Written by Robyn
Edited on
5 February 2026
·
16:15
Compare the different iPad models
The Apple iPad is now available in 4 different versions: the iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad, and iPad mini. The Apple iPad Pro is the most powerful iPad and can handle all demanding tasks and programs. The standard iPad model is the least powerful and has the lowest image quality. The Apple iPad Air and iPad mini are somewhere in between those models. In this article, we'll compare all iPad models and tell you everything on the differences and similarities.
Compare iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad, and iPad Mini
- Apple iPad Pro (2025) 11 or 13 inches
The best iPad there is.
Can handle the most demanding programs.
Excellent image quality
From
1.119,-
- Apple iPad Air (2025) 11 or 13 inches
Most powerful iPad for school or work.
Can handle the most demanding programs.
Good image quality, but not excellent like the Pro.
From
641,-
- Apple iPad Mini 7 (2024) 8.3 inches
Small iPad for on the go.
Can handle the most demanding programs.
Good image quality, but not excellent like the Pro.
From
559,-
- Apple iPad (2025) 11 inches
An iPad for basic use.
Good speed, but not excellent like the Air.
Good image quality, but not excellent like the Pro.
From
389,-
iPad Pro vs iPad Air vs iPad mini vs iPad
| iPad Pro (2025) | iPad Air (2025) | iPad Mini 7 | iPad (2025) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen | 11-inch Ultra Retina XDR, 13-inch Ultra Retina XDR | 11-inch Liquid Retina, 13-inch Liquid Retina | 8.3-inch Liquid Retina | 11-inch Liquid Retina |
| Processor | Apple M5 chip | Apple M3 chip | A17 Pro chip | A16 Bionic chip |
| Storage capacity | 256GB, 512GB or 1TB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB |
| Charging port | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C |
| Apple Intelligence | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Compatibility accessories | Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil with USB-C and Magic Keyboard | Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil with USB-C and Magic Keyboard | Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil with USB-C | Apple Pencil with USB-C, Apple Pencil (1st generation), Magic Keyboard Folio |
The Apple iPad Pro: the best iPad there is
The Apple iPad Pro is the most powerful and fastest iPad currently available. Thanks to the powerful processor, it runs demanding programs like Adobe Photoshop or Final Cut Pro smoothly. That makes this iPad the right choice if you edit photos and videos or do graphic design. You can enjoy a clear and bright screen with the Ultra Retina XDR display on the iPad Pro (2025). You can choose between 11 and 13 inches.
Apple iPad Air: for school and at the office
The Apple iPad Air also has an incredibly powerful processor. This makes it suitable for school or business use, just like the iPad Pro. You can smoothly switch between apps and open various programs next to each other without the iPad models slowing down. The image quality of the iPad Air isn't as good as that of the iPad Pro. The screen is smaller, less sharp, and less bright. That's why we don't recommend this iPad Air for graphic designers or videographers. The iPad Air works with the Magic Keyboard, which allows you to comfortably type long texts. You can choose between 11 and 13 inches.
Apple iPad mini: manageable for on the go
The Apple iPad mini is the smallest version of the Apple iPad series. With its 300g weight and compact screen, you can easily put it in your bag. It's a nice size for reading a book on the train, for example. The iPad mini has a good speed, but an even better image quality. That's because the screen is very sharp and supports Dolby Vision. So you can watch your show on the go in high quality. Thanks to the powerful processor, you can smoothly play games and use demanding programs without slowing down.
Apple iPad: home for the family
Apple iPad (2025): for daily use
The Apple iPad is suitable for daily use for the entire family. Thanks to the good speed and screen quality, you can smoothly play games like Candy Crush and comfortably watch YouTube videos. Play demanding games as well? We recommend the iPad Air. The Apple iPad Air has a more powerful processor than the iPad. On the iPad (2025), demanding games slow down sooner.
Apple iPad (2022): starter model
The Apple iPad from 2022 truly is a starter model iPad. It still has thick black bezels around the screen. You can mainly use this model for simple tasks, such as browsing the internet and light games like Sudoku. The sceen quality and speed of this iPad generation aren't as good as those of the iPad (2025).
Conclusion
The biggest differences between all iPad models are the speed class and image quality. Which iPad is a good choice for you to buy depends on what you want to use it for.
- Apple iPad Pro: best iPad, very suitable for work or study and graphic design.
- Apple iPad Air: powerful iPad, suitable for work or study.
- Apple iPad mini: small, but excellent screen. Especially for watching movies on the go.
- Apple iPad: starter model iPad for basic use and for the family.
Article by Robyn
Apple Expert.
