPad mini 2 (previously sold as iPad mini with Retina display), iPad mini 3 and 9.7" iPad Pro come in three flavors: Wi-Fi, Global LTE, and Asian model with support for additional TD-LTE bands
  • iPad Air 2, iPad mini 4, iPad 5, 12.9" iPad Pro first generation and both iPad Pro second generation come in two flavors: a Wi-Fi model and an all-in-one LTE model
  • iPad Pro with Face ID has four hardware models

The first generation of the iPad did not yet have a streamlined body, on the contrary, it had clearly defined side walls. Wi-Fi and 3G models are easy to distinguish by the absence or presence on the back of a large plastic insert for the modem antenna, as well as a tray for a SIM card.

It differs from the iPad 1G both in thickness and in the design of the case, which lacks side walls. The speaker has moved to the back of the device, where it is located under numerous perforated holes. Two subsequent generations of the iPad received a similar design without significant changes, so it is more reliable to distinguish them by the model code printed in small print on the back of the gadget:

  • A1395 - for Wi-Fi models
  • A1396 - for GSM model
  • A1397 - for CDMA model

The second revision of the iPad 2 (iPad 2 Rev A), which went on sale in the spring of 2012, is equipped with a different version of the Apple A5 processor and is less amenable to jailbreak. It is impossible to distinguish this model from the outside, you need to connect to a computer and use utilities like redsn0w. Download redsn0w for OS X or for Windows, run the utility. Go to the Extras-Even more-Identify menu, in the window that opens, scroll down the text and look at the value in the ProductType line. If "iPad2,1" is there, it is the old version of the iPad 2 Wi-Fi model, and if "iPad2,4" is the new one.

iPad 3, which was originally distributed under the brand "The new iPad", when turned off, can be distinguished from the iPad 2 only by the model code engraved on the bottom of the back of the device:

  • A1416 - for Wi-Fi models
  • A1430 - for GSM model
  • A1403 - for CDMA model

When turned on, the difference between the iPad 2 and iPad 3 is visible to the naked eye thanks to the Retina display with a resolution of 2048x1536 pixels.

The iPad 4 is a redesigned version of the iPad 3 that went on sale just 7 months after The new iPad was released. Main differences iPad with Retina display- in the filling of the gadget, but there is also a significant external difference between the iPad 4 and iPad 3 - this is a port for connecting to a computer. The iPad 4 uses a small Lightning port.

iPad 4 is available in 3 varieties, but the principle of their separation is different from iPad 3. You can also distinguish them by the model code on the back:

  • A1458 - for Wi-Fi models
  • A1459 - "American" Cellular model
  • A1460 - "global" Cellular model with CDMA support

The "American" and "global" iPad 4 models differ in the list of supported LTE (4G) communication bands. Unfortunately, none of them can work in Russian LTE networks.

The fifth-generation iPad has received a name and a long-awaited design update. This iPad is most like an enlarged copy of the iPad mini. The size of the frame around the display has decreased, the thickness of the device has decreased, paired stereo speakers have appeared in the lower part of the case.

iPad Air is available in 3 varieties, and the principle of their separation again differs from previous generations. You can also distinguish them by the model code on the back wall:

  • A1474 - for Wi-Fi models
  • A1475 - for LTE models
  • A1476 - for TD-LTE models targeted at Southeast Asia

The iPad Air LTE model is universal, it supports all regional 3G and LTE bands.

The sixth generation of the iPad has been named . It differs from the previous version of the iPad Air in a reduced thickness, a changed speaker design, and a missing mute switch. But the most noticeable and most useful change is the Touch ID scanner on the Home button.

iPad Air comes in just 2 varieties:

  • A1566 - for Wi-Fi models
  • A1567 - for LTE models

The iPad Air 2 LTE model is also universal, it supports almost all LTE bands used in the world.

From all other iPads can be distinguished very simply - by size. In addition, all the buttons on the iPad mini are made of metal instead of plastic. The first generation iPad mini does not have a Retina display.

There are three varieties of the first generation iPad mini, distinguished by a code on the back:

  • A1453 - Wi-Fi model
  • A1454 - "American" Cellular model
  • A1455 - "global" Cellular model with CDMA support

The "American" and "global" iPad mini models also differ in the list of supported LTE (4G) communication bands.

In the off state, it looks no different from the iPad mini 1G. Once enabled, you can't help but notice the 326ppi Retina display. Previously, the gadget was sold under the name iPad mini with Retina display, but after the release of the iPad mini 3, it was renamed the iPad mini 2.

There are two varieties of iPad mini that differ in the code on the back:

  • A1489 - Wi-Fi model
  • A1490 - LTE model

As with the iPad Air, the iPad mini 2G LTE model is universal, supporting all regional 3G and LTE bands.

Actually is a copy of the iPad mini 2, it has the same equipment, it has exactly the same characteristics. There are only two differences between the third and second generations of the iPad mini: the Touch ID scanner and the new body color - gold.

Three hardware models of the iPad mini 3 are available:

  • A1599 - Wi-Fi model
  • A1600 - LTE model for sale in most countries of the world
  • A1601 - LTE model for Southeast Asian markets

LTE iPad mini 3 models are also universal, they will work in any country with local operators without any restrictions.

It differs from its predecessor not only in a more powerful filling, but also in dimensions - it is slightly longer and thinner. The most important visual difference is the lack of a hardware mute switch. At the end of the iPad mini 4 you will find only the volume control buttons.

There are two hardware models of the iPad mini 4:

  • A1538 - Wi-Fi model
  • A1550 - LTE model

In the line of iPad came to replace the iPad Air. First, a 12.9-inch model was introduced with incredibly productive hardware stuffing, which is hard not to distinguish from other Apple tablets. The iPad Pro debuted a brand new port - the Smart Connector on the side of the device is designed to connect compatible keyboards.

Later, a smaller version of the tablet with a diagonal of 9.7 inches was introduced. In terms of dimensions and weight, it is fully consistent with the iPad Air 2, but it is easy to distinguish due to the protruding camera lens (like on the iPhone 6/6s/Plus) and the presence of a dual flash.

The 12.9-inch iPad Pro comes in two hardware models:

  • A1584 - Wi-Fi model (capacity 32, 128 or 256 GB)
  • A1652 - LTE model (available with 128 or 256 GB of memory)

The 9.7-inch iPad Pro comes in three hardware models with 32GB, 128GB, or 256GB of internal storage:

  • A1673 - Wi-Fi model
  • A1675 - LTE model (for China)
  • A1674 - LTE model (for the rest of the world)

iPad 5 (2017 model)

iPad 5 finally confused the situation in the iPad line. This is not the fifth generation of the iPad at all, but Apple calls it the fifth because it wants to completely abandon the iPad Air line and return to the past numbering principles (and before the iPad Air was just the iPad 4). But it cannot be recognized as a new iPad either, because even in comparison with the iPad Air 2, this is a step backwards. In fact, this is a budget iPad model in the case from the first iPad Air, but with updated hardware. The easiest way to distinguish iPad 5 from iPad Air is by the presence of Touch ID and the absence of a hardware volume switch; the rest of the devices are identical externally.

iPad 5 comes in just two hardware models:

  • A1822 - Wi-Fi model
  • A1823 - model with LTE module

iPad Pro (gen 2)

The second generation were presented simultaneously in two sizes. The usual 9.7-inch form factor has been replaced by a completely new display size - 10.5 inches. The 12.9-inch iPad Pro model is practically the same in performance as the smaller version (unlike the first generation) and is made in a similar design. These are the first iPads in history to come with 512GB of internal storage (in addition to the 64GB and 256GB models).

The second generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro comes in two hardware models:

  • A1670 - Wi-Fi model
  • A1821 - LTE model

The 10.5-inch iPad Pro also comes in two hardware models:

  • A1701 - Wi-Fi model
  • A1709 - LTE model

iPad 6 (2018 model)

The sixth iPad is a successor to the fifth budget generation of Apple tablets. The iPad Air form factor is still used, but the sixth model differs from the fifth, firstly, more powerful processor A10 Fusion (similar to iPhone 7), secondly, support for the Apple Pencil stylus.

iPad 6 is available in two hardware models:

  • A1893 - Wi-Fi model
  • A1954 - model with LTE module

iPad Pro (Gen 3)

The third generation is the most radical redesign in the history of all iPads. Firstly, this is an iPad with Face ID, and the scanner works in both portrait and landscape orientations, which even the iPhone cannot. Secondly, this is the first iOS device to use a USB-C connector. Like past iPad Pros, the tablets came in two variants, this time 11-inch and 12.9-inch. In addition, the maximum amount of memory has doubled, now it has reached 1 terabyte.

The third generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro comes in 4 hardware models:

  • A1876 - Wi-Fi model
  • A1983 - LTE model for China
  • A2014 - LTE model for America
  • A1895 - LTE model for the rest of the world

The 11-inch iPad Pro also comes in 4 hardware models:

  • A1980 - Wi-Fi model
  • A1979 - LTE model for China
  • A2013 - LTE model for America
  • A1934 - LTE model for the rest of the world



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