• iPad 2019 (10.2 inches, starting price € 389)
• iPad Pro 2018 (11 and 12.9 inches, starting price € 899 and € 1119)
• iPad Air 2019 (10.5 inches, starting price € 569)
• iPad mini 2019 (7.9 inches, starting price 459)

Which should you choose? We give you a hand!

iPad 2019 (from € 389): not without reason the most popular

The iPad 2019 is the basic iPad model. “Our most popular iPad,” Apple says on its website, and that is easily explained. Are you looking for an iPad as a utensil for the whole family, then this newest iPad is just fine. Little browsing, facebooking, watching Disney +; that’s all going fine. Compared to its predecessor, it has two advantages: the screen is half an inch larger and thanks to the Smart Connector you can connect Apple’s Smart Keyboard to it.

What we regret is that he still has the A10 Fusion chip that the iPad 2018 already had. And there are even more concessions: an old version of Touch ID, a slightly scanter screen. Moreover, the starting price is slightly higher than that of its predecessor. But we should not exaggerate: for most consumers this is a good iPad for a good price.

Summary:

• 10.2-inch display with a wide border
• A10 Fusion chip
• Touch ID (old, slightly slower version)
• Up to 128 GB storage
• Suitable for Apple Pencil (1st generation)
• Suitable for Smart Keyboard

iPad Pro 2018 (from € 899 and € 1119): the very best

At the other end of the spectrum we find the iPad Pro 2018: without a doubt the very best iPad of the moment. It also looks a lot more futuristic than all other iPads. It is available in two sizes and the screen has rounded corners with a narrow border around it. A home button with Touch ID is missing. Just like the newer iPhones, the iPad Pro has Face ID; that means you unlock it by looking at it. This is the only iPad that can do that.

The iPad Pro has a super fast A12X bionic chip, which makes multitasking with various apps go smoothly. Certainly since the new iPadOS is out, you could consider it as a replacement for your MacBook. A big advantage is that the iPad Pro has usb-c instead of a Lightning connection: that makes it possible to connect all kinds of accessories: from external screens to your camera. Speaking of accessories, the iPad Pro is the only one to support the second-generation Apple Pencil. It is just a little easier to use than the first generation: it has no separate parts and you can already charge it by sticking it magnetically to the iPad. Then you won’t lose it either.

The iPad Pro is a fantastic device, but for many people it is really superfluous. All those bells and whistles cost quite a bit, so consider carefully whether you will really use all those extras. And then think again: the successor may appear in the first half of 2020.

Summary:

• Virtually borderless 11- or 12.9-inch display
• A12X Bionic chip
• Face ID
• Up to 1 TB of storage
• Suitable for Apple Pencil (2nd generation)
• Suitable for Smart Keyboard Folio

iPad Air 2019 (from € 569): golden mean

Is the “regular” iPad just a little scanty for you? Do you find the processor a bit too slow and are you annoyed by the lower quality screen? Do you find the design with the somewhat broad edge somewhat old-fashioned eyes? And is the iPad Pro with all its technical gadgets the other extreme? Because you are not waiting for Face ID, for example, you do not intend to purchase the most expensive Apple Pencil and you do not find it necessary to connect external devices to your iPad?

The iPad a bit too simple, the iPad Air a little too professional … Then the iPad Air is currently the golden mean. The iPad Air is in many ways just a little more powerful than the regular iPad. Due to the narrower edges around the screen, it looks less old and bulky. The Air then again misses the bells and whistles of the Pro, but you still find that unnecessary – and the price is there too. In short, for the people who expect a little more from an iPad but also don’t demand the maximum.

Summary:

• 10.5-inch display with narrow edges
• A12 Bionic chip
• Touch ID
• Up to 256 GB storage
• Suitable for Apple Pencil (1st generation)
• Suitable for Smart Keyboard

iPad mini 2019 (from € 459): niche

The iPad mini 2019 appeared at the same time as the iPad Air 2019. And the mini can easily compete with the Air, except for two points. Firstly, the iPad mini has a somewhat wider edge and therefore a more classic look. Secondly, the mini does not support a Smart Keyboard. However, the question is whether you want that at all, because that will then also be a miniature keyboard.

The iPad mini is a niche product due to its compact size. If you choose the mini, you do it precisely because of the size. Then you are someone who likes to make a sketch or note quickly with the Apple Pencil on the way. Or who bears a lot of polar bears during presentations with an iPad in hand.

Do you opt for the mini purely because of the lower price? But do you feel that you are making concessions regarding the screen size? Then you should not do it, because then you will be annoyed. Then take another look at the regular iPad – which is also a lot cheaper. Or save for the Air.

• 7.9-inch display with border
• A12 Bionic chip
• Touch ID
• Up to 256 GB storage
• Suitable for Apple Pencil (1st generation)
• Suitable for bluetooth keyboards

which iPad to buy?

The iPad 2019 is a great iPad for a great price. Most people do not need to look further. This allows you (and your family) to move forward.

The iPad Pro 2018 is at the other end of the spectrum. It is intended for professional or demanding user. You do pay for the bells and whistles, see if you need them. We also expect a new Pro at the beginning of 2020.

The iPad Air 2019 is the golden mean. More powerful than the regular iPad, more modest than the rather flamboyant iPad Pro.

And then the mini: that is the iPad Air but in a smaller package. You should only buy it if a small screen is a big advantage for you.