Many quite sincerely think now that the tablet is only an iPad, and nothing else.

And even if you think that the options from Android and Windows are not suitable for you, it's still only half the battle, because the ever-expanding range of portable devices from Apple provides a lot of options.

Do you want a small 7.9 inch screen rounded at 9.7 inches or a monster at 12.9 inches? Dreaming about the power of yourself high level  or are you content with more modest opportunities? Do you need a real laptop replacement or are you just looking for a suitable way to surf the Internet? One way or another, the iPad is your choice, and in order to filter out unnecessary options and find the most suitable one, I settled on all the options. So turn on your old tablet, read my review carefully and finally decide to upgrade.

Let's start with the latest innovations and delve a little into the past, to time-tested devices, here is my guide to finding the most suitable option for you.

For the average buyer, the iPad Pro 9.7 will probably be the best option on either side, especially if the high price is not an obstacle. The fact is that its cost starts from 46,130 rubles, and then it will be cool to go up when you need more than 32 GB of memory or a network connection cellular communications. But this will serve as a good excuse for such costs, as the iPad Pro 9.7 is Apple's newest and most powerful flagship tablet line.

The 9.7-inch display is large enough for a tablet and much larger than that of cell phone, and at the same time it is compact enough to be considered portable.

Despite the fact that Apple abandoned the name Air, with its dimensions of 240 × 169.5 × 6.1 mm and weighing 437 grams, the iPad Pro 9.7 is as thin and light as the iPad Air 2.

But it matches the name Pro, thanks to the high power of its A9X processor and 2 GB random access memoryfour speakers for serious media capabilities and a gorgeous True Tone screen that adapts colors and brightness to your surroundings. And, of course, one cannot fail to note the possibility use smart  Keyboard - virtual keyboard and special stylus for graphic apple apps  Pencil, if you really intend to do serious business with your tablet.

This device comes with memory up to 256 GB, and if you are willing to pay, you will not feel limited only by the additional memory of the microSD card. Therefore, your tablet will become a universal device with good performance, albeit expensive, and it will not need an update over time.

This tablet is, at its core, just an improved and enlarged version of the iPad Pro 9.7. It is also equipped with four high-quality speakers, it has the same set of accessories and memory capacity. But its display is much larger, and the resolution of 2048 × 2732 retains the same image density of 264 pixels per square inch. He is also more powerful than his fellow, combining the A9X processor with a larger 4GB memory.

Such power is undeniably a good thing, but a large display will be an advantage only when using a tablet instead of a computer, working with applications on a split screen, or watching a large number of movies. But with other methods of use, it is somewhat cumbersome, especially considering that it weighs a considerable 713 g. If your goal is portability, then you have to make another choice.

But if you want to treat yourself to an expensive purchase and get the largest and at the same time the most productive of tablets manufactured by Apple, then, without doubt, the iPad Pro 12.9 will be the best option for you.

Large displays are not suitable for all cases, and then a 7.9-inch iPad mini 4 may come in handy. Its dimensions speak for itself: it is much more compact than similar products from Apple, especially considering that its weight is only 299 g. Although it not small enough to work on it with one hand, but it can be conveniently held in your hand, unlike other tablets from the same company. The small size of this device allows you to put it in a bag and forget about it.

It is also very convenient for a comfortable surfing the Internet or watching videos when you are away from home and near you large screensalthough it’s not as good as Apple’s larger 9.7 and 12.9-inch tablets.

The small size and, in particular, the lack of a Smart Connector also make it not as suitable for productive work as the more advanced products of the iPad Pro series, but it was not intended as a replacement for a computer.

It is still quite powerful thanks to 2 GB of memory and the outdated Apple A8 processor, which meets all the requirements, the image on its screen is clear, bright, and it is clearly visible even when illuminated by bright sunlight.

The price of the iPad mini 4 tablet is much lower than the cost of similar devices of the Apple Pro series, it starts at 27,200 rubles. At the same time, you get 128 GB of memory and you will not be limited in their capabilities, although this volume can not be compared with the 256 GB received with the iPad Pro.

The release of the tablet preceded the release of the iPad Pro 9.7 and you can already understand by name what is missing, namely the ability to work with Smart Keyboard and Apple Pencil, as well as four powerful speakers available on the Pro series.

It also does not have great performance, but in some respects it can almost match the iPad Pro 9.7 and all because of the much lower cost.

First of all, it has the same high-quality metal case, and with the same dimensions and weight, it remains thin and light, its thickness is 6.1 mm and its weight is 437 grams.

Its 9.7-inch display shows a resolution of 1536 × 2048 pixels, but it does not have the benefits of True Tone (vibrant, vibrant colors with dynamically adjustable white balance), the technology introduced in the iPad Pro and turning the tablet’s display into an unforgettable experience.

But when your tablet’s display is as good as the iPad Air 2, you don’t have to regret these things, especially if you have never seen them in action.

It also consumes a lot of power, corresponding in this iPad Pro with 2 GB of memory and being located approximately in the middle between it and the iPad mini 4 with its A8X processor. In short, if you don't need the iPad Pro's power potential, and you can come to terms with slightly outdated, but still serious technical capabilities, then the iPad Air 2 will be the best choice for you. Although now it is available only with 64 GB of memory.

The tablet is a strange thing, because apart from the Touch ID identification system added here, it is basically the same as the iPad mini 2.

The high price of the device makes it an unprofitable purchase, unless you are very concerned about security and do not agree to dial a PIN code each time you turn on the tablet.

But you can come to terms with this, because you get a thin, lightweight, high-quality manufactured screen and the same advanced iOS system, tested on other apple devices.

But it can not be called a profitable acquisition, since you can get a tablet with similar options for a smaller amount.

This is an iPad mini or another, more compact, iPad mini 4.

AT this moment  this tablet is a bit old, but it is an indicator of the work that Apple is investing in its tablets, which still demonstrate fast performance and high-end design. It may now be difficult to buy it, although it is possible to do it through Apple in most countries.

The Apple A7 processor with 1 GB of memory allows the iOS 9 operating system to run smoothly, despite the fact that this device  It is one step lower than even the iPad Air 2, and about the more modern representatives of the iPad Pro series you should not even mention it. In addition, unlike new models, its future is foggy and Apple may soon cease to support it.

But the Retina display is still gorgeous and, although it is not so thin at its 7.5 mm thickness, it still shows excellent quality and weighs only 469 grams.

He doesn’t have a Touch ID scanner installed, and basically they sell it with a memory of not more than 32 GB, but if all you want is to surf the net, use mobile apps  and watch videos, and not store a lot of content, play advanced games and get a replacement for your computer, then this is your choice. The iPad Air tablet almost matches the iPad Air 2 or even the iPad Pro 9.7, and, of course, much cheaper.

It’s great that Apple is still selling the iPad mini 2, which dates back to 2013 and was not replaced by the later iPad mini 3 or the later iPad mini 4.

But the reason for this is understandable. The iPad mini 3 was little more than what the iPad mini 2 had, except perhaps the ID Touch. Therefore, being so conservative, he secured only a 3-star rating from me.

However, the iPad mini 2 has been and remains a reliable device. In terms of performance, it is not inferior to the iPad Air and has a small 7.9-inch display with the same characteristics as the iPad mini 4. Its overall quality is not the highest, but it is still a high-quality tablet display.

With 7.5 mm thickness and 331 grams of weight, the tablet is not as thin and light as the latest miniature devices from Apple, but it is still quite convenient, it does not cause any inconvenience with you and it has a beautiful design.

He doesn’t have that modern processor and half less memory, so given its age, you need to understand that sooner or later you will feel the need for an update if you still decide to buy an iPad mini 2.

But while he offers quality work  and will be a great choice if you want a compact and cheap tablet, if you need security from ID Touch and enough 32 GB of memory. In this case, iPad mini 2 is the most suitable product from those that Apple now has on sale.

iPad - Apple's tablet, the first version that was presented in January 2010. About how much the sensational iPad falls, we will tell in today's article.

Note:  The cost of an iPad tablet depends on its generation (version), internal memory, name of the seller, the region in which the buyer lives, etc.

Of course, the determining factor in the cost of the gadget is its version. To date, Apple has released 6 different generations of iPad.

1. iPad version 1 went on sale in April 2010.  This model had 2 types: a tablet with Wi-Fi and a tablet with 3G.
2. iPad 2 was released in March 2011.  It is characterized by 4 varieties: a tablet with Wi-Fi only, its second revision, a gadget with 3G GSM and a model with CDMA.
3. iPad 3 was released in March 2012.  It has 3 versions: a model with Wi-Fi, Cellular for CDMA networks, Cellular for 3G networks.
4. iPad 4 and iPad mini went on sale in October 2012.  Each model is characterized by 3 types: a gadget with Wi-Fi, "American" and "global" Cellular-model.
5. iPad mini 2 (October 2013), iPad mini 3 (October 2014), iPad Air (October 2013) and iPad Pro 9.7 inches (March 2016)  can be purchased in 3 varieties: a tablet with Wi-Fi, a model with global LTE and an “Asian” model capable of supporting TD-LTE.
6. iPad mini 4 (September 2015), iPad Air 2 (October 2014) and 12.9-inch iPad Pro (September 2015)  You can buy in 2 options: universal LTE-gadget and Wi-Fi-model.

Now it's time to talk about the cost of the famous brainchild of Apple.

The first version of the iPad has almost sunk into oblivion. Demand for this model fell after the advent of the second generation of Steve Jobs tablets. After the appearance on the market, iPad 1 with 16 Gigabytes of memory cost 499 US dollars, with 32 GB - 599 dollars, 64 GB - 699 units, 128 GB - 799 dollars. Today, a model cannot be purchased at a familiar hardware store, but there is an opportunity to buy it at auctions or “on hand”. The cost of the unit will depend on the condition, characteristics and appearance of the gadget.

The average cost of supported IPad 1  version (without 3G support) is within 2-5 thousand rubles.

On a note:  there was no camera in the first version of the Apple tablet.

Second iPad  Also considered an outdated version of the tablet. At the time of the appearance of the iPad 2 with Wi-Fi, you can purchase it at the following prices: 16 GB - $ 499, 32 GB - $ 599, 64 GB - $ 699. For a model with 3G and Wi-Fi, customers gave the following amounts: a model with 16 Gigabytes - $ 629, 32 GB - $ 799, 64 GB - $ 899. After 2 years, the price of 2 versions of the tablet decreased by 2 times. Today, this unit can only be bought at foreign trading floors, and from former owners. The average cost of iPad 2 will be 7-15 thousand rubles.

Third iPad  with the Wi-Fi version, right after the release, it cost $ 499 (16 GB), 599 units (32 "Giga") and 699 US dollars (64 GB). The cost of the Wi-Fi and Cellular versions was more expensive: $ 629 for a tablet with 16 GB, $ 729 - 32 GB, 829 units - 64 GB. Today iPad 3 is not found in stores. A supported tablet will cost 10-30 thousand rubles.

Fourth iPad  has built-in memory in 4 versions. So, at the time of sales, iPad 4 with Wi-Fi cost: 16 GB - $ 499, 32 GB - $ 529, 64 GB - $ 699, 128 GB - $ 799. Cellular and Wi-Fi version price: 16 GB - $ 629, 32 GB - $ 729, 64 GB - $ 829, 128 GB - $ 929. This tablet model is hard to find in stores. The cost of the supported unit varies in the range of 10-40 thousand rubles.

IPad mini had 3 options for internal memory. So, after the start of sales for an aggregate with Wi-Fi, 16 GB were asked for $ 329, 32 GB - $ 429, 64 GB - $ 529. The price of the Wi-Fi and Cellular version of 16 GB is $ 459, 32 GB is $ 559, 64 GB is $ 659. In 2015, the model was discontinued. Today, a new unit with 16 GB of memory can be purchased for 18 thousand rubles. Supported models are even cheaper.

All subsequent iPad models can be found on sale.

On a note:  The starting prices described for each model are the cost of Apple tablets in the USA. In Russia, all iPad models are much more expensive (about $ 200).

Price iPad mini 2 with Wi-Fi:

• 16 "Gigabytes" of memory - from 20 to 31 thousand,
• 32 GB - from 25 to 38 thousand rubles,
• 64 "Giga" - from 35 to 42 thousand.

A Cellular and Wi-Fi tablet will cost the buyer the following amounts:

• 16 GB - from 23 to 33 thousand rubles,
• 32 GB - from 28 to 40 thousand rubles,
• 64 GB - from 38 to 50 thousand rubles.

Price iPad mini 3 with Wi-Fi:

• 16 GB - from 23 to 27 thousand,
• 64 GB - from 29 to 37 thousand rubles,
• 128 "Gigov" - from 34 to 38 thousand rubles.

A model with Wi-Fi and Cellular costs:

• 16 GB - from 28 to 32 thousand rubles,
• 64 GB - from 39 to 43 thousand rubles,
• 128 GB - from 41 to 46 thousand rubles.

Price iPad mini 4 Wi-Fi versions:

• 16 GB - from 30 to 39 thousand,
• 32 GB - from 33 to 39 thousand rubles,
• 64 GB - from 36 to 42 thousand,
• 128 GB - from 40 to 46 thousand rubles.

The Wi-Fi and Cellular model costs:

• 16 GB - from 39 to 43 thousand rubles,
• 32 GB - from 44 to 50 thousand rubles,
• 64 "Giga" - from 36 to 42 thousand rubles,
• 128 GB - from 51 to 55 thousand rubles

Price for iPad Air with Wi-Fi:

• 16 GB costs 42-49 thousand rubles,
• 32 GB - 44-50 thousand rubles,
• 64 "Giga" - 47-53 thousand rubles,
• 128 GB - from 48 to 55 thousand rubles.

Wi-Fi tablet and Cellular:

• 16 GB costs 44-48 thousand,
• 32 GB - 46-50 thousand rubles,
• 64 GB - 48-54 thousand rubles,
• 128 GB - from 50 to 55 thousand rubles

Pricing for iPad Air 2 with Wi-Fi:

• 16 "Gigov" - 36-39 thousand,
• 32 GB - 37-42 thousand rubles,
• 64 GB - 38-46 thousand rubles,
• 128 GB - from 40 to 50 thousand rubles.

Cellular tablet and Wi-Fi

• 16 GB costs 44-48 thousand,
• 32 GB - 43-50 thousand rubles,
• 64 GB - 47-53 thousand,
• 128 GB - from 51 to 57 thousand rubles.

Price iPad Pro 9.7 inches with Wi-Fi:

• 32 GB - 46-51 thousand rubles,
• 128 "Gigov" - 56-60 thousand rubles,
• 256 GB - 60-71 thousand rubles.

Cellular tablet and Wi-Fi:

• 32 GB - 55-60 thousand rubles,
• 128 "Gigov" - from 78 to 85 thousand rubles,
• 256 GB - 80-90 thousand rubles.

Cost iPad Pro 12.9 inches tablet Wi-Fi:

• 32 GB - 58-62 thousand rubles,
• 128 GB - 68-82 thousand rubles,
• 256 GB - 78-90 thousand rubles.

Cellular tablet and Wi-Fi:

• 128 GB - from 77 to 85 thousand,
• 256 GB - 93-100 thousand rubles.

On a note:  The prices for iPad tablets indicated in the article were relevant in January 2017.

Which iPad is better? Choose perfect tablet Apple ...

For most, the word tablet is synonymous with the word iPad, but even if you decide that tablets on Android and Windows are not for you, this is only half the battle, because Apple's ever-growing assortment from the most portable models to heavyweights opens up a sea of \u200b\u200bpossibilities.

Are you looking for a compact 7.9-inch screen, an optimal 9.7-inch tablet or a 12.9-inch monster? Do you need advanced performance or will you be satisfied with modest performance? Are you looking for a complete replacement for a laptop or just a convenient device for viewing web-pages?

In any case, there is an iPad for you, and we compiled a selection of the best iPads for 2017 to make the choice easier and weed out the husk. We examined all the options with brief explanations, so you can download this page from your old tablet for the last time, if you are ready to upgrade.

For everyone else (who lacks the traditional 4 options), you will find a summary of the iPads available on the market below, including the brand new (2017).

Prefer Android? Take a look at the overall ranking.

Apple iPad (2017)

Last iPad is a bargain.

Weight: 469 grams | Dimensions: 240 x 169.5 x 7.5 mm | OS: iOS 10 | Screen size: 9.7 inch | Resolution: 2048 x 1536 pixels | CPU: A9 | RAM: 2 GB | Built-in memory: 32/128 GB | The slotMicroSD: No | Battery: up to 10 hours | Main camera: 8 megapixels | Front-camera: 1.2 MP

• pros: Inexpensive | Large screen;
• Minuses: Thicker than Air 2 | Old A9 chipset;

New Apple iPad is not best tablet  Apple, however, offers the best value for money. The latest iPad (2017) replaces the iPad Air 2 in the Apple line, lowering the position of the iPad Pro 9.7.

As such, the tablet does not offer support for Smart Keyboard and Apple Pencil, and also loses some of the performance of the Pro series, but the A9 chipset is still very fast, and its 9.7-inch screen with a resolution of 2048 x 1536 pixels is sharp, bright and very high quality.

It also offers the same luxurious all-metal design as the rest of the Apple iPads, although a bit thicker than the iPad Air 2 and iPad Pro 9.7, it measures 7.5 mm in thickness.

With Touch ID included, iOS 10 under the hood and up to 10 hours battery life  watching websites or videos, the new iPad (2017) is a great media player and good tablet  2017, if you do not plan to use it primarily for work in heavy and resource-intensive applications.

It is also worth recalling that this is one of the cheapest Apple tablets, it is sold for 24,999 rubles at the start, which makes it a very good deal.

1. AppleiPadPro 9.7

Last iPad is the best tablet on the planet.

Weight: 437 grams | Dimensions: 240 x 169.5 x 6.1 mm | OS: iOS 10 | Screen size: 9.7 inch | Resolution: 2048 x 1536 pixels | CPU: A9X | RAM: 2 GB | Built-in memory: 32/128/256 GB | The slotMicroSD: No | Battery: up to 10 hours | Main camera: 12 megapixels | Front-camera: 5 megapixels

• pros: Great speakers | Up to 256 GB of memory;
• Minuses: High price | Power below 12.9-inch iPad Pro;

For the traditional user, the iPad Pro 9.7 is one of best options, since this is a very versatile machine, if money is not a problem, of course, since the pricing of this tablet starts at $ 599 (39,000 p.), and if you need more than 32 GB of internal memory, the price will increase significantly.

But he is great at work, which justifies the cost, because the iPad Pro 9.7 is the latest and best iPad in the Apple series.

The 9.7-inch screen is striking in its size balance; it is large enough to completely exceed the screen size of the phone, but small enough to remain portable.

And although Apple refused the Air consoles, measuring 240 x 169.5 x 6.1 mm and weighing 437 grams, the iPad Pro 9.7 is as thin and light as the iPad Air 2.

And the Pro prefix is \u200b\u200bnot accidental here, it indicates the huge power reserve that comes with the A9X processor and 2 GB of RAM, while the four speakers provide serious media potential, and the excellent screen guarantees the right colors, adapts the color and its intensity to the environment . Is it worth mentioning the possibility of using a keyboard and a stylus if you want to use the tablet to the fullest.

The Apple iPad Pro 9.7 also comes with 256 GB of storage if you are willing to pay so you don’t feel the limitations due to the lack of a MicroSD slot, and it will probably remain a powerful and versatile tablet for several years, which also justifies the high cost of the tablet.

2. Apple iPad Mini 4

Last 7 inch iPad is a big step from the previous version.

Weight: 299 grams | Dimensions: 203.2 x 134.8 x 6.1 mm | OS: iOS 10 | Screen size: 7.9 inch | Resolution: 2048 x 1536 pixels | CPU: A8 | RAM: 2 GB | Built-in memory: 16/32/64/128 GB | The slotMicroSD: No | Battery: 5124 mAh | Main camera: 8 megapixels | Front-camera: 1.2 MP

• pros: Large screen | Elegant design
• Minuses: Old processor | No fingerprint scanner;

Large screens are not for everyone, it is here that the 7.9-inch iPad Mini 4 stands out. The screen size means that it is much more compact than large Apple tablets, especially since it weighs only 299 grams. Of course, it is not small enough for you to easily use it with one hand, but you can comfortably hold it much longer than most Apple tablets and throw it in any bag.

It is also large enough for you to enjoy browsing the web or watching videos when you are away from home and on the big screen, but a 7.9-inch tablet will obviously not be able to offer the same visual experience of consuming media as older people 9.7- and 12.9-inch Apple tablets.

The small size and lack of a Smart-Connector also make it less suitable for operation than the Pro series tablets in the iPad mill, but the younger tablet of the series is not designed to replace a laptop and this is the best iPad in a compact version, among those available in 2016.

This is still a reasonably powerful tablet with 2 GB of RAM and the aging but still impressive Apple A8. The screen remains sharp, rich in colors and easily visible even in bright sunlight.

iPad Mini 4, without a doubt, the best small tablet in the series, it will also cost only part of the cost of the Pro-range, with a price tag of $ 399 (26,000 p.). The models are presented up to 128 GB of memory, with which you do not have to experience limitations - although the Mini 4 does not have a 256 GB version, like the iPad Pro.

3. Apple iPad Pro 12.9

Big and powerful as well as absolutely amazing iPad

Weight: 713 grams | Dimensions: 305.7 x 220.6 x 6.9 mm | OS: iOS 10 | Screen size: 12.9 inch | Resolution: 2732 x 2048 pixels | CPU: A9X | RAM: 4 GB | Built-in memory: 32/128/256 GB | The slotMicroSD: No | Battery: 10307 mAh | Main camera: 8 megapixels | Front-camera: 1.2 MP

• pros: Incredibly powerful | Large screen;
• Minuses: Very large | Battery life;

The Apple iPad Pro 12.9, or just the iPad Pro, as he was previously called, is in many ways big and best version  iPad Pro 9.7.

It also offers four powerful speakers, a similar selection of accessories and a variety of models, but the 12.9-inch screen is significantly larger, while its resolution of 2732 x 2048 pixels ensures that you maintain a density of 264 pixels per inch. In addition, it is more powerful than the smaller brother, although it runs on the same Apple A9X processor with support for 4 GB of RAM.

Additional performance is, without a doubt, a useful thing, but the screen size is a sea of \u200b\u200bcontroversy. Additional screen area will have to be in place if you plan to use it as a real replacement for your laptop, since you can run applications in split-screen mode or watch movies, in other situations big screen  It will be very cumbersome, because it increases the weight of the tablet to 713 grams. If you're looking for mobility, the iPad Pro 12.9 doesn't the best choice  for you.

But if you can afford the price and want a very large and most powerful Apple tablet, the company has nothing to offer but the iPad Pro 12.9.

4. AppleiPadAir 2

The still brilliant tablet is now cheaper than ever before.

Weight: 473 grams | Dimensions: 240 x 169.5 x 6.1 mm | OS: iOS 10 | Screen size: 9.7 inch | Resolution: 2048 x 1536 pixels | CPU: A8X | RAM: 2 GB | Built-in memory: 16/32/64/128 GB | The slotMicroSD: No | Battery: up to 10 hours | Main camera: 8 megapixels | Front-camera: 1.2 MP

• pros: Performance | Beautiful screen;
• Minuses: Speakers | 16 GB is not enough for data storage;

the iPad Air 2 is the predecessor of the iPad Pro 9.7, and the name difference hints at what the predecessor lacks, namely compatibility with Smart Keyboard and Apple Pencil, along with the four powerful speakers you'll find in the Pro series.

And while it is slightly inferior in the performance department, in most aspects the iPad Air 2 can be almost identical to the iPad Pro 9.7, however, it is much cheaper. This is the best iPad of 2016 until the iPad Pro 9.7 came to the review.

On the one hand, it offers the same premium metal design, right down to size and weight, offering you a slim waist of 6.1 mm and a weight of 437 grams.

It also has a similar size and resolution to a 9.7-inch screen (2048 x 1536), although bright colors and True Tone technology (for dynamically adjusting white balance) in the iPad Pro 9.7 are hidden behind the scenes, which makes the display of the latter much more impressive.

But it’s worth understanding that iPad screen  Air 2 is also very good, and you will not regret it, especially if you have not seen the difference side by side.

The previous generation tablet is still quite powerful by the standards of 2016, it offers 2 GB of RAM, like the iPad Pro 9.7, and is the middle ground between its processor and the A8X chip in the iPad Mini 4. In short, if you do not need all the performance iPad Pro, and you will experience a somewhat outdated technology, provided you still have good technical data, iPad Air 2 is an excellent choice, although today it is available only in the 64 GB model.

5. Apple iPad Mini 2

The cheapest iPad and still a fantastic 7-inch tablet .

Weight: 331 grams | Dimensions: 200 x 134.7 x 7.5 mm | OS: iOS 10 | Screen size: 7.9 inch | Resolution: 2048 x 1536 pixels | CPU: A7 | RAM: 1 GB | Built-in memory: 16/32/64/128 GB | The slotMicroSD: No | Battery: 6740 mAh | Main camera: 5 megapixels | Front-camera: 1.2 MP

• pros: Superior Design | Great processor;
• Minuses: Still a little expensive | 16 GB is not enough for data storage;

It is noteworthy that Apple is still selling the iPad Mini 2 in 2016, despite the fact that the tablet went on store shelves in 2013, after which it replaced the iPad Mini 3, which Apple no longer sells, and then the iPad Mini 4.

But it’s not difficult to understand why. The Apple iPad Mini 3 did not offer much from the Mini 2, including only the Touch ID slot, and therefore has withstood a lot of criticism.

On the other hand, the iPad Mini 2 continues to be impressive. Almost every aspect of the tablet is as powerful as on the original iPad Air, but with a compact 7.9-inch display that offers iPad Mini 4 resolution. In general, even if the quality is not so high, this is a great panel for the tablet’s age.

With a thickness of 7.5 mm and a weight of 331 grams, this is not the thinnest and lightest Apple tablet, especially compared to the latest Mini, but it is still compact enough to carry it comfortably with you. Do not forget about premium design.

It uses an older processor and half as much RAM, which in combination with its age means it needs to be updated sooner rather than later if you invest in the iPad Mini 2.

But now it still offers high quality services and is ideal if you want a portable one and only as long as you live comfortably without a fingerprint scanner and with a maximum model of 32 GB of memory.

6. AppleiPadAir

If you can find it cheaper iPad Air 2, please note.

Weight: 469 grams | Dimensions: 240 x 169.5 x 7.5 mm | OS: iOS 10 | Screen size: 9.7 inch | Resolution: 2048 x 1536 pixels | CPU: A7 | RAM: 1 GB | Built-in memory: 16/32/64/128 GB | The slotMicroSD: No | Battery: 8600 mAh | Main camera: 5 megapixels | Front-camera: 1.2 MP

• pros: Elegant design | Performance;
• Minuses: No Touch ID Scanner | Very weak cameras;

The original iPad Air is no longer easy to find, but it testifies to the quality of Apple's work, because it still offers catchy performance and premium-class design. Its age complicates the purchase today, given that it is not officially on sale at Apple and in most stores in Russia.

The Apple A7 processor and 1 GB of RAM make iOS 9 work smoothly, although both of these options have stepped up significantly already with the iPad Air 2, not to mention Apple’s new Pro range, so you should take into account the tablet’s age, especially the fact that Apple will stop supporting it sooner.

Forgetting the age, the 9.7-inch Retina display is still impressive and although it doesn't offer that amazing thinness, 7.5 mm is still good. The tablet continues to exude high quality and remains very light - 469 g.

And while the original model does not have a Touch ID, and most stores do not sell a tablet in models above 32 GB of memory, this is the best iPad if you want to browse websites, use applications and watch videos without downloading tons of content, without heavy games and without trying to replace the laptop. It is also worth noting that it is much cheaper than the iPad Air 2 and iPad Pro 9.7.

Apple iPad Mini 3

If you want 7 inch iPad is cheaper Mini 4.

Weight: 331 grams | Dimensions: 200 x 134.7 x 7.5 mm | OS: iOS 10 | Screen size: 7.9 inch | Resolution: 2048 x 1536 pixels | CPU: A7 | RAM: 1 GB | Built-in memory: 16/64/128 GB | The slotMicroSD: No | Battery: 6740 mAh | Main camera: 5 megapixels | Front-camera: 1.2 MP

• pros: Smooth OS | Fingerprint scanner Touch ID;
• Minuses: Too similar to Mini 2 | Unjustified purchase;

Apple iPad Mini 3 has become a curiosity, because if you close your eyes to turning on the Touch ID fingerprint scanner, it’s the same iPad Mini 2.

Given the significant price increase, selling it was not easy, given the minor update from the previous generation.

This is not a complete disaster, however, because you get a thin and light premium build tablet with a decent screen and a clean experience with iOS, like on other Apple tablets. But it is difficult to recommend it to anyone when you can get essentially the same tablet cheaper with the iPad Mini 2 or the much better compact iPad Mini 4 tablet in 2016.

2017 Apple iPad

Exploring Apple's Cheapest Tablet

Unexpectedly for everyone, Apple has released a new iPad - without loud presentations and other fanfares. True, it can be called new with a stretch: there are no technical innovations here, and most of the characteristics correspond to the iPad and iPhone of previous generations. Therefore, perhaps the most interesting feature of the model is its price. In the Russian online store Apple new iPad is sold for 25 thousand rubles for a minimum configuration. For comparison, the younger version of the iPad Pro with a 9.7-inch display costs 45 thousand rubles. So is it worth overpaying 20 thousand? We decided to sort it out.

It's no secret that the tablet market has been in decline in recent years. Moreover, although Apple remains the undisputed leader, this also applies to it. Perhaps that’s why the company began to seriously revise the iPad lineup, first releasing the iPad Pro with a 12.9-inch display, then complementing it with a 9.7-inch iPad Pro, and now introducing a budget version - just the iPad that replaced the iPad Air 2 . And it is important that the price of the iPad set the minimum, making it even lower than the iPad mini 4.

True, there is an important nuance: Apple removed from its range iPad mini 4 with a memory capacity of less than 128 GB. Of course, there are still enough of them in the “white” retail, including options with 32 GB, like the new iPad, but they still cost more than the new iPad. In turn, if you buy a new iPad with a memory capacity of 128 GB, then it will be 2 thousand more expensive than the iPad mini 4 with the same capacity.

Let's face it: the confusion is pretty good. But, apparently, Apple was guided by the desire to make a truly affordable tablet, while not creating “cannibalism” inside the line. But for the sake of this, I had to “kill” the iPad Air 2 and at the same time abandon the options for the iPad mini 4 with a small amount of memory. At the same time, for the iPad Pro 9.7, the novelty still poses a considerable threat - precisely because of the price. Thus, today the range of Apple tablets is as follows: the flagship is iPad Pro 12.9 ″, the middle version is iPad Pro 9.7 ″, and the most affordable models are iPad mini 4 and iPad with a diagonal of 9.7 ″. We decided to study the iPad in 2017 in detail and find out in which cases it is worth buying, and in which - it is still better to choose the iPad Pro 9.7 ″ or iPad mini 4.

Look at specifications  new items.

2017 Apple iPad Specifications

• Apple A9 SoC 1.85 GHz (2 64-bit cores, Twister architecture based on ARMv8-A)
• GPU PowerVR GT7600
• Apple M9 motion coprocessor, including a barometer, accelerometer, gyroscope
• RAM 2 GB
• 32/128 GB flash memory
• No memory card support
• operating system  iOS 10.0
• Touch screen, capacitive, multi-touch
• Cameras: front (1.2 megapixels, video 720p by FaceTime) and rear (8 megapixels, shooting video 1080p)
• Wi-Fi 802.11b / g / n / ac (2.4 and 5 GHz; MIMO support)
• Cellular Internet (optional): UMTS / HSPA / HSPA + / DC-HSDPA (850, 900, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz); GSM / EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz), CDMA EV-DO Rev. A and Rev. B (800, 1900 MHz), LTE (bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 38 , 39, 40, 41)
• A2DP LE, GPS / A-GPS (in the version with a cellular module), Glonass
• Touch ID Fingerprint Scanner
• 3.5mm stereo headset jack, Lightning dock
• 32.9 Wh Li-Polymer Battery
• Dimensions 240 × 170 × 7.5 mm
• Weight 478 g (version with honeycomb module)

For clarity, we compare the characteristics of the new items with the iPad Pro 9.7 ″ and iPad Air 2.

  * according to the manufacturer
  ** Honeycomb version, our measurement
  *** for the version with a minimum of flash memory and communication capabilities

So what should you look for? First of all, on the Apple A9 SoC: other iPads use a chip with the letter X on the end (A8X, A9X), which are more productive than their “iPhone” brothers - A8 and A9. However, the A8 is used in the iPad mini. So in this parameter, the new iPad is closer to the iPad mini line.

The second point: the maximum amount of internal memory in the new iPad is limited to 128 GB, while the iPad Pro has an option with 256 GB. And the third: the novelty is heavier and thicker than both predecessors - in this parameter it approaches the first generation iPad Air. But the battery capacity is slightly larger. But what this gives you can only be understood with real testing. As well as evaluate the performance of the Apple A9 at this screen resolution compared to the Apple A9X, Apple A8X and Apple A8. So let's get started!

Packaging and equipment

The packaging of the new iPad is traditional for Apple tablets and practically does not differ from the packaging of tablets of previous generations. In the photo below, next to the box, the packaging with the only accessory to the iPad is Smart Cover.

The package bundle of the iPad itself does not bode well: leaflets, a charger, a Lightning cable, stickers and a key for removing the cradle of the SIM card. The charger has the same power as the iPad Pro 9.7 ″: 10 W (2.1 A, 5.1 V).

In general, it does not matter if the iPad costs 25 thousand rubles or 83 thousand (the most expensive version of the iPad Pro 12.9 ″) - the packaging and equipment will be identical. For those who buy an inexpensive device, this should warm their soul :)

Design and accessories

Externally, the new iPad is similar to its predecessors, however, taking it in hand, we understand that it’s not worth comparing it with models last generations (iPad Pro and iPad Air 2), but with the first generation iPad Air. The device is a little thicker and heavier, and there is not that feeling of high cost and modern design that usually comes from new Apple products. However, blaming the iPad for cheapness and calling its look outdated is also impossible. This is just an iPad. No more and no less. For all the inconsistency of this decision, marketers Apple gave  surprisingly accurate name for it.

Like all the latest iPads, there is an all-metal aluminum case, a Home button with a fingerprint scanner, a front and a rear camera, two volume buttons on the right side. But when compared with the iPad Pro 9.7 ″, there are differences.

Firstly, the speakers are located only at the bottom, right and left of the Lightning connector. Therefore, stereo sound is not here. Secondly, the camera does not have a flash, and the camera itself does not protrude above the back surface. Thirdly, there is no keyboard connector on the left side. Finally, fourthly, top panel  in the version with the LTE module, it is entirely made of plastic, while the iPad Pro has it made in the form of a thin plastic strip.

In fact, Apple just took the first-generation iPad Air case. We did not have a copy of the iPad Air to compare the two devices and make sure of this assumption for sure, however, the coincident dimensions along with the photos of the iPad Air almost leave no doubt about it. In principle, this solution is quite logical: why reinvent the wheel if you can take an existing design and just replace components?

At the same time, the key technologies of recent years - a fingerprint scanner and a virtual SIM card - are present in the new iPad. But compatibility with the Smart Keyboard and the Pencil stylus, alas, no. The first is due to the lack of a dock connector, as mentioned above, the second to a different type of screen and glass (this will be discussed in the corresponding section).

Speaking of accessories, it is worth noting that the only accessory currently available is the Apple Smart Cover. It is available in five colors (white, navy, charcoal, red and pink sand). We received a dark blue version for testing. It is pleasant, beautiful, although nothing new can be said here. Alas, there is no case for the iPad, but if you suddenly have a cover for the first generation iPad Air, it should work without problems.

Summarizing the above, we note that Apple used the design of the first generation iPad Air in the new iPad - with all the ensuing consequences in terms of functionality and overall dimensions. But unlike the 2013 tablet, the novelty has a fingerprint scanner, and this is important.

Screen

The new iPad has a screen with a diagonal of 9.7 inches and a resolution of 2048 × 1536 - in general, exactly the same parameters as the iPad Air 2. With latest update  iOS introduced the Night Shift function, designed to adjust the image in the optimal way (in terms of physiology) for working with the tablet before bedtime.

Detailed screen testing was performed by the editor of the "Monitors" and "Projectors and TV" sections Alexei Kudryavtsev. Below is his conclusion.

The front surface of the screen is made in the form of a glass plate with a mirror-smooth surface that is resistant to scratches. Judging by the reflection of objects, the anti-glare properties of the screen are worse than those of the Google Nexus 7 (2013) screen (hereinafter simply Nexus 7). For clarity, we present a photo on which the white surface is reflected in the turned off screens (on the left is the Nexus 7, on the right is the Apple iPad (A1823), then in all comparative photographs they can be distinguished by size):

The screen on the Apple iPad (A1823) is slightly lighter (brightness in photos 127 compared to 114 for Nexus 7). This is due to the fact that there is an air gap between the outer glass and the surface of the LCD matrix. Due to the presence of glass / air and air / matrix boundaries with very different refractive indices, such screens do not look good under conditions of intense external illumination. But their repair in the case of a cracked outer glass is much cheaper, since only the glass itself needs to be changed. In this case, the situation is partially corrected by an effective anti-reflective coating of the screen. On the outer surface of the screen there is also a special oleophobic (grease repellent) coating (effective, but still worse than Nexus 7), so fingerprints are removed much more easily and appear at a lower speed than with ordinary glass.

With manual brightness control and when displaying a white field in full screen, the maximum brightness value was about 500 cd / m², the minimum - 3.9 cd / m². The maximum brightness is very high, and given the good anti-glare properties, readability even on a sunny day outdoors will be at an acceptable level. In complete darkness, the brightness can be lowered to a comfortable value. In the presence of automatic brightness control by light sensor (it is located to the left of the eye front camera) Automatic brightness control works in the old Apple style (remember 2012) - the brightness can only increase with increasing ambient light levels. However, if you put the tablet into sleep mode and turn it on again, the brightness will be set in accordance with the external level of illumination, that is, it will decrease in the dark. The operation of this function depends on the position of the brightness adjustment slider at the current level of external illumination, so the user may try to influence the operation of this function. By adjusting the brightness in complete darkness and in office conditions, we found that in complete darkness the automatic brightness adjustment function reduces brightness to 18 cd / m², in conditions of office lit by artificial light (about 550 lux), the brightness rises to 200 cd / m², in very a bright environment (corresponds to illumination on a clear day outdoors, but without direct sunlight - 20,000 lux or a little more) is set to 500 cd / m². The result suited us. It turns out that the auto-brightness function works more or less adequately and to some extent allows the user to customize their work to individual requirements. At any brightness level, there is no significant modulation of the backlight, so there is no screen flicker.

This tablet uses a matrix type of IPS. Microphotographs show a typical IPS subpixel structure:

For comparison, you can see the gallery of microphotographs of screens used in mobile technology.

The screen has good viewing angles without significant color shift even with large deviations of the gaze from the perpendicular to the screen and without inverting colors. For comparison, here are photos in which the same images are displayed on the screens of the Apple iPad (A1823) and Nexus 7, while the brightness of the screens was initially set to approximately 200 cd / m² (full-screen white field), and the color balance on the camera was forced to switch to 6500 K.

Perpendicular to the screens, a white field:

We note a good uniformity of brightness and color tone of the white field.

And the test picture:

The color balance varies slightly, the color saturation is normal.

Now at an angle of about 45 degrees to the plane and to the side of the screen:

It can be seen that the colors did not change much on both screens and the contrast remained at a high level.

And the white field:

The brightness at an angle of the screens decreased (at least 4 times, based on the difference in exposure), but in the case of the Apple iPad (A1823) the brightness drop is less. When deviated diagonally, the black field highlights weakly and acquires a violet or red-violet hue. The photos below demonstrate this (the brightness of the white areas in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the screens is approximately the same!):

And from a different angle:

With a perpendicular look, the black field uniformity is excellent:

Contrast (approximately in the center of the screen) is normal - about 800: 1. The response time for the black-white-black transition is 18 ms (10 ms on + 8 ms off). The transition between gray tones of 25% and 75% (according to the numerical value of the color) and vice versa in total takes 25 ms. Constructed at 32 points with an equal interval in the numerical value of the shade of gray, the gamma curve did not reveal a blockage in either highlights or shadows. The exponent of the approximating power function is 2.05, which is slightly lower than the standard value of 2.2. In this case, the real gamma curve deviates little from the power dependence:

The color gamut is almost equal to sRGB:

The spectra show that the matrix filters to a moderate degree mix the components together:

As a result, visually the colors have a natural saturation. The balance of shades on the gray scale is good, since the color temperature is slightly higher than the standard 6500 K, and the deviation from the spectrum of the black body (ΔE) is less than 10, which is considered an acceptable indicator for a consumer device. In this case, the color temperature and ΔE vary little from shade to shade - this has a positive effect on the visual assessment of the color balance. (The darkest areas of the gray scale can be ignored, since there the color balance does not matter much, and the error in measuring color characteristics at low brightness is large.)

Work in LTE networks

The tablet will work in almost all lTE networks, and also supports a virtual SIM card Apple SIM (more about what it is and how to use it, is described).

Reception LTE sure. Speed \u200b\u200bmeasurements using the Speedtest.net iOS application (a Beeline SIM card was used) showed normal results for both receiving data and downloading. However, the results can greatly depend on the operator, testing location, network congestion at a particular moment, etc.

the iPad supports “hot” installation and replacement of the SIM card (without rebooting), as well as all the latest standards for LTE and Wi-Fi (LTE-Advanced, Wi-Fi 5 GHz 802.11ac). We did not notice any differences from the iPad Pro here.

Camera

Camera capabilities and features are another aspect in which the new iPad is inferior to the iPad Pro, but corresponds to the iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 4. 4K video is not supported, as well as slo-mo 240 fps (only 120 fps) . The resolution of the main module is 8 megapixels. Here are examples of shots he takes.

	The camera copes well with macro photography, but not perfectly. The iPad Pro did better.
	It is impossible to distinguish vehicle numbers (although when shooting they were visible with the naked eye). However, we cannot call the image fuzzy.
	Sharping on wires is practically absent.
	When enlarging the image to the original size, some blurring is noticeable, but at the same time the tree branches are worked out quite well.
	To distant plans, the sharpness drops a little.

In general, the camera is even worse than the iPad Pro, but, strictly speaking, for typical tablet use it is more than enough. The pictures are good, clear enough, therefore, for taking documents or taking a random picture on the street, when for some reason the phone is not at hand, the iPad will work without problems.

Video shooting also pleased us - an example is possible (1920 × 1080, 64.4 MB). Yes, unlike the iPad Pro, there is no 4K support here, but, again, is it often necessary to shoot on a 4K tablet? Perhaps, if the manufacturer has a goal to do budget tablet, then the first thing to save on is the camera. But Apple did not save radically and found a perfect balance between quality and price. The same, however, applies to the new iPad as a whole.

findings

Apple did not release the device for geeks, demanding pros, or fans of designer chips, but for ordinary people. For those who do not need shooting 4K-video, top-end performance, working with expensive accessories, but need just a tablet. Surf the Internet, read mail and books, watch movies, play games ... In general, do everything that the vast majority of tablet buyers do.

At the same time, what’s important, the owners of the new iPad will not have a constant feeling that this is a budget device - they say they saved it, and that’s it ... Performance is more than enough for everyday use, the screen is excellent, there is even a fingerprint scanner - Today it is no longer a luxury or entertainment for geeks, but a technology of prime necessity, which significantly increases the comfort and safety of using a tablet. Plus, a great battery life. Yes, the screen here is with an air gap, and not OGS, as in the more expensive iPad, however, again, for ordinary users it’s even a plus: it’s no secret that the most common tablet breakdown is connected with broken screen. So, to replace the display, in which the glass is separated from the matrix, is several times cheaper.

As a matter of fact, if you (or the person to whom you are helping to choose a tablet) do not have a clear understanding of why he needs the iPad Pro, then you can safely take the new iPad, thus saving almost twice. Children pester and ask to buy an “iPad, like everyone else” - buy an iPad. A friend asks for a tablet, “so that my wife can read books in the subway and play educational games with the child” - we recommend the iPad. With this new product, Apple dealt a severe blow to competitors, most of whom play on the field “almost like Apple, but cheaper”, but retained the highest quality standard. Well, we will expect innovations and technological breakthroughs from future iPad Pros.

A huge 12.9-inch iPad Pro for showcasing presentations to prestigious partners? Small and remote iPad Mini, which is so easy to take with you? Or maybe the middle ground - a diagonal of 9.7 inches - in the most powerful iPad Pro or the good old iPad Air? Which iPad is yours? In this article we will help you decide!

Officially released models

Today in official sale the following models of iOS tablets appear:

• iPad Pro with 12.9 and 9.7 inches
• 9.7-inch iPad Air 2
• iPad Mini 4 and iPad Mini 2 with 7.9-inch diagonals

All of these models are available in versions with and without a cellular module. In the latter case, the iPad can only work in wi-Fi networks. We emphasize separately that models that are not equipped with cellular communication modules do not have gPS modules  and GLONASS. That is, if the user is not connected to the Wi-Fi network, he will not be able to work even with location services.

Big and small, but all on one face

Apple is quite interesting about tablet design. It is difficult to understand whether the companies are lazy to develop a new iPad style, or whether they believe that they have found a certain “golden” design and are afraid to take risks, but the fact remains - all the models that appear on the official sale today are on one face, although the sizes are very different .

The 12.9-inch iPad Pro is a giant in the tablet world. The model was conceived as a successful alternative to a laptop for working meetings - and, however, carrying it with you is easier than a full-fledged laptop, and it is more convenient to show presentations or other materials - the picture is large, the device can easily be handed over to the partner, the keyboard will not interfere. Well, if you need to make any changes, to help - screen keyboard, the Apple Pencil smart stylus and a keyboard case (connected via a special Smart Connector) - it is easy to put on and turns the device into an almost complete computer.

But no matter how cool the 12.9-inch Pro was for solving work tasks, for all the others it is still too cumbersome - well, really, you want to watch a movie in the subway on the way home - you’ll take up the floor of the car (there should be a joke about the fact that the owners of i-devices do not ride the subway).

Apparently, Apple quickly realized this fact and six months after the huge Pro released its compact version - iPad Pro 9.7 inches, which, by the way, also has a special Smart Connector. In the same diagonal, the iPad Air 2 also "stands out", but it does not have the aforementioned connector. That is, it turns out that the 9.7-inch iPad in the Pro version can also become a compact, but a very good alternative to a laptop, but in the Air version we are dealing with a classic tablet - a good screen size, a comfortable solution to any problems and wear with It’s not a big deal.

And finally, the iPad Mini 2 and iPad Mini 4 - the most compact tablets from Apple - can easily fit in the inside pocket of a jacket or small women's handbag. Diagonal iPad Mini - 7.9 inches. On the one hand, the size is very good, on the other - if your iPhone smartphone  in the 5.5-inch Plus version or some kind of 6-inch Android, the acquisition of a mini iPad is probably not a very successful solution from a practical point of view. Another thing is if you think that gadgets should not be too bulky and you have a smartphone with a modest 4-inch diagonal by today's standards, then a 7.9-inch tablet is the very thing.

Smart Display iPad Pro

So, with the size of the displays, everything is clear, but what about quality?

All iPads feature classic Retina displays. Retina translates as "retina" and this name is the name of the screens developed by Apple, not by chance - their clarity is so high that the human eye can not distinguish individual pixels on the display.

You are also unlikely to find fault with other characteristics - brightness margin, color reproduction, saturation, viewing angles - all the hero tablets of this review have these parameters at altitude. And although from year to year, due to various kinds of software improvements, these characteristics improve, be sure that even the iPad Mini 2, which was released on October 22, 2013 and older than the other tablets we are considering, will pleasantly surprise you with the excellent display quality.

However, it should be noted that the aforementioned mini is devoid of a special anti-reflective coating, and therefore on a bright sunny day the picture on it will be read slightly worse than on other models.

We also need to say a few words about the iPad Pro display in the 9.7-inch version, it supports advanced color gamut and True Tone technologies, the first is responsible for a more natural transmission, and the second allows the display to adjust to the ambient light, not only in terms of brightness, but and in terms of perception comfort. In bright daylight, the picture will be cold, and in low light conditions the display will make it warmer.

And instead of a heart, the fiery A9

9.7-inch Pro tablet released in March 2016 - iPad in currently  the latter, and therefore the most powerful. But this is only for now. Judging by the rumors, the new iOS tablet was supposed to be released in September 2016, but they did not materialize, the next estimated date is the end of March 2017.

What is the power of the iPad Pro 9.7 inches? Very impressive - in its heart is the A9 chipset (the coolest one - the A10 still only wears the current flagship iPhone 7), which works in combination with the motion coprocessor - M9. The same couple are working on the Pro version of 12.9 inches. Although, it is worth noting that the A9 in the compact Pro, due to various software algorithms, has been finalized and in fact gives out a little more power than the same in the tablet 12.9 inches. But the latter wins in terms of RAM - it has a 4 GB module, and the 9.7-inch Pro has two gigs.

the iPad Air 2 and Mini 4 are equipped with an A8 processor and an M8 coprocessor (2 GB of RAM), and in Mini 2 we are dealing with a combination of A7 / M7 (1 GB of RAM).

It turns out that “on paper” the iPad Mini 2 is the weakest, but in reality the weak word is not quite right to apply to this device. It copes with all the daily tasks that an average user puts before the device.

Nevertheless, tablets with A8 / M8 in their “hearts” will be about 1.5 times faster, and those working on A9 / M9 will be 2.5 times faster.

What does all of this mean? And the fact that if you use the iPad Mini 2 you will most likely be satisfied, but if you suddenly fall into the hands of, say, one of the Pros, you will definitely feel the difference!

And a separate line about the built-in memory. Recall that in the entire Apple technology there are no SD card slots, so you can only work with the built-in volume.

iPad Mini 2 is available only in 32 GB version, Mini 4 and Air 2 - in versions 32 and 128 GB, and both Pro can be purchased with modules - 32, 128, 256 GB.

To shoot or not to shoot: is that the question?

Agree, not so many people find it convenient to shoot on a tablet, where it’s much easier to get a smartphone out of your pocket. However, a top-end device must be top-notch in everything - that's why the 9.7-inch iPad Pro has the coolest 12-megapixel sensor with f / 2.2 aperture and True Tone flash. The latter makes it possible to correctly assess the color temperature of the shooting location and choose the most suitable flash intensity from 1000 (!) possible options! In general, pictures in any conditions will come out great.

iPad Mini 2 is significantly behind in this regard - it is equipped with a 5-megapixel camera, other tablets have 8 megapixel sensors. Otherwise, all cameras are very similar - aperture, filters, focusing, stabilization, etc. almost identical.

The 9.7-inch Pro front camera is again the coolest - a 5MP sensor auto tuning  HDR flash. Other “heroes” of the review are content with 1.2 megapixel FaceTime cameras without a flash, HDR is activated manually (for iPad Mini 2 this mode is not provided for the front camera at all).

As for video shooting, here Mini 2 again “distinguished itself” - it does not know how to shoot slow-motion video, the rest of the iPad support this cool option.

Batteries are different, autonomy is one

Surprisingly, the battery capacities, processors, and display sizes for the tablets discussed in this review are different, but if you believe the Apple website they all, however, have identical autonomy - 10 hours on Wi-Fi networks and average load, 9 hours at the same load but on networks cellular operator. Well, we have no choice but to believe the "apple" giant, which surprisingly manages to maintain such a balance.

Choose your own: to taste and size of the wallet

Well, the comparison on the main parameters has been completed, which means it's time to make a decision. Let's immediately discard three criteria - autonomy, display quality and design - in this regard, the tablets are almost identical. We will choose based on size, power, cameras and ... of course, price!

So, if you need a compact gadget, and you are not going to use the device in aggressive mode, then the iPad Mini 2 will completely suit you, and its price will pleasantly surprise you (how much, of course, it can pleasantly surprise the cost of the gadget with an “apple” on board). In version without module cellular networks, this device will cost 23,000 rubles, but if you really need this module, you will have to add another 10 thousand.

But, remember, in the second generation Mini, the main camera is 5 megapixels, which, of course, does not promise images of excellent quality. So if you plan to use the tablet as a camera, take a closer look at the Quartet - an 8 megapixel sensor, a little more power and the price is only 10,000 more expensive. The 32 GB version without a cellular module will cost 33,000 rubles. Want more memory and / or a cellular module? Open your wallet wider.

We go further - what if the 7.9-inch diagonal is not enough for you? Pay attention to the Pro 9.7 inches and Air 2. It's not difficult to choose between them - Pro for those who need advanced power, Air 2 for those who need just good performance. Demanding, of course, will have to be spent - the Pro version of 9.7 inches Wi-Fi 32 GB will cost 50 000 rubles, Air 2 in the same configuration costs 33 000 rubles. The surcharge for the cellular module in both cases will be 10,000 rubles.

And finally, a separate line - the giant Pro 12.9 inches. This is, however, the ideal tablet for work, if as a result of your service you often have to communicate with partners and show them certain materials. But gamers will appreciate it, this tablet easily pulls the most “heavy” games, but it’s not necessary to “hunch” behind a PC or laptop, you can lie on the couch. But, as you understand, you have to pay for pleasure and spectacular performances in front of partners - you will have to pay 65,000 rubles for the 32 GB Wi-Fi version. And, the bad news, there is no Wi-Fi + cellular network model with 32 GB of memory, 128 GB goes right away and it costs ... 85,000 rubles! And here, of course, I want to say, “think for yourself - decide for yourself”, but you can’t add that the tablet is almost a hundred square meters - it's still too much!