Which iPad to choose in 2021?

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Apple now offers a very comprehensive line of iPads. To choose the right model for you, I have prepared a complete guide, just in time for Christmas.

Barely in recent years, the tablet market has been one of the few sectors to have benefited from the health crisis. Driven by periods of confinement, sales grew by 24.9% in the second quarter of 2020 (IDC figures).

Not surprisingly, Apple retains its leadership position with 13.9 million units sold, an increase of 17.4%. Its flagship models? IPad Pro and iPad 8.

But Apple’s lineup doesn’t consist of just one model. The American now offers a tablet for all needs and all budgets (or almost). To choose the iPad that best meets your expectations, I have put together a little guide.

iPad Pro M1 12.9 ”: the tablet that wanted to be a laptop

Barely in recent years, the tablet market has been one of the few sectors to have benefited from the health crisis. Driven by periods of confinement, sales grew by 24.9% in the second quarter of 2020 (IDC figures).

Unsurprisingly, Apple retains its leadership position with 13.9 million units sold, an increase of 17.4%. Its flagship models? IPad Pro and iPad 8.

But Apple’s lineup doesn’t consist of just one model. The American now offers a tablet for all needs and all budgets (or almost). To choose the iPad that best meets your expectations, we have put together a short guide.

iPad Pro M1 12.9 ”: the tablet that wanted to be a laptop

With the iPad Pro M1, Apple promises some users to put their laptops in the closet. While the 2020 edition brought very few new features compared to the 2018 edition (new photo sensors, LiDAR scanner and more efficient A12Z chip), it was still the best tablet at the moment. Up to the iPad Pro M1.

Available in two versions (11 and 12.9 inches), the Apple tablet stands out with its still elegant design and exemplary finishes. Very enduring, the iPad Pro shines especially with its interface. iPadOS is undoubtedly the best designed software for hybrid use on the go. Even more from the support for bluetooth trackpads and mice.

The 12.9 ”version is particularly attractive since it incorporates in addition to the M1 chip a simply sublime XDR screen. Yes, the iPad Pro is a machine designed for professional use. But to replace your laptop, you will at least need to equip yourself with a keyboard (or keyboard case). If you’re a designer, Apple Pencil (worth its weight in gold) won’t be too much, either.

This adds to an already steep bill: the iPad Pro M1 is available from 1219 euros for the 12.9-inch model. The 11-inch version is more affordable but lacks the XDR screen.

iPad Air 4: the almost Pro

If the iPad Pro 2020 seems inaccessible to you, the iPad Air 4 might appeal to you. Apple’s latest tablet is establishing itself as one of the best offerings for the general public.

Resolutely high-end, the new iPad Air follows the aesthetic codes of Apple version 2020. Its lines correspond to those of the latest iPhone 12 with a more angular frame and a flatter format. It comes as a bonus in several bold colors. In addition to Space Gray and Silver, the manufacturer offers its tablet in Pink, Green and Sky Blue.

Under the hood, it houses the A14 Bionic, the latest chip developed by Apple also integrated into the iPhone 12. Its 10.9-inch Liquid Retina screen will delight both professionals and multimedia enthusiasts.

The iPad Air 4 is also compatible with the latest Apple Magic Keyboard as well as the Apple Pencil 2. In short, it has all of a Pro for a more affordable price.

It is in fact marketed from $ 669  in a 64 GB version. It is also available in a 256 GB version (which we recommend) at a price of $ 839 . Still a nice sum, especially if you have to accompany the accessory shelf. But it’s still more accessible than a 2020 iPad Pro.

iPad 8: a great introduction

If you’ve never had an iPad and / or you’re on a budget, the iPad 8 is for you. Do not be fooled by its low price of $ 389, this model only has 32 GB, an incomprehensible storage capacity in 2020. If you take the plunge we recommend you more to opt for the model with 128 GB of storage, sold for $ 489.

For this price, the iPad 8 is not lacking in strengths. While it looks more like the old models (large screen contours, Touch ID button), it still has a 10.2-inch Retina screen, a size that is appreciable on the go.

Compact and elegant, the iPad 8 is also capable. Its A12 Bionic chip inherited from the iPhone XS and XS Max has proven its worth. If it is less powerful than those of the iPad Pro 2020 and iPad Air 4, it remains a safe bet.

Above all, iPad 8 comes with iPadOS with the strengths I mentioned above. It is also compatible with the first generation Smart Keyboard and Apple Pencil. What to enjoy an experience comparable to more expensive models by agreeing to make a few small sacrifices.

The iPad 8 is therefore a good tablet that can complement a laptop and even accompany high school and college students during their school days.

iPad mini 5: small but strong

Are you looking for a compact and lightweight tablet? You won’t find anything better than the iPad mini. This is because there is no competitor in this market.

We recognize that this introduction is somewhat reductive. Because the iPad mini has more than one trump card up its sleeve. If its design remains in the tradition of the first generation iPad, it still inherits some state-of-the-art technologies.

Let’s start with its perfectly calibrated 9.2-inch Retina display (albeit with little contrast), or the audio quality it delivers. Add to that a very decent battery life for a tablet of this size. Finally (and above all), note that the iPad mini includes Apple’s A12 Bionic chip, a guarantee of excellent performance over several years. Of course, it also embeds iPadOS.

While Apple hasn’t developed a specific keyboard for this model, the iPad mini can connect to any keyboard, trackpad, or mouse using bluetooth. Note that it also supports the first generation Apple Pencil. It then becomes a most formidable note-taking tool.

The iPad mini will therefore delight users who want a highly mobile, space-saving and affordable tablet. Because the iPad mini is available at $ 459 in 64 GB version or $ 629 with 256 GB of storage. It comes in three colors: Gold, Silver and Space Gray.

my pick of the best iPads ends here. But we are only at the start of the year and there is no doubt that Apple will undoubtedly announce a few new things in the months to come. In the meantime, please tell me which model appeals to you the most.