What is Cellular in iPad tablets. What is Cellular on iPad
You've probably seen that each iPad model is sold in two versions, Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi+Cellular. Unfortunately, not everyone knows how they differ and which one is worth buying.
In this article I want to talk about the visual and software differences between these devices.
The main difference.
The main difference between these models is that iPad Wi-Fi+Cellular has the ability to connect to the Internet via 3G or 4G cellular communications. Translated from English, Cellular means “cellular”. Simply put, in this tablet It is possible to install a SIM card and use the Internet, just like on any smartphone.
You may have heard, but the tablet was previously called iPad Wi-FI+4G, but was later renamed.
This decision is caused by certain legal problems faced by Apple.
Fourth generation communications (4G) have several standards:
Both technologies provide high speed network access reaching 100 Mbit/s or even more.
Over time, Apple tablets gained support more ranges. Now they can be used almost anywhere in the world.
Appearance
In addition to software differences, there are also visual differences. So even an inexperienced buyer will be able to distinguish one model from another.
The fact is that on the back panel of the tablet with support cellular communication There is a plastic cover. It is usually black, but can also be white. But in any case, it differs in color from the rest of the case. It is under it that all the necessary antennas for transmitting and receiving data over a 3G/4G network are located.
iPad Cellular
In fact, this, although small, is at the same time the only external difference two iPad models.
If you buy an iPad secondhand, be extremely careful. Almost always, fake iPads with support for 3G and 4G cellular communications do not have this cover. That is why I strongly recommend that you check the device before purchasing to be sure that they are not slipping you a fake.
Exception to the Rule
Sometimes you can find an iPad with a black or white cover, but which does not have a SIM card slot.
This means that this is an iPad 2 CDMA and does not have 3G/4G cellular support. Such devices are commercially available in the United States. In Russia and the CIS they are almost impossible to detect.
Price and SIM card support
In addition to external and software differences, iPad Wi-Fi+Cellular is $100-200 more expensive.
Therefore, before purchasing, I advise you to think carefully about whether you need 4G support and whether you will be able to fully use it.
The point is, for everyone specific model The iPad requires a certain type of SIM card. This fact is worth considering when purchasing.
What types of SIM cards are used in iPad:
Micro SIM— iPad, iPad 2, The new iPad, iPad with Retina display
Nano SIM- iPad Mini,iPad Air,iPad Pro,iPad 2017
Results
And so now you know that the term Cellular means the ability to install a SIM card in your iPad. And you will have the opportunity to have access to the Internet almost anywhere.
So if, for example, you need access to the Internet for work or travel, then you should buy an iPad Wi-Fi-Cellular. It does cost a little more, but you always have to pay for convenience.
I hope this article was useful.
Choosing a tablet to buy involves selecting a device with the necessary functionality and eliminating all others. However, at times it happens to get confused in non-obvious technical specifications because of which the selection process itself can be noticeably complicated. Take for example the term “Cellular“, the meaning of which not everyone knows. This ignorance is aggravated by the fact that the difference in the price tags of iPad Wi-Fi and iPad Wi-Fi + Cellular is more than significant. But you won’t be able to tell by eye how similar tablets in boxes differ in appearance. In order to find out what “Cellular” is, you should delve a little into the history of the development of the iPad.
Difference between iPad Wi-Fi and iPad Wi-Fi + Cellular
Since their inception, Apple tablets have been divided into several categories. Firstly, iPads were produced with different amounts of memory, secondly, there was a choice of tablet colors, and, finally, thirdly, the devices used different modules communications. Cheaper tablets used a Wi-Fi module (which meant the user was dependent on the point Wi-Fi access). It should also be noted here that iPads initially do not exist without Wi-Fi.
In turn, more expensive tablets are equipped not only Wi-Fi module, but also an additional module mobile communications. Such devices are labeled iPad Wi-Fi + 3G, iPad Wi-Fi + 4G, iPad Wi-Fi + LTE, iPad Wi-Fi + Cellular. Usually, in order to avoid breaking the tongue, it is customary to call such tablets “iPad with a SIM card.” An exception is the iPad 2 (CDMA model) - this tablet is considered a Cellular version, but it does not have a SIM card slot.
If in the case of an iPad Wi-Fi, the user is tied to a Wi-Fi network access point, then in the case of a “tablet with a SIM card,” access to the Internet is limited to the 3G or 4G mobile coverage area. In fact, in the case of a tablet, the user pays more for a good alternative - there is an opportunity, he used Wi-Fi, but no, he switched to a SIM card.
The first two generations of Apple tablets use only a 3G communication module, and the next models are equipped with a faster 4G module. Since a certain time, Cupertino has replaced the 4G label with Cellular. Accordingly, that same iPad Cellular is a tablet with additional modules 3G and 4G.
External iPad differences Wi-Fi and iPad Wi-Fi + Cellular
It is not difficult to determine by eye where each tablet is. First, the iPad Cellular has a white or black plastic cover on the back of the case. Under this cover there is an antenna, which allows you to work with mobile communication modules. The iPad Wi-Fi does not have such an antenna, and therefore no cover.
Also, iPad Wi-Fi does not have a SIM card slot. In addition, tablets with support for mobile communication modules differ in the use of SIM card standards. In particular, Micro-SIM is used in iPad, iPad 2, The new iPad, iPad with Retina display; Nano-SIM in iPad mini, iPad mini Retina, iPad Air.
All of the above information is indicated not only for the “full-format” iPad, but also for the iPad mini model.
Greetings dear fans Apple technology. In today's short article I will tell you what Cellular is in the iPad tablet computer.
When choosing a device model, people often compare two iPad models: without Cellular (iPad Wi-) and with Cellular (iPad Wi-Fi + Cellular). Essentially the differences between these two versions of the tablet iPad computer not that big, but let me tell you and show you in more detail.
Main difference
The main difference between a device without Cellular (iPad Wi-Fi) and with Cellular (iPad Wi-Fi + Cellular). That the first type has only a Wi-Fi network available to access the Internet, while the second type has access to the standard one Wi-fi networks, there are also 3G and 4G networks. Thus, having an iPad Wi-Fi + Cellular, you can access the Internet using 3G and 4G networks without being tied to a Wi-Fi access point.
As you probably already understood, iPad Wi-Fi + Cellular has a SIM card slot. It is the SIM card that allows you to work with 3G and 4G networks.
Visual differences
In addition to the main differences between the two versions of the iPad: without Cellular (iPad Wi-Fi) and with Cellular (iPad Wi-Fi + Cellular), these two models also have visual differences. With these differences, you can easily distinguish between the two models.
Model tablet computer iPads with Cellular have a black (sometimes white) plastic cover on top of the back cover. Behind this cover there is an antenna with the help of which data is transmitted and received in 3G and 4G networks.
With this obvious difference In the appearance of the two devices, you can easily distinguish one from the other. Below you can see the images: on the left - iPad Wi-Fi + Cellular, on the right - iPad Wi-Fi.
Exceptions
If you have an iPad with a black or white cover on the back, but do not have a SIM card slot, then you iPad owner 2 CDMA. Mostly this standard are used in America, but in Russia it is used much less frequently. In any case, 3G and 4G networks are not available on the iPad 2 CDMA.
Price
The difference between the two versions of the iPad tablet computer: without Cellular (iPad Wi-fi) and with Cellular (iPad Wi-Fi + Cellular) is not only the presence of 3G and 4G networks and visual differences. There are also differences in the price of the devices. Devices with Cellular are much more expensive than devices without Cellular. Therefore, when choosing the iPad version, think about whether you need Cellular and whether it is worth overpaying for it.
That's all for today, I hope you know what Cellular is and why iPad version with Cellular is different from the version without Cellular. I would be grateful if you leave your opinion about this short material in the comment form below.
Many people do not know what such a concept as Cellular means on iPad and what are the differences between devices with names iPad WiFi and iPad WiFi Cellular.
Contents:
Main difference
The changed name refers to additional function tablet.
Thus, it is easier for buyers to navigate what type of device they are buying.
A tablet that only has “WiFi” in its name connects to the Internet using wireless network. However, 3G and 4G cellular networks are not supported.
iPads without Cellular do not have a SIM card slot.
The reason why Apple decided to separate identical tablet PC models according to this principle is a legal problem.
Currently, many countries around the world, including the UK and Australia, do not support .
Since the territories of most states do not have 4G operators, it makes no sense to buy devices that work with this standard.
On the territory of Russia LTE network was launched operator Yota and she works in frequency range 2500 MHz-2700 MHz.
The new generation of 4G mobile communications involves the use of several technologies at once:
- LTE-Advanced;
- Wireless MAN Advanced (abbreviated WiMAX).
The operation of both technologies allows any of the 4G category networks, the speed of which exceeds 100 Mbit per second.
For landline subscribers, operators provide minimum speed connections equal to 1 Gbit per second.
If you plan to purchase a tablet while you are in another country or order it from foreign online stores, take this feature into account in the name.
Appearance
For ease of recognition of two almost identical gadget models the developers have slightly changed the appearance iPad view Cellular.
Tablet with 3G and 4G cellular support on top back cover has a black stripe.
It is made of plastic. Please note that sometimes this strip may be white, but not the same as the color of the body itself.
This additional cover indicates the hardware location of all necessary cellular antennas.
Such a minor and at the same time noticeable difference.
Note that fake iPads with SIM card support do not have a white or black back cover. Also, Chinese manufacturers of counterfeit devices do not build 4G support into the tablet, so we advise you to check the device before purchasing to make sure it is original.
Exception
There are iPad options with black and white covers, but they do not have a SIM slot.
If you purchased just such a tablet PC, this means that its model is called iPad 2 CDMA and it also does not have a slot for cellular cards.
These types of gadgets are common in the United States. In Russia and the CIS they are very rarely found on sale.
Cost and types of SIM cards
It is important to note the fact that Cellular-enabled devices are much more expensive than conventional WiFi builds.
Buying new tablet, think about whether it makes sense to purchase 4G support, whether there is such a network in your country and whether you will ever use it.
With Cellular support they work with different types SIM card
Take this feature into account when purchasing equipment.
Let us remind you that before ordering a tablet from America, you must make sure that it can work with all operators in any country in the world.
iPad generations and supported SIM card types:
- Micro SIM– used in iPad, iPad 2 and tablets with Retina display;
- NANO SIM– iPad mini, iPad Air.
We have long been accustomed to the fact that manufacturers of phones and tablets use 3G and 4G in the model names of their devices.
More recently Apple company was also included in this series. But then something changed, and the model names lost these network indicators. What happened? Why, instead of clear numbers already in the name telling us which network the device can connect to, the incomprehensible Cellular suddenly appeared? What does Cellular mean on iPad?
Literally “Cellular” is translated as “cellular”. IN in this case meaning "cellular".
Thus, Cellular in iPad is a cellular communication module that makes it possible to connect to the Internet via mobile operator, and also use GPS navigation.
Starting with the third generation iPad, its name has changed. Now instead of "Wi-Fi + 4G" it is called "Wi-Fi + Cellular". Of course, only the name of the model has changed; the tablet itself is invariably called iPad.
The reason for these changes was that the declared 4G network does not work in some countries. There are no 4G operators, for example, in the UK, Australia, Russia, etc. The situation here is very funny. The point is not only that there is no 4G operator, but also that the 4G network on the iPad is not compatible with local 4G networks. Roughly speaking, it is only compatible with networks in the United States and Canada.
Apple has been hit with a whole bunch of accusations and complaints that the tablet's advertising is shamelessly deceiving people. Therefore, the management, in order not to pay fines and not to sue in vain, had to change the name of the iPad models from Cellular in order to comply with legal formalities. In this case, the word “Cellular” is more appropriate. After all cellular networks- this is exactly what your mobile operator offers.