Which iPad Should You Buy in 2025?
Don't go by influencers—base iPads are enough for 90% of users. They're powerful but limited by hardware and iPadOS despite the price.
Understanding Your Requirements
There are a plenty of options at almost every price bracket. Most of the people are either confused or even influenced by tech reviewers into buying the machine they do not need. In this blog all the MacBooks have been properly summarised to help you understand your requirements and make a proper purchase decision.
1. Apple iPad 11
The iPad 11 is a solid choice for everyday tasks, but it lags behind the iPad Air and Pro in several key aspects. It runs on the A16 chip, which is capable but not as advanced as the M2 in the Air or the M4 in the Pro. Its 60Hz LCD screen lacks the smoother ProMotion refresh rate and laminated display found in higher-end models. It also misses out on Apple Intelligence features due to its 6 GB RAM and only supports the basic USB-C Apple Pencil, without hover or squeeze capabilities. The audio and camera systems are more basic too, lacking the Pro’s quad speakers and LiDAR sensor.
2 . Apple iPad Air M3
While the iPad Air M3 delivers impressive performance for its price, the iPad Pro M4 takes things several steps further with notable enhancements in display quality, processing power, and premium features. The iPad Pro features a stunning 120Hz OLED Ultra Retina XDR display, offering deeper blacks, better contrast, and much smoother visuals compared to the Air’s standard 60Hz LCD screen. It’s also equipped with Apple’s newer and more powerful M4 chip, which provides faster performance and better efficiency, especially during demanding workflows like video editing, 3D design, or multitasking with multiple apps. Additional features like Face ID for secure unlocking and a sleeker, more refined design add to its appeal. While the Air M3 is an excellent choice for students, everyday users, and light creators, the Pro is clearly the better option for professionals, digital artists, and anyone who needs top-tier performance and display quality.
3. Apple iPad Pro M4
The key thing to keep in mind is that for the same price, a MacBook offers a complete computing experience with built-in macOS, a keyboard, and a trackpad—ready to use right out of the box. It functions like a traditional laptop and delivers excellent performance for most tasks. In contrast, the iPad Pro becomes significantly more expensive once you factor in essential accessories like the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard. The total for just the base 11-inch, 256GB iPad Pro M4 setup can reach around ₹1,41,700. At that price point, you're approaching the cost of a MacBook Pro with the M4 chip. The iPad Pro M4 is a powerful device tailored more for creatives who need a high-performance tablet for tasks like drawing, note-taking, and media consumption. However, it's best suited to a niche audience. In general, the MacBook is better for traditional work and productivity, while the iPad Pro shines in touch-first, creative use cases.
4. Apple iPad Mini 7
Each of the three iPads mentioned above are designed with a different type of user in mind. The iPad 11 is a great budget-friendly option for everyday tasks like web browsing, watching videos, and taking notes. The iPad mini 7 packs powerful performance into a small, portable design, making it perfect for users who prioritize gaming, reading, or mobility. In contrast, the iPad Air offers a larger screen and performance close to the iPad Pro, making it ideal for productivity, creative tasks, and multitasking. While the iPad 11 is easier on the wallet, the iPad Air is a better long-term choice if you need more capability. Go for the iPad mini if you’re specifically looking for high performance in a compact form.
How To Take The Best Decision?
We advise consumers not to blindly trust influencers who claim that base model iPads are underpowered. For nearly 90% of users, the entry-level iPad easily meets everyday tablet needs. While iPads do come at a premium price and feature processors comparable to those in laptops, their potential is often limited by the hardware and iPadOS itself.
| User Type | Recommended iPad Model |
|---|---|
| Basic users & students | iPad 11 (10th Gen) |
| Portable-first users & casual gamers | iPad mini 7 |
| Productivity & light creative work | iPad Air M3 |
| Professionals & heavy creators | iPad Pro M4 |
Choosing the right ipad depends entirely on your needs. By understanding what each iPad offers, you can avoid overspending and make a smart, future-proof investment. If you still doubt if an iPad can replace a tablet, chances are it is false and here is our explanation for that. There are third party accessories like ESR provide a great value when it comes to cases and pencils.
