Currently there are four different iPad models, the iPad Air, Retina iPad mini, iPad 2, and iPad mini. When you know the differences between each of them, it will help you choose the perfect model for you. All four models have Wi-Fi only or Wi-Fi and cellular models available and they all come with 16 GB. The iPad Air and Retina iPad mini also have 32 GB, 64 GB, and 128 GB storage options along with the 16 GB version. If storage is important to you, then you will definitely want an iPad Air or Retina iPad mini.
There are two color options available for the iPad Air, Retina iPad mini, and iPad mini including a white glass faceplate with sliver aluminum back or a black glass faceplate with a space gray aluminum back. The iPad two has white and black faceplate options, but the backs are the same aluminum color regardless of which one you choose. If you have a color preference, you will want to keep this mind. With all the cases available, you can color coordinate to your favorite colors no matter what they are.
The iPad Air and iPad 2 both have 9.7 inch display screens but the iPad Air has a 2048×1536 Retina display at 264 pixels per inch (ppi). This is the most vibrant screen available in the Apple lineup and it makes photos, videos and games look almost real instead of virtual. The iPad 2 has a 1024×768 standard display at 168 ppi, which is still okay, but not close to the retina display. The Retina iPad mini has a 7.9-inch screen with the retina display at 2048×1536, which makes it even higher density at 326 ppi.
As far as power goes, the iPad 2 and iPad mini are powered by the 2011 Apple A5 chipset. This does okay, but it doesn’t keep up with the 2013 Apple A7 chipset and Apple M7 motion coprocessor that are in the iPad Air and Retina iPad Mini. This coprocessor is the most powerful processor to ever go into a tablet. Needless to say, if you are a gamer or will be running a lot of apps all at once, the iPad Air and Retina iPad Mini are a better choice for you.
If cameras are important to you, avoid the iPad 2, it has the worst front and rear camera because it’s only 720p for the rear camera and 1.2 megapixel, 720p for the front, but no backside illumination. The iPad Air, Retina iPad mini, and iPad mini all have iSight rear cameras with 5 megapixel stills and 30fps 1080p video. These also have backside illuminated sensors with 5-elements, hybrid infrared filters, face detection, auto- and tap-to-focus, auto stabilization, high-dynamic range (HDR), and panorama modes.
As far as battery life goes, all four iPad models have up to ten hours of Wi-Fi surfing, video or music playback and the cellular capable models offer up to nine hours. To connect to your computer or a wall outlet to power up your battery the iPad Air, Retina iPad mini, and iPad mini use the new, intelligent Lightning connector. The iPad 2 uses the old 30-pin Dock connector. That means it’ll work with older accessories, but not new ones.