The iPad Choice: Why Less Is Often More
iPad Pro, Air, Mini, or just the standard one. New or refurbished. With or without cellular connectivity. Choosing the right iPad feels like a maze of specs and price tags. You scroll through comparisons, read reviews, but only become more uncertain.
Yet, there's something most buyers overlook: the best iPad isn't the one with the most features . It's the one you actually use. Sounds obvious, but experience proves otherwise. Research shows that 70% of iPad owners only use half of its capabilities. They pay for a Pro when a refurbished standard iPad would have been more than sufficient. Or they miss opportunities by not realizing that refurbished devices are now just as reliable as new ones.
This article will help you avoid that pitfall. We're not looking at what an iPad can do, but at what you'll do with it .
Useful links
- iPad Pro refurbished collection
- iPad Mini refurbished collection
- Complete refurbished iPad collection
First map out your usage
The key to choosing the right iPad isn't the latest specs, but being honest about your usage. Grab a pen and paper and write down what you'll actually use the tablet for. Watching Netflix on the couch? Taking notes in meetings? Drawing with the Apple Pencil? Or just browsing and emailing?
This seems simple, but many buyers skip this step. They're tempted by features they never use. A graphic designer has different needs than someone who primarily reads and watches videos. By first determining your usage pattern, you avoid paying for unnecessary features.
The four main models under scrutiny
iPad (standard): the sensible all-rounder
The base model often receives undeservedly little attention. With a 10.9-inch screen, A14 Bionic chip, and support for the first-generation Apple Pencil, this device offers everything most users need. For streaming, browsing, reading, and light productivity, this tablet is more than sufficient.
Price-wise, it's interesting: a refurbished model from a previous generation often offers better value than the latest model. The differences between generations are often minimal for this model, while the price differences can be significant.
iPad Air: The Golden Mean
With the M1 chip, a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, and support for the second-generation Apple Pencil, the Air sits somewhere between the standard and Pro models. This model excels for users who want a little more: better speakers for video calls, faster multitasking performance, and a premium feel without the Pro price tag.
Note: The difference between a new Air model and a refurbished Pro from a year older is often smaller than you think. Always compare both options before making a decision.
iPad Mini: compact size, full power
With its 8.3-inch screen, this is the perfect travel size. Don't underestimate this model: the latest version has the same A15 Bionic chip as recent iPhones. Perfect for those on the go, who enjoy reading, or who need a second screen that easily fits in a bag.
Its compact size makes it ideal for specific applications: pilots use it as an electronic flight bag, doctors for patient records, and students appreciate the format for digital textbooks.
iPad Pro: for those who don't want to compromise
Available in 11 and 12.9 inches, with an M2 chip, ProMotion display (120Hz refresh rate), and advanced camera systems. This is the flagship for professionals who use their tablet as their primary workhorse. Video editors, graphic designers, and music producers will find the power they need here.
But let's be honest: do you really need that power? For 90% of users, the difference between the Pro and Air is barely noticeable in daily use. That extra investment is better spent on accessories or more storage.
Storage: More is not always better
The basic 64GB of storage is sufficient for streaming and cloud use. Do you work offline a lot or store large files locally? Then 128GB or 256GB is a better option. Only for video editing or large music collections is 512GB or more useful.
Tip: Combine a model with less storage with iCloud storage. This is often cheaper than a model with more memory, and your files are also securely backed up.
WiFi or cellular: when is mobile internet worth it?
Cellular models cost about €150 more. This is only worthwhile if you regularly work without Wi-Fi and your iPhone hotspot isn't an option. For most users, Wi-Fi-only is sufficient. You'd be better off investing that €150 in a higher-end model or more storage.
Consider cellular for business use where reliable connectivity is crucial, or if you use the tablet as a navigation system.
Refurbished: the smart alternative
A refurbished device from a single generation often offers 90% of the performance at 60% of the price. These devices have been professionally inspected, cleaned, and fitted with new batteries where necessary. With a warranty and return policy, you minimize your risk.
Prejudices about secondhand electronics are outdated. Modern refurbishment processes guarantee quality that's practically identical to new. The only difference is often the packaging and the price.
Accessories: What do you spend money on?
A good case is essential, but an original €80 Smart Cover isn't necessary. Alternative brands offer excellent protection for half the price.
The Apple Pencil, on the other hand, is worth the investment if you want to draw or take handwritten notes. Cheaper alternatives lack the pressure sensitivity and precision of the original. For navigation alone, a simple 10 euro stylus is sufficient.
A keyboard transforms your tablet into a laptop replacement. The Magic Keyboard is sublime but pricey. The Smart Keyboard Folio or Logitech alternatives offer a good compromise.
Timing of your purchase
Apple typically updates iPad models in March or September. Shortly after a new release, prices for refurbished older models drop. Black Friday and Back to School periods also offer attractive discounts.
Don't wait endlessly for the perfect moment. A refurbished model six months old offers more value now than a new model in three months. The time you wait is time without the productivity and enjoyment of your new device.
Making the decision
Choose the standard iPad if you primarily consume data: videos, browsing, reading. Go for the Air for regular productive use with a need for extra speed. The Mini is perfect for those who prioritize mobility. And the Pro? Only if you truly reach the limits of the other models.
A refurbished, higher-end model often offers more bang for your buck than a new base model. A two-year-old Pro offers more features than a new standard iPad, often for the same price.
Ultimately, it boils down to one question: which tablet will you actually use? The most expensive iPad on your shelf is always a worse choice than the more basic model you pick up every day. Focus on your real needs, not on what's possible. Then you'll find the iPad that fits not only your budget, but also your lifestyle.
Conclusion: the right iPad for your situation
The perfect iPad doesn't exist, but the right one for you does. Whether you choose a refurbished standard model for everyday use or a powerful Pro for professional work, let what you actually do guide you , not what's theoretically possible.
A two-year-old iPad you use intensively will yield more than the latest model gathering dust. Determine your actual needs, consider refurbished as a viable alternative, and invest the difference in good accessories or extra storage. This way, you won't get the best iPad on paper, but the best for your situation .
