2025 iPad Buyer’s Guide: Find the Perfect iPad for Your Needs

Buying an iPad in 2025 isn’t as simple as it used to be. Apple’s lineup now covers everything from budget-friendly models to pro-level machines that rival laptops. The problem? The names look similar, the prices jump fast, and features like Apple Intelligence, OLED displays, and M-series chips aren’t always easy to decode. Pick wrong, and you’ll either waste money on things you don’t need, or miss out on game-changing features that would’ve made your daily life better.

We break down exactly what each iPad does best, who it’s built for, and which accessories are worth adding. Whether you need a casual entertainment device or a serious creative tool, you’ll find the perfect match right here. By the end of this article, you’ll fully understand the differences and confidently choose the iPad that truly fits you.

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01 | Best Budget: iPad (11th Gen)

The 11th-gen iPad is the most budget-friendly choice in Apple’s 2025 lineup, offering solid performance for casual use. Powered by the A16 chip, it delivers a 50% performance boost over its predecessor. The 11-inch Liquid Retina display is bright and clear, though it lacks anti-reflective coating and higher refresh rates.

Touch ID keeps security simple, and the inclusion of USB-C modernizes connectivity. While it skips advanced features like Apple Intelligence and Stage Manager, its excellent value makes it a great choice for basic entertainment, light productivity, and family use.

• Price: From £329 (UK) / $349 (US)
• Features:
• 11-inch display | A16 chip | 128GB base storage | 6GB RAM | USB-C | Touch ID | 12MP camera | ~10 hours battery

✅Strengths:

• 50% faster A16 chip compared to previous generation
• Doubled base storage (128GB)
• Great for movies, games, reading, and browsing
• Excellent for kids with learning apps and parental controls

❌Weak Points:

• No Apple Intelligence or Stage Manager
• Non-laminated screen, no anti-reflective coating
• Can’t run demanding games like Assassin’s Creed Mirage

Best For: Everyday use, entertainment, kids, and budget-friendly users.

02 | Best Portable: iPad Mini (A17 Pro)

The iPad Mini remains the champion of portability, now with the powerful A17 Pro chip and support for Apple Intelligence. The 8-inch display is brighter, laminated, and anti-reflective, with sharper text and colors thanks to its high DPI. It’s fast, small, and supports the latest USB-C Apple Pencil, making it perfect for one-handed reading, gaming, or taking notes on the go. Optional 5G connectivity makes it a powerful mobile tool, though its price positions it closer to the Air series.

• Price: From £499 (UK)
• Features:
• 8-inch display | A17 Pro chip | 128GB storage | USB-C | Supports Apple Pencil Pro

✅Strengths:

• Smallest, lightest iPad — perfect for one-handed use
• Brighter, more accurate colors with anti-reflective coating
• Supports Apple Pencil Pro for sketching and note-taking

❌Weak Points:

• Relatively expensive
• No M-series chip — less powerful than Air and Pro
• Extra cost for 5G and storage upgrades

Best For: Portable reading, note-taking, sketching, and users who love compact devices.

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03 | Best Value: iPad Air M3 (11-inch)

The iPad Air M3 (11-inch) hits a sweet spot between power and price. Featuring the same M3 chip as the new MacBook Air, it supports Apple Intelligence, making it ideal for multitasking and creative projects. Its bright, laminated display with anti-reflective coating and USB-C Apple Pencil Pro support boost its creative capabilities. With 8GB RAM, faster connectivity, and Magic Keyboard support, it’s perfect for students, remote workers, or anyone needing a capable, lightweight productivity 

• Price: Approx. £599 (UK, est.)
• Features:
• 11-inch display | M3 chip | 128GB storage | 8GB RAM | USB-C | Supports Apple Pencil Pro

✅Strengths:

• Powerful M3 chip for demanding apps
• Bright, color-accurate screen with anti-reflective coating
• Works great with Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Pro

❌Weak Points:

• More expensive than base iPad by around £270
• Still limited to 60Hz refresh rate

Best For: Students, creatives, multitaskers, and users wanting Pro-like power at a lower price.

04 | Best Large-Screen: iPad Air M3 (13-inch)

If you love screen real estate, the 13-inch iPad Air M3 is your best bet. With the same M3 chip and premium display upgrades as its smaller sibling, it offers extra workspace for multitasking, video editing, or immersive media. It also supports Magic Keyboard, Apple Pencil Pro, and Wi-Fi 6E. The larger size is perfect for users who value productivity and portability in one, without paying iPad Pro prices.

• Price: More than the 11-inch model
• Features:
• 13-inch display | M3 chip | 128GB storage | 8GB RAM | USB-C | Supports Apple Pencil Pro

✅Strengths:

• Bigger screen for multitasking, movies, and games
• Strong enough for pro apps like Final Cut Pro
• Excellent laptop alternative with Magic Keyboard

❌Weak Points:

• Price approaches high-end laptops
• 60Hz screen limits smoothness

Best For: Creatives, entertainment lovers, multitaskers, and users needing a big display for work and play.

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05 | Best Performance: iPad Pro M4 (11-inch)

The new iPad Pro M4 (11-inch) is a portable powerhouse. Its stunning 120Hz OLED display with ProMotion and optional nano-texture coating makes everything — from gaming to photo editing — look fantastic. With the ultra-powerful M4 chip, 16GB RAM on higher storage models, Face ID, Thunderbolt 4, and support for a 6K display, this is the tool for demanding pros. It’s ideal for creatives, video editors, and anyone who wants desktop-level power in a compact form.

• Price: From $999 (US)
• Features:
• 11-inch ProMotion 120Hz OLED display | M4 chip | 256GB storage | 16GB RAM | USB-C (Thunderbolt 4) | Face ID | Supports Apple Pencil Pro

✅Strengths:

• Best-in-class 120Hz OLED screen
• Most powerful chip for pro-level tasks
• Face ID for secure, quick unlock
• Supports 6K displays, ultra-fast data transfer

❌Weak Points:

• High starting price
• Accessories like Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Pro add up

Best For: Professionals, designers, video editors, and users who demand top-tier performance.

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06 | Best Creative Studio: iPad Pro M4 (13-inch)

The iPad Pro M4 (13-inch) is the ultimate iPad experience in 2025. With the same M4 chip, 120Hz OLED display, and pro features as the 11-inch model, it scales everything up with more workspace for multitasking and precision creative work. It’s built for professionals who need uncompromising performance in a larger, portable format. If you’re a filmmaker, designer, or someone who wants the absolute best — this is it.

• Price: More than the 11-inch model
• Features:
• 13-inch ProMotion 120Hz OLED display | M4 chip | 256GB storage | 16GB RAM | USB-C (Thunderbolt 4) | Face ID | Supports Apple Pencil Pro

✅Strengths:

• Bigger, immersive screen for pro work
• Elite performance for high-end apps and tasks
• Incredible for movies, games, and multitasking

❌Weak Points:

• Very expensive, high configurations near $3000
• Costly accessories

Best For: Creative professionals, photographers, video producers, and users wanting the ultimate iPad experience.

Buying Tips

Clarify your iPad use.

• Define your main uses: media, work, note-taking, gaming, or creative projects. This will prevent splurging on features you won't utilize.

Consider used or refurbished models.

• Apple-certified refurbished iPads or well-maintained used devices can save you money while delivering similar performance and warranty choices.

Start with the right storage.

• iPads don't accept external storage expansions, so choose a capacity that meets your current and future needs, especially if you save huge files, films, or creative projects.

Invest on productivity gear.

• The Magic Keyboard with Apple Pencil Pro can boost your iPad's productivity and make it more useful for work, study, and creation.

Reconsider 5G cell phones.

• While convenient, they cost more and require data. Unless you operate regularly without Wi-Fi, a Wi-Fi-only model with your phone's hotspot may be cheaper and smarter.

Accessory Recommendations

Apple Pencil

• 1st Gen: Lightning connector, no pressure sensitivity
• USB-C version: USB-C charging, no pressure sensitivity
• Apple Pencil Pro: Wireless charging, pressure sensitivity, haptics, tilt support — best for creatives.

Keyboards

• Magic Keyboard: Premium, backlit, with trackpad, USB-C passthrough — for iPad Pro and Air
• Folio Keyboard: Simple, budget-friendly option for standard iPad

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