IPad of the latest generation. Four reasons to buy an Android tablet over an iPad. IPad Pro processors

By examining all iPad models and their characteristics, you can understand how tablet PC technologies have developed and progressed from 2010 to the present.

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

Moreover, some analysts suggest that it is "iPads" that will eventually be the first to displace a significant part of desktop computers from the market, surpassing them, if not in power, then at least in mobility and usability.

iPad 1

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

The fast performance, the nearly 10-inch screen and the 6667mAh battery made the iPad 1 popular.

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

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

In addition, the iPad was rather thick by the standards of other tablets and did not come with a camera, which made it impossible to use it for video chat.

But its body received rounded edges and stylish volume control buttons on the right side.

The original solution of the developers was the button for switching lock modes and screen orientation, which lights up green when it is on.

Another impressive feature is the tablet's internal memory, which has a maximum capacity of 64GB.

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: absent;
• memory size: 256 MB of RAM and from 16 to 64 GB of built-in;
• battery capacity: 6667 mAh.

iPad 2

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

First of all, this concerned the increased RAM volume to 512 MB - it is 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 resolution (640 x 480), gyroscope and dual-core processor.

Most of the other specs, apart from the more powerful processor, remained at the same level. Visually, the gadget was distinguished by the edging of the Home button, which coincides in color with the body.

Tablet parameters:

• 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 cost in the entire history of the release of the series. The basic version of the model can be purchased for just $ 329.

At the same time, decent features and quite affordable cost allow gadgets to be a good competitor to the top versions of other manufacturers.

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

You are not suitable, it is still only half the battle, because the ever-growing line of portable devices from Apple provides a lot of options to choose from.

Do you want a small 7.9 "screen, rounded 9.7" or a monster 12.9 "? Are you dreaming of the highest level of power, or are you content with more modest possibilities? Are you in need of a real laptop replacement or are you just looking for a suitable way to surf the Internet? One way or another, iPad is your choice, and in order to weed out unnecessary options and find the most suitable one, I stopped at all options. Therefore, turn on your old tablet, read my review carefully and finally decide to update.

Let's start with the latest innovations and delve a little into the past, to the time-tested devices, here is my guide to finding the most suitable option for you.

For the average buyer, the iPad Pro 9.7 is arguably the best option on either side, especially if the price tag isn't a barrier. The fact is that its cost starts at 46 130 rubles, and then it will go up steeply when you need more than 32 GB of memory or a connection to a cellular network. But it would serve as a good excuse for the expense, as the iPad Pro 9.7 is the newest and most powerful of Apple's flagship line of tablets.

The 9.7-inch display is large enough for a tablet and much larger than a cell phone, yet compact enough to be considered portable.

Despite Apple ditching the Air name, at 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.

But it lives up to the Pro name with the massive power of its A9X processor and 2GB of RAM, four speakers for serious media capabilities, and a gorgeous True Tone screen that adapts colors and brightness to your surroundings. And, of course, we cannot fail to note the possibility of using the Smart Keyboard - a virtual keyboard and a special stylus for Apple Pencil graphics applications, if you really intend to do serious business with your tablet.

This device comes with up to 256GB of storage, and if you're willing to pay, you won't feel limited to just the extra storage of a microSD card. Therefore, your tablet will become a versatile device with good performance, albeit an expensive one, and it won't need an update for a long time.

This tablet is, at its core, just an improved and enlarged version of the iPad Pro 9.7. It also comes with four high-quality speakers, the same set of accessories and storage capacity. But its display is significantly larger, and the resolution of 2048 × 2732 maintains the same image density of 264 pixels per square inch. It's also more powerful than its sibling, combining the A9X processor with 4GB of more memory.

That kind of power is undeniably a good thing, but a large display will only be an advantage when using a tablet instead of a computer, running applications on a split screen, or watching a lot of movies. But with other uses, it is a little cumbersome, especially considering that it weighs in at the same considerable 713 g. If your goal is portability, then you have to make a different choice.

But if you want to indulge yourself in an expensive purchase and get the largest yet most powerful tablet Apple has ever made, then the iPad Pro 12.9 is undoubtedly the best option for you.

Large displays are not suitable for all situations, and then the 7.9-inch iPad mini 4 may come in handy. Its dimensions speak for it: it is much more compact than similar products from Apple, especially when you consider that its weight is only 299 g. not small enough for one-handed operation, but it can be comfortably held in hand, unlike other tablets from the same company. The small size of this device allows you to put it in your bag and forget about it.

It's also quite handy for surfing the web or watching videos when you're out and about with no big screens, although it's not as good as Apple's larger 9.7 and 12.9-inch tablets.

Its small footprint and especially the lack of a Smart Connector also makes it not as productive as the more advanced iPad Pro series products, but it was not intended as a computer replacement either.

It is still quite powerful with 2GB of memory and the aging but meeting Apple A8 processor, and the screen is crisp, bright and visible even in bright sunlight.

The price of the iPad mini 4 tablet is significantly lower than the cost of similar devices in the Apple Pro series, it starts at 27,200 rubles. That being said, you get 128 GB of storage and you won't be limited in your capabilities, although this volume does not compare with the 256 GB received with the iPad Pro.

The release of the tablet predates the iPad Pro 9.7, and from the names you can tell what it lacks, namely the ability to work with the Smart Keyboard and Apple Pencil, as well as the four powerful speakers found on the Pro range.

It also doesn't offer great performance, but in some respects it can almost match the iPad Pro 9.7, all at a much lower cost.

First of all, it has the same high-quality metal body, and with the same dimensions and weight, it remains thin and light, its thickness is 6.1 mm and weight is 437 grams.

Its 9.7-inch display boasts a resolution of 1536 x 2048 pixels, but it lacks the benefits of True Tone (vivid, vibrant colors with dynamically adjustable white balance), a technology found in the iPad Pro that makes tablet display performance an unforgettable experience.

But when your tablet's display is as good as the iPad Air 2, you don't have to regret these things, especially if you've never seen them in action.

It also uses a lot of power, matching the iPad Pro with 2GB of storage and roughly halfway between it and the iPad mini 4 with its A8X processor. In short, if you don't need the power potential of the iPad Pro, and can live with slightly outdated but still serious tech, then the iPad Air 2 is the best choice for you. Although now it is only available with 64GB of storage.

The tablet is an odd thing, as apart from the added Touch ID system, it's basically the same as the iPad mini 2.

The high price of the device makes it an unprofitable purchase, unless you are very concerned about security and do not agree to dial the PIN code every time you turn on the tablet.

But you can live with that, because you get a thin, light, high-quality made screen and the same polished operating system iOS, tested on other Apple devices.

But it cannot be called a bargain, as you can get a tablet with similar options for less.

We are talking about iPad mini or another, even more compact, iPad mini 4.

This tablet is a little old at the moment, but it is an indication of the work that Apple puts into its tablets, which still showcase fast performance and high-end design. It may be difficult to buy it now, although it is possible to do so through Apple in most countries.

The Apple A7 processor with 1 GB of memory allows the iOS 9 operating system to work flawlessly, despite the fact that this device is one step lower than even the iPad Air 2, and more modern representatives of the iPad Pro series are not even worth mentioning. In addition, unlike new models, its future is uncertain and Apple may soon stop supporting it.

But the Retina display is still great, and even though it's not so thin at its 7.5mm thickness, it still offers excellent quality and weighs just 469 grams.

It does not have a Touch ID scanner installed, and it is mainly sold with no more than 32 GB of memory, but if all you want is to surf the net, use mobile applications and watch videos, and not store a lot of content, play advanced games and get a replacement computer then it's your choice. The iPad Air is almost on par with the iPad Air 2 or even the iPad Pro 9.7, and of course a lot cheaper.

It's great that Apple still sells the iPad mini 2, which was released in 2013 and has not been replaced by the later iPad mini 3 or the later iPad mini 4.

But the reason for this is quite understandable. The iPad mini 3 didn't have much more than the iPad mini 2, except for ID Touch. Therefore, being so conservative, he secured himself only a 3-star rating from me.

Nonetheless, the iPad mini 2 was and remains a solid device. It rivals the iPad Air in performance and has a small 7.9-inch display with the same specs as the iPad mini 4. Its overall quality isn't great, but it's still a good tablet display.

At 7.5 mm thick and 331 grams in weight, the tablet is not as thin and light as the latest miniature devices from Apple, but it is still quite convenient, it is not inconvenient to carry it with you and it has a beautiful design.

It has a less modern processor and half as much memory, so given its age, you need to understand that sooner or later you will feel the need to upgrade if you do decide to buy an iPad mini 2.

But for now, it offers quality performance and is a great choice if you want a compact and cheap tablet, if you need ID Touch security and 32GB of storage. In this case, the iPad mini 2 is the most suitable product that Apple currently has on the market.

When choosing an apple gadget, many cannot decide - to choose the same iPad that friends recommend to them, consult on the forums, or rely on personal preferences. It's really difficult to make a choice, because each apple tablet is unique in its own way. In the official sale today you can find all versions of Apple tablets, with the exception of its very first model.

iPad 1

You should not buy such a tablet, even if it is used. The only amendment is that you can purchase it either at the lowest possible price, or for small children, so as not to be sorry. Causes:
The inability to update the software not only to iOS 7, but even to iOS 6. The maximum possible operating system on the first iPad is iOS 5.1.1.
Due to the small amount of RAM, the first apple tablet slows down quite a lot. Perhaps, if you never use other devices, you may not notice it. But if you try to work at least a little on newer and improved models, the feeling of braking of the former will be extremely noticeable.
Many great apps may fail to launch on the first generation iPad due to various reasons.

iPad 2

If you remember that the second iPad was in official sale for three whole years, then we can say with confidence that this is a very successful product from Apple.

But today it is recommended to buy a second tablet from Apple only in rare cases - for a gift to children as the very first gadget, or if there is not enough money to buy a newer model. You should consider a list of positive and negative qualities of this product.

Benefits:

• Compared to the first Aypad, this model has more RAM, better processor, fixed shortcomings. The tablet itself is much lighter, there is a camera, albeit of poor quality. But almost nothing slows down and you can even communicate in Skype.
• One of the decisive factors is the low price.
• Despite the imperfections of the screen, many applications look and work as expected.

Disadvantages:

• In comparison with the third Apple device, the screen quality is too low. Then the understanding comes that the second is clearly outdated.
• It is important to know that this model will not last long on the market, so it is worth considering the fact that it will be problematic to sell it later, or even completely unrealistic. Given the release of more and more new models, Apple is likely to withdraw the device from sale very soon.
• You can also install modern iOS 7 and even iOS 8 on this tablet, but their performance is not guaranteed.

Third generation of gadgets

Officially, this version of the tablet has been on sale for less than a year and has been discontinued. This model is not worth buying, even a completely new one, because there really is a much better iPad. True, if a fairly cheap used model is offered for purchase, this will be the best option. New and high quality Retina screen, good camera, very powerful processor. In general, the characteristics are very similar to the next generation of Apple devices and, it is hoped that Apple's support for the third iPad will continue. The only thing is that it gets very hot, but not critical.

iPad 4 (aka iPad with Retina Display)

One of the latest tablets with a 9.7 inch screen is the fourth iPad. It takes into account and corrects absolutely all the shortcomings of previous models. It is perfectly compatible with the operating system iOS 8, which allows you to install and enjoy playing all modern games and use the most popular applications, which are huge in the App Store. But against the background of fresh Mini and Air gadgets, buying the fourth apple tablet is only worth it if the price is low. A slight difference to the fourth generation model is the new Lightning Slim Charger.

Air first series

If financial possibilities allow, then you should definitely pay attention to the latest tablets from Apple. In 2014, the world was struck by a gadget with the Air index, and in 2015 the second generation Air was released. A series of tablets is distinguished by more powerful hardware, although the screen remains the same as in the previous generation of Apple devices.

iPad Air 2

The second Air is considered the most powerful version of 2015 in Apple's entire lineup. With its huge power reserve, it is possible to install not only the coolest programs from the App Store on the tablet, but also a variety of games that it can easily pull. The only snag - the cost of such a gadget is commensurate with its quality and novelty.

iPad Mini (first 7.9-inch tablet)

Apple's first mini-tablet is famous for its minimal size and weight, and retains only one drawback - the lack of a retina screen. In general, in terms of other technical parameters, it is very similar to the second iPad.

It is not expensive, has good characteristics and is quite suitable as the first mobile device for a child. True, many applications can significantly slow down and load poorly.

Many were in no hurry to buy such a device, as they knew that a more powerful and improved version of a tiny tablet would probably come out very soon. And they were not mistaken. In 2013, Apple introduced the Mini with Retina Display to the world.

Mini with Retina Display

A great tablet that has the same technical stuff as the Air device, but is much thinner, smaller and lighter.

It really deserves the “Best Tablet” award! Its powerful filling, combined with a seven-inch retina screen, gives an incredible feeling of lightness, speed and high quality of the product.

Mini 3

In the wake of the popularity of the iPad mini, its third version is very disappointing. It differs from the second generation gadget only in the Touch ID function, which means that even in terms of power it is very inferior to Air 2. Will there be a similar situation with
The Mini 4 is still unknown. The only question of choice is the cost of tablets: is there any point in overpaying big money for Touch ID?

Choose between Wi-Fi and Celluar tablets (3G, 4G, LTE)

It is necessary to consider the most important points to pay attention to when choosing an Aypad:

• Cost - Wi-Fi models are much cheaper.
• The presence of a cellular module in the LTE model allows you to access the Internet using cellular systems. You just need to install the SIM card on the tablet.
• The presence of the GPS module in the LTE model.

If you plan to work with GPS repeatedly, you should buy a gadget with 3G function. It is also necessary to take into account several nuances:

• When using the device most of the time at home, it makes no sense to choose the LTE model.
• If you want to use your tablet on the way to work and back, you should take a closer look at models with a cellular module.
• With an active lifestyle, constant travel and travel, an apple tablet with GPS is suitable.
• If you live in remote villages, where there is no need for GPS, and you have never heard of 3G, you should save money and choose an Aypad with Wi-Fi.

In general, the choice depends on the specific situation. For example, if the phone has a sufficient number of functions, there is no need to purchase a tablet with a cellular module.

Choosing between gadgets with 16/32/64/128 gigabytes of memory

When choosing between the quality and power of gadgets and the amount of their internal memory, everyone chooses what he needs specifically, depending on the situation and purpose of the Apple tablet.

16 gigabytes

It should be understood that 16 gigabytes is the total capacity of the tablet. In fact, the user has no more than 13 gigabytes, and when using the GPS program, 12 gigabytes at all. That is exactly what remains for the installation of various applications.
If we consider that, on average, a good app from the App Store weighs about 100 megabytes, and games and all 500. That is why, in most cases, you will have to make a difficult choice between the most necessary and entertaining and gaming applications to install them on a tablet with 16 gigabytes. A particular problem in the choice of priorities is in families in which several different people use the tablet.

32 gigabytes

One of the most optimal models is 32 gigabytes. Such a volume allows, in addition to the most necessary, to pump up half as much of other variety. The average person doesn't need to keep a lot of games and applications on their device. Moreover, new, more "necessary" or interesting ones constantly appear. On such a tablet, you can install several games for children, download many different genres of books into iBooks, download a huge amount of music for every "taste and color". Therefore, an ordinary person is quite enough and 32 gigabytes of memory. If you plan to spend less money, and you do not plan to litter the tablet with applications "just in case" and useless games in large quantities, you should take a closer look at such versions.

64 gigabytes

This amount of memory will be enough for any user of an apple gadget. Although some may not be enough. Most often, so much memory is needed for those people who keep a large list of games, love listening to music and therefore download many tracks on the tablet, and also sometimes prefer to watch movies on the road.

When Apple introduced the 4th generation iPad, many resented how quickly Cupertino decided to upgrade their tablet. The previous version lasted only six months on the market - this is a real anti-record for the duration of the product's stay on the market. Buyers all over the world were faced with a choice: to update their "three" purchased for 5-6 hundred dollars for a little different "four" or not. It was a very difficult dilemma.

But along with the iPad 4, Apple introduced the iPad mini - a product that, on the one hand, gave us more options for choice, and on the other, it became more difficult for us to make this very choice.

We've prepared a guide to help you decide when to buy your tablet. Should I take a large iPad 4 with Retina screen or a mobile iPad mini? Ultimately, it all comes down to what exactly you want out of your device. And we will help you understand what you really want.

Similarities

First, you need to understand what you will get from both iPad Retina and iPad mini. As for disk space, you can purchase versions with 16, 32 or 64 GB of internal storage. More recently, you can buy an iPad with Retina and 128GB of internal storage.

While the iPad mini is a relatively small device, it has some pretty good photo capabilities. The iSight camera for iPad and iPad mini boasts a 5-megapixel sensor, autofocus, face detection, backlight, hybrid infrared filter and aperture f/2.4. The FaceTime HD camera captures 1.2-megapixel photos and HD video. The main camera of iPad and iPad mini captures video in Full HD 1080p resolution.

Both devices are available from mobile carriers AT&T, Sprint and Verizon and have the same wireless interfaces and cellular capabilities, including Bluetooth 4.0 technology. iPad and iPad min work up to 10 hours from one full charge while surfing the Internet, watching videos and listening to music.

Each device is equipped with a Lightning connector, with which you can connect your tablet to a computer or power supply. Siri is also available on both devices.

Finally, on iPad and iPad mini, you can run any app from the App Store - however, due to screen size and hardware, the user experience may vary.

Screen

The biggest difference between iPad and iPad mini is pixel density. The iPad mini display is 7.9 inches with a resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels. Its density is 163 ppi. The Retina iPad comes with a 9.7-inch display with a resolution of 2048-by-1536 pixels and 264 pixels per inch.

For day-to-day use, the 2-inch difference between screens doesn't really matter, but the experience may differ from some things. So, if you use your tablet as a media player - watch movies, edit photos, then iPad Retina will be the best choice. The reason is simple: you will see more content on the big screen. It is also the best choice in terms of performance, and is a better choice for navigation.

The iPad mini's screen is pretty good at displaying content, though, and it might be a better option if you use it more often on the go. iPad mini is better suited for gaming because it looks more like a mobile game console than the relatively bulky iPad Retina.

Keep in mind that according to some reports, Apple may release an iPad mini with a Retina screen later this year, so it might make sense to wait for this version of the tablet. But most likely, Cupertino will not.

Power and speed

The iPad Retina uses a dual-core A6X processor with quad-core graphics, and this hardware is undoubtedly stronger than the iPad mini with its A5. But that shouldn't surprise you too much, for the iPad mini and mini. If speed and performance are your top priorities, choose iPad Retina.

Nevertheless, it is worth saying that mini has the same capabilities as its older brother, but it does not perform some operations as fast as Retina.

Physical dimensions

Naturally, the iPad mini is much smaller than its older brother. It can be called a "mobile" device more than iPad Retina. It fits easily in your pocket, bag or backpack. If you are worried about a smaller screen than Retina, then you can always connect the mini to your TV via AirPlay and Apple TV.

Physical size is a very interesting aspect, which contains many interesting points. Some, for example, even compare mini to iPhone - iPad can do the same thing as iPhone, only it cannot make calls. And if you compare iPad mini with Samsung Galaxy Note, it turns out that the difference between them is only 2 inches. This is amazing and shows how much more logical the ecosystem of Apple products is.

iPad Retina has classic iPad dimensions and the main difference between it and mini, as already mentioned, lies in the screen.

Price

For many buyers, the price difference will be the most important consideration when choosing a tablet. IPad mini starts at $ 329 for the Wi-Fi model with 16GB of storage and ends at $ 659 for the Wi-Fi and 4G model with 64GB of storage. IPad Retina prices range from $ 499 to $ 929.

You need to ask yourself: Are those $ 170 and $ 270 worth the sacrifice you will make in exchange for performance and display? In many cases, answering this question will help you make the right choice, but again, it all depends on how you plan to use your iPad.

Ultimately, iPad mini is a product for those Apple customers who are already familiar with the iOS ecosystem but find the iPad Retina too big. iPad Retina is designed for those who want a complete tablet experience with a large screen and maximum performance.

Third option

Although Apple has stopped releasing the third-generation iPad, you can still buy an iPad 2. Many people say the iPad 2 is no longer suitable for serious tasks, and in principle they are right. But it will be quite enough to solve standard problems. I myself had an iPad 2, and you don't have to worry - it is enough for viewing mail, surfing the Internet and simple games.

iPad 2 ships with an A5 processor - the same processor found on the iPad mini. It's only available in a 16GB version, and is slightly thinner and lighter than the iPad Retina, but lacks many of the photo capabilities. But you must admit that this is not the most important thing for a tablet.

The new iPad 2 is priced at $ 399 and $ 529 for the Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + 3G options, respectively. On the secondary market, you can find iPad 2 for much less money.

Outcome

We hope this guide helps you make the right purchase and you get everything you expect from a device. Share in the comments your thoughts on which tablet you should still choose, which one you use yourself and why.