The 5 Best Apple Tablets of 2024 – Features, Specs, and Reviews

If you’re looking for the best Apple tablets of 2024, you’re in luck! The iPad (9th Generation) features the A13 Bionic chip, while the iPad (10th Generation) steps up with the A14. For more power, check out the iPad Air with its M2 chip. If you need a pro-level device, the iPad Pro offers an ultra Retina XDR display and M4 chip for top performance. The older iPad 5th Gen remains a solid choice, too. Each model balances features, specs, and user experience differently, so stick around to find out which one’s right for you!

Apple iPad (9th Generation) with A13 Bionic Chip

When it comes to finding an affordable yet powerful tablet in 2024, the Apple iPad (9th Generation) with the A13 Bionic chip stands out as an excellent choice for students and casual users alike. Its 10.2-inch Retina display offers stunning visuals, while the A13 chip guarantees smooth performance for multitasking and light creative work. We can choose between 64GB and 256GB of storage, depending on our needs. The 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage is perfect for video calls, and with up to 10 hours of battery life, we won’t be tethered to a charger. Plus, iPadOS enhances productivity, making it easy to use multiple apps and even draw with the Apple Pencil. Overall, it’s a fantastic value at around $200.

Best For: Students and casual users looking for an affordable, versatile tablet with solid performance and features.

Pros:

• High performance with the A13 Bionic chip for smooth multitasking and light creative tasks.
• Long battery life of up to 10 hours, allowing for extended use without frequent charging.
• User-friendly interface with iPadOS, making it accessible for users of all ages.

Cons:

• Some users have reported screen display issues after extended use.
• Fingerprint sensor speed may be inconsistent, leading to mixed user experiences.
• Limited to Apple Pencil (1st generation), which may not suit all users’ preferences for stylus capabilities.

Apple iPad (10th Generation) with A14 Bionic Chip

The Apple iPad (10th Generation) with the A14 Bionic chip is the perfect choice for students and professionals alike, thanks to its powerful performance and versatility. Featuring a stunning 10.9-inch Liquid Retina Display, it’s available in 64GB or 256GB storage options, making it ideal for diverse tasks like drawing and editing. With the A14 Bionic chip, we can multitask effortlessly, enjoy gaming, and create content without a hitch. The iPad supports Wi-Fi 6 for fast internet, and the battery lasts up to 10 hours. Its 12MP cameras enhance video calls and photography, while iPadOS boosts productivity with multitasking and access to countless apps. Overall, it’s a fantastic device that balances performance and portability for all users.

Best For: Students and professionals seeking a versatile tablet for multitasking, content creation, and media consumption.

Pros:

• Powerful A14 Bionic chip enables seamless multitasking and gaming.
• Stunning Liquid Retina Display offers excellent clarity and color accuracy for drawing and editing.
• Long battery life of up to 10 hours ensures productivity throughout the day.

Cons:

• Weight may be cumbersome for one-handed use, feeling heavier than expected.
• Limited storage options may not suffice for users with extensive media libraries.
• Accessories such as Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard are sold separately, increasing overall cost.

Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M2)

For creative professionals and multitaskers, the Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M2) stands out with its powerful M2 chip and support for Apple Pencil. The stunning 11-inch Liquid Retina display offers vibrant colors and superb resolution, making it perfect for all-day drawing or gaming. With up to 1TB of storage and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, we can seamlessly multitask and transfer files quickly. The battery life impresses, allowing us to work throughout the day without needing a charge. Advanced cameras deliver high-quality photos and 4K videos, enhancing our creative projects. While we love the lightweight design and Magic Keyboard compatibility, some of us wish for expandable storage options. Overall, this iPad Air M2 is a fantastic choice for both casual users and professionals alike.

Best For: Creative professionals and multitaskers who need a powerful, versatile device for drawing, gaming, and productivity.

Pros:

• Exceptional performance with the M2 chip enabling smooth multitasking and graphics-intensive tasks.
• Vibrant 11-inch Liquid Retina display providing superb resolution and color accuracy for creative work.
• Long battery life allowing for all-day use without frequent recharging.

Cons:

• Lack of expandable storage options may limit some users who require more space.
• Placement of the fingerprint ID button can be inconvenient for some users.
• Higher price point compared to older models may not suit budget-conscious buyers.

Apple iPad Pro 13-Inch (M4)

Designed for professionals and creatives, the Apple iPad Pro 13-Inch (M4) stands out with its stunning Ultra Retina XDR display that offers extreme brightness and unmatched color accuracy. With the powerful M4 chip, we can multitask seamlessly, edit videos, and run demanding applications without a hitch. The 12MP front and back cameras, enhanced by the LiDAR Scanner, elevate our video calls and AR experiences. Plus, Wi-Fi 6E guarantees we stay connected with lightning-fast internet speeds. The iPadOS, combined with Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard support, transforms the iPad into a versatile productivity tool. Although some users mention minor heat during intensive tasks, the overall performance and design make this tablet a worthy investment for both personal and professional use.

Best For: Professionals and creatives looking for a powerful, versatile tablet with exceptional display quality and performance.

Pros:

• Stunning Ultra Retina XDR display with extreme brightness and color accuracy.
• Seamless multitasking and high performance thanks to the M4 chip.
• Excellent camera capabilities with 12MP front and back cameras and LiDAR Scanner for enhanced AR experiences.

Cons:

• Some users report the device can heat up during intensive tasks.
• Premium price may be a barrier for some potential buyers.
• Battery life expectations may vary based on usage intensity.

Apple iPad 5th Gen 9.7 GOLD

Offering a powerful A9 chip and a stunning 9.7-inch Retina display, the Apple iPad 5th Gen 9.7 GOLD stands out as an excellent choice for students and casual users alike. With 128GB of storage, it provides ample space for apps, videos, and documents. We love its lightweight design, weighing just 1.03 pounds, making it easy to carry around. The average battery life of about 10 hours guarantees we can stay productive throughout the day. Equipped with an 8MP rear camera and a 1.2MP FaceTime HD camera, it captures clear photos and supports video calls with ease. Overall, this iPad is perfect for learning, working, and enjoying media, especially when paired with the Apple Pencil for note-taking and creativity.

Best For: Students and casual users looking for a lightweight tablet with ample storage and good performance for media consumption.

Pros:

• Powerful A9 chip delivers speedy functionality for various tasks.
• 9.7-inch Retina display provides vibrant visuals, ideal for media and productivity.
• Lightweight design (1.03 pounds) makes it easy to carry around for on-the-go use.

Cons:

• Some users report charging time issues that can be frustrating.
• Occasional screen freezing problems have been noted by certain customers.
• Performance may feel slow for intensive applications compared to newer models.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Apple Tablets

When choosing an Apple tablet, you’ll want to contemplate several key factors. Performance requirements, display quality, and storage options are just the beginning; battery life and compatibility with accessories matter, too. Evaluating these aspects will help you find the perfect tablet to meet your needs.

Performance Requirements

Choosing the right Apple tablet in 2024 involves several key performance factors that can greatly impact your experience. First, consider the chip. The A13 Bionic chip provides a solid balance for everyday tasks and light creative work, while the A14 and M2 chips are your best bets for multitasking and graphics-intensive applications. This choice directly influences how smoothly your tablet handles demanding activities.

Next, battery life is essential. Most models offer up to 10 hours of use on Wi-Fi, making them perfect for long sessions of productivity or media consumption. You won’t want to be tethered to a charger when you’re on the go.

Storage options also matter. With choices ranging from 64GB to 1TB, you can pick a model that fits your needs for apps, documents, and media files. If security is a priority for you, look for features like Touch ID or Face ID for convenient access.

Lastly, iPadOS supports multitasking and a wide array of apps, which can greatly enhance your productivity, especially if you often run multiple applications simultaneously. So, weigh these factors carefully to find the perfect Apple tablet for your needs.

Display Quality

Display quality plays an essential role in guaranteeing an enjoyable experience with your Apple tablet. When choosing a tablet, you need to take into account factors like resolution, brightness, and color accuracy, as these features greatly impact image clarity and vibrancy. Retina displays, known for their high pixel density, provide sharper images and improve text readability, making them perfect for reading or watching videos.

You’ll also appreciate True Tone technology, which adjusts the white balance to match your environment. This feature enhances your comfort during extended use by reducing eye strain. For a more vibrant experience, look for models with Liquid Retina and Ultra Retina XDR displays. These options offer wider color gamuts and better contrast ratios, resulting in lifelike visuals that are great for creative tasks and media playback.

Lastly, don’t overlook the screen size. Larger screens create a more immersive experience, especially for drawing, editing, or gaming. By taking these display quality aspects into account, you can guarantee that your chosen Apple tablet meets your needs for work, play, and everything in between.

Storage Options

Many users find that selecting the right storage option for their Apple tablet is essential for a seamless experience. Apple tablets typically offer storage options ranging from 64GB to 1TB or more, catering to various needs. If you’re someone who casually browses the web and streams media, 64GB might suffice. However, if you plan to store a large number of photos, videos, or applications, you should consider a higher capacity.

The choice of storage can greatly impact your tablet’s usability. Opting for a model with more storage allows you to keep more apps and media files directly on the device, eliminating the need for external storage solutions. As app sizes and media quality continue to grow, higher storage can provide better longevity and performance.

Additionally, some Apple tablets support cloud storage options, which let you access files remotely. This can reduce the need for extensive on-device storage but may require a reliable internet connection. Ultimately, assess your typical usage patterns and choose a storage capacity that aligns with your needs for ideal performance and convenience.

Battery Life

Typically, when you’re considering an Apple tablet, battery life is an essential factor. Most models provide up to 10 hours of usage on a single charge, making them ideal for all-day tasks, whether you’re browsing, streaming, or working. However, keep in mind that battery performance can vary slightly depending on the model and your usage conditions. For instance, using Wi-Fi versus cellular data can impact how long your battery lasts.

Several factors affect battery life, too. If you crank up the screen brightness, run multiple apps simultaneously, or engage in power-hungry activities like gaming or video playback, you might notice a quicker drain. Fortunately, Apple tablets come with quick charging capabilities, allowing you to recharge to a significant percentage in a relatively short time.

Additionally, regular software updates and optimizations in iPadOS help maintain battery efficiency and performance over time. This means that as you use your tablet, you can expect the battery to perform well, even after months of usage. So, whether you’re a student, professional, or casual user, you can rely on Apple tablets to keep you powered throughout the day.

Compatibility With Accessories

When selecting an Apple tablet, accessory compatibility plays an important role in enhancing your overall experience. Different generations of Apple tablets support various accessories, so you’ll want to check which ones fit your needs. For instance, the 1st generation Apple Pencil works with models like the iPad (9th and 10th Generation) and iPad Air (M2), while the Apple Pencil Pro is tailored for the iPad Pro (M4).

If you need a keyboard for typing, consider the Magic Keyboard Folio, compatible with specific iPad models. This accessory can greatly boost your productivity. It’s also essential to look at the available ports; newer models like the iPad Air (M2) and iPad Pro (M4) feature USB-C ports, allowing you to connect a broader range of external devices compared to older models that rely on Lightning connectors.

Additionally, iPadOS supports various accessories, enabling features like Scribble with the Apple Pencil, which enhances your note-taking and drawing capabilities. By evaluating accessory compatibility, you can ascertain that your iPad meets your specific tasks, whether it’s drawing, typing, or connecting to external displays.

Price and Value

Choosing the right Apple tablet involves carefully evaluating both price and value to guarantee you get the best fit for your needs. Apple tablets range from around $200 for entry-level models to over $1,000 for high-end versions, so you can find options that align with your budget and requirements.

To maximize value, consider performance capabilities, storage options, and what you’ll use the tablet for—whether it’s casual browsing, professional work, or creative tasks. If you’re looking for savings, refurbished models can be a smart choice, offering reliable performance and warranty coverage at a lower price point.

Higher-priced models often come with advanced processing chips and superior camera capabilities, which may justify the cost if those features are essential for you. Additionally, take the time to read customer feedback and reviews; they can provide insights into the long-term satisfaction and value associated with specific models.

Ultimately, balancing price with your specific needs will help you choose an Apple tablet that not only fits your budget but also delivers the performance you expect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Apple Tablets Compatible With External Storage Devices?

Yes, Apple tablets can work with external storage devices, but you’ll need to use compatible formats and apps. Make sure your device supports USB-C or Lightning connectors, depending on the model you’re using.

Can I Use My Apple Tablet for Gaming?

Yes, you can definitely use your Apple tablet for gaming. With powerful processors and vibrant displays, it handles most games smoothly. Just make sure to check the app requirements for ideal performance and enjoyment.

How Long Do Apple Tablets Typically Last?

Apple tablets typically last around five to seven years with proper care. You’ll enjoy regular software updates and reliable performance throughout their lifespan, making them a solid investment for both casual and professional use.

Do Apple Tablets Support Cellular Connectivity?

Yes, many Apple tablets support cellular connectivity. You can choose models with cellular options, allowing you to stay connected on the go without relying solely on Wi-Fi, making your experience more versatile and convenient.

What Accessories Enhance the Apple Tablet Experience?

To enhance your Apple tablet experience, consider using the Apple Pencil for precise drawing and note-taking, a smart keyboard for efficient typing, and a protective case to keep your device safe and stylish.

Conclusion

To sum up, choosing the right Apple tablet depends on your needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking for the powerful A14 chip in the iPad (10th Generation) or the impressive performance of the iPad Pro with the M4 chip, there’s something for everyone. Consider factors like screen size, processing power, and budget to find the perfect fit. With any of these top picks, you’re sure to enjoy a fantastic experience that suits your lifestyle. Happy tablet hunting!