iPad vs iPad Air: Which Apple tablet is right for you?

The base-model iPad is a fantastic deal. Apple's cheapest tablet has a large, high-resolution screen, the full power of iPadOS 26, and all-day battery life. It's a very capable tablet at a fantastic starting price, but lacks the larger display option and supercharged internals of the more powerful iPad Air.

When it comes to buying a new iPad, making a choice can be difficult. Apple’s tablet lineup has expanded in recent years, and now contains a total of six models under four different names (due to some models having different screen size options).

Naturally, many iPad customers will look to the lower end of the lineup in a bid to not overspend; while the high-end iPad Pro is a lovely bit of kit, its high price point and extreme hardware power will be overkill for some users.

The standard iPad, once one of the more premium devices ...