Comparison of iPad models. What's better: tablet or iPad? Differences and difference between them. How to buy the best

In fact, the iPad is the very first of the “recognized” tablets, but it is so popular that for most buyers there is an iPad and all other tablets. Therefore, very often we ask ourselves the question: “What better tablet or iPad? Let's understand this issue in this article.

It's hard to remember a time when there were no tablets, but it was not long ago (less than three years) when Apple's first iPad appeared. Since then, we've seen dozens of manufacturers try to grab a piece of the tablet market, which is still dominated by Apple's iPad 4. Growth in the segment is so fast that some analysts say tablet sales will soon surpass laptop sales by 2016. year.

If you're choosing between Apple's iPad, one of the many Android tablets, or a Windows RT tablet, here's what you need to know before you go to the store:

First: Do you need a tablet?

Simply put, tablets are not a necessity; even after three years of popularity, they are still not a replacement, neither for computers nor for smartphones. Also, since we're talking about tablets, we're talking about on-screen keyboard, and this is not always convenient. Of course, there are plenty of worthy add-on hardware keyboards specifically for the iPad, but none will provide the same comfort you'll experience on a laptop or desktop.

Tablets do have advantages over both laptops and phones, they offer a more portable way of checking email, web browsing and video chats, watching movies, listening to music and playing games than your laptop can provide, it has a larger screen than a smartphone.

Selecting an operating system

Now there are two top OSes: iOS from Apple with its iPad and iPad Mini, and Android with its numerous manufacturers: Samsung, Acer, Amazon, Asus, Barnes & Noble, Google and others. Microsoft recently entered into new tablet running on Windows RT is Windows version 8, which works on mobile devices with ARM processors.

Generally speaking, the greatest strength of Apple's iOS (the operating system on the iPad and iPad mini) is that it is intuitive and has a wide range of choices. iPad apps there are more than 275,000 of them.

Things are much more complicated with Google's Android mobile OS. In addition to the fact that a huge number of manufacturers produce products on this OS, there are also different devices very often cost different versions Android. IN latest version Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean) further improves maximum customizability, top-notch alert systems, fast, smooth web browsing, and full integration with Google apps such as Gmail, Google Maps and Google Talk.

Until now, Windows RT provides more OS for desktop computers, with its beautiful tiled interface and familiar working Windows table. She is very strong at multitasking and you will get Microsoft Office(without Outlook) along with the operating system. But RT takes some getting used to; many have complained that it is not very intuitive.

What about the apps?

What is a tablet without quality apps? If you want to use any of the huge number of applications (not all smartphone applications are adapted for tablets) then the iPad is your choice with its 275,000+ programs and games designed specifically for Apple tablets. App Store perfectly supervises and monitors applications, offering everything popular apps the existence of which you might not even imagine. If you want a wide range of attractive apps that work well on a tablet, then the iPad is best choice for you.

Android has made several steps to move closer to Apple, improving selection, supporting developers, but it is still far from Apple in terms of quantity and quality of offerings. It's hard to say exactly how many optimized tablet programs are available now, but it's thousands, not hundreds of thousands. You can, of course, use programs for phones that look decent on a 7-inch tablet, but not on a 9- or 10-inch tablet, so if you want to purchase large tablet on Android you may have problems with applications.

Microsoft says there are already "thousands" of apps for the newly launched Windows RT tablets and more are being added all the time, but don't expect to find every app you need. At least for now.

Screen and memory

First things first: When you hear the term “10-inch or 7-inch tablet,” it is the diagonal size of the screen, not the actual size of the tablet. 7-inch tablets are considered small, while 8.9 to 10-inch tablets are considered large. Apple iPad, Google Nexus, Nook HD tablets are all available with small and large screens. But Samsung has gone the furthest; it has the most various sizes for Android tablets: 10.1, 8.9, 7.7, 7 inches, and even a phone/tablet hybrid - Galaxy Note II with 5.5-inch display and stylus.

Screen resolution is also important, especially for reading e-books and surfing the web. A clear, bright display is key. Now the Google Nexus 10 is the sharpest with its 2560x1600 resolution and 300 pixels per inch density. The fourth generation iPad with a 2048 x 1536 pixel (264 ppi) Retina display is not far behind. If you need a 10-inch Android tablet, look for a display with a resolution of at least 1280x800 pixels. For 7-inch models, no less than 1024x600.

Cloud storage is essential for many tablets (eg iCloud for iPad and SkyDrive for MS Surface), but when it comes to native storage, more is always better. Apps combined with music, videos and photos can take up a lot of space. Currently, the highest storage capacity is 64GB, with most tablets available in 16, 32, or 64GB variants. Some Android tablets have MicroSD slot for memory cards that allow you to expand your storage capacity.

Wi-Fi models vs. cellular models

Many tablets only come out as Wi-Fi models or with the ability to connect to mobile operators. If you want to use your tablet to access the Internet anywhere, you need a model with a cellular connection, such as Ipad 4, Ipad mini. Of course, this adds to the price of the device, and then you have to pay for cellular service.

Another way to connect a tablet: This is to use your 3G or 4G phone as Wi-Fi points access for your tablet.

I think that we have explained to you that the originally posed question: “Which is better, a tablet or an iPad” was not initially correct, but at the same time, we tried to make your choice of a tablet as easy as possible from the huge number on the market

Today, store windows are literally replete with many models of Apple equipment, and it can be quite difficult to navigate all this high-tech diversity, especially when the characteristics of the devices do not differ so significantly. Now there are many types of tablets on official sale, so the question: how to choose an iPad is very relevant.

It should immediately be noted that it is unambiguous to determine which is the most best iPad, impossible. Each model has a lot of advantages and disadvantages, so you need to choose the one that suits you in the best possible way is right for you.

Which iPad is better to choose?

It's easier to decide which iPad to choose by comparing iPads. Let's start with the honored veteran iPad 2. This model is extremely successful, and the fact that it was on official sale for several years is the best for that confirmation. True, it is now hopelessly outdated, and it is recommended to buy it only as a tablet for children. However, it is a very powerful device with many advantages:

light weight, good performance;
the presence of a camera allows you to fully communicate on Skype (though the camera poor quality and it’s inconvenient to take pictures with it);
support for modern operating systems;
The screen of this model is large, and its resolution is quite enough to watch movies without problems.

iPad 3

iPad 3, or as it is also called The New iPad, did not last even a year in official sales. Now it, like the iPad 2, has been discontinued, but it has a fairly powerful dual-core processor, a good camera and excellent display Retina with a resolution of 2048 x 1536 pixels (264 pixels/inch), and it is lighter than the previous model. In addition, apparently, in the near future he is not in danger of losing support for iOS from Apple.

Therefore, if you are faced with a choice: what better than iPad 2 or iPad 3, then preference should still be given to iPad 3, and iPad 2 should be taken only if it provides a good price benefit. True, the iPad 3 gets very hot during operation, and you have to put up with it.

iPad 4 (or iPad with Retina Display)

This model is significantly superior previous versions and is freed from almost all of their shortcomings. It has a new Lightning connector that can be inserted on both sides, it allows you to play everything popular games from the App Store range.

If you are not strapped for money and want to purchase a very powerful, but at the same time, lightweight tablet, then you will definitely like it iPad Air. It has the same screen size as the iPad 4, but weighs significantly less.

Next iPad version The Air 2 is one of the most expensive, but also the most powerful and lightest tablets Apple offers today. Experts say that over the next three years this model will easily cope with absolutely any games and programs, its power reserve is so great. As a matter of fact, this tablet has the same architecture as stationary systems, and is not inferior in power to many computers. It has a multifunctional operating room iOS system 9, providing the most comfortable conditions for both work and entertainment.

It uses energy very economically: the battery charge lasts for as much as 10 hours of operation.

An increased level of security against unauthorized access to the device provides Touch technology ID, fingerprint recognition. With its help, only the person whose fingerprints are stored in the appropriate database can unlock the tablet by touching the button.

iPad Air 2's powerful camera lets you capture panoramic, time-lapse, and continuous shooting, and also shoot slow-motion video. It allows you to take great pictures even in low light levels.

Speed WiFi work also pleasantly surprising. You'll feel it immediately when you download movies or stream videos.

Of course, owners of such a luxurious model will not experience a shortage of interesting and useful applications. In the App Store, the number of applications that work with big screen Retina numbers in the hundreds of thousands.

Since miniaturization is one of the main trends today, Apple Corporation released a smaller version of the tablet - iPad mini with a screen of only 7.9 inches. In terms of its characteristics, it is very similar to the iPad 2, but it lacks Retina screen. Also an unpleasant surprise There may be a slight slowdown when working with some applications and games.

A significantly improved version is the iPad Mini with Retina Display. This model combines compactness, powerful technical characteristics and an excellent display. This model is so good that we can advise you not to get carried away with saving money, and if you need a compact tablet, buy an iPad Mini with Retina Display.

Surprisingly, the next model - iPad Mini 3 - is inferior in power and iPad performance Air 2, but it is equipped with a fingerprint scanner finger touch ID.

Given all this, if you are faced with the question of which is better than the iPad 3 or iPad mini, or which is better than the iPad 4 or iPad mini, you need to decide on your priorities. If maximum mobility, compactness and light weight of the device are important to you, then the iPad mini will be beyond competition. It is very convenient to work with it literally on the run. But if you want to watch a movie or play in peace, then models with a large screen will be much more convenient for this purpose.

So, how to choose an iPad - the answer to this question is determined by the range of tasks that you are going to solve using the tablet.

It is believed that a wide choice is great, but what to do if you have to choose between strong iPad competitors Apple and Samsung. Here we will talk about tablet models from two giant manufacturers, compare their characteristics and help users make their choice. One head, as they say, is good, but two are better.

Undoubtedly tablets from both brands Apple iPad or Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 have high characteristics regarding their performance, memory, multimedia capabilities, photo quality, page loading speed, battery and other things. But still I would like to have more thorough information regarding the pros and cons of both devices. So which tablet to choose and which is better: iPad Apple vs Samsung Galaxy Tab?

An important, and for some, almost the main role is played by appearance tablets. What do we have with Samsung and iPad? The iPad case is made of durable monolithic metal - aluminum with a matte surface, which aesthetically fits into the modern lifestyle, is less dirty and undoubtedly reliably protects the inside of the device from external influences and accidental falls. The front panel is glass, fits perfectly into the style of the tablets and does not disturb the harmony. Surface care is carried out using soft flannel fabric.

In turn, the Samsung Galaxy Tab has an ergonomic plastic, leather-like external design of the case, and fingerprints are not noticeable at all on an uneven surface. Plus, there are no scratches like on an aluminum surface. However, not everyone can be seduced by inexpensive plastic imitation leather, because this design, as they say, is “not for everybody.” Cleaning the surface on the plastic panel is not difficult, but the durability of the Apple iPad case is unlikely to be comparable to the plastic surface.

Both devices are assembled to perfection: technologically verified, no creaks, no slips, both tablets leave no visible fingerprints on the surface, all the buttons are “live” and easy to respond, located conveniently and practically.

Among the visible advantages it can give a head start samsung tablet, since its appearance is more original than that of a standard iPad. In addition, Galaxy has positioned the tablet's speakers at the front of the panel, which naturally adds to the listening experience for its users. However, some will say that the speakers on the front panel can easily become clogged or spoil the appearance. And some will argue that any case that is put on a Samsung tablet will not spoil the sound level.

External buttons for adjusting sound, brightness, backlight, on/off are well located on both devices, are understandable and have no complaints.

Comparison by display quality

Regarding the quality of the display module, the Galaxy Tab tablet is still in the lead, as it has a slightly larger diagonal and a higher screen resolution. Samsung did not skimp and used the latest Super technology Amoled HD in the manufacture of the matrix, which is why the number of pixels is higher. After all, the most important thing in a tablet is undoubtedly the display, and what better technology used, the higher the picture quality. Apple maintains the same standard level of display quality by using IPS matrix, which has greatly glorified quality display modules iPads.

The difference in display modules affected the brightness and legibility of the image on the screen. Samsung's is a little brighter. Since the aspect ratio of the Galaxy tablet is 16:10, it is more comfortable to watch videos on the Samsung screen than on the Apple iPad. And due to the enlarged screen, almost all records are visible and do not overlap. The aspect ratio of the Apple tablet is 4:3, so the screen shows dark bars at the top and bottom.

As for the additional brightness of iPads or Samsung tablets, this can be treated differently. On the one hand, Samsung is brighter, on the other hand, the iPad will be more economical in spending the charge required to watch videos. Thus, the duration of video viewing can be increased. Therefore, Apple set the standard brightness, or the iPad did not need additional brightness and therefore was not equipped with an additional coprocessor that allows it to analyze the degree of illumination and automatically adjust the desired illumination depending on the level of illumination in the room or street. Therefore, here a plus can be given to Samsung for advanced technologies, and a separate plus can be given to Apple for efficiency.

Production capacity

As for the performance of both tablets, their level is supposedly equal to each other. Apple has equipped the tablet with 4 nuclear processor Cortex, occupying a frequency of 1.4 Gigahertz.

The tablet from Samsung has 2 Gigabytes RAM unlike the iPad, which shows only 1 GB of RAM. Accordingly, Galaxy should have higher performance on the Android system. However, the Samsung operating system is equipped with a 2-core processor, which is lower than that declared for the iPad. Therefore, in terms of productivity, both giants are in the same place.

In terms of device memory capacity, Samsung is again ahead, with memory expansion available in the form of microSD, which allows the owner to install mini or maximum capacity memory. And Apple iPad manufacturers have provided the ability to install drives with capacities from mini 16 to max 64 GB in their devices.

The rest of the functions in both types of tablets received a standard set: it is possible to connect to Bluetooth, WI-FI, 3G Internet, calling cards and much more. Although it can be noted that the Apple iPad, in comparison with its competitor, supports LTE communications.

Camera Features

As for the camera, the differences are small. So Galaxy and iPad have rear camera 5 megapixels, and the front cameras are slightly different: Samsung has 1.9 megapixels, while the iPad shows only 1.2 megapixels per front camera. Although in practice these differences are practically invisible.

Battery capacity

Regarding the autonomy of tablets, the iPad has surpassed its competitor and is mega-capacious lithium polymer battery at 11560 mAh, believe me, this is quite a rare figure among tablet devices. This battery capacity allows the user to work on the tablet for up to 13.5 hours. In turn samsung battery produces 7000 mAh and allows you to work on the device for up to 10 hours. Therefore, in terms of battery capacity and autonomy, the Apple iPad undoubtedly wins.

Operating system differences

Many users noted the quality operating system iOS on iPad, which is stable, high performance and a wide selection of different brands system applications, designed specifically for it. Therefore, experts say that a well-thought-out iOS system will last much longer than a good Android.

Some, on the contrary, are used to it and claim that the Android system is no worse, quite flexible and capacious, and at the same time easily finds common language With various applications, is quite easy to update. A distinctive feature of the Galaxy was the appearance of a light pen in the tablet, with the help of which it is possible to draw, outline, or sketch anything. For young users, this is undoubtedly a gift for their favorite tablet, an opportunity for new creativity. For those involved in architecture, design, and fine arts, this is an opportunity to combine a tablet and graphics tablet. Also note that the light pen program has customization options different types font, various color modes, phototechnical capabilities.

Technology improvements

Can't help but notice advantages of Samsung Galaxy in terms of usability. After all, technology has come so far: programs can be operated even with gloves on. Agree that in many ways this is very convenient, but constantly reconfiguring the tablet for a different sensitivity is not always useful. In addition, Galaxy boasts the ability to respond to pressure force, unlike its iPad competitor, and the pressing force can be specifically adjusted from light to strong depending on the user's needs.

So, overall, both devices succeeded in quality and technology. However, the choice is yours who to give preference to: energy-intensive, stylish, proven to have high standards iOS tablet Apple iPad or choose a Galaxy tablet of a custom design, with a large, bright, highly sensitive super-touch screen, supplemented new technology light pen from Samsung. Each user will make their own choice based on their internal needs. Our task is to introduce you to the differences iPad tablets or Samsung Galaxy Tab. We hope that this task has been completed.

Displays iPad Pro 12.9 inches and 11 inches are rectangles with rounded corners. The display diagonal is measured without taking into account the curves and is 12.9 inches for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro and 11 inches for the 11-inch iPad Pro. The actual viewing area is smaller.
The amount of available space is less than stated and depends on various factors. The standard configuration (including iOS and pre-installed apps) takes approximately 10 to 12 GB depending on the device model and settings. Pre-installed applications occupy about 4 GB; they can be deleted and downloaded again. Cellular plan must be purchased separately.
Size and weight vary depending on device configuration and manufacturing process.
To communicate using FaceTime, both users must have FaceTime-enabled devices and be connected to a Wi-Fi network. Availability of FaceTime over cellular networks varies by carrier; Data charges may apply.
Data plan required. Gigabit Class LTE, 4G LTE Advanced and 4G LTE networks are not available in all regions or with all carriers. Speed calculated based on theoretical bandwidth and depends on local conditions. Detailed information about support LTE networks Available from your carrier or from .
Cellular plan must be purchased separately. The model you purchase is configured to work with a specific technology cellular networks. For availability information tariff plan cellular service and compatibility, please contact your carrier.
Not all carriers support apple cards SIM and eSIM. For additional information Contact your carrier. Not available in China. eSIM technology is supported on the 11-inch iPad Pro and 12.9-inch iPad Pro (3rd generation). Apple technology SIM is supported on iPad Pro 10.5-inch, iPad (5th generation or later), iPad Air 2, and iPad mini 3 or later.
Battery life depends on device settings and usage. More details on the page

Have you been wanting to buy one of these for a long time? tabletsApple, but still don’t know exactly which one to choose? Which of all the iPads on the market today is the best in terms of price and hardware? In this article we will try to clearly and clearly explain to the average person how to choose the right iPad, what characteristics you should pay attention to and what factors may influence your choice.

Let's start with what models of iPad tablets are generally available for purchase on at the moment. So, you can choose and buy the 7.9-inch versions iPadMini 2nd and 4th generation, 9.7-inch iPadAir 2nd generation and iPad Pro, as well as the widest tablet computer to date - iPadPro with a display diagonal of as much as 12.9 inches.

General principles for choosing a tablet model

The first thing that any average person and technology user pays attention to is the screen diagonal. IN modern tablets it can start from 8 to 13 inches. Further, close attention is paid to such hardware characteristics as the front and main cameras, screen resolution, SIM card connectivity, volume internal memory and, of course, the cost of the device, for which it can actually be purchased. When choosing a tablet, you should never think that the largest means the most powerful and modern. In fact, this is far from the case. If we look at the largest of all - the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, we can say that its internal equipment is by no means the best among the rest. tabletsApple, and the thickness completely exceeds that of the “younger brothers” - 6.9 mm versus 6.1 for smaller models.

Moving on to the characteristics of a multi-touch display, you should pay attention to resolution from the very beginning. All iPads feature advanced Retina displays, delivering 326 ppi on the 2nd and 4th generation iPad Mini models, which is achieved due to the small screen area. The larger representatives of Apple tablet computers have a ppi of 264 units.

Another point that definitely deserves some attention is the camera. According to the official Apple information, best camera Among the existing tablets, the 9.7-inch iPad Pro has a 12 megapixel matrix. Other models (iPad Mini 4, iPad Air 2 and iPad Pro 12.9) are somewhat inferior in this regard, having an 8 MP iSight main camera. The second generation iPad Mini has the most meager camera module, equal to only 5 megapixels.

Another distinguishing feature latest iPad Pro 9.7 is considered to have an aperture of ƒ/2.2, which is 0.2 higher than that of other models. Plus it has a brand new flash True Tone and support for “live photos” ( this function also implemented on last generation iPhone).

The 9.7-inch “pro” iPad also outperforms its less advanced competitors in terms of its front-facing FaceTime camera. The matrix is 5 megapixels versus 1.2 for the largest Pro, as well as the iPad Mini and iPad Air.

Based on this fact that the SIM card is used mainly for connecting to the Internet and navigation, decide whether you will need navigation maps on any trips around the city or intercity, where there will be no wireless connection Wi-Fi networks. Modern metropolises provide people with endless possibilities of connecting to the Internet, having many access points throughout the city, which, of course, relaxes a person and makes him forget about “life without the Internet.” However, it often happens that, having moved several tens of kilometers, there may not be a connection to the Network. And how, in this case, can you find the right cafe, hospital or gas station? The question is, frankly speaking, rhetorical.

Moreover, modern iPads are still not equipped with built-in navigation systems. GPS modules or GLONASS, allowing you to use navigation and maps without an Internet connection. In other words, the ability to connect a SIM card to a tablet allows a person to move freely and not depend on free Wi-FI access points. Of course, you will have to pay for such Internet, but this is not such a large amount if you compare it with the opportunities provided. When choosing between an iPad with and without a SIM card, keep in mind that there is no fundamental difference between them, that is, in essence they are absolutely identical.

Choosing iPad with moduleSIM (Cellular), it’s worth remembering that if you already have an iPhone, it would be much easier to distribute Wi-Fi anywhere from it. This will eliminate any need to pay extra for the ability to connect a SIM card. Also in lately specialized service is gaining popularity in Russia Apple SIM, which would be worth reading separately.

How much internal memory to choose

As the last few Apple presentations show, the company is gradually abandoning its authoritarian policy regarding the physical interfaces in its products. Thus, the minimum available amount of internal memory on models iPad Pro is 32 GB (it should be borne in mind that the user will not be able to use all the memory; only most of the declared gigabytes will be available to him). Regarding slots for memory cards that expand the internal memory of the device, the iPad does not provide them. Perhaps such an innovation should be expected in the next generations of Apple tablet computers.

You need to choose the amount of internal memory on your device very seriously. Based on the fact that it can only be expanded using cloud storage or external drives, and some more or less serious game takes up at least 1 GB of space, it’s worth taking a closer look at 64 or even 128 GB of internal memory. This is especially true for people who like to download movies to their tablet, arrange photo shoots, or use the device as a powerful gaming platform.

12.9-inch and 9.7-inch iPad Pro

Models of the “professional” line of tablets, the main difference of which is the increased size and diagonal of the screen, can easily compete with “mid-range” devices. The owner of an iPad Pro, with just two tools, can turn his tablet into a full-fledged work computer, which can be easily compared to the same Microsoft Surface. Such accessories are a convenient stylus Apple Pencil– they can draw, draw and do other various things for work. Keyboard Smart The Keyboard, connected to the tablet using a special connector, turns the iPad into a kind of laptop, which provides additional comfort for work and everyday use of the device.

Don't forget about the main hardware iPad specifications Pro - processor. Tablets from the “pro” line are equipped with the most powerful and modern A9X processor to date, which is 2.5 times more productive than the A7 processors installed on other iPad models. With a nearly triple-improved processor, iPad Pro excels at any task. graphic tasks and complex installation. You can purchase them in any of three colors: space gray, silver and gold.

iPad Air 2

If you wanted to have a truly powerful, productive and graphics-perfect tablet, then the iPad Air 2 is the best option possible. The A8X processor with M8 graphics chip makes it a great tool for solving work or everyday tasks. The optimal ratio of overall dimensions and screen diagonal is one of the outstanding features of the model. The main thing that distinguishes it from the iPad Pro is that it can be held comfortably and effortlessly in one hand. It is available in the market in three color ranges: "space gray", silver and gold.

iPad Mini 4

The iPad Mini 4 model can be called a smaller prototype or a copy of the flagship Air 2. Its main characteristic differences are a diagonal of 7.9 inches instead of 9.7 and the usual modification of the A8 processor. In terms of other technical characteristics, these two devices are not inferior to each other, which means that the iPad Mini 4 is absolutely honestly equal to the flagship in terms of its hardware.

We must not forget about the advantages that the iPad Mini 4 also has. Thanks to its compact size, it can easily be put even in a small purse or pocket; the relatively low price (33-39 thousand rubles) also cannot but be an attractive factor for purchase. Speaking about the fourth generation iPad Mini, how about iPhone alternative 6S Plus, it is worth considering two main differences between them: the absence of an iSight camera with a 12 MP matrix resolution and the 3D Touch function, which the tablet also does not have. Otherwise, the iPhone 6S Plus and Mini 4 are similar.

iPad mini 2

Release of the second generation iPadMini came in 2013, and at that time, it was an advanced tablet computer, which was the first to use Retina display technology. Unlike current models, its processor is far from the most powerful - A7 and graphics chip M7. In terms of overall dimensions, such as weight and thickness, the tablet is superior to the iPad Mini 4, namely: 7.5 mm versus 6.1 and 32 grams heavier. In addition, unlike the other Apple tablets we have described, it does not have an anti-glare display coating. You can buy it in gray or " silver space" The only thing that can attract a potential buyer is the price, ranging from 22 to 34 thousand rubles in retail stores.