Which iPad would you recommend to buy this spring?

Apple's website has a featured page where you can compare the performance and features of your old and new iPads.

In this article, we will focus on the following "iPad current models" that are on sale as of early February 2022.

"The Strongest Pro" is recommended for entertainment and creative work

The iPad Pro is the flagship iPad, which is more diverse than the iPhone. There are 12.9-inch and 11-inch models depending on the panel size, but both have common features such as a high-performance Apple M1 chip, 5G communication support, and adoption of the main dual lens camera.

Display isn't just about different sizes. The largest 12.9-inch model features a Liquid Retina XDR display with a newly developed mini LED backlight system. You can enjoy HDR-compatible movies and dramas published on Apple TV +'s video distribution service, and HDR videos shot with the iPhone 13 series in higher quality.

iPad Pro has a built-in high-quality audio system consisting of four speaker units. Playback of content compatible with "spatial audio" distributed on Apple TV + and Apple Music is also powerful with only the iPad Pro speakers without using external speakers.

As for the built-in microphone, only iPad Pro has studio-grade high-quality sound. For those who want to use the iPad for video conferences, we recommend "Pro", which can convey the voice of the call most clearly.

In the iPad series, only the iPad Pro display supports 120Hz-driven ProMotion technology. Not only is the video content with a lot of movement and the scrolling display of the web page seen smoothly, which is easy on the eyes, but also the handwritten writing by Apple Pencil feels very smooth. My friend's illustrators and designers also compare all the iPads and say, "After all, the handwriting feeling of the iPad Pro was the most natural." If you want to make heavy use of the iPad for creative work with the Apple Pencil, the iPad Pro is for you.

That said, the iPad Pro is still an expensive device. In addition, face ID recognition is used when unlocking the screen or purchasing the app on the App Store, which makes it inconvenient when wearing a mask outdoors. However, iPhones equipped with Face ID will be able to be unlocked with the mask on in the next version of iOS 15.4, so I hope that iPad Pro users will be able to provide the same function.

"All-rounder Air" that is ideal for the first iPad

The 4th generation iPad Air is a high-quality standard model with a high level of balance between size, function, and price. It also supports a wide range of genuine Apple iPad accessories such as the 2nd generation Apple Pencil, Magic Keyboard, and Smart Keyboard Folio. One of the unique attractions of the iPad Air is that it has a full range of vivid color variations in all five colors.

Compared to the 9th generation iPad, the price of both Wi-Fi model and Wi-Fi + Cellular model is about 30,000 yen. However, considering that the Apple Pencil gives you a comfortable writing experience and the expandability of the functions provided by the accessories, it's probably a good idea to buy the "Air" as your first iPad.

On the other hand, the 4th generation iPad Air, which has been on the market for about a year and a half, is still highly practical, but its cellular communication function is limited to 4G and not compatible with 5G, and the maximum storage capacity is limited to 256GB. The point to be worried about. Considering the future, I am a little lost.

Since the sensor resolution of the front camera is lower than that of the 9th generation iPad, the "center frame" that the person of the subject always appears in the center of the frame while using a video call application such as FaceTime is not installed. There is also a way to get a little motivated and aim for the top 11-inch iPad Pro.

"Spacious screen mini" which is also the most advanced digital stationery

The 6th generation iPad mini is the newest product on the market among the current iPads. The same high-performance A15 Bionic chip as the iPhone 13 series and Touch ID embedded in the home button on the side of the main unit are installed following the 4th generation iPad Air.

It's compatible with the 2nd generation Apple Pencil and has an all-screen design, so it can be used "stationery-like" like a digital version of the agenda or sketchbook. The slim and light size that makes it easy to always put it in a bag and go out will also come into play.

When you hold the 8.9-inch Liquid Retina display sideways and play the video, it feels surprisingly spacious as a personal-sized entertainment screen. It's also perfect for playing Apple Arcade games and watching movies and dramas that support Apple TV +'s 3D audio in a variety of locations, including on the move.

The only thing that other iPads lack and the iPad mini lacks is a genuine Apple keyboard. If you're looking for an iPad that can be used mainly for text typing as a sub-machine to replace your laptop, the 9th generation will support Apple's genuine Smart Keyboard, which does not require pre-charging or Bluetooth pairing. iPad is also an option. Even with the cellular communication function, you can buy an iPad for about 3,000 yen cheaper than the Wi-Fi-only model iPad mini.

However, if you use good quality third-party accessories such as a cover with a stand and a wireless keyboard to solidify the surroundings, you can create a work environment that looks like a laptop even with the iPad mini. With the iPad mini and the 9th generation iPad, it's also fun to do a pre-purchase simulation of which one suits your needs.

The origin of "iPad" where you can get a pen and keyboard for 70,000 yen

The most standard iPad, which is popular among schools and students who have a system for online lessons, has reached the 9th generation. Support for Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard has been gradually expanded to the current 10.2 inch display size in 2019. There is a home button with a built-in Touch ID on the bezel (edge) on the display side of the main unit, and the traditional style iPad equipped with a Lightning terminal has only left this series.

As mentioned earlier, the advantage over the iPad mini is that you can use a genuine Apple keyboard, it is easy to type text, and if it is a 64GB Wi-Fi dedicated model, even if you have an Apple Pencil and a Smart Keyboard, it is about 7 It is to prepare an environment where you can work crunchy for 10,000 yen.

On the other hand, the performance around Apple Pencil is one rank inferior. The first Apple Pencil supported by this unit is slightly heavier than the second generation, and the pen tip follows the Pro / Air that adopts a full lamination display that almost integrates the cover glass, touch sensor, and liquid crystal. The feeling of coming is also a little different. We recommend that you carefully check the response of the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard on the demo machine displayed at the store before considering purchasing.

Regarding the unique value of the iPad that other tablets do not have, it is important to note that the App Store has excellent apps in various categories and that there are a wide range of accessories including third-party products. increase. If you're wondering whether to buy a cheap tablet with another OS or a 9th generation iPad, you'll know about the iPad's rich ecosystem and how to use it with many iPad users already. You should also think about being a tablet that is easy to share.

Author: Atsushi Yamamoto

Journalist and writer. He became a freelancer after working as a web editor and reporter for an audio-visual magazine. Since he has been interviewing the electronics show "IFA" held in Berlin, Germany every year, he is particularly familiar with the latest situation related to smart home appliances and IoT in Europe. He has a deep knowledge of audio-visual fields and covers a wide range from high resolution to music distribution, 4K and VOD. Taking advantage of his fluent English and French, he handles many events and interviews with developers from Japan to overseas.