iPad in 2023, Which One You Choose || A Complete Buyers Guide

Maybe you are a student interested in taking your faculty notes in a single device rather than keeping separate handwritten ones for every subject. Or, you are a professional creator, like an artist or a sound producer who is looking for a capable machine to fill up your daily needs. Or even, you are just looking for a device for your day-to-day media consumption, social-networking and few office work like checking email, doing a little spreadsheets, etc.
Since when Apple has introduced their iPad lineup, They have insisted on this device to be a replacement for PC. They were right in some part, as the hardware was definitely capable but it was the software where they fell in a little short. But, in late 2019, with the introduction of iPad OS 13 (A feature-rich OS derived from iOS 13) It all changed and It is just a few steps away from being a complete replacement of a PC.
So, Which iPad in 2023 you may ask. In this post, I’ll guide you by comparing the variants, and hopefully, by the end of this post, you will be able to get a discreet idea.
iPad in 2023 Models:
“Picking up an iPad must be easy” you might think. As Apple sells four major iPad models in 2023. But each one has its own sets of features and durability. Besides, there are a large number of earlier generation iPads hanging all over the online shopping sites. For your convenience, we won’t be covering them. So, the Apple iPad line up in May of 2023 stands like this:
→ Apple iPad (10.2”, 2019) also known as iPad Student Edition
→ Apple iPad Air (10.5”, 2019)
→ Apple iPad Mini (7.9”, 2019)
→ Apple iPad Pro (11” or 12.9”, 2023)

Let’s have a look at what each model has to offer and which one is best for you.
Apple iPad (10.2-Inch, 2019):

Apple’s top-budget tablet is a petite refresh of the iPad (6th generation) 9.7 inch, launched in 2018. Apple Pencil and smart keyboards are now supported except that Apple doesn’t update the processor. It still has the same A10 Fusion chip, but it is running most apps and games on the iPad without much problem. We do like a small 0.5-inch alley of screen size from 9.7 inches to 10.2 (half an inch long to compensate). The only downside is that like the 2018 iPad, it has a bit more air gap (space between glass and screen) than the iPad Air, Mini, and Pro, so it’s not our top choice for drawing with pencil, although it is consistent and works just fine.
Apple has the primary 10.2-inch iPad beginning at $329 for the Wi-Fi-only model. This iPad is perfect if you’re on a budget; moreover, this model is popular in the education field.
Another feature (even though you have to pay an extra buck for this) that adds a lot more value to this iPad is the inclusion of a smart connector. With this smart connector, you can easily add a keyboard & trackpad combo just like the Logitech Combo Touch and make it a fully-fledged go to power device for your works.

Key features:
- A 10.2-inch Retina display
- A10 Fusion chip
- Home button with Touch ID
- Compatible with first-generation Apple Pencil
- Compatible with Smart Keyboard and Bluetooth keyboard
- Colors include: silver, space gray, and gold
Check out the latest price of iPad 10.2 inch (7th gen)
Apple iPad Air (10.5-Inch, 2019):

Apple iPad Air (10.5-Inch, 2019) have a faster A12 Bionic processor in the body of the 10.5-inch iPad Pro, which debuted in 2017. It has the same height and width of iPad (10.2 inch), but it is thinner than iPad (10.2 inch) model (6.1mm compared to 7.5mm) benefiting from the laminated display.If you’re a fan of Touch ID, then a big good news for you is that it still has a home button and fingerprint sensor. It is compatible with the standard Apple Pencil, and its layered screen keeps the glass closer to the pixels than the standard iPad, making it more pleasant to draw or write. Apple’s smart keyboard can snap into it.
The 10.5-inch iPad Air’s price starts at $499 for Wi-Fi-only models. Apple’s iPad Air is the perfect mid-tier option with excellent screen size, speedier internals, and first-generation Apple Pencil support.
Key features:
- Fully laminated 10.5-inch Retina display
- A12 Bionic chip
- Compatible with first-generation Apple Pencil
- Touch ID
- Compatible with Smart Keyboard and Bluetooth keyboards
- Colors include: silver, space gray, and gold
Check out the latest price of Apple iPad Air (10.5-Inch, 2019)
Apple iPad Mini (7.9-Inch, 2019):

It took a few years, but finally, Apple updated the iPad mini with a fast new A12 bionic processor. Outside of the Speed Bump, it’s almost identical to the older iPad Mini 4 – although it starts with 64GB of base storage. The large drawing is the 8-inch screen, suitable for small hands and travel. It’s thin, layered display makes it an ideal tablet. Thanks to Apple for new Pencil support for it. But one thing to keep in mind that, it doesn’t support any smart accessories due to the lack of smart connector. The iPad mini’s starting price is $399 for Wi-Fi-only models.
Key features:
- Fully laminated 7.9-inch Retina display
- Compatible with first-generation Apple Pencil
- A12 Bionic chip
- Compatible with Bluetooth keyboards
- Touch ID
- Colors include: silver, space gray, and gold
Check out the latest price of Apple iPad Mini (7.9-Inch, 2019)
Apple iPad Pro (11 or 12.9-inch, 2023):

If you’re looking for a portable workstation power, the last two iPads in the lineup – the iPad Pro models – might be of interest to you. These tablets were updated in March 2020 with improved camera capabilities and more. These iPads are almost one step ahead of the iPad Air in every way, starting with rounded angles and advanced “liquid retina” display of promotion technology powered by the A12Z chip.
It also has dual rear cameras (12MP Wide and 10MP Ultra Wide) and a LiDar (light detection and ranging) scanner which measures distance by determining how long it takes light to reach an object and reflect back. LIDER scanner was used by NASA for the Mars landing mission. This camera setup makes this iPad the best device available for augmented reality. You’ll also find support for the second-generation Apple Pencil, which is magnetically attached to the iPad Pro and charges Wirelessly. This model also supports the newly released Magic Keyboard featuring a floating mechanism and the new scissor switches. The starting price for the smaller 11-inch model is $799 and $999 for the 12.9-inch model.
Key features:
- 11-inch and 12.9-inch Liquid Retina displays
- A12Z Bionic chip with Neural Engine
- Face ID
- Compatible with Magic, Smart Folio, and Bluetooth keyboards
- Compatible with second-generation Apple Pencil
- USB-C connector
- Colors include: silver and space gray
Check out the latest price of Apple iPad Pro (11 or 12.9-inch, 2023)
Which iPad in 2023 Should You Buy?
If you are a student with a small budget who just wants to experience the apple ecosystem then iPad 10.2” is the best choice. It meets all the basics and will get the job done without breaking the bank.
If portability is your main concern, have a look at the iPad mini. It’s small size and powerful hardware will satisfy those who have small hands or want a device that they can carry around and read books.
If you want a great iPad, without spending a whole lot of money then iPad Air is probably for you. It’s average size with some extra features and capabilities than the iPad (10.2 inch) will provide a great experience.
Apple’s high-end iPads are in a category of their own, and it also shows in the price. This model is for you if you’re a pro-level user or want the best tablet out there and don’t mind the cost. This device with the latest iPad OS 13 has started to blur the line between PC and mobile device. You can do the basic tasks of a computer like web browsing, emailing, media consumption, document writing plus a whole lot more like cameras, note taking, drawing and great battery life. IOS also has a great app store featuring a lot of professional grade apps which can take the advantage of this kind of powerful hardware.
Here you can check a video fro Ali Abdaal about his thoughts for the iPads in 2023.
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