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What is the difference between iPad and tablet?

One of the most common questions among tablet users is the difference between iPad and tablet devices. The idea that Tablets and iPads are the same thing is wrong.

Although they may look the same, the two devices are different. In this article, we will explain the similarities and differences between iPads and tablets. Before we go any further, let us answer two fundamental questions that are What is an iPad and What is a regular Tablet?

What Is an iPad?

The iPad is a brand name manufactured by Apple to serve as small computer-like devices with a touch screen. Basically, an iPad is a tablet from Apple. All iPads run on a common iPad OS or iOS. This system is similar to iPads and all other Apple ecosystem products such as iPhone and MAC computers.

their lightweight build proved advantageous for watching movies and videos, storing files, and playing games. iPads largely compete with Android Tablets such as Samsung and Lenovo tablets, depicting very similar specifications. However, there exist crucial differences that will help differentiate the two.

What Is a Tablet PC?

Samsung Tablet

A tablet PC is an electronic device that is larger than a Smartphone but smaller than a laptop. It is internet-enabled and features a sensitive touchscreen display. Like iPads, tablet PCs are designed to be user-friendly and lightweight. They offer better portability compared to laptops and Notebooks.

Tablets can easily be used as Windows laptops or PC alternatives thanks to their powerful processing power, user-friendly OS, and interface. The accessories on Tablet PCs such as a mouse-like trackpad and external keyboards make them easy laptops and PC alternatives.

iPad Vs Tablet Comparison

difference between an ipad and a tablet

A tablet’s definition is simply a small touchscreen computer that is larger than an ordinary smartphone. It serves all the purposes of a smartphone and works quite impressively as a mini-computer.

As stated before, several companies produce drawing tablets. The top brands include Wacom, Huion, and GAOMON, just to mention a few. Most of these brands make drawing tablets that require a computer to use.

Android tablets and iPads are other alternatives for standalone and fully portable tablets. Although you can connect to a computer, you do not need a computer to use it. Tablets vary when it comes to operating systems, with popular ones including Google’s Android, Microsoft’s Windows, and Apple’s IOS.

IPads Vs. Tablet PC Comparison

iPads are a line of tablets manufactured only by Apple Inc. Tablets on the other hand represent a variety of different brands manufacturing competing tablets. For example, Samsung, Windows, and Lenovo are some main players.

Tablets will run on different types of operating systems such as Android or Windows. iPads only use the iPadOS operating system. Generally, tablets offer more versatility compared to iPads.

For example, whereas tablets can run multiple apps simultaneously, iPads will display challenges when interacting with multiple applications at the same time. iPads are generally more expensive compared to other tablets.

Advantages of an iPad Compared to a Tablet

Compared to tablets, iPads are lighter and feature a slimmer design making them easier to carry around. To add to this, iPads feature a longer battery life that further makes them usable away from a power source.

Overall, iPads feature better specifications compared to tablets. Android tablets used to have a better OLED screen but since 2024, iPads have created a new iPad Pro 13 M4 tablet with an OLED screen to better compete. It still features an iOS operating system with iCloud storage.

Many iPad Tablets feature better security features such as Facial recognition on the iPad Pro 12.9 inch and Touch ID on the iPad Mini and iPad Air.

iPads feature a better display resolution and brightness compared to tablet PCs. For example, many Android tablets feature 500 nits brightness and Full HD 1920 x 1080 pixels resolution. Most iPads like the iPad Pro 12.9 inches, on the other hand, feature 1000 nits brightness and 2732 x 2048 pixels resolution.

The new iPad Pro 13 M4 and iPad Pro 12.9 M2 chip processors feature the best processors in the industry. Tablet PCs do not even come close to this processing power.

One of the most important advantages of the iPad is the easy integration with Apple Ecosystem products like Apple Watch, MAC, iPhone, and any other Apple Product. If you have any other Apple device, iPads allow easy integration allowing easy data transfer and sharing.

If you are into Videography the iPad comes with a reliable front and rear camera that will help record your videos in high quality video at 1080 pixels. Apple iPads can also be used as gaming devices thanks to their powerful Apple M2, M1, and M4 processors and large 8 to 32 GB RAM.

What are the disadvantages of an iPad compared to a tablet?

Tablets are far cheaper compared to iPads. They also come with more free accessories, such as the S Pen and free Pen Nibs on the Galaxy S8 Ultra. These are not available on the iPad, with all Pencils and accessories bought separately.

Although iPads have many storage space options, you will have to buy the next storage space size at an extra cost. Tablets on the other hand feature expandable storage using a MicroSD card slot.

iPad vs. Tablet Specifications

Generally, iPads have better specifications compared to tablets. For example, iPads have larger internal storage as compared to tablets, allowing the saving of large files and software.

On the topic of files and programs, however, it is easier to transfer files using a tablet as compared to iPads. iPads, as most of Apple’s products’ protection measures limit most transfer protocols, hence making it difficult as compared to the easy-use tablets.

When it comes to budget, iPads are quite expensive as compared to tablets, but tablets also have their chain of expensive gadgets made by either features or background companies.

Difference between iPad and tablet: Detailed Spec Comparisons

When comparing iPads to other tablets, it becomes evident that Apple’s devices excel in several key areas. For instance, the latest iPad Pro showcases a stunning Liquid Retina display equipped with ProMotion technology, ensuring smooth visuals and responsiveness, complemented by the powerful A12Z Bionic chip that enhances performance across applications.

Meanwhile, the iPad Air boasts a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display and the A14 Bionic chip, making it a versatile companion for both productivity tasks and entertainment.

These specifications highlight Apple’s commitment to delivering high-resolution screens, robust processors, and extended battery life, setting iPads apart in the competitive tablet landscape.

Market Trends and Evolution

The tablet market has witnessed significant evolution, driven largely by innovations from leading brands like Apple. iPads have pioneered trends by redefining tablets as viable alternatives to traditional laptops, a shift catalyzed by the introduction of the iPad Pro 12.9 and iPad Pro 13 M4 in 2024.

This transformation has influenced consumer preferences toward devices that offer not only portability but also the performance capabilities required for demanding tasks.

Concurrently, hybrid devices such as the Microsoft Surface series have expanded the market by blending tablet functionality with the productivity features of laptops.

Despite this, iPads maintain dominance through their seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem, continuous hardware advancements, and the growing demand for tablets that serve as powerful productivity tools.

Company

One of the main differences between iPads and drawing tablets is the company they are manufactured by. iPads are manufactured by Apple, while drawing tablets are from various companies such as GAOMON, Wacom, Huion, XP-Pen, and many others.

Connectivity

iPads all have an inbuilt computer and a screen, meaning they don’t need a computer connected to use them. Drawing tablets, on the other hand, come in different types. Most brands create drawing tablets with screens but no computer, such as the GAOMON PD1161 from GAOMON.

However, older brands such as Wacom and Huion have in recent years come up with their own standalone tablets that are not computer-dependent.

Operating Platform

All iPads run on Apple’s IOS, while tablets use different operating systems such as Android, Microsoft’s Windows, and Apple’s IOS. When it comes to online videos and videos, iPads do not support Flash videos and Flash games, while tablets fully support them.

Multitasking is a task that most users prefer, and Apple’s iPad downplays this role. Tablets, on the other hand, allow you to interact with multiple applications to the maximum.

Software compatibility

Although iPads exhibit a load of software as compared to tablets, they are not compatible with most software on the market. Tablets come as a shell with little software and allow you to take your path depending on what software you need.

Body and Build

iPads feature an impressive premium build on all their products, with a variety of color options and features. Alternatively, since tablets are a product of different companies, the nature of the build can be quite difficult to establish, but what is obvious is that the higher the budget, the better the build.

The difference between iPad and tablet Conclusion

We promised you an honest opinion on which is better, the iPad or the tablet. Honestly, it all depends on user preference. iPads are impressive, premium products from one of the best-rated companies. The IOS operating system and quality screen display technology are two of their greatest advantages.

On the bad side, they are not compatible with a list of likable software and compatibility features. Tablets, on the other hand, fall into different budget ranges, and this helps you work with what your pocket can afford. They are additionally easy to use, with a maximum compatibility scale.

Tablets, however, are produced by numerous companies, posing a problem when looking for the best one. Other differences fully depend on user preferences and likes.

What is the difference between iPad and iPad Air?

iPad pro vs iPad air for students-01-01

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Frequently asked questions

  1. Which one is better iPad or tablet?

    Which is better, an iPad or a tablet? iPads are more powerful compared to regular tablets. They are, however, expensive and rigid when it comes to storage expandability. You have to buy a new one to upgrade your storage space. Android tablets, on the other hand, are cheaper, and their memory can easily be expanded using an external MicroSD card.

  2. What is the difference between an iPad and a Samsung tablet?

    First, the iPad Pro comes with an iPadOS while Samsung tablets run on Android operating systems. All iPads are manufactured by Apple Inc. while Samsung tablets are made by Samsung.

    iPads are expensive and do not come with a Pen or any other accessory. Samsung tablets on the other hand are cheaper and come with an S Pen and free nibs.

  3. How can you choose an iPad or Android Tablet?

    The choice between an iPad and a tablet depends on the intended final use of the tablet. When choosing between the two, you need to consider the following factors:

    iPads provide a more user-friendly and upgradable operating system compared to tablets. They also have a brighter, more colorful, and more clear display than their counterparts.

    Android tablets provide a cheaper option with upgradable storage using an external MicroSD. iPad storage comes in many varieties but is not upgradable.

    Android tablets come with more accessories compared to iPads. For example, you get a free S Pen when you buy most Samsung tablets. iPads do not come with any accessories. You have to even buy the Apple Pencil 2.

    Android tablets provide a wider range of choices and a variety of devices to choose from.

  4. Is an iPad a tablet?

    An iPad is a tablet that runs on the Apple iOS operating system. It is similar to regular tablets but still differs a lot in terms of specifications and accessories available. Generally, iPads are more powerful than regular tablet devices.

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