Quick iPad Comparison
We’ll start with a quick comparison of the most recent iPad models in each line before we get into the nitty-gritty of each one’s design, components, and performance.
Performance
The iPad Pro (M4, 2024) offers the ultimate in iPad performance right now. The base model comes with 8GB of RAM, and if you go for the 2TB storage version, you also get 16GB of RAM. Producing scorchingly fast results in our benchmark tests, this iPad will handle basically any creative task you can throw at it.
But of course, that power comes at a price. And what’s more, it’s a level of power that most users simply don’t need – most people reading this aren’t 3D artists, don’t edit high-resolution video, etc. And even if you do meet that description, that’s no guarantee that you’re keen on the idea of off-loading all of this work onto an iPad, rather than a comfortable desktop computer or laptop.
The 2022 iPad uses an older A14 Bionic chip, which does a smooth job for basic browsing and 2D creative tasks, while being a bit lacking for anything more serious. However, it’s worth noting that you are stuck using the older Apple Pencil with this iPad, rather than the newer Apple Pencil 2 or Pencil Pro.
In our view, the star of the show here is the new iPad mini 7th generation. Its A17 Pro chip delivered benchmark test results that beat the iPad Air, and in use it could match the iPad Pro in terms of the smoothness of its performance for creative tasks. The only thing our expert could really get it to struggle with was exporting 4K video – if you are looking for an iPad specifically for video editing, the Pro is a better choice.
In battery life terms, the models are all roughly on par. The iPad Pro, iPad mini, and iPad are all rated to about 10 hours of basic use, which will naturally decrease with intensive use. The iPad Air lags slightly behind, with a rating of nine hours’ basic use.
Winner: The iPad mini 7th gen offers performance that’s close to the iPad Pro, for a price that the average user might actually be prepared to pay.
Which Should I Buy?
You can’t really go wrong here; these are four excellent tablets, each with their own advantages. If you are a professional creative who wants to use an iPad for the most ultra-demanding creative tasks like 3D modelling and high-res video editing, and money is no object, then get the iPad Pro (M4, 2024). However, that description probably doesn’t apply to you – it doesn’t apply to many people. So, which to choose?
If you’re going to be using the iPad for creative work, whether in 2D or 3D, you’re realistically looking at either the iPad Air (M2, 2022) or the iPad mini 7th generation. This is something of a toss-up that’s going to be dictated by your priorities. The iPad mini 7th gen is obviously more portable, and it also edges out the iPad Air in terms of its performance speed and what it can handle. It’s also cheaper. However, the iPad Air offers a bigger, better display that’s a more comfortable drawing canvas.
The iPad 10th Gen 2022 is the cheapest option on this list, even if you spec it out to the max. If you want something that works for simple digital drawing and painting, it’s a good bet. The fact that it’s only compatible with the older Apple Pencil doesn’t matter too much in the short term, as it still provides a solid drawing experience. However, this is a bit lacking in terms of future-proofing, as if you later upgrade to a more advanced iPad, you may have to spend more on getting a newer stylus.
So, in brief. For pros, it’s unsurprisingly the iPad Pro. For serious creatives, it’s either the iPad mini or iPad Air, depending on whether you place more value on fast performance or a larger display. And for casual users, it’s the basic iPad.
For more on the different iPads, see our best iPad for drawing guide.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the iPad Pro (M4, 2024) is the ultimate creative tool, but it comes at a price. The iPad Air (M2, 2022) and iPad mini 7th generation are excellent alternatives for creatives, with the iPad mini offering the best balance of performance and portability. The basic iPad 10th Gen 2022 is a good option for casual users, but it may lack the features and performance of the more advanced iPads.
FAQs
Q: Which iPad is best for 3D modeling?
A: The iPad Pro (M4, 2024) is the best option for 3D modeling, thanks to its powerful A17 Pro chip and 16GB of RAM.
Q: Which iPad is best for video editing?
A: The iPad Pro (M4, 2024) is the best option for video editing, thanks to its powerful A17 Pro chip and 16GB of RAM. However, the iPad mini 7th generation is also a good option, as it can handle 4K video editing with ease.
Q: Which iPad is best for casual use?
A: The basic iPad 10th Gen 2022 is the best option for casual use, as it offers a good balance of performance and price.
Q: Which iPad is best for drawing?
A: The iPad Air (M2, 2022) and iPad mini 7th generation are both excellent options for drawing, thanks to their large displays and responsive touchscreens. The iPad Pro (M4, 2024) is also a good option, but it comes at a higher price.
