Which iPad should you buy in 2025? Buyer’s guide after the M5 iPad Pro launch

Apple iPad variants

Apple’s freshly launched M5 iPad Pro has shaken up the iPad lineup, forcing many buyers to ask: “Which iPad is right for me now?” With models spanning from entry-level to pro-grade, here’s a breakdown of the current iPad options in India, what features each brings, who they’re ideally suited for, and how to choose — especially now that the bar has shifted.

The iPad lineup: What’s on offer

iPad Pro (M5): Apple’s top-tier tablet, now powered by the M5 chip.

M5 chip with Neural Accelerators in each GPU core, up to 3.5× AI performance jump, faster graphics, 12 GB base memory, Wi-Fi 7, C1X cellular modem, ultra-bright OLED (Ultra Retina XDR) displays, full pro-level support for Apple Pencil Pro, external displays, and iPadOS 26 with advanced multitasking and AI enhancements. This is the best iPad you can buy if you have the moolah.

Who should buy it?

Creative professionals, video editors, AI/ML developers, power users who want a laptop replacement without leaving the iPad ecosystem.

Price: Starts at Rs 99,990 for the 11″ Wi-Fi model.

iPad Air (M3) — A mid-tier all-rounder that balances performance and portability.

Offers Strong CPU and GPU performance, support for Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard, capable for creative and productivity tasks though it lacks the full AI horsepower and display brilliance of the Pro line.

Price: Starts at Rs 59,900.

Who should buy it?

The iPad Air is the “just right” iPad — powerful, portable, and practical. Unless you need the iPad Pro’s ultra-bright OLED display, AI horsepower, or advanced camera setup, the Air gives you 90% of the experience for much less money.

iPad (base model): The most affordable iPad

Price: Starts at Rs 34,900

Who should buy it?

Good for students, casual users, reading, media streaming, light productivity. Cheaper, solid performance for everyday apps, education, and general use.

iPad mini: The smallest iPad

Who should buy it?

If you want ultra-compact form factors, cheaper entry points, or basic utility, these still hold value — especially for portability, reading, commuting.

Price: Starts at Rs 49,900

The deciding factors

Performance needs and future-proofing

If your work involves creative apps (Final Cut Pro, DaVinci on iPad), AI features (image generation, on-device models), or you want strong longevity, the Pro with M5 makes sense. For lighter tasks — document editing, note-taking, streaming — the Air or base iPad can serve just fine.

Display and Brightness

The Pro’s Ultra Retina XDR OLED display offers superior HDR performance, deeper contrast, and brightness — useful in bright Indian environments (outdoor co-working, sunny rooms).

Memory and Storage

M5 iPad Pro starts with 12 GB RAM and goes up to 16 GB / 2 TB storage.   That gives headroom for large media files, 3D/AR work, and future OS updates. Base iPads typically have lower memory caps, which works for many but may limit more demanding workflows.

Connectivity

The Pro includes Wi-Fi 7 and C1X modem (5G) for faster mobile data on the Cellular models. If you travel often or need always-on connectivity, this is a key advantage.

Price vs Value

The M5 Pro is premium in price. For many users, the Air or base model hits the sweet spot in cost-to-utility. If you don’t use pro video, 3D or advanced AI tools, you won’t always need the Pro.

Accessories

If your workflow uses Apple Pencil Pro, Magic Keyboard, external displays, or you already have pro-class accessories, the Pro — and to a certain extent — as well as the Air will unlock more potential without compromise.

Which iPad to pick?

•Go Pro if… you need maximum performance, plan creative, AI or design workloads, and want a future-ready device.

•Go Air or base iPad if… you’re a student, writer, casual user, or don’t need pro-tier extras.

•Go mini if… portability is critical

The M5 iPad Pro raises the bar, but that doesn’t mean lesser iPads are obsolete — they just serve different kinds of users now. Choose based on what you actually use, not just the specs.