The Ultimate iPad Buying Guide for 2025: Which Apple Tablet is Right for You?
As we settle into 2025, Apple’s iPad lineup is more diverse and powerful than ever, offering a tablet for every need and budget. From the ultra-portable iPad mini to the powerhouse iPad Pro, choosing the “best” iPad can feel overwhelming. But fear not! We’re here to break down the top contenders and help you find your perfect match.
1. iPad Pro (2024/2025): The Uncompromising Powerhouse
If you’re a creative professional, a power user, or simply demand the absolute best, the iPad Pro remains the undisputed king. The latest models, featuring the M4 chip, are astonishingly fast, capable of handling demanding tasks like 4K video editing, 3D rendering, and professional-grade graphic design with ease.
Key Features:
- Stunning Ultra Retina XDR Display (Tandem OLED): Available in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes, these displays offer unparalleled brightness, contrast, and color accuracy, making them ideal for content creation and consumption. ProMotion technology provides an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz for incredibly smooth scrolling and responsiveness.
- M4 Chip: This cutting-edge chip delivers desktop-class performance, making the iPad Pro a true laptop replacement for many. Its Neural Engine also makes it a powerhouse for AI features.
- Advanced Camera System: A 12MP Wide rear camera with an Adaptive True Tone flash and a new landscape 12MP Center Stage front camera (perfect for video calls) make the iPad Pro highly versatile.
- Thunderbolt / USB 4 Port: Offers incredibly fast data transfer speeds for connecting external displays and accessories.
- Compatibility: Supports the Apple Pencil Pro and the redesigned Magic Keyboard.
Who is it for? Artists, video editors, designers, developers, and anyone who needs the ultimate tablet for demanding workflows.
2. Apple iPad (11th gen, A16) – Best Budget Option
- Overview: Apple’s new base iPad (A16 Bionic) launched March 12, 2025. It offers solid everyday performance with 6 GB RAM and 128 GB+ storage, starting at US \$349 (£299 on sale).
- Why it’s great: Excellent value if you need a reliable tablet for streaming, browsing, note-taking, or casual drawing (first-gen or USB‑C Apple Pencil.
- Downsides: It lacks Apple Intelligence support and a laminated display, and doesn’t support Stage Manager multitasking.
Ideal for students, families, or casual users on a budget.
3. Apple iPad Air (M3, 2025) 11″ – Best Mid‑Range All‑Rounder
- Overview: Released March 2025, the iPad Air M3 brings powerhouse performance at a lower price than the Pro. The 11″ model starts at US \$599, often discounted to \$499‑\$549.
- Why it shines:
- Top-tier M3 chip with 8‑core CPU, 9‑core GPU and Apple Intelligence.
- Supports Apple Pencil Pro and larger accessories like Magic Keyboard with trackpad.
- Bright Liquid Retina screen, Center Stage camera—great for work, creativity, and learning.
- Only drawback: Still a 60 Hz display, not ProMotion (120 Hz).
A standout pick for students, creatives, and professionals on a budget.
4. Apple iPad Pro (M4, 2024) – Best Premium Tablet
- Overview: The 7th‑gen iPad Pro with M4 chip and OLED ProMotion display launched May 2024,
- Why it leads:
- OLED + 120 Hz ProMotion = unmatched visuals for design, editing, and media.
- M4 chipset + LPDDR5X RAM deliver extreme performance, long battery life (~18 hrs) .
- Supports full Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard experience.
- Considerations: Highest price point, best suited for power users or creative pros.
Apple iPad (11th gen, A16)
Best value
[Apple iPad Air (M3, 11″)]()
Perfect mid‑range
Quick Comparison
Model Chipset Apple Intelligence Display Pencil Pro Price, iPad (A16) A16 Bionic No 11″ LCD 60 Hz No $331–$541 iPad Air (M3) 11″ M3 Yes 11″ Liquid Retina Yes $488 approx iPad Pro (M4) M4 Yes 11″/13″ OLED 120 Hz Yes $1,250+ with accessories
Who Should Buy What:
- Go with the base iPad (A16) if you want the best value for everyday use—ideal for students or light users.
- Choose the iPad Air (M3) if you need more power and Apple Intelligence—great for multitaskers, creatives, and professionals.
- Upgrade to the iPad Pro (M4) if you’re a heavy user—video editors, artists, or anyone after top-tier performance and visuals.
Looking ahead: iPad Pro (M5) is rumored late 2025/2026
Apple is expected to release a new iPad Pro with the M5 chip by late 2025 or early 2026—featuring enhanced AI and display tech Unless you need the absolute best now, the current M4 model remains a smarter choice in 2025.
Buying tips for you:
- Deals: Watch out for Prime Day (July 8–11)! Discounts on M3 Air and M4 Pro will likely be available.
- Storage: 256 GB is a safe bet unless you store videos or large files.
- Accessories: Add Apple Pencil Pro + Magic Keyboard for full productivity—but factor their cost in.
Final Take
- Best Value: iPad (11th Gen, A16)
- Best Overall: iPad Air (M3, 2025)
- Best for Power Users: iPad Pro (M4)
