The latest iPad models come with a built-in cellular connectivity option. There is no need to search for public Wi-Fi to access the internet. All you need to do is enable cellular data to attend important video conferences at any time and any place. Send office files and other documents easily using the iPad with a cellular connection.
If you’re planning to buy an iPad, you might be wondering whether to get the model with cellular data or Wi-Fi. Well, let us make it clear that iPads with cellular data will be the best option for entrepreneurs.
Do you play popular single-player games like Among Us or Minecraft? Consider getting iPads that allow you to connect the device to cellular data.
Now, let’s see all the pros and cons of iPad with cellular capabilities:
Pros of an iPad with a Cellular Connection
The new 12.9-inch iPad Pro, 11-inch iPad Pro and iPad Air ( 3rd Generation or later) are cellular models. Additionally, you can use the cellular data on iPad ( 7th Generation or later) and iPad Mini ( 5th and 6th Generation).
Millions of business owners are using iPads with cellular on the go. You will never miss a meeting when the device’s cellular data is on. However, such pros of cellular iPhone models are not limited to business. If you are a college student or creative professional, you can also use it.
Here are the advantages of using an iPad that has cellular connectivity:
Portability
You can’t always expect to find a high-speed Wi-Fi connection when outside the office premises. Thus, having mobile connectivity can help you to perform bandwidth activities. From surfing the web to sending important emails, you can do everything on an iPad with cellular. Besides, you can watch a movie while travelling using the device’s cellular data
.
Get an iPad that supports 5G networks to access the internet at lightning-fast speed. Almost all the new iPads have a 5G connection. Choose the best mobile carrier that offers budget-friendly mobile data plans.
Don’t forget to check the internet speed the cellular network offers. For an iPad, 20-30 Mbps speed will be more than enough.
GPS Connectivity
Apple includes a high-end GPS chip on the iPads with cellular models. You can access the navigation apps like Google Maps, TeleNav and Waze on the device. These iPad apps are essential for locating nearby gas stations or hotels while travelling. All you need to do is turn on the mobile data to use the navigation apps.
Moreover, iPads with a cellular connection have a “Find My Device” feature. If you lost the iPad, you could locate where it is if this feature is on. However, it’s recommended not to turn on cellular data constantly. It could generate excess heat and damage the iPad’s built-in battery.
More Storage Capacity
An Apple iPad with cellular offers more storage space than one without it. However, the storage capacity of the iPads may vary from one model to another.
For instance, the 12.9-inch and 11-inch iPad has 128GB storage space which can be expanded to 2TB. Thus, there is no need to install an additional memory card when using iPads with cellular.
However, the storage space of the new iPad Air with cellular data ranges from 64-256GB. You will get 32-128GB memory on the iPad (7th Generation). Besides, the iPad Mini (5th and 6th Generation) also offers 64-256GB flash memory. If you need more storage space, go with the latest cellular iPad Pro models.
Faster Download Speeds
The iPad’s 5G connection helps you to download 6GB of movies and music in seconds. Besides, you can access any file from the internet at a much faster speed using the iPad mobile data.
Additionally, it makes video calls and online chats easier. You can also FaceTime your friends or colleagues anytime without experiencing network issues. So, you can do more with an iPad that has a built-in cellular connection.
Large Screen Size
Cellular iPad models have bigger screen sizes and more screen resolutions. The Wi-Fi-only iPads have 10.2-inch and 10.9-inch screens. However, you will get a 12.9-inch and 11-inch display on the iPads with cellular.
There is also a resolution of 2244×1668 pixels on these devices, which offers better picture quality. A large and better resolution allows users to scroll or read the articles conveniently.
Super-Fast Performance
The boost in performance is one of the major reasons to buy iPads with cellular. All the new cellular iPhone models have an M2 processor. It has a 16-core Neural Engine, which provides 40% faster performance than the M1 chip.
Moreover, you can work on multiple editing software easily on these iPads. iPads with a cellular connection can also handle intensive workloads easily.
Cons of iPads with a Cellular Connection
Despite all these advantages, cellular iPad models have certain drawbacks. Before buying these devices, you must check their limitations.
Here are the possible reasons why most individual avoids buying iPads with cellular:
Expensive
The cost of Wi-Fi-only iPads is less than the iPads with cellular. For instance, you can get the 10.9-inch iPad Pro at $499 and the iPad Mini 4 at $209. However, it will take $1099 to buy the latest 12.9-inch iPad Pro with cellular.
The price of the cellular 11-inch iPad Pro is $799. However, the price might vary depending on the iPad colour or memory size you choose.
Limited Carrier Options
The 12.9-inch iPad Pro iPad Mini (5th Generation) and iPad Air (3rd Generation) have a built-in Apple SIM. It allows the users to choose from various carriers without installing any additional SIM card.
iPad users must go with AT&T, Verizon or T-mobile to get high-speed cellular data. However, these mobile carriers don’t provide cellular service in all countries. So, you must check the available carrier options before buying iPads with cellular.
Cellular Data Plans & Battery Longevity
You will need to subscribe to a monthly cellular data plan to access the internet on the iPad. However, these data plans will add an extra cost and may end up getting expensive in the long run. Besides, the battery will drain quickly when using the iPad’s cellular data.
Pros and Cons of iPad with Cellular – Should You Buy the Device?
The iPads with cellular are not cost-effective compared to the Wi-Fi-only models. However, all the downsides of the iPad overshadow the benefits it offers. Thus, if you are not running on a tight budget, consider buying the new iPads with cellular. Go to the nearby Apple store and get the best iPad for you.