Technology has provided us with many gadgets that make our lives easier. Among those gadgets are the iPad and Tablet. Despite being on the market for a long time, there’s still confusion about the difference between them.

In order to make things clearer, we have provided you with a detailed analysis of the difference between ipad and tablet so you can make the right choice.

Let’s dive in!

What is a Tablet?

A tablet is a smaller, portable personal computer. You can use a tablet for the same things you would use a laptop for listening to music, watching videos, texting your friends, sending emails, or using it as a reading device. 

The only disadvantage is that you can’t make calls on a tablet. Even if the tablet has the calling capabilities, a Bluetooth set is needed.

A tablet doesn’t require a keyboard as a personal computer does. It is operated by touching the screen. The most popular operating systems that are run on tablets are:

  • iOS (for Apple)

  • Google’s Android

  • Microsoft Windows.

Windows tablets are suitable for Microsoft Office so they can be used for work purposes. A stable Wi-FI connection or 3G, 4G data is needed and you are set to get the most of a tablet’s features. 

Benefits of a tablet

An Android tablet comes with tons of benefits. Here are some of them:

  1. The option to customize the device is one of Android tablets’ most appealing features. You have the freedom to customize it to your preferences and needs;

  2. Probably one of the biggest strengths of tablets is the wide array of products that you can choose from. From more known brands like Samsung Galaxy to lesser-known ones Kindle Fire, you can pick and choose from the thousands of options out there;

  3. Google Play has grown exponentially in the last few years. The pool of apps is now richer than ever, containing almost the same amount of apps as Apple’s App Store;

  4. Unlike iPads, tablets offer the option to multitask to their users. This means that you can run multiple apps at the same time in the background while using one;

  5. Micro SD cards can be used with tablets to expand storage. Although some tablets don’t support this option;

  6. Android tablets are perfect for those on a budget as they are significantly cheaper than Apple’s iPads. Kindle Fire and Google Nexus are quite affordable options with good qualities.

Disadvantages of a tablet

But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows with Android tablets. The disadvantages need to be taken into account as well. Here are some of them:

  1. It’s not simple and user-intuitive but with regular usage, you will master it;

  2. Compared to the Apple’s store, Google Play Store has less apps and most of them are not suitable to work on tablets;

  3. Another disadvantage is that Android systems use an open system. Anyone can create an Android app and launch it on Google Play store. This gives a sheer opening to the appearance of some harmful apps. But at the same time, programmers have the accessibility to create more Android apps.

What is an iPad?

An iPad is considered as a type of tablet that is produced by Apple and it runs on the iOS operating system. It’s also the brand name of Apple’s collection of tablets. The iPad stands for a single product rather than a variety of products. 

Apple is the leading tablet vendor in Australia and takes up 53.92% of the worldwide tablet market. Similarly to an Android tablet, it offers users to watch videos, play music, send and write emails, manage files, etc. To access all these features users can download the apps from the Apple App Store. Over one million apps for iPad can be found on the App store. 

iPad is said to be a mixture of Apple iPhone and iPod Touch with some computational properties. However, it can’t fully replace computers or laptops.

Benefits of an iPad

Apple’s iPad has some impressive advantages that are worth mentioning:

  1. One clear advantage is that iPads tend to function smoother than other tablets;

  2. iPads are proven to be a lot more user-friendly and intuitive to use than Android tablets. The iOS operating system continues to lure in users with its easy-to-use interface and best application development environment. This makes it perfect for different types of audiences;

  3. iPads allow close integration between devices. You can transfer or copy and paste any files from your iPad to MacBook and vice versa;

  4. Due to the deep integration of Apple’s iOS with Twitter and Facebook, it’s easier to post and share on these social platforms;

  5. The Apple App Store contains over two million apps for every iOS device, iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. Out of those apps, one million are exclusively designed for iPad. Still to this day, the Apple App Store has a list of the most popular and well-received applications.

Disadvantages of iPad

  1. The iPad can’t enlarge the storage capacity which can get you in trouble if you ran out of storage space. It also doesn’t take any micro-SD cards or any other external storage devices due to the lack of USB ports. However, don’t fret as there are some devices that can enable more storage through Wi-Fi and Apple’s lightning port;

  2. One of the biggest drawbacks according to iPad consumers is the limitations of customization. There is simply no way to change the initial pattern of rows and columns for now;

  3. The sky-rocketing prices of iPads also push customers away. Considering the current iPad prices, you can get a good quality Android tablet for a smaller amount.

Main differences between iPad and Tablet

Some key differences can be noticed between an iPad and a tablet. The table below compares the two devices according to their features and components.

NOTE: The information about the iPad is inserted according to the features and components of iPad Air (2022, 5th Gen). For the Android tablet, Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 (2022) Ultra was taken for comparison.

iPad vs Tablet cost

Under Apple’s tablet line there are several products that are offered on the market. The price can go as low as $329 for a standard iPad and the highest one is $1,649 for the newest iPad Pro. Here are the latest versions of the iPad and their price range.

10.2-inch iPad (8th-gen, 2020)

The 10.2-inch version of the iPad was launched in September 2020. 

It has the same Apple A12 chip as the iPhone XS. This allows you to surf the net, send emails, watch videos, etc. However, the performance of the chip might slow down as the years go by.

Apple’s Pencil and the Smart Keyboard which doesn’t require Bluetooth to connect.

This iPad is approved by different types of users because of its features and value.

This price range for the 10.20-inch iPad is the following:

iPad Air (4th-gen, 2020)

The iPad Air with its 10.9 display was launched in September 2020.

It’s powered by Apple’s A14 chip and it’s also updated to support USB-C besides the Lightening Ports. Apple’s Pencil and the latest Magic Keyboard come with this version of iPad.

Most people are taken in by its light design, long battery life, and the Touch ID that has been moved to the top button.

Here are the prices for the iPad Air, 4th-gen:

  • iPad Air (Wi-Fi) with 64GB storage) – AU$899
  • iPad Air (Wi-Fi )with 256GB storage) – AU$1129
  • iPad Air (Cellular) with 64GB storage) – AU$1099
  • iPad Air (Cellular) with 256GB storage) – AU$1329

iPad Pro (4th-gen, 2020)

iPad Pro is one of Apple’s most expensive tablets and for a reason. It has Apple’s A12Z as a processor so it can be used for computer processing. iPad Pro would be the most beneficial to those who plan to use it for work purposes.

iPad Pro comes with Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard Folio. The overall cost would definitely go up if you decided to get these peripherals.

The pricing for the iPad Pro is the following:

  • 128GB – Starts at AU$ 1649
  • 256GB – Starts at AU$ 1819
  • 512GB – Starts at AU$ 2159
  • 1TB – Starts at AU$ 2499

As the Android tablet stands for a variety of tablets from different manufacturers, we provided a short description of three different tablet brands:

Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite measures 9.6 by 6.1 inches. It’s covered with a bezel around the sides, which doesn’t allow the home button or fingerprint option.

The way that it differs from the iPads is the USB-C port and the 3.5mm headphone jack on the top. But one of its most interesting features is the S Pen stylus. The Pen magnetically clips to the side of the tablet and doesn’t fall off.

Not to mention the rich stereo speakers that are on the sides. Having all these features really makes its price, AU$ 549, such a bargain.

Onyx Boox Max Lumi 2

If you’re looking for an oversized tablet, this is the one. Max Lumi’s frame is 12.2 inches and has a slimness of 0.3 inches. 

The tablet offers built-in speakers and a microphone but it doesn’t feature a headphone jack. Almost all Android apps can be run on it which isn’t the case with many tablets.

This type of 13-inch tablet is perfect for those who are keen on taking notes. Lawyers or academics can split the screen, use one half for reading, and the other for notes.

Max Lumi 2 can be a bit pricey as it costs AU$ 1359, however, if you don’t need such a big screen, you can always go with the 10.3 inches Onyx Note Air 2 for AU$ 769.

Lenovo Yoga Tab 13

The 13-inch Yoga Tab is great for entertainment, but not so great at portability. It’s one of the heaviest tablets to carry.

However, its display is like no other. The colours are bright and dynamic all because of Dolby Vision support. You will appreciate this the most during the gaming activities.

If you want to use a pen while working, Yoga Tab 13 supports the Lenovo Active Pen 2. Another interesting feature is the Google Entertainment Space. This is made specifically for tablets, you can swipe right from the home screen and you will be presented with a selection of movies, videos, books, and podcasts. 

The price for this unconventional tablet is AU$ 1,000.

iPad vs Tablet – Safety

Although it’s proven that it’s more likely to get a virus on a desktop than on a tablet, these devices are still vulnerable to viruses.

The reason why it’s harder to get a virus on a tablet is because of the stores for downloading applications. Google Play and the Apple App Store are the safest places and ways to download your applications…

iPad users have a bit of an advantage here because of how Apple’s operating system functions. However, you can still get viruses by visiting shady websites.

How can you spot if your tablet has gotten a virus?

Most viruses run in the background, without giving signs of existence. But some can cause:

  • Quick battery loss;
  • Application crash;
  • Unexplained charges;
  • Surge of data;
  • Emergence of unwanted programs.

How to protect your tablet from viruses?

Here are a few tips on how to protect your tablet from viruses:

  1. Only download from app stores such as Google Play Store and Apple App Store;

  2. Don’t open any links or messages from unreliable sources;

  3. Always update your tablet to the newest software version;

  4. When connecting your tablet to another device make sure that the device is free of viruses;

  5. Download and install some security software.

Bottom Line

There you have it, we gathered as much information as possible about the difference between iPad and Tablet. Now soak it in and make the best decision for you. Happy buying!

Read all about iPhone and Samsung differences in this insightful article. 

1. Does a tablet need Wi-Fi?

Yes, you will need Wi-Fi to experience all the features that a tablet can offer but you can also use 3G or 4G as a replacement.

2. Is an iPad better than a Samsung tablet?

If you want more creativity then the iPad is the one for you. But if you are in need of something which offers flexibility, customization, and freedom then pick a Samsung tablet. If you are still unsure, check this article for the difference between iPad and Tablet.