Best Apple iPads to consider buying in 2024

Apple iPads are the de facto tablet computer with good reason. While they may not be cheap, the sheer power of the devices, combined with the capabilities of the Apple ecosystem is hard to match. The most recent changes have effected significant upgrades to the iPad family with the introduction of powerful M series processors, features like ray-tracing, and of course, the porting of powerful Mac apps like Logic Pro and Final Cut, not to mention support for external displays and even Thunderbolt docks. It’s a powerful ecosystem and one well worth investing in. If you are considering doing so, here’s where you can start.

3 best iPads to buy in 2024

1. iPad

2. iPad Air M2

3. iPad Pro M4

1. iPad

The cheapest iPad in Apple’s lineup retails for Rs 33,900 on Croma. It’s a fantastic option for kids and students, and is even great as a simple entertainment platform. The iPad runs on an older chip – the A14 Bionic – but it’s plenty fast for its target audience.

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You even get support for Apple Pencil (USB-C) and the Apple Magic Keyboard Folio, both of which are great add-ons and transform this device into a computer of sorts

2. iPad Air M2

The iPad Air M2 is the perfect tablet for most people. It features a powerful M2 processor – which is nearly as capable as the one found in last year’s iPad Pros – a great display, powerful speakers, plenty of storage (starting at 128GB), and support for Apple Pencil Pro. That last is something artists will love as it adds a whole new dimension to the drawing experience. The iPad Air M2 is also a great gaming device, capable of running everything but the most demanding games at 30+ FPS.

ALSO READ: M4 iPad Pro to Apple Pencil Pro: Everything launched at Apple’s ‘Let Loose’ event

Versus the Pro models, it’s missing a 120Hz refresh rate OLED display, Thunderbolt support, ProRes for video editing, and a LiDAR scanner, but most iPad buyers are not likely to care for these, especially given the Air’s starting price of just Rs 59,900.

If you’re looking to buy one for long-term use, we’d recommend getting the 256GB model for Rs 10,000 more. Oh, and the default size is 11 inches, but there’s a 13-inch model also available if you need the additional real-estate.

The older iPad Air with an M1 chip is a great option only if you get a good discount and don’t require the new Apple Pencil Pro.

3. iPad Pro M4

By far the most capable – and most expensive – iPad out there, the iPad Pro M4 distinguishes itself from the rest with one of the best displays we’ve ever seen, and power that will put many laptops to shame. The iPad Pro M4 features a new tandem OLED display (a double-layered display) that can manage 1000 nits of sustained brightness and 1,600nits in HDR. This is 2 to 3x brighter than what you’re getting on the iPad Airs. This is easily the best display you can get for consuming HDR content.

Secondly, the M4 chip in these iPads is significantly more powerful than the M2 chip thanks to a far superior GPU and Thunderbolt support. That last is especially useful if you want to use your iPad with an external display as a sort of alternative to a PC. 

ALSO READ: iPad Pro 2024 vs iPad Pro 2022: What’s different this time around?

The iPad Pro M4 with 256GB storage is available from Rs 99,900 on Croma. Storage options go up to 1TB, and if you’re a power user who needs that much storage, Apple will also double the RAM from 8GB to 16GB in the 1TB variant.

The older M2 iPad Pro is available for Rs 78,900 (with 128GB storage) and is a great option as well. You get almost as much performance as you do in the newer Pro model, but at Rs 20,000 less. Versus the M4 Pro, the M2 model comes with a miniLED display – which is still superior to regular LCD displays – and support for older model Apple Pencils. The GPU is also a little less capable, so certain newer games may not run as well on the M2 Pro as they do on the M4 Pro.

iPads are not cheap, but they are capable and do justify the premium with cutting-edge features and performance. Another factor that makes them such great value is the fact that iPads are supported for many years and retain their resale value for far longer than other electronic devices.