Since the release of the 1st Generation iPad back in 2010, Apple’s flagship tablet has continually grown from strength to strength. Now with multiple lines including the iPad Air, iPad Pro and iPad Mini, at first glance it can appear difficult to decide of which works best for you. Along with our range of luxury leather iPad accessories, at TORRO, we wanted to make it easy for you to choose your next iPad by reviewing the important features across the current range of iPad offerings.
Source: Apple
iPad Pro 12.9” (5th Gen. 2021)
Key Features:
- 12.9" Display
- Apple Pencil 2 Compatibility
- M1 Chip
- USB-C Connector
With its new Mac-based M1 chipset, the iPad Pros are by far and away the most powerful iPads we have seen to date. With the phenomenal power and enhanced micro-LED display of the device, also comes a higher price (From £999 at the time of writing) making it more suited to the ‘pros’ – it is the ideal iPad for more demanding tasks like video editing, graphic design and gaming.
This is undoubtedly Apple’s best iPad/tablet, but if you are not going to get the most out of its enhanced CPU compared to other models, you would be better off going for a different model. However, if you’re only interested in the best, then look no further.
Take the iPad Pro 12.9" up a notch by adding a luxurious leather case from TORRO:
- Leather Smart Cover for iPad Pro 12.9” (4th and 5th Gen)
- Magnetic Leather Case for iPad Pro 12.9” (4th and 5th Gen)
iPad Pro 11”
Key Features:
- 11" Display
- Apple Pencil 2 Compatibility
- M1 Chip
- USB-C Connector
If you’re looking for something a little smaller than the mammoth iPad Pro 12.9”, the iPad Pro 11” would be the next best alternative. It maintains most of the key features from the Pro 12.9” model, including the Mac base M1 chipset and 120Hz ProMotion display but is somewhat more portable with its smaller size and lighter weight. Priced at £749 at the time of writing, the Pro 11” is a powerful bit of kit that would be exceptional, whatever your needs may be.
Add function to the iPad Pro 11” with a premium cowhide leather case from TORRO:
iPad Air 5
Key Features:
- 10.9" Display
- Apple Pencil 2 Compatibility
- M1 Chip
- USB-C Connector
The iPad Air 5 is most the current ‘mid-range’ iPad. It uses the same M1 chip used in the latest iPad Pro range for greater performance capabilities compared to the base iPad model. The Air 5 features a similar design to the iPad Pros with its flat edges and incorporates the Touch ID functionality into its lock button.
For faster charging capabilities, like the Pro models, the Air 5 has left lightning behind in favour of USB-C and with Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil capabilities, it would make an excellent iPad for work or study.
Protect the iPad Air (5th Gen) with a top-grain leather case from TORRO:
iPad (9th Generation)
Key Features:
- 10.2" Display
- Apple Pencil 1 Compatibility
- A13 Bionic Chip
- Lightning Port Connector
At present, the standard iPad has become Apple’s budget option. If you’re looking for a versatile entertainment device for browsing the web, watching videos, and reading, the iPad 10.2” (particularly the newer 9th and 8th Gen models) is an excellent choice.
Certain features like Face ID may be absent, but the iPad 10.2” will suit the needs of most people at a more accessible price point. The downside being that if you’re looking for an iPad compatible with the Apple Pencil 2, then you’ll have to look to other models – although the first-generation Apple Pencil is compatible with this model.
Add a touch of elegance and prestige to the iPad 10.2” (7th, 8th & 9th Gen) with a TORRO leather case:
iPad Mini (6th Generation)
Key Features:
- 8.3" Display
- Apple Pencil 2 Compatibility
- A15 Bionic Chip
- USB-C Connector
The iPad Mini range is by far and away the most obvious option if you’re looking for a smaller, lighter, and more portable tablet. The iPad Mini 6th Generation features a slightly larger screen than its predecessors, at 8.3” compared to Mini 5’s 7.9” screen. Of course, this means that the home button is no more, so Touch ID has been incorporated into the power button, just as it is with the Air 4.
Don’t be fooled, despite its smaller size it certainly doesn’t lack for power. For those concerned about device performance, the Mini 6 has been fitted with the same A15 bionic processor as the iPhone 13 meaning it is 40% quicker for CPU tasks and 80% quicker for GPU-based apps than previous models, according to Apple.
Add both functionality and protection to your iPad Mini 6 with a TORRO Leather Case:
Got an older iPad Model?
Check our selection Apple iPad Cases so see if we have a case compatible with your model. Not entirely sure which model you have? Check our instructions below.
Apple Pencil
You should also ask yourself whether you would like to use an Apple Pencil with your new iPad. The Apple Pencil is touch sensitive, precision select tool that can be used for drawing, creating art, or taking notes on your iPad. There are currently two generations of Apple Pencil, with each generation also being compatible with different iPads. If you already own an Apple Pencil (or are looking to get one), you should first check below to ensure it will be compatible with the iPad.
Pencil 1st Generation
Compatible iPads:
- iPad (9th Gen)
- iPad (8th Gen)
- iPad (7th Gen)
- iPad (6th Gen)
- iPad Mini (5th Gen)
- iPad Air (3rd Gen)
- iPad Pro 12.9” (1st or 2nd Gen)
- iPad Pro 10.5”
- iPad Pro 9.7”
Features:
- Pairing and charging via lightning
- Pixel-perfect precision
- Tilt and pressure sensitivity
- Imperceptible lag
Pencil 2nd Generation
Compatible iPads:
- iPad Mini (6th Gen)
- iPad Air (4th Gen)
- iPad Pro 12.9” (3rd Gen and Later)
- iPad Pro 11” (1st Gen and Later)
Features:
- Wireless pairing and charging
- Attaches magnetically
- Double-tap to change tools
- Pixel-perfect precision
- Tilt and pressure sensitivity
- Imperceptible lag
Select TORRO cases are also compatible with the Magnetic Leather Sleeve for Apple Pencil, which will magnetically attach to the cases front cover to provide a storage solution for your Apple Pencil.
Unsure of Your Current iPad Model?
If you aren’t quite sure what iPad Model you are currently using, you can find this out by tracking down the model number. You can find this using one of two methods:
1) Look in the settings
Go to "Settings > General > About". To the right of Model, you'll see the "A" part number. You may need to tap the model number to reveal the A number.
You can also use the Model Name (iOS 12.2 or later) to identify your device and then check the table below for compatible cases.
2) Look on your device
The "A" number is printed on the back of the iPad itself in fine print at the bottom.
