2024 Apple iPad Buying Guide: Top Models, Features, and Expert Recommendations

In 2024, Apple continues to dominate the tablet market with its innovative and versatile lineup of iPads, offering something for everyone—from casual users to creative professionals. Whether you’re seeking a device for work, entertainment, or education, Apple iPads are known for their powerful performance, stunning displays, and long-lasting battery life. With each generation, Apple has refined its tablets, adding new features and enhancing user experience. This guide will walk you through the best Apple iPads available in 2024, including both the latest models and budget-friendly renewed options. Each iPad is carefully reviewed with detailed specifications, so you can find the perfect device that meets your needs and fits your budget.

1. Apple iPad (10th Generation)

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The Apple iPad (10th Generation) is a powerhouse designed for versatility and performance. Featuring a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone, it offers vibrant colors and sharp detail, making it perfect for both work and entertainment. Powered by the A14 Bionic chip, this iPad delivers fast performance and smooth multitasking, whether you’re editing videos, playing graphics-intensive games, or browsing the web.

The inclusion of Touch ID enhances security while providing quick access. With Wi-Fi 6 support, connectivity is faster and more reliable than ever. Additionally, the all-day battery life means you can rely on this iPad for productivity throughout the day. Available in a striking blue color, it combines both style and substance, making it a top choice for those seeking the latest in tablet technology.

2. Apple iPad (9th Generation)

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The Apple iPad (9th Generation) remains a fantastic choice for users looking for a balance between performance and affordability. It features a 10.2-inch Retina display with True Tone, which adjusts the screen’s color temperature according to your surroundings, ensuring a comfortable viewing experience. The A13 Bionic chip powers this device, offering reliable performance for everyday tasks, such as web browsing, streaming, and gaming.

The iPad’s camera system includes a 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage, which automatically keeps you centered in the frame during video calls, making it perfect for remote meetings and virtual hangouts. The 8MP Wide back camera captures high-quality photos and videos. With Wi-Fi connectivity and up to 256GB of storage options, this iPad is well-suited for both work and entertainment purposes. Its long battery life ensures you stay productive throughout the day without constantly searching for a charger.

3. Apple iPad (10.2-Inch, Wi-Fi, 32GB) – Space Gray (Renewed)

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For those on a budget, the renewed Apple iPad (10.2-Inch, Wi-Fi, 32GB) is an excellent option. It features a 10.2-inch LED display with a maximum resolution of 2048 x 1536, providing crisp visuals and vibrant colors for watching videos, reading, or browsing the web. This model is designed for those who need a basic tablet for everyday tasks, such as checking emails, social media, or light gaming.

This iPad offers 32GB of storage, which is sufficient for storing essential apps and documents. Although it doesn’t boast the latest hardware, its renewed status ensures that it has been tested and certified to look and work like new, making it a cost-effective option for budget-conscious buyers.

4. 2020 Apple iPad (10.2-inch, Wi-Fi, 32GB) – Space Gray (Renewed)

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The 2020 Apple iPad, renewed for 2024, is another great value option. It comes with a 10.2-inch LED display boasting a resolution of 2160×1620, ensuring sharp and vibrant visuals. The A12 Bionic processor powers this device, delivering adequate performance for everyday tasks and light gaming.

With 32GB of storage, it’s ideal for users who require basic functionality without heavy storage demands. The renewed status guarantees reliability, making it a budget-friendly option for users who need a dependable tablet for daily use.

5. Apple iPad (2018 Model) with Wi-Fi only 32GB Apple 9.7in iPad – Space Gray (Renewed)

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The 2018 Apple iPad offers a solid performance with its 9.7-inch LCD display and 2048 x 1536 resolution, making it a versatile device for various activities, from media consumption to light productivity tasks. It is powered by the 2.34 GHz Apple A10 Fusion chip, which ensures smooth operation for everyday applications.

This model comes with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage, making it suitable for users who need a reliable device for basic tasks. The renewed model is an excellent option for those who want an affordable iPad without compromising on quality.

6. Apple iPad Air 2, 16 GB, Space Gray (Renewed)

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The Apple iPad Air 2, although an older model, still offers a compelling experience for users who need a lightweight and portable device. It features a 9.7-inch display and is powered by the A8 processor, which, despite its age, can handle basic tasks like web browsing and streaming with ease.

With 16GB of storage, it’s more suited for users who primarily stream content or use cloud services for storage. The renewed status ensures the device is in good working order, making it a cost-effective choice for budget-conscious buyers.

7. Apple iPad Pro Tablet (128GB, Wi-Fi, 9.7in) Gray (Renewed)

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The iPad Pro (9.7-inch) is a great option for those seeking more advanced features in a compact form. It offers a 9.7-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 2048 x 1536, ensuring stunning visual clarity. The A9X processor and 2GB of RAM provide robust performance for multitasking and more demanding applications.

With 128GB of storage, it’s ideal for users who need ample space for apps, media, and documents. The renewed status means it has been thoroughly inspected and refurbished, ensuring you get a high-quality device at a reduced price.

8. Apple iPad Pro 2nd 12.9in with Wi-Fi 2017 Model, 256GB, Grey (Renewed)

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For those looking for a larger display and more power, the iPad Pro 2nd generation offers a 12.9-inch screen with breathtaking resolution and color accuracy. It is powered by the A10X processor, ensuring smooth performance even with resource-intensive tasks.

With 256GB of storage and 4GB of RAM, this model is perfect for creative professionals who need to handle large files, such as video editing or graphic design. The iPad Pro 2nd generation also supports the Apple Pencil, making it a versatile tool for creatives.

9. Apple iPad Air 2 9.7-Inch, 32GB Tablet (Space Gray) (Renewed)

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The Apple iPad Air 2, renewed for 2024, offers a perfect blend of portability and performance. It features a 9.7-inch display with good color accuracy and is powered by the A8X chip, providing sufficient power for day-to-day tasks and light productivity.

With 32GB of storage, it offers enough space for essential apps and files. Its lightweight design and reasonable performance make it a solid choice for students and professionals alike who need a portable, reliable tablet.

When choosing the best Apple iPad for your needs in 2024, it’s essential to consider several key factors. With a range of models available, each designed to cater to different user requirements, this buying guide will help you identify the best iPad for your lifestyle, work, or entertainment needs.

1. Purpose and Usage

• Casual Use: If you’re primarily using your iPad for browsing the web, watching videos, and light gaming, an entry-level model like the Apple iPad (9th Generation) or a renewed iPad would be sufficient. These models offer solid performance at an affordable price.
• Productivity: For those who need an iPad for work, school, or creative projects, models with more powerful processors, larger storage options, and better display quality, like the Apple iPad (10th Generation) or iPad Pro models, are recommended. These iPads support multitasking and have the capacity to handle more demanding applications.
• Creative Work: If you’re into graphic design, video editing, or digital illustration, you’ll benefit from the iPad Pro 2nd Generation or similar models, which offer a larger screen, more RAM, and compatibility with the Apple Pencil.

2. Display Size and Quality

• The display size is crucial depending on how you plan to use the iPad. The 9.7-inch to 10.9-inch models offer a balance of portability and screen real estate, making them ideal for most users.
• For those who need more screen space, such as for split-screen multitasking or detailed creative work, the 12.9-inch iPad Pro is the best option. Additionally, consider the display technology—Liquid Retina and Retina displays offer superior color accuracy and sharpness.

3. Performance (Processor and RAM)

• If you require smooth performance for basic tasks, a model with the A10 Fusion chip or A12 Bionic chip is adequate. These processors handle most everyday tasks efficiently.
• For more intensive tasks, such as professional-grade apps or gaming, look for iPads with the A14 Bionic chip or A10X Fusion chip, which provide faster processing speeds and better graphics performance. Additionally, more RAM (like 4GB) ensures smoother multitasking.

4. Storage Capacity

• 32GB or 64GB: Suitable for users who primarily stream content and use cloud storage, or those who only need to install a few essential apps.
• 128GB or 256GB: Ideal for users who store a lot of apps, media, or work files directly on the device. If you plan to store videos, photos, and large apps, opting for higher storage is advisable.
• Remember that storage is not expandable on iPads, so consider your needs carefully.

5. Camera Quality

• While the camera quality might not be a priority for all users, those who plan to use their iPad for photography, video recording, or video calls should pay attention to the camera specifications. Models like the iPad (10th Generation) with a 12MP Wide back camera and 12MP Ultra Wide front camera are great for high-quality video calls and capturing clear photos.

6. Battery Life

• All iPads generally offer all-day battery life, ranging from 8 to 10 hours of use. This is typically sufficient for a full day of work or travel. If you need extended battery life, consider carrying a portable charger.

7. Budget Considerations

• New Models: If you want the latest technology and are willing to invest more, the latest models like the iPad (10th Generation) offer top-tier performance and features.
• Renewed Models: If you’re on a budget, consider purchasing a renewed iPad. These devices are tested, certified, and usually come at a significantly lower price, offering great value for money.

8. Connectivity

• Ensure the iPad you choose has the connectivity options you need. Models with Wi-Fi 6 offer faster and more reliable internet connections. If you need to use your iPad on the go, consider a model with cellular connectivity.

These Apple iPads offer a range of features and prices to meet different needs and budgets. Whether you’re looking for the latest model with cutting-edge technology or a more affordable renewed device, there’s an iPad here for everyone.

Choosing the right iPad in 2024 depends on your specific needs, whether it’s the latest technology in the 10th Generation iPad, the balanced performance of the 9th Generation model, or the budget-friendly options among renewed devices. Apple’s iPads offer a wide range of features, from powerful processors and stunning displays to secure Touch ID and versatile storage options. No matter what you’re looking for—be it productivity, creativity, or entertainment—there’s an Apple iPad in this list that will meet your requirements. As you explore these options, consider what features matter most to you, and make an informed decision that will serve you well in the years to come.Top of Form