The first iPad model came out only 6 years ago. In this fairly short period of time, 9 different tablet variations were produced. It is very easy to determine the model of a smartphone using iTunes. But with tablets, the situation was somewhat different. Apple did not provide the same simple procedure.
Why determine the tablet model
Sometimes, you just need to know the exact model of your gadget in certain situations. For example, a trivial case when you need to connect a device to a Mac or a Windows computer, you need to know all the system requirements, the functionality of the iPad of a particular model and software version. In addition, information about the age of the device and the amount of its memory will become available to you.
The ways
Let's try to figure out how you can find out the iPad model.
The first method is the simplest. We will determine by appearance. The first generation models are the very first, without cameras. This is their distinguishing feature. This tablet is the only one with chopped edges. You can easily identify by comparing with the fully streamlined models of the older generations. The unique and one-of-a-kind implementation of the front panel exclusively in black, regardless of the shade of the rear, is inherent only in this model.
The first generation was released in two versions... One A1337 supports 3G, the second A1219 has a Wi-Fi module. In addition, any other model, including the first generation, is printed on the back of the tablet on the left side in the lower corner.
The second generation is already more like a modern version of the design of the device, but it has one distinctive nuance. The back cover at the bottom is equipped with a large grill of holes for the speaker. There are three models for this generation: A1395, A1397 and A1396. They again differ in the characteristics of their connection to the network.
The third generation has a very bright screen and rich color reproduction. Also, the line consists of three options with different ways of connecting to the network: A1403, A1416 and A1430. The screen of these devices is now 9.7 inches.
Prior to the fourth generation, previous models had a standard connection type. The new variant has a Lightning connector. Here you will meet: A1458, A1459 and A1460. You can confuse it with the second generation of the speaker with holes. In all other respects, the design is similar to the third line of Apple iPad models.
Identifying the iPad Mini and Air lines
A more recognizable option is the 2012 iPad Mini, which is very difficult to confuse with other models. All thanks to its small 7.9-inch screen. There are three Apple iPad Mini products: A1432, A1454, and A1455. Older versions have a better screen, but sometimes it is very difficult to understand the model externally. Therefore, to determine the version of the iPad Mini, it is not enough to recognize the external characteristics, you need to look inside the system.
For example, you can identify your iPad model by its serial number. There are two options for obtaining this information:
- service from Apple to identify iPad Mini;
- third party companies.
You can go to the official Apple website, which offers a service for determining the serial number of your specific model. This number can give access to all information on your device. And it can be obtained by writing down the number in a special program.
Other companies offer their own line identification services. Including they can give information even by the IMEI code. Sometimes the implementation of such a service is not available... Indeed, most often to determine the data of a specific model, for example, the same iPad Mini, you need to hold the device in your hands. It is the absence of this opportunity that stops the process.
Is there another way to define the Mini and Air variation?
You can try to find the number of your tablet with your own hands. The procedure is not very complicated, but for it you need to go through the following steps:
- enable the main menu of the device screen;
- select the “Settings” or “Settings” icon;
- in the left pane you will see the item “General” or “General”.
After that, a list of characteristics should open on the right, among which you will find Model. In addition, other information is available about the version, memory size and other characteristics of the tablet.
Apple, alas, rarely gives its models catchy names, limiting itself, as a rule, to the number indicating the generation of the gadget, and the letter, the presence of which indicates that the product has been improved - for iPhone models this letter was for a long time S.
We have already told you. Dealing with the iPad is more difficult than the iPhone. The first few devices, released before 2012, were marked with numbers, like mobile devices, then Apple, for some unknown reason (most likely in order to expand the model range), decided to move away from this principle - and the Air, Retina, Pro and even tablets appeared in the shop windows. just an iPad, no model reference.
By 2019, Apple has heavily updated its line of tablets and now officially sells 4 iPad models. We will present each and tell you which of them deserve the most attention.
The most compact
iPad Mini 5 (2019) 64GB
- Display: 7.9 inches, resolution 2048x1536, PPI 326
- CPU: A12 Bionic + Apple M12 coprocessor
- 8 Mpix - 7 Mpix
- 3 GB - 64 GB
- Battery: 5,124 mAh
- Colors
Price: from 28 290 rubles
Fans of compact tablets have already begun to anxiously suspect that Apple has finally "hammered" the iPad Mini on the line - what else to think if it hasn't been updated for 4 years? However, in the spring of 2019, they breathed a sigh of relief - the "apple" manufacturer introduced the 5th generation iPad Mini. As it turned out, Apple had no doubts at all whether to continue producing small "tablets" or not - it simply saved up the strength for a breakthrough, which the appearance of the "five" turned out to be.
From the very first reviews to the present time, experts continue to shower the iPad Mini 5 with compliments - even those who think that the presence of 7-8 inch tablets in the modern mobile market is meaningless praise the gadget. The performance of the new “tablet” is most impressive: it received a 6-core A12 Bionic processor and 3 GB of RAM - the “predecessor” had only 2 GB of RAM and an A8 chipset. For a better idea of the difference in performance, try using the iPhone XS after the 6th generation model.
The tablet received a TrueTone display of stunning clarity and an excellent rear camera capable of taking pictures at a level. However, there is one obvious detail that Apple did not want or could not work on - design... The "Apple" company does not seem to see the trend to reduce the display bezels - as a result, the bezels on the "five" are as thick as on the "four".
Note that the iPad Mini 4 is still on sale in 2019. Although its presence on the market is absurd in essence, since a new model with the same memory capacity costs only 4-5 thousand more.
Best in terms of price / quality ratio
iPad 2018
- Display: 9.7 inches, 2048x1536 resolution
- CPU: 4-core A10 @ 2.34 GHz + Apple M10 coprocessor
- Camera (back - front): 8 megapixels - 1.2 megapixels
- Memory (operational - user): 2 GB - 32 GB
- Battery: 32.4 W * h
- Colors: silver / gold / space gray
Price: from 28 290 rubles
If the small iPad in 2019 has been seriously updated compared to its "predecessor", then in the case of the "just iPad" model, Apple limited itself to "cosmetic repairs" and minor changes. Although even with this, iPad 2018 (6th generation) confidently intercepts the title of the best tablet from the iPad 2017 in terms of price / quality ratio due to the lack of worthy alternatives. Remember the hare from "Alice" by L. Carroll, who used to say the catchphrase that "you need to run just to stay in place." So, this expression cannot be applied to the tablet market, plunged into a lethargic sleep. Apple just doesn't need to run, since no one is catching up.
| Memory / Data transfer method | Wi-Fi | Cellular |
| 32 GB | RUB 19,780 | RUB 27,290 |
| 128 GB | RUB 26 888 | RUB 35,200 |
However, there are still a few important changes. The budget iPad in 2018 finally received support for the smart Apple Pencil, which previously only Pro models could work with. However, whether this is an advantage is a big question, because the "pencil" itself is not considered a budget accessory, it is not included in the kit, and on the market it has a price of about $ 100. Buying a stylus in addition to an inexpensive tablet for a third of the cost of the device itself is a strange step from the point of view of consumer logic.
The 6th generation iPad does not support Smart Keyboard - like the previous model.
It is also important to note that the iPad 2018 has seriously accelerated. It received the A10 processor, which the owners of the 7th generation iPhone are very familiar with. Previously, Apple did not complete any of its tablets with this processor. Judging by user reviews, the A10 chipset is enough for the device to work smoothly and cope with everyday routine tasks without problems - and even the fact that there is relatively little RAM (only 2 GB) does not negatively affect the tablet's performance.
The most functional
iPad Pro 11
- Display: 11 inches, resolution 2388 × 1668
- CPU:
- Camera (back - front): 12 Mpix - 7 Mpix
- Memory (operational - user): 5.5 GB - 64 GB
- Battery: 29.4 W * h
- Colors
Price: from 49 449 rubles
Apple introduced the Pro tablet update in October 2018. Then everyone looked at the new "pills" with open mouths with delight and with less unambiguous feelings - at their prices. A year later, the cost of the Pro line dropped slightly - by about a quarter - and it became a more tempting lot.
The iPad Pro, which was smaller, excuse the pun, turned out to be larger - the 10.5-inch model was replaced by the 11-inch one. At the same time, the dimensions of the device itself remained almost the same as before, and the increase in the diagonal was due to the narrowing of the frames. This made not all apple lovers happy, since it became even less convenient to use the tablet - now you have to put it on your palm.
However, it is difficult to find fault with something else besides ergonomics in the iPad Pro 11 - this is an absolutely top-end device that competes on the market, perhaps, only with its “older brother”. The model is distinguished by crazy performance, since it is equipped with the most powerful processor in the world at the moment, the A12X Bionic, and is suitable for performing absolutely any tasks - whether it be showing video content, playing tanks or processing a music track. Hence the high cost: iPad Pro 11 is more than just a pretty toy. It is a complete working tool for any creative profession. So the purchase of a new Pro can be safely regarded as an investment - the device will quickly pay off.
Giant
iPad Pro 12.9-inch
- Display: 12.9 inches, resolution 2732 × 2048
- CPU: 8-core A12X Bionic + Apple M12 coprocessor
- Camera (back - front): 12 Mpix - 7 Mpix
- Memory (operational - user): from 4 GB - from 64 GB
- Battery: 36.7 W * h
- Colors: silver / space gray
Price: from 59 940 rubles
The iPad Pro 12.9 is more of a niche device than the 11-inch model. For an ordinary user, 11 inches will be "for the eyes", and two extra ones will be rather a disadvantage than an advantage - who likes to carry a semi-TV with them?
Surely this is precisely the reason for the illogicality of Apple's pricing policy for the iPad Pro 12.9. The first thing that catches your eye is the minimal cost difference between the Wi-Fi and + Cellular models. Moreover, it becomes less, the more memory the tablet has - for example, a terabyte version with SIM card support is only 900 rubles (1%) more expensive than a device without a slot. A second example of inconsistency: some versions of the 12.9-inch tablet are generally cheaper than their 11-inch counterparts. We are talking about Cellular versions of 512 GB and 1 TB.
So who is the iPad Pro 12.9 for? First of all, for those who are forced to carry around a 1.5-kilogram laptop with them due to their work debt. The large iPad is offered precisely as an alternative to a laptop - thanks to the Apple Smart Keyboard Folio, it is convenient to type on the gadget. This tablet is also not a "fluff", but compared to weighty monsters stuffed with HDD and fans, it is 2 times lighter. It is also worth noting that Apple has worked out the ergonomics of the 2018 iPad to the best of its ability - it has become more compact than the device released in 2017 and has less weight.
The rest of the characteristics, with the exception of the screen diagonal, correspond to the characteristics of the iPad Pro 11 - the same pixel density per inch of the display (264 PPI), the same productive processor "under the hood". Both tablets are compatible with the 2nd generation Apple Pencil, a smart stylus that gives you a tremendous amount of creative ambition.
Which iPad is better to buy in 2019: a table
To make it easier for the user to decide which iPad to choose in 2019, we will collect the most important characteristics of current devices in one table:
|
Parameter / Model |
iPad Mini 5 |
iPad 2018 |
iPad Pro 11 |
iPad Pro 12.9 |
|
Display diagonal |
||||
|
CPU |
||||
|
Autonomy |
||||
|
Weight (without Cellular) |
300 grams |
469 grams |
468 grams |
|
|
Compatible with Apple Pencil? |
Yes, 1st generation |
Yes, 1st generation |
Yes, 2nd generation |
Yes, 2nd generation |
|
Number of speakers |
||||
|
Key feature |
Compact device |
Budget device |
High-tech device |
Large device |
It is clear from the table that Apple managed to avoid the so-called cannibalism- situations when several models are interchangeable, occupy the same niche, as a result of which the sales of one of them negatively affect the sales of the other. Each of the current iPad devices is aimed at a specific category of consumers.
Conclusion
The best option for a fan of Apple products in 2019 is, perhaps, the iPad Pro 11. This is one of the latest models, provided with top-end hardware, supporting all branded accessories of the manufacturer and having a small size. If you don't have enough money for the Pro 11, you should take a closer look at the iPad 2018 6th generation. You need to understand that both in terms of functionality and design, this device is significantly inferior, but at the same time it demonstrates good performance and has an extremely democratic price for Apple products - from 19 thousand rubles in the minimum configuration.
It is still better for the average user to refrain from purchasing the iPad Pro 12.9 - the "giant" is no better than the Pro 11, but at the same time it is more expensive and less convenient. Only those who find the 9.7-inch device too bulky would be wise to buy the iPad Mini 5 - although in this case it would be wiser to prefer a powerful one. Overall, the Mini line is like a dead horse that Apple keeps kicking, hoping to get up and ride. It seems that 7-8-inch tablets will soon completely "leave the scene" - they will be replaced by smartphones with a "6+" screen diagonal, which appear on sale more and more.
All iPads are similar to each other, like twin brothers, so looking at them from the side, it is quite difficult for an inexperienced person to determine which brand of device you have picked up. But in reality, not everything is so complicated. There are many nuances that will tell the user which tablet he is holding in his hands. Therefore, let's explore these nuances in order to easily determine the model of the device.
As you can see in the photo, it is quite easy to determine in which line of tablets a particular iPad is located. There are only three of them.
- A line of ten-inch tablets - they are simply called iPads.
- Eight-inch, called "Mini".
- And finally, a thirteen-inch line called "Pro".
The first iPad models
The very first tablet from Apple went on sale in 2010, and it's easy to define. This model went on sale only with a black screen and no camera. Therefore, a quick glance at such a tablet is enough to answer the question of how to find out which iPad I have. If there is no camera, then this is definitely the first generation iPad.
In addition, the appearance of the power connector is of great importance in determining the type of tablet. But the outward signs of the first generation of iPads betray them so eloquently that it is quite difficult to confuse them without even looking at
Tablets of the second and third generation
A year after the appearance of the first Apple tablets, the second version of the tablet is released, and soon the third. It is not so easy to recognize the difference between them visually. Therefore, in order to answer the question of how to find out which iPad I have, the second or third generation, you need to know their features well. If we talk about the physical size of these devices, then an experienced user will confidently say that the third generation iPad has grown a little fat, and can even detect this tablet by touch. But the average user, especially if he has never held such a tablet in his hands, will not be able to feel the 0.6 mm difference in thickness. The same goes for the power connector. In all three tablets of the first generations, the power connectors are thirty-pin, but in the third generation iPad it is slightly wider. But how do I know which iPad I have in my hands, if there are samples for comparison? Therefore, for owners of tablets, model numbers are written on the back.
- iPad 2 came out with numbers A 1395, A 1396 and A 1397.
- iPad 3 released with numbers A 1403, A 1416 and
By these numbers it is quite easy to determine the model of the device, but you need to know these numbers as a keepsake or keep records in some form.
Launch of iPad Mini
In 2012, Apple introduced a smaller tablet, just eight inches, called the iPad Mini. It was quite easy to recognize him among other tablets, since all models before him had a ten-inch size. But with the release of other models of this size, the question of how to find out which iPad ("Mini") I have in my hands becomes quite relevant. Starting with this model, the company is moving to a new power connector called Lightning. Externally, iPad Mini and iPad Mini 2 differ only in screen quality. The latest version of the tablet has a Retina display, which significantly improves image quality. The third generation Mini has a new golden color.
In addition, the following model numbers are printed on the rear:
- iPad Mini A 1432, A 1454 and
- iPad Mini 2 1458, A 1459, A 1460.
- iPad Mini 3 1599, A 1600, A 1601.
The emergence of the fourth generation iPad
In one year with the advent of the Mini tablet, Apple presents the fourth generation full-format iPad. In appearance, it does not differ much from its predecessors, but experienced users will be able to quickly distinguish it. A Lightning power connector and a Retina display appear in it. After a while, the full-size iPad Air and iPad Air 2 appear. When you look at them, the question of how to check which iPad I have should not arise. Since these models not only decreased in size, retaining a ten-inch screen, but also significantly lost weight. In addition, the iPad Air 2 has lost the mute switch, by the absence of which it can be easily distinguished from its older brother.
Other possibilities of determining the model of the iPad
There are several more ways to answer the question. The first and easiest one is to read the model brand on the tablet packaging. But you can not make a mistake only if the packaging has not yet been opened after manufacturing at the factory. In other cases, the tablet and the packaging often do not match.
The second way is when the tablet is on, enter its settings and open the "About this device" tab. It contains the batch number in which this tablet was released. Knowing him, on the Internet, it is enough to simply find the number of tablet models that were released in this batch. Thus, having found out a little about iPads, you can quite easily determine which model is in your hands, and do not let yourself be fooled.
IPad mini
IPad Air
IPad Pro
As you know, Apple has released several generations of tablets. Outwardly, these devices are very similar and it is not so easy to identify the iPad model. An advanced user or an Apple product specialist will be able to take a close look at the box, at the connectors, at the pixel detail and accurately name the iPad model.
But, how to determine the iPad model if this is the first time you hold the device in your hands? We will take a closer look at this in the next article, and you will find out in what ways to find out the model of your iPad.
How to identify iPad by serial number
To begin with, you can identify an iPad by its serial number. On the Apple technical support website, you can easily check your device and find out the model.
How can I determine the iPad model in a different way? If you still have a box from this device, turn it over and look at the sticker. On the sticker, the first line is in bold, where the iPad model is indicated. But, if the box is not native or you bought a device without a box at all, you can use another method.
How to find out the iPad model through iPhonefrom
It will also tell you how to determine which iPad service is iPhonefrom. To find out the version of the device using this service, you will need access to the Internet and the batch number of the device. Go to the website iPhonefrom.com and enter the batch number in the line, then the "find out" button. Here's another way to find out which iPad.
There are many simple ways to identify the iPad model: by serial number, by box, through special services, etc. Choose any convenient option and find out what generation of iPad you are using. Tell your friends an easy way to identify the iPad model.
Those who are well versed in Apple products will be able to tell the model by external signs or tell you how to determine the iPad number. It is easiest to identify the first generation tablets that appeared in 2010. The front panel of iPad 1 is only in black, and the device itself is angular, which quickly catches your eye.
How to identify the second generation iPad version? Quite simply, it is slightly smaller and thinner in size, and also has a camera, unlike the first. This model is equipped with a front and rear camera.
If you want to know how to determine the generation of iPad, read our article and use helpful tips. If you do not have access to the Internet and there is no way to identify your device, contact the Apple store. There you will find out exactly how to identify the iPad: by model number, by external features, etc.
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If it becomes necessary to determine the iPad model, it is quite simple to do this. There are two ways to do this at once: by the model number on the back of the case or by directly observable external features of the device. Unlike the iPhone, the easiest way to determine the model of which is to connect the gadget to iTunes, connecting the iPad to Apple's media player will not give the desired result, since iTunes does not display information about the generation of the device.
Thus, the easiest way to recognize the iPad model is to pay attention to the model number indicated on the back of the device at the very bottom, in the center:
The model code itself will not tell the tablet owner anything unless he or she is an Apple connoisseur. Therefore, we bring to your attention a table that allows you to determine the iPad model by code. Also, in the table you will find a description of the external features of tablets of different generations.
Identifying the iPad model by code and external features
iPad Air
- Models:
- A1474 on iPad Air Wi-Fi
- A1475 on the iPad Air Wi-Fi + Cellular
Visual cues: White or black bezel, narrow side bezel, 9.7-inch Retina display, silver or dark gray aluminum chassis, Lightning connector. Two speakers from the bottom.
iPad (4th generation)
- Models:
- A1458 on the iPad (4th generation) Wi-Fi
- A1459 on the iPad (4th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular
- A1460 on the iPad (4th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular (MM)
Memory capacity: 16, 32, 64, 128 GB
Visuals: White or black bezel, 9.7-inch Retina display, silver or dark gray aluminum chassis, Lightning connector. Wide bezel around the display.
iPad (3rd generation)
- Models:
- A1403 on the iPad (3rd generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular (VZ)
- A1430 on the iPad (3rd generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular
- A1416 on the iPad (3rd generation) Wi-Fi
Memory capacity: 16, 32, 64 GB
Visual signs: White or black bezel, wide 30-pin connector.
iPad 2
- Models:
- A1397 on iPad 2 (CDMA model)
- A1396 on iPad 2 (GSM model);
- A1395 on the Wi-Fi-enabled iPad 2.
Memory capacity: 16, 32, 64 GB
Visual cues: White or black bezel, 30-pin connector Slightly thinner than the 3rd generation model (8.8mm versus 9.4mm). The display has a lower resolution - pixels are visible.
iPad
- Models:
- A1337 on iPad Wi-Fi + 3G
- A1219 on the Wi-Fi-enabled iPad.
Memory capacity: 16, 32, 64 GB
Visual signs: black bezel, aluminum back. 30-pin connector, no camera.
Identifying the iPad Mini model by code and appearance
iPad mini with Retina display ()
- Models:
- A1489 on iPad mini with Retina display with Wi-Fi support
- A1490 on the iPad mini retina Wi-Fi + Cellular.
Memory capacity: 16, 32, 64, 128 GB
Visuals: White or black bezel, 7.9-inch Retina display with no pixels visible, silver or dark gray aluminum chassis, Lightning connector.
iPad mini
- Models:
- A1432 on iPad mini Wi-Fi
- A1454 on the iPad mini Wi-Fi + Cellular
- A1455 on the iPad mini Wi-Fi + Cellular (MM)
Memory capacity: 16, 32, 64 GB
Visual cues: White or black bezel, silver or dark gray aluminum housing, Lightning connector. It is possible to see the pixels.
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