Apple iPad 2022 Lineup Buyer’s Guide

Choosing an iPad will be a bit difficult this time as not only did Apple release new models but it also increased the prices of its other older models. Crazy, right? For their 2022 lineup, we now have the following options: iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th-gen), iPad Pro 11-inch (4th-gen), iPad Air (5th-gen), iPad (10th-gen), iPad (9th-gen), and iPad mini (6th-gen).

Author’s note: The prices listed were taken from Apple’s PH website.

For those on a budget

If you have a tight budget, the best option still is to get older iPad models that are no longer in the current lineup. If you can find a seller that still has stocks, you might be able to find a good deal. But if you want to choose from the current lineup, the iPad (9th-gen) WiFi model with a 10.2-inch screen, an A13 chip and a Lightning port, is the most affordable at PHP 21,990USD 375INR 31,767EUR 357CNY 2,729. It’s good for casual users who are looking for an entry-level iPad either for streaming videos, playing games, or browsing social media. And if you don’t mind the older design with thick bezels.

For those on a budget but want something newer

If you’re still on a budget but don’t want the 2021 iPad and its old design, the most affordable iPad you can get is its successor, the iPad (9th-gen) with a 10.9-inch screen, an A14 chip, and USB-C. It’s like a refresh of the iPad Air (4th-gen) with some camera improvement and 5G. What’s weird, though, is that it only supports the Apple Pencil (1st-gen), whereas the iPad Air (4th-gen) supports the 2nd-gen.

Still, this is a good option if you’re looking for the most affordable iPad model released in 2022.

For those looking for the most compact iPad

Given that the iPad mini is now in its 6th iteration, we can say that there’s a huge market for small iPads. The iPad mini (6th-gen) with an 8.3-inch screen is the best compact iPad you can get right now as it has a modern design with thinner bezels and a USB-C. Notably, it’s the only iPad that is powered by the A15 chip, the same chip that is powering the iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 13 series, and SE (3rd-gen). It works with the Apple Pencil (2nd-gen) but given its size, no support for any of Apple’s keyboard folios or smart keyboards.

This is a great option for those who think that 10-inch iPads are too big and want something that can fit in their small bags or something that they can easily hold with one hand.

For those who want something closer to Pro

Those who are looking at the iPad (10th-gen) but thinking that it needs more power can look at the iPad Air (5th-gen) with a 10.9-inch screen and M1 chip, the same chip that is powering Apple’s older MacBooks. It supports the Apple Pencil (2nd-gen), Magic Keyboard and Smart Keyboard Folio. This is great for those who are looking for a tablet that they can use for creative purposes like creating digital Artwork, editing photos, and rendering videos but don’t want to spend a lot for the Pro models.

For the Pros with deep pockets

We all know that the iPad Pros are the most powerful tablets that Apple has in its lineup, and their 2022 models live up to that with their M2 chip, the same chip that is powering its current MacBooks. The iPad Pro is for those who need to work on more demanding creative applications like 3D designs, AR models, video editing (including DaVinci Resolve for the iPad), improved Apple Pencil features, and want powerful cameras with a LiDAR scanner.

The iPad Pros come in two sizes, 12.9-inch and 11-inch, so there’s a matter of personal preference when it comes to screen size. Although it’s just a 1.9-inch difference, there’s a huge gap between the prices of about PHP 20K. Their starting price is no joke either and is almost in the MacBook Air M1 territory. So, if you’re getting an iPad Pro, make sure that you’ll be taking advantage of its power and features.

And there you have it. Which 2022 iPad do you think is the right match for you? Let us know in the comments below.