When it comes to iPad, many people often assume that only the latest, most powerful versions with the most modern technology are really worth owning. However, the reality is not entirely like that. In many cases, choosing a basic iPad with a more accessible price, even an iPad model that was released a few years ago, can still provide a completely stable user experience, meeting the needs of most ordinary users. So why can old iPads or basic iPads still be worth buying at the present time and what value do they bring in the context of Apple continuously launching iPad Pro, iPad Air or new generation iPads? Let's take a closer look at the following aspects.

1. Same functionality, no need for latest to do everything

One of the most important things when comparing iPad lines is the functionality they bring. In fact, Apple has always maintained a strong synchronization between iPad generations, so that even an iPad mini launched in 2021 or a basic iPad with the cheapest price today can still perform most of the same tasks as the new generation iPad Pro. Users can completely download and install millions of applications from the App Store, make video calls via FaceTime, send and receive iMessages, browse the web with Safari, check email with the Mail app, listen to music with Apple Music, watch movies on Apple TV+ or Netflix, and even use the iPad for work thanks to its compatibility with office applications such as Microsoft Office or Google Workspace. In terms of experience, for a normal user, the difference between the latest iPad and the basic iPad is sometimes not as clear as Apple promotes.

For example, when you use your iPad to read ebooks, watch YouTube videos, or take online classes via Zoom or Google Meet, having a more powerful chip like the M2 or M3 in the iPad Pro doesn’t make much of a difference compared to the base iPad with the A13 or A14 chip. Even when it comes to heavier applications like photo editing with Lightroom or Photoshop, or basic video editing with iMovie, the older iPad models are still perfectly capable of handling it smoothly. The only downside is probably the software update life. Obviously, a new iPad Pro will be supported by iPadOS for a longer period of time, while an iPad mini 6 or 9th-generation iPad will be discontinued sooner. However, when considering the cost factor, buying a cheaper iPad still has the advantage: you save a significant amount of money and can upgrade to a newer model in a few years, instead of spending a lot of money up front. This is especially suitable for students or general users who only need the device for studying, light work and entertainment.

2. The display doesn't make a significant difference to most users

One of the points that Apple often emphasizes to distinguish the iPad Pro from other iPad lines is the display technology. The latest iPad Pro has an Ultra Retina XDR display using an OLED or Mini-LED panel with high brightness, superior contrast and vivid colors, very suitable for those who do graphics-related work, professional photo editing or filmmaking. However, for most users, these upgrades do not really make a difference in the daily experience. For example, when you use the iPad just to surf the web, watch movies, study online or play light games, the Liquid Retina display on the iPad Air or the basic Retina display on the cheap iPad is still enough to respond excellently. It is true that ProMotion technology with a 120 Hz adaptive refresh rate on the iPad Pro makes movements smoother, especially when scrolling long web pages or when playing games with high graphics, but in reality, the 60 Hz refresh rate on the iPad Air or the basic iPad is not something that makes most users uncomfortable. You only really notice the obvious difference when you put the two devices side by side for a direct comparison.

Also, keep in mind that the screen size on the base iPad or iPad mini is typically compact, easy to hold, and still displays sharp, high-resolution images that aren’t noticeable to users. Spending a few hundred dollars more just to get a brighter, more colorful screen is often not worth it, unless you’re a graphic designer, photographer, or content creator who needs absolute color accuracy. Even when compared to Android devices, many older iPad models still outperform their Android counterparts in terms of software consistency and visual experience, which is why the average user doesn’t often feel the need to upgrade just for the screen.

3. Peripheral Compatibility with iPad

One of the things that makes the iPad so popular is its ability to connect to a wide variety of peripherals. Even if you have an older iPad, you can still connect to a Magic Keyboard or Smart Keyboard Folio, use the Apple Pencil to take notes or draw, connect to a Bluetooth trackpad or mouse, and even add external storage devices like SSDs or USB-C hubs. Apple has built a wide compatibility ecosystem, with most accessories working across multiple generations of iPads, not just the iPad Pro. This is a big benefit for users who don’t want to spend a lot of money but still want the full experience. Even if you have trouble connecting due to different ports (like Lightning on older iPads and USB-C on newer iPads), buying a cheap adapter will solve the problem. In addition, with iPadOS, users can also use the iPad as a secondary display through the Sidecar feature on macOS, turning the iPad into a useful tool for multitaskers. This ability is not limited to the iPad Pro, but many iPad Air and basic iPad models also support it. In addition, many creative applications today are also optimized for the first or second generation Apple Pencil, meaning that even a cheap iPad can still become a great sketching tool for art students or those new to design. Therefore, the accessory factor and expandability are not the reasons why users must buy the latest iPad.

4. Ideal educational tool for the younger generation

One of the biggest groups of iPad users is children and teenagers. For the younger generation, the iPad is not only a tool for entertainment with games like Roblox, Minecraft or Among Us, but also an extremely effective learning tool. From taking online classes, doing homework via Google Classroom, to exploring interactive educational apps like Duolingo, Khan Academy, or drawing and math learning apps for kids, the iPad has proven to be an important role in supporting the learning process. Interestingly, children often do not care whether their device is the latest iPad Pro or not. As long as the iPad runs smoothly, can install their favorite apps and provides a good experience, an old iPad Air or iPad mini will still meet their needs. For parents, investing in a cheap iPad also brings more peace of mind, because if the child accidentally drops, bumps or breaks the device, the replacement cost will not be too high compared to an expensive iPad Pro. In addition, Apple also provides parental controls, allowing you to limit usage time, control applications and appropriate content for children. These features are available on all iPad lines, not just the iPad Pro or the latest iPad. Another plus is that the used iPad or refurbished iPad market is now very rich, allowing parents to easily buy their children a quality device at a reasonable cost. Refurbished products are often inspected by Apple or reputable stores, have damaged components replaced and the operating system reinstalled, ensuring the device works as good as new. This is an economical solution while still ensuring safety for users.

5. Conclusion

Through the above analysis, it can be seen that buying a basic iPad or a used iPad can be the right choice for most users. Similar functions, good enough screen, compatibility with accessories and usefulness in education have proven that it is not necessary to own the latest iPad Pro to have a good experience. The important thing is to clearly identify your real needs. If you are a graphic designer, photographer or professional with strict requirements on performance and screen, iPad Pro is definitely a worthy investment. But if you just need a device for basic learning, entertainment and work, an iPad Air, iPad mini or even a basic iPad is still enough. Moreover, choosing a cheap iPad also brings great financial benefits, helping you save money to be able to upgrade in the future when really needed. It is this flexibility that makes iPad a technology device worth owning, regardless of the version.