Apple’s latest iPad has arrived, and though the excitement is genuine, everyone wants to know the same thing: Is it an actual upgrade or merely a glitzy rehash of last year’s version? The iPad 2025 does have some luscious upgrades, but does it go far enough to impress us? Let’s get down to it.
What’s New with the iPad 2025?
Some interesting changes have been made by Apple with this release:
- Storage capacity bumped up to 128GB (no more 64GB hassles!).
- A16 Bionic chip takes the place of the A14 for improved performance.
- 6GB of RAM over 4GB for easier multitasking.
- Slightly better battery life to keep you going longer.
- Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 for quicker, more stable connectivity.
- No flash on the rear camera, which feels like an odd omission.
Design & Build: Familiar but Still Sleek
At first glance, you’d be forgiven for thinking this is the same tablet as last year’s. The iPad 2025 sticks to Apple’s signature aluminum unibody design—sleek, sturdy, and undeniably premium. The fingerprint sensor remains baked into the power button for convenience.
The color choices are spot on:
- Silver
- Pink
- Yellow
- Blue
As much as the design is unmistakably beautiful, it’s difficult to get around the sense that Apple kept it a bit on the safe side this time around.
The Display: Good but Far from Great
The 11-inch IPS LCD screen is quite adequate for streaming, browsing, or productivity. It has a 2K resolution, 500 nits of brightness, and therefore, sharp, lively-looking images—inside, anyway.
Of course, there are some obvious limitations:
- The 60Hz refresh rate is stale when so many devices now sport 120Hz ProMotion screens.
- The non-laminated screen creates a visible gap between the display and the touch layer. It may not be irritating to casual users, but for artists or heavy writers using the Apple Pencil, it’s suboptimal.
Performance: A Bigger Brain with the A16 Chip
This is where the magic happens. The A16 Bionic processor delivers noticeable bumps in speed and efficiency, leaving this iPad running faster than it ever has. Multitasking is silky-smooth, applications launch instantly, and even visually intensive games such as BGMI and Call of Duty operate consistently at 60 FPS.
A quick comparison for you:
| Feature | iPad 10th Gen | iPad 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | A14 Bionic | A16 Bionic |
| RAM | 4GB | 6GB |
| Storage Options | 64GB/256GB | 128GB |
For learners, recreational gamers, and regular consumers, such performance is more than sufficient. However, if you’re seeking flagship-grade power, you may want to consider the iPad Pro instead.
Cameras: Functional, Not Fabulous
Let’s be honest—nobody purchases an iPad for its camera. The 12MP rear camera is excellent for photographing documents or the occasional shot, but not having a flash makes low-light photographs a serious problem.
The front-facing 12MP ultra-wide camera, however, is lovely. With Center Stage, your video calls remain smooth and professional, keeping you centered no matter how much you’re moving about.
| Feature | Rear Camera | Front Camera |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 12MP Wide camera, ƒ/1.8 aperture | 12MP Center Stage camera, ƒ/2.4 aperture |
| Zoom | Digital zoom up to 5x | Not applicable |
| Lens | Five-element lens | Lens correction |
| Autofocus | Autofocus with Focus Pixels | Auto image stabilization |
| Panorama | Up to 63MP | Not applicable |
| HDR | Smart HDR 4 | Smart HDR 4 |
| Photo Formats | HEIF and JPEG | Not applicable |
| Flash | Not applicable | Retina Flash |
| Burst Mode | Supported | Supported |
| Video Recording – 4K | 24, 25, 30, 60 fps | Not applicable |
| Video Recording – 1080p HD | 25, 30, 60 fps | 25, 30, 60 fps |
| Video Recording – 720p HD | 30, 60 fps | Not applicable |
| Slow-Motion Video | 1080p (120 fps, 240 fps) | Not applicable |
| Time-Lapse Video | Stabilized | Stabilized |
| Dynamic Range | Extended up to 30 fps | Extended up to 30 fps |
| Video Stabilization | Image and cinematic stabilization | Cinematic stabilization (1080p, 720p) |
| Playback Zoom | Supported | Not applicable |
| Video Formats | HEVC and H.264 | Not applicable |
Battery Life: Enough to Get You Through
Apple guarantees 10–12 hours of usage, and in our real-world tests, it performs quite well. Whether you’re streaming, working, or gaming, you’ll easily get a day’s use out of the battery.
Charging is also easy, thanks to the bundled 20W charger and the USB-C to USB-C braided cable (yes, it’s great to see these bundled in the box).
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Battery Type | Up to 9 hours of surfing the web using a cellular data network (Wi-Fi + Cellular models) |
| Usage Time (Wi-Fi) | Up to 10 hours of surfing the web or watching video |
| Charging Options | Charging via power adapter or USB-C to computer system |
| Usage Time (Cellular) | Up to 9 hours of surfing the web using cellular data network (Wi-Fi + Cellular models) |
Accessories: The Usual Choices
Apple retained the initial Apple Pencil, which makes it somewhat unimpressive. It doesn’t have the magnetically charging feature of the second-gen, and the non-laminated screen doesn’t facilitate the Pencil experience either.
If your intention is productivity, combining this with a keyboard case or Magic Keyboard can actually turn it into a decent productivity device.
Connectivity: Modern Upgrades
The inclusion of Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 is a welcome upgrade, ensuring faster speeds and better reliability. The Cellular version adds 5G support, but it comes with a catch—there’s no physical SIM slot, meaning you’ll need to use an eSIM.
Pricing: A Reasonable Sweet Spot
Apple has priced the iPad 2025 competitively:
- 128GB Wi-Fi: ₹35,000 (Approx.)
- 128GB Cellular: ₹40,000+ (Approx.)
You’ll likely find discounts that make it even more affordable, especially for students.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| A16 Bionic chip delivers fast, smooth performance | No flash on the rear camera, making low-light photos difficult |
| 128GB base storage is a welcome improvement | The non-laminated screen feels outdated |
| No support for a 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate | No support for 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate |
| Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 ensure faster, more reliable connections | Lacks compatibility with second-gen Apple Pencil |
| Bundled 20W charger—no extra purchase needed |
Verdict: Should You Buy It?
The iPad 2025 is an excellent option for first-time buyers, students, and occasional users. The enhanced chip, 128GB minimum storage, and enhanced connectivity features make it a good all-rounder. But if you already have the iPad 10th Gen, the upgrades may be too incremental to warrant spending again.
If you want an actual powerhouse, though, you might consider an iPad Pro or iPad Air instead. But for the price and functionality, the iPad 2025 is impossible to beat for most individuals.
FAQs
1. Does the iPad 2025 support Apple Pencil 2?
No, it only supports the first-gen Apple Pencil.
2. Is the iPad 2025 good for gaming?
Yes, it can handle BGMI, Call of Duty, and Genshin Impact at 60 FPS, but don’t expect flagship-level performance.
3. Can I use it for professional video editing?
Basic editing is fine, but for professional work, an iPad Pro is a better choice.
4. Does it support 5G?
Yes, but only on the Cellular model, and no physical SIM slot is available.
5. Should I upgrade from iPad 10th Gen?
Not necessarily, unless you really need the A16 chip and 128GB base storage.
