Since the launch of the first iPad in 2010 the Apple lineup has become increasingly diverse, with models ranging from the Apple iPad Air, Apple iPad mini and the powerful Apple iPad Pro. As a result, it can be tricky to decide which iPad to go for, especially as there are so many different variants to choose from.
In this guide, we’ll explore the latest iPad models, comparing their performance, functionality, and features so you can make an informed decision.
Processor Performance
One important factor to consider when purchasing an iPad is its processing power. Whether you plan to use an iPad for general tasks such as web browsing and streaming videos, or need a high-performance tablet for professional design work, there’s an iPad for you.
Below, you’ll find Geekbench multicore scores for each model. Geekbench is a benchmarking tool that assigns a numerical score to the iPad processor performance, making it easy to compare models at a glance.
Geekbench 6 Multi-Core scores for iPad processors, sorted from highest to lowest.
Understanding the Geekbench Multicore Scores
The graph displays CPU performance scores for various iPad models, with higher scores indicating better performance. The iPad Pro models with M4 chips lead the pack, with the 10-core M4 scoring highest, followed closely by the 9-core M4. The iPad Air M3 and M2 models come next.
Overall, the latest M-series chips deliver the strongest CPU performance, with the M4 and M3 leading the scores, while the A-series chips offer progressively lower performance depending on their generation.
When is the CPU chip important?: A powerful CPU would be important for professionals who use their iPads for demanding applications. For simple tasks like web browsing, you won’t notice a significant difference between the iPad Pro M4 and the iPad 11th generation.
GPU performance
If your work involves design, illustration, 3D rendering, or other graphics-heavy tasks, GPU performance is essential. The table below shows GPU performance scores using Geekbench Metal, which measures graphics processing capabilities.
Geekbench 6 Metal scores for iPad GPU, sorted from highest to lowest.
Understanding the Geekbench Metal GPU scores
Simply put, the higher the number, the better the GPU performance. Looking at the graph, the iPad Pro and iPad Air significantly outperform the iPad and iPad mini. This is because they use Apple’s M-series silicon processors, which deliver much stronger GPU performance compared to the A-series chips.
But what does this mean for you? If you’re a casual user mainly browsing the web or watching films, the standard iPad or iPad mini are excellent, budget-friendly options that offer great value.
The iPad Air is a solid middle ground, it’s perfect for those who want a bit more GPU power without paying for the top-tier models. It’s especially well-suited for casual gaming.
For demanding tasks like graphic design or CAD work, the iPad Pro models with M2 and M4 chips are the best choice, providing the highest GPU performance for professional use.
Display
Now that you understand the differences in performance, let’s focus on one of the main reasons to choose an iPad: the display. The display is a key component for your decision, as it makes up both the visual experience of the device as well as the core functionality, all combined through its touchscreen interface.
First, consider why you want an iPad. If you plan to watch movies on long flights, you might prefer a larger, high-quality display. On the other hand, if you mainly want an iPad for on the go, a smaller screen may be perfectly fine. Both are valid reasons to buy an iPad, but there’s no need to spend extra on a Pro model if the iPad display size meets your needs.
Below is a list of iPad display sizes with both their pixel resolutions and refresh rates. If you want to learn more about Apple’s display technology, feel free to check out our blog here.
| Model | Display Size | Resolution |
| 13-inch | 2752 x 2064 | |
| 13-inch | 2732 x 2048 | |
| 13-inch | 2732 x 2048 | |
| 12.9-inch | 2732 x 2048 | |
| 12.9-inch | 2732 x 2048 | |
| 11-inch | 2420 x 1668 | |
| 11-inch | 2388 x 1668 | |
| 11-inch | 2360 x 1640 | |
| 10.9-inch | 2360 x 1640 | |
| iPad 11th Gen | 10.9-inch | 2360 x 1640 |
| iPad 10th Gen | 10.9-inch | 2360 x 1640 |
| iPad 9th Gen | 10.9-inch | 2160 x 1620 |
| iPad mini 7th Gen | 8.3-inch | 2266 x 1488 |
| iPad mini 6th Gen | 8.3-inch | 2266 x 1488 |
From left to right: iPad Pro 13 -inch, iPad Pro 11 -inch, iPad Air 13 -inch, iPad Air 11 -inch, iPad 10.9 -inch, iPad mini 8.3 -inch
size and appearance
Size and design is another factor to consider when purchasing an iPad. Since they’re handheld devices, comfort and portability matter. Apple offers a range of sizes from the compact iPad mini to the large-screen iPad Pro each catering to different needs, whether it’s portability, multitasking, or immersive creative work.
iPad mini
The smallest model in the lineup, the iPad mini is perfect for those who want something larger than a phone but still easily portable. It’s the most compact and easy-to-carry iPad.
iPad
The standard iPad sits right in the middle in terms of size, not as compact as the iPad mini, but not as slim as the iPad Air. It strikes a great balance and is Apple’s most popular model.
iPad Air
The iPad Air is larger than the iPad, but it is slightly thinner and lighter. It’s designed for people on the go who want a powerful device with a slight thinner factor.
iPad Pro
The iPad Pro is on the larger side of the iPad range with the iPad Air, the iPad Pro is built for professional use ideal for graphic designers and others who need the extra screen space and high performance.
| Model | Dimensions | Weight |
| iPad 9th Gen | 250.6 H x 174.1 W x 7.5 D mm | 0.498 Kg |
| iPad 10th Gen | 248.6 H x 179.5 W x 7 D mm | 0.477 kg |
| iPad 11th Gen | 248.6 H x 179.5 W x 7 D mm | 0.481 kg |
| iPad mini 7th Gen | 195.4 H x 134.8 W x 6.3 D mm | 0.297 kg |
| iPad mini 6th Gen | 195.4 H x 134.8 W x 6.3 D mm | 0.297 kg |
| iPad Air M1 | 247.6 H x 178.5 W x 6.1 D mm | 0.462 kg |
| iPad Air M2 11-inch | 247.6 H x 178.5 W x 6.1 D mm | 0.462 kg |
| iPad Air M2 13-inch | 280.6 H x 214.9 W x 6.1 D mm | 0.617 kg |
| iPad Air M3 11-inch | 247.6 H x 178.5 W x 6.1 D mm | 0.460 kg |
| iPad Air M3 13-inch | 280.6 H x 214.9 W x 6.1 D mm | 0.617 kg |
| iPad Pro 12.9-inch M1 | 280.6 H x 214.9 W x 6.4 D mm | 0.685 kg |
| iPad Pro 11-inch M2 | 247.6 H x 178.5 W x 5.9 D mm | 0.466 kg |
| iPad Pro 12.9-inch M2 | 280.6 H x 214.9 W x 6.4 D mm | 0.685 kg |
| iPad Pro 11-inch M4 | 249.7 H x 177.5 W x 5.3 D mm | 0.446 kg |
| iPad Pro 13-inch M4 | 281.6 H x 215.5 W x 5.1 D mm | 0.579 kg |
Colours
Over time Apple has released multiple colour combinations across the iPad lineup, and the most recent generations are no different. For the iPad, iPad mini and iPad Air, Apple delivers a choice of vibrant colours like blue, pink and yellow. As for the iPad Pro, they offer a more traditional and professional palette, with options like Space Black and Silver, that mirror their lineup of MacBook Pro laptops.
Below you will find a table with all of the different generations of iPad colours.
| Model | Colours |
| iPad Pro 12.9-inch M1 iPad Pro 12.9-inch M2 iPad Pro 11-inch M2 iPad 9th Gen | Space Grey and Silver |
| iPad Air M1 | Space Grey, Starlight, Pink and Blue |
| iPad 10th Gen iPad 11th Gen | Silver, Blue, Pink and Yellow |
| iPad Air M2 11-inch iPad Air M2 13-inch iPad Air M3 11-inch iPad Air M3 13-inch | Space Grey, Starlight, Purple and Blue |
| iPad Pro 11-inch M4 iPad Pro 13-inch M4 | Space Black and Silver |
| iPad mini 6th Gen iPad mini 7th Gen | Space Grey, Blue, Purple and Starlight |
From left to right: iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad 11th Gen, iPad mini 7th Gen
Storage
Now that you have an idea of which iPad model suits your needs, the next important factor to consider is storage capacity. iPad internal storage is used when downloading apps, saving documents and storing photos or videos. Running out of physical storage can be frustrating, so it's important to choose the right amount from the start as you won’t be able to upgrade at a later date.
Storage needs will vary from person to person. We recommend checking how much you currently use on your iPad, Mac, or iPhone to get a better idea of what you need. You can find this information in the system settings under “Storage.” There, you’ll see how much space you have available and which apps or files take up the most room.
Keep in mind you can also use cloud services like iCloud or Dropbox to store large files and projects, this can help to free up the internal space on your device.
Below is a list of possible iPad storage options:
| Model | 64GB | 128GB | 256GB | 512GB | 1TB | 2TB |
| iPad 9th Gen | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| iPad 10th Gen | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| iPad 11th Gen | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| iPad mini 6th Gen | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| iPad Air M1 | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| iPad mini 7th Gen | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| iPad Air M2 | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| iPad Air M3 | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| iPad Pro M1 | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| iPad Pro M2 | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| iPad Pro M4 | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Camera
Something often overlooked when purchasing an iPad is the camera. While it’s uncommon for someone to use an iPad as their primary photography device, some professionals like to capture a photo directly on the device they edit on, for a quick and efficient form of workflow.
Rear Camera System
The iPad Pro is the only model in the lineup with a dual-camera system, making it the top choice for those who need exceptional image quality. It combines a 12MP Wide camera with a 10MP Ultra Wide camera, offering both versatility and clarity for professional use. It’s also the only iPad equipped with a flash for low-light conditions, a feature not found on the iPad, iPad mini or iPad Air. The other iPads in this article have a single 12MP Wide camera, except for the iPad 9th generation, which is fitted with an 8MP Wide camera.
Front Camera System
All the iPads in this article feature a 12MP Ultra Wide front-facing camera. This setup is ideal for FaceTime and video calls, delivering a crisp, clear image quality similar to what you’d expect from your iPhone.
Left: iPad Pro M4 dual camera system Right: iPad 10th Generation single camera system
Apple Pencil Compatibility
The final thing to consider is Apple Pencil compatibility. Not all Apple Pencils work with every iPad, so it’s important to check whether the Pencil you own or plan to use is compatible with the iPad you’re looking to purchase. See the table below for Apple Pencil compatibility.
| Model | Apple Pencil 1st Gen | Apple Pencil 2nd Gen | Apple Pencil USB-C | Apple Pencil Pro |
| iPad 9th Gen | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| iPad 10th Gen | ✅* | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| iPad 11th Gen | ✅* | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| iPad mini 6th Gen | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| iPad Air M1 | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| iPad mini 7th Gen | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| iPad Air M2 | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| iPad Air M3 | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| iPad Pro M1 | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| iPad Pro M2 | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| iPad Pro M4 | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
*will need to charge with an adaptor
From left to right: Apple Pencil 1st Gen, Apple Pencil 2nd Gen, Apple Pencil USBC, Apple Pencil Pro
Why choose refurbished
Now that you’ve decided on the best iPad for your needs, why not consider purchasing a refurbished model? At Hoxton Macs, you’ll save money without compromising quality. Plus, all our iPads come with a 1-year hardware warranty for your peace of mind. Explore our full range here.
Need Help?
If you have questions or want more information about refurbished iPad at Hoxton Macs, we're always here to help.
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Phone: 020 8819 3244
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Email: info@hoxtonmacs.co.uk
Explore our full range of refurbished iPad models here.
