iPadOS Operating System — 6 Tablets Compared

Decision table

iPadOS Operating System: which one for what?

The 6 models on this page are scored only against each other, for the use you pick. Scores come from the spec sheets; no price and no advertising go in.

What will you use it for? Films & Video Students Battery Life Thin & Light

Leads for Films & Video: Apple iPad Pro 11 (M5)70%

Leads for Students: Apple iPad 11 (A16)72%

Leads for Battery Life: Apple iPad 11 (A16)50%

Leads for Thin & Light: Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro)72%

#5#2#2#2
Apple iPad Air 11 (M4)Apple
11" · Apple M4 · Apple Pencil Pro / Apple Pencil (USB-C)
62% 60% 50% 68%
Why it ranks here
- Editorial tag: Films & Video
Why it ranks here
- Stylus support: Apple Pencil Pro / Apple Pencil (USB-C)
Why it ranks here
Nothing stands out for this use; the score comes from overall balance.
Why it ranks here
- Editorial tag: Thin & Light
- 464 grams
#3#3#3#3
Apple iPad Air 13 (M4)Apple
13" · Apple M4 · Apple Pencil Pro / Apple Pencil (USB-C)
68% 60% 50% 62%
Why it ranks here
- Editorial tag: Films & Video
- 600 nits peak brightness
Why it ranks here
- Stylus support: Apple Pencil Pro / Apple Pencil (USB-C)
Why it ranks here
Nothing stands out for this use; the score comes from overall balance.
Why it ranks here
- Editorial tag: Thin & Light
#1#5#5#4
Apple iPad Pro 11 (M5)Apple
11" · Apple M5 · Apple Pencil Pro / Apple Pencil (USB-C)
70% 60% 50% 58%
Why it ranks here
- 1600 nits peak brightness
- 4 speakers
- 120Hz display
Why it ranks here
- Stylus support: Apple Pencil Pro / Apple Pencil (USB-C)
Why it ranks here
Nothing stands out for this use; the score comes from overall balance.
Why it ranks here
- 444 grams
#2#6#6#6
Apple iPad Pro 13 (M5)Apple
13" · Apple M5 · Apple Pencil Pro / Apple Pencil (USB-C)
70% 60% 50% 52%
Why it ranks here
- 1600 nits peak brightness
- 4 speakers
- 120Hz display
Why it ranks here
- Stylus support: Apple Pencil Pro / Apple Pencil (USB-C)
Why it ranks here
Nothing stands out for this use; the score comes from overall balance.
Why it ranks here
Nothing stands out for this use; the score comes from overall balance.
#4#1#1#5
Apple iPad 11 (A16)Apple
11" · Apple A16 · Apple Pencil
62% 72% 50% 54%
Why it ranks here
- Editorial tag: Films & Video
Why it ranks here
- Editorial tag: Students
- Stylus support: Apple Pencil
Why it ranks here
Nothing stands out for this use; the score comes from overall balance.
Why it ranks here
Nothing stands out for this use; the score comes from overall balance.
#6#4#4#1
Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro)Apple
8.3" · Apple A17 Pro · Apple Pencil Pro / Apple Pencil (USB-C)
62% 60% 50% 72%
Why it ranks here
- Editorial tag: Films & Video
Why it ranks here
- Stylus support: Apple Pencil Pro / Apple Pencil (USB-C)
Why it ranks here
Nothing stands out for this use; the score comes from overall balance.
Why it ranks here
- Editorial tag: Thin & Light
- 293 grams