Tabs are here to stay, that’s one thing we learnt in 2020, in a post-pandemic world where these work + play devices received a fresh lease of life. Apple’s dedicated iPad OS that first debuted in 2019 has transformed the tab experience. For long tabs were just bigger versions of smartphones. The tablet value proposition was threatened as our mobile screens became bigger and crossed the 6.5-inch threshold. But the iPad OS experience has changed some of that. The iPad’s pitch as a serious productivity device has never been stronger. Apple’s range of accessories that include keyboards and the Apple Pencil have added to the iPad’s overall appeal.
Apple’s iPad portfolio is more diverse than ever before. We break it down for you:
Apple iPad Pro : this one’s for folks who like to live on the cutting edge. It’s the most formidable iPad with processing power and a spec sheet that can leave many flagship laptops in the shade. The 2021 iteration the Pro is propelled by the ultra-quick M1 chip that is the heartbeat of the newer Macs. The new Pro sports an edge-to-edge Liquid Retina display in two sizes – 11-inches and 12.9-inches. The rear cam set up now includes a 12MP lens that also shoots 4K video and a new 10MP ultra-wide cam that zooms out two times for a much wider field of view. If you’re a frequent business traveller looking for a laptop alternative or a creator who can lean on the processing power for video edits, the Pro won’t let you down. (Rs 71,900 onwards)
iPad Air: Apple reimagined the Air in 2020; the home key got the boot, while the display got way better – a larger 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with 3.8 million pixels. It also made the switch to USB Type-C offering more flexibility, faster transfer speeds and connectivity. It can pair with the Apple’s Magic Keyboard and a whole lot of accessories including the newer second-gen Apple Pencil. It closes the gap between the Air and the top-of-the-line Pro and might be the perfect option for users seeking a work + play device at a more affordable price point than the Pro. (Rs 54,900 onwards)
Mini me: Apple’s iPad Mini has almost been unrivalled in the small tab segment. The Mini gets a complete makeover with a new 8.3-inch display that shaves off the bezels and maintains its compact footprint despite a larger display. Just like last year’s iPad Air, Touch ID is now added to the power key, making it easy to unlock. At its heart is the same A15 Bionic chip that powers the new iPhone 13 quartet. This is perfect for users who prefer a small screen smartphone to do phone things like texting or calls and switch to a tab to catch up on videos, E-books and switch to gaming mode. Support for the second gen Apple pencil also makes it a great device for meetings or taking notes at college (Rs 46,900 onwards)
The entry-level iPad: targeted at the booming WFH and Study from home market, the entry-level 9th generation iPad is still one of the best tabs you can snag around Rs 30K. Apple upgrades the processor (it now features the A13 bionic processor) while the 12MP Ultra-wide cam also gets a boost. The Centre Stage experience on iPad Pro is now available on iPad, enabled by the new front camera and Neural Engine, so you can enjoy even more engaging video calls. It also offers support for the first-gen Apple Pencil and Smart keyboard. It’s perfect for students or users who need a second screen for virtual meetings or catch up on work on the go. (Rs 30,900 onwards)
