When Apple released the latest iPad a few months ago, people were mostly ecstatic about two things - the price point and support for the Apple Pencil. The iPad is one of the most iconic Apple gadgets on the market and everyone was excited about the latest changes.
With competition from cheaper gadgets from Amazon and other Android-based tablets, the new features at the same price point was definitely the shot in the arm that Apple needed to make the basic iPad relevant again.
The iPad Pro may be the best choice for artists and graphics professionals, but for the average consumer, the entry-level iPad is the better choice. Read on and I'll tell you why.
1. Size is perfect
There's a reason why the iPad's 9.7-inch form factor has endured through the years, it's just about right in terms of screen size and portability.For most people, the iPad Mini is too small and the iPad Pros are too big for portable use.
2. Weight
Here's another good reason why you should consider getting a basic iPad instead of an iPad Pro.Weight-wise, the entry-level 9.7-inch iPad and the 10.5-inch iPad Pro are virtually the same at around a pound. (The 12.9-inch iPad Pro is half a pound heavier.) So for the price difference, you're not getting any weight advantages with the iPad Pro.
3. The display is still great
The iPad Pro may have all the bells and whistles in terms of display technology - ProMotion, True Tone, wider color range, laminated display with anti-reflective coating - but the basic iPad's Retina Display is still a very good display. For everyday usage, you probably won't even notice the difference.4. Now supports Apple Pencil
One big advantage of the iPad Pro over the old iPad was Apple Pencil support. That changed with the latest 9.7-inch iPad. Now, everyone can take advantage of the Apple Pencil's on-screen drawing capabilities, not just graphics professionals, artists, and digital doodlers.5. Smart Keyboard is no big deal
Although almost every iPad Pro accessory that connects via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth will also work with the entry-level iPad, peripherals with Smart Connectors won't. That makes Smart Connector equipped accessories like the Smart Keyboard a no-go for the entry-level iPad.That's not a big deal since there are tons of Bluetooth keyboards that will work with the basic iPad.
They're siginificantly cheaper too.
6. Cameras are still great
Aside from the display, another significant difference between the iPad Pro and the basic iPad is camera quality.The iPad Pro's rear cameras can shoot optically stabilized 4K video and the selfie camera can handle 1080p Full HD video. The entry-level iPad has an older camera system (similar to the iPhone 7) so no 4K and the selfie camera can only shoot 720p.
However, iPads are rarely used for serious photography anyway due to their size so the cameras are a non-factor for the average consumer anyway.
7. The iOS experience is still the same
iOS 11 works almost the same on the basic iPad and the iPad Pro. Same ecosystem, same App Store, virtually the same apps and experience. The only noticeable difference is the iPad Pro's capability of multitasking three simultaneous apps.8. Price
This is the best reason why you should consider buying the 9.7-inch iPad instead of the iPad Pro - the price difference.The cheapest 10.5-inch iPad Pro starts at $649 but you can get a 9.7-inch iPad for as low as $329.
So if you're looking for a great iPad experience without breaking the bank, the basic iPad is your best bet.
