With the iPad Mini 7 just launched, and after the renewal of the iPad Air and iPad Pro in the spring, Apple has finalized its iPad range for 2024 and probably a good part of 2025. As with the Mac, the choice is very wide and the prices always higher when you choose larger storage options or a Pencil. Not all iPads are made for all uses and it is important to determine your needs before purchasing. How to find your way among all these tablets? Follow the leader.
Rather Mac, iPad… or both?
The question of choosing between an iPad and a Mac is no longer as clear-cut as before. iPads, especially the Pro models, are getting closer and closer to laptops in terms of power and features. iPadOS, the dedicated operating system, has been considerably enriched in recent years, offering an experience ever closer to macOS. However, certain tasks, such as managing multiple windows, complex multitasking or development, remain more suited to a Mac. The Files app remains unsuitable for extensive use unlike Finder on Mac, and the iPad’s single USB-C port considerably limits usage (even if it is possible to use a hub).
So, how to make your choice? It all depends on your main use. If you need a compact, versatile device for content consumption, note-taking, simple content creation (photos, videos), and light productivity, an iPad may be enough. If you are a demanding professional, an advanced content creator, or need a powerful machine for heavy-duty tasks (4K video editing, development, etc.), a MacBook will be more suitable. For a student who writes often, we can only recommend a MacBook which has a real integrated keyboard/trackpad duo.
For those who are hesitant, the solution may be to have both. An iPad for mobility and everyday tasks, and a Mac for more ambitious projects. Apple also offers continuity tools that allow you to easily switch from one device to another, such as Sidecar.
Finally, the question of budget is very important. If an iPad seems cheaper at first glance, this is not entirely the case depending on the configurations. Thus, an iPad Air M2 13″ 256 GB with a Magic Keyboard costs €1,498 compared to €1,199 for the equivalent MacBook Air M2. And again, it is often found at €999 on sale.
The question may also arise regarding the choice of an iPhone Pro Max compared to an iPad mini which is very slightly larger in size.
The iPad 10: the cheapest, and that’s it
The iPad 10 is positioned as the entry level of the iPad range, perfect for a first iPad without (too much) breaking the bank. Its Retina screen offers pleasant display quality, while the A14 Bionic chip ensures satisfactory fluidity for daily use. The camera has improved, allowing important moments to be captured with decent quality. Compatibility with the Apple Pencil (1st generation) is a plus for those who want to take notes or draw.
However, the iPad 10 has some limitations. Its performance, although sufficient for the majority of users, may seem limited for the most demanding tasks; the A14 chip dates from the iPhone 12 in 2020. Its design, although functional, remains classic with relatively thick borders. Finally, the absence of Face ID requires the use of Touch ID, integrated into the home button.
The biggest problem is that this iPad isn’t built for the future. With 64GB of base storage and an dated chip, you shouldn’t expect this tablet to be updated for long. Above all, Apple Intelligence is completely incompatible with the iPad 10. At €409, it is difficult to recommend purchasing this iPad even though it is the cheapest choice from Apple at the moment. In the 256GB version, the price of €579 is simply indecent. Unless it is for recreational use, such as social networks, Internet and video.
The iPad mini 7: suitable for certain specific uses
The iPad mini 2024 stands out for its ultra-compact format, with an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina screen, which makes it a particularly portable and handy tablet. Powered by the A17 Pro chip inherited from the iPhone 15 Pro, it offers impressive performance for its size, making it capable of handling demanding tasks and even supporting Apple’s upcoming artificial intelligence. Despite its small size, it doesn’t compromise on quality and remains an excellent choice for consuming media on the go. It can be perfect in combination with a MacBook for occasional and light use while being forgotten in a bag. Compatibility with Apple Pencil Pro also opens up new possibilities in terms of productivity and creativity.
However, with a starting price of €609 for 128GB of storage, the iPad mini 2024 raises questions about its value compared to other available options. This price is very close to that of the iPad Air, which offers a larger screen and additional features for a similar cost. Additionally, the existence of the iPhone Pro Max, with its 6.9-inch screen and advanced capabilities, may cannibalize the choice of the iPad mini for some users looking for a versatile device. There are those who love the iPad mini and those who hate it; the purchase of this tablet can be incredibly profitable or completely useless. Once again, you need to carefully understand its uses before checking out.
The iPad Air M2: the best choice
The iPad Air 2024, available in 11 and 13 inch versions, is positioned as a versatile and high-performance tablet thanks to its M2 chip. Its Liquid Retina display offers excellent display quality, ideal for creative work, productivity and entertainment. Compatibility with the Apple Pencil Pro and the Magic Keyboard makes it a versatile tool, capable of adapting to many uses, whether for professionals or students.
One of the key strengths of the iPad Air is its ability to combine the portability of a tablet with near-laptop performance. The M2 chip, also found in some MacBook Air models, gives it enough power to handle demanding tasks like video editing or photo editing. This versatility places it in direct competition with the MacBook Air, offering an interesting alternative for those looking for more flexibility in their main device, especially in the 13-inch version. This is the best iPad for the majority of users.
The iPad Pro M4: the ultimate
Last, but not least, the iPad Pro M4. Apple would say it’s the best iPad ever, and it’s true. The iPad Pro 2024 stands out for its M4 chip, offering exceptional performance that rivals that of laptops, such as the recently released M4 Macs. Available in 11 and 13 inch versions, it offers an Ultra Retina XDR screen which guarantees remarkable display quality (thanks OLED), ideal for creative professionals and demanding users. Thanks to its compatibility with the Apple Pencil Pro and the Magic Keyboard, the iPad Pro positions itself as a versatile tool, capable of meeting a variety of needs, whether for work or entertainment.
This model is particularly interesting for those looking for a powerful and portable device. While it can replace a laptop in many situations, it’s important to note that certain limitations of iPadOS may hinder its adoption as a one-stop solution for all users. Nevertheless, the iPad Pro remains a choice option for those who want to combine performance and flexibility in a tablet format. It’s very expensive, but if you plan to take advantage of the exceptional screen and the M4 chip, then you have to go for it.
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