Pre-orders for the iPad Air M4 are going live just a couple of days after Apple formally introduced the new device. The first week of March has proven to be an incredibly busy time for Apple and an exciting one for fans of the tech giant.

iPad Air M4 release date

Apple has confirmed that pre-orders for the new iPad Air will start on Wednesday, March 4, and the tablet will officially release and start arriving at customers on Wednesday, March 11. This is when it will be widely available in stores and across a wider range of retailers, too. The device will be available in 35 countries and regions at launch. The March 4 launch lines up with a bunch of other Apple products launching this week as part of a special event, including the iPhone 17e.

The event is not a traditional product launch with a big keynote at Apple's headquarters. Instead, it is a more intimate invite-only "special experience" that Apple will be hosting across three locations in New York, London, and Shanghai. Respected Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, who is known for breaking Apple news, is one example of an invitee. For the rest of us, we can consider March 2 the 'start' of the event, since that's when Apple started announcing all the new tech.

iPad Air specs and features

The new iPad Air comes in two size options: 11-inch and 13-inch. The 11-inch model is designed for portability, while the 13-inch version offers more screen space for multitasking, editing, and productivity tasks.

Memory and storage have been upgraded without affecting price. The new iPad Air now includes 12GB of unified memory, which is a 50% increase over the previous generation. Memory bandwidth has also increased to 120GB/s. As far as storage options are concerned, you can choose between 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. Color options include blue, purple, starlight, and space gray.

iPad Air price

Apple has kept the starting price the same as the previous generation. The 11-inch iPad Air starts at $599 for the Wi-Fi model and $749 for the Wi-Fi + Cellular version. The 13-inch iPad Air starts at $799 for the Wi-Fi model and $949 for the Wi-Fi + Cellular version. For students and educational buyers, Apple offers discounted pricing. The 11-inch model starts at $549 with education pricing, while the 13-inch model starts at $749. Here's how all the pricing looks in USD and GBP:

How much better is the new M4 iPad Air?

As you'd expect, the biggest upgrade is the move to Apple’s M4 chip. The new iPad Air features an 8-core CPU and a 9-core GPU, delivering a noticeable jump in performance compared to previous models. Apple says it is up to 30% faster than the M3 version and up to 2.3x faster than the M1 model.

For those who edit photos or videos, create 3D projects, or play games, this upgrade means smoother performance and faster rendering. The GPU also supports hardware-accelerated mesh shading and ray tracing, which improves lighting and reflections in supported apps and games.

The iPad Air also now includes Apple’s N1 wireless chip, which supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread. Cellular models include Apple’s C1X modem, which offers up to 50% faster cellular performance compared to the previous generation and improved energy efficiency.

The M5 chip announcement reveals exactly when the new iPad Pro release date arrives, along with the latest specs and pricing details. Thanks to the upgrade to M5, this is the most powerful iPad to date, with a particular focus on AI improvements thanks to a "next-generation GPU with a Neural Accelerator in each core". Here's all you need to know.

iPad Pro M5 release date

The new iPad Pro M5 is available in 11-inch and 13-inch variants and is confirmed for release on October 22. That's following a week-long pre-order period, which has already begun on October 15. We're happy to see Apple upgrade both sizes of the iPad Pro, especially after seeing the MacBook Pro M5 upgrade only applied to its smaller 14-inch model.

If you're wondering about the iPad Air, there is currently no confirmation of an M5 variant. In fact, the Air still doesn't have an M4 model, so we may be waiting a while for an M5 version to happen - unless Apple chooses to skip ahead. The M3 version of the iPad Air was released earlier this year, on March 12.

iPad Pro M5 specs

You can see a full list of iPad Pro specs on Apple's website here. The latest iPad Pro 11-inch and 13-inch models are available in Silver and Space Black finishes. We've summarized some of the key specs just below.

iPad Pro M5 price

Starting at $999 and $1,299 for the 11-inch and 13-inch models, respectively, the new M5 iPad Pro is available in four different storage capacities. Here's how the pricing works out for all of them, according to the official Apple Store (USD). Do note that there is more variation in pricing when it comes to whether you buy the Wi-Fi model or the Wi-Fi + Cellular model, or extras like the Apple Pencil and nano-texture glass.

How does the M5 iPad Pro compare to M4?

Like its over M5 products, the new iPad Pro M5 is "the next big leap in AI" for the iPad. The upgrade to an M5 chip in the iPad Pro equals "up to 3.5x the AI performance" compared to the iPad Pro with M4, and 5.6x faster when compared to Apple's first silicon iPad Pro, M1. Unsurprisingly, Apple calls its new models the "most advanced and versatile iPad experience yet".

When did Apple announce the M5 iPad Pro?

The new iPad Pro was announced at the same time as the M5 chip, on October 15. Pre-orders went live on the same day and will continue until wide availability on October 22, when the M5 iPad Pro will be available in-store from Apple. This timeframe is the same for the MacBook Pro M5 and Vision Pro M5.

If you want a more in-depth breakdown of the M5, you can find it here.

The new iPad Pro is also slated for launch around the same time, so check out our dedicated Apple iPad Pro OLED 2024 release date page if you're interested in the flagship models. Back on topic with the iPad Air though, let's jump straight into everything there is to know about it.

Apple iPad Air 2024 release date

As ever with new Apple hardware launches, Mark Gurman at Bloomberg is a reliable source, and his guesses have been fairly on the money this time too. He recently suggested that the new iPad Air will be launched in May 2024 if all goes to plan: and it was spot on. To be a little more specific, Mark's recent Power On newsletter predicted a May 6th launch, and not long after, Apple posted on its Events page announcing a spring event on May 7th, dubbed 'Let Loose'. Of course, just as predicted, this event saw the new iPad Pro and iPad Air lineups announced by Apple.

Pre-orders for the iPad Air 2024 went live on the 7th of May following the launch event, and shipping and in-store availability is set to kick off on the 15th of May. Alongside this lineup of new iPads is a set of upgraded accessories too, including an Apple Pencil Pro, and an iPad Pro exclusive Magic Keyboard too.

Apple iPad Air 2024 specs

This time around, rumored specs for both the iPad Air and the iPad Pro were fairly on the money, including the wild cards in addition to the generational upgrades. To start with the obvious, Apple has given large tablet lovers exactly what they want with a new 13" iPad Air model with 30% more screen real estate. Other design changes come in the form of the front camera moving to the right-hand long edge, so the device is more suited to being used in landscape orientation - this is further supported by the new landscape stereo speakers, with the 13-inch iPad Air getting twice the bass as the 11-inch model. 

Internally, the iPad Air moves up a logical next step to the newer M2 chip; it's a lower spec than the M4 of the iPad Pro, but that's to be expected for the more affordable-focused model. The current 2022 iPad Air instead uses their old M1 chip, so this is still an obvious generational upgrade. Professionals and creatives using the iPad Air for visual work and multi-tasking will feel the biggest difference, but on the whole, there's not going to be much of a noticeable change for basic use such as streaming, scrolling, or gaming. There's also a boost in base storage, jumping up from 64GB to 128GB.

Apple iPad Air 2024 price

When it comes to the price tag, the new 11" model has stayed true to that of the last-gen 11" iPad Air, with the 5th-gen model (10.9-inch) costing you $599/£599. However, there's an expected price boost when it comes to the larger of the two models, and Apple has added on an extra $200 for the two inches of screen real estate, giving the 13" iPad Air a starting price of $799/£799.

Is the 2024 Apple iPad Air going to be OLED?

While Apple has been investing more into OLED panel technology, even partnering with brands such as LG and Samsung in order to do so, only the flagship lineup of iPads will be getting a new screen this time around. So, while the iPad Pro will get the “Ultra Retina XDR” display, the Air will be sticking with LCD. However, it is getting a new screen size, which will make getting a big iPad even more affordable.

Will the new iPad Air come out at the same time as the Pro?

Yes, Apple is launching the iPad Air and iPad Pro in tandem early this May, and revealed the two at the launch event on the 7th. Pre-orders for both tablets have now started, and general availability will start rolling out from the 15th of May. Like we've said, it has been a couple of years since we last saw new generations for both the Air and Pro, so it makes a lot of sense to launch them together, showcasing the best of the flagship iPad and its affordable sibling.

We'll be covering where to find it in the US, Canada, and the UK. Buying direct from Apple is generally a go-to for many, but alternatives are also worth considering. On top of that, we're keeping our eyes peeled for the latest pre order details and any associated pre order bonuses.

Where to buy Apple iPad Pro OLED 2024 - US retailers

Kicking things off with US retailers, obviously the official Apple store is a good place to start your search. As alternatives, we also recommend the likes of Amazon and Best Buy.

Amazon

Best Buy

Apple store

Where to buy Apple iPad Pro OLED 2024 - Canada retailers

Over in Canada, we can look towards the same retailers as the US. If you're looking for Canadian-specific store pages, we've put all the direct links just below.

Amazon

Best Buy

Apple store

Where to buy Apple iPad Pro OLED 2024 - UK retailers

Lastly, UK consumers can check out local retailers such as Currys as a reliable source for new Apple products. Again, Amazon and the Apple store are also recommended.

Amazon

Currys

Apple store

How much will the 2024 Apple iPad Pro cost?

It was anticipated that the new OLED display would come with an even more premium pricing, and the full details of exactly how much each model costs reflects that exactly. Compared to the 2022 iPad Pros, there has been an increase of $200/£200 to the starting prices of the 11" and 13" respectively.

Is there a pre order bonus with the Apple iPad Pro OLED?

Now that pre-orders have officially gone live, it's no surprise that buyers are keeping their eyes out for any extra bonuses they can get thrown in alongside their purchase. Looking back to the 2022 models, any sort of bonus was actually quite sparse, and it seems this has repeated itself with the 2024 models. However, Apple is offering to add engraving onto your iPad for free when you purchase through the Apple store, and that goes for both your iPad and Apple Pencil too. As expected, there's also an Apple Trade In initiative where handing in old Apple devices can shave from $55 to $715 off the price off your new iPad.

The good news is that there isn't very long to wait at all: as you may have seen, Apple's "Let Loose" event has let the new iPads loose into the world. Going off previous predictions, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman originally said that the new OLED iPad Pro would launch at the end of March, or in April 2024, but following the Apple event that revealed all, we can safely say this is no longer the case. We explain all the exact details just below.

Apple iPad Pro OLED 2024 release date

So, at the 'Let Loose' event that was video-streamed on the 7th of May, Apple revealed the new iPad Pro and iPad Air models, as well as a wealth of new iPad accessories to get excited about too - including the first new Apple Pencil since 2018, and a new Magic Keyboard for an even more laptop-like experience out of your iPad. With pre-orders open, shipping and in-store availability are set to kick off on the 15th of May 2024.

Despite being slightly off the mark (no pun intended) last time, Mark Gurman remains a reliable source for new Apple tech, and he reliably reported on Bloomberg that Apple plans for the new iPad Pro to launch in May. What's more, Mark's Power On newsletter suggested that "you can circle early May in your calendar" - with a launch for May 6th predicted: and as it turns out, he wasn't too far off. Apple posted details on its Events page for a new Apple Event set to take place on May 7th, 2024, commencing at 7AM PT or 10AM ET. At the heart of the event's graphics was an Apple Pencil, which was highly suggestive of the fact that this event could be specifically for showing off what Apple has done with the new iPad Pro OLED lineup - of course, this suggestion turned out to be bang on the money.

Are Apple iPad Pro 2024 pre orders available yet?

Yes, the good news is that following the "Let Loose" launch event, both the new iPad Pro and iPad Air are now available to pre-order, with shipping set to commence on the 15th of May. What's more, it turns out there's a lot more to like about these new iPad Pros other than their confirmed OLED displays: you're getting the new M4 chipset - allegedly 50% faster than the previous iPad's M2 - as well as a 'Pro' accessory refresh. The icing on the cake is that Apple has described these 12.9" and 11" models as "The thinnest Apple Product ever", at only 5.1mm thick. It's no doubt that many people will already be sold, so we've put together a page for where to buy Apple iPad Pro OLED 2024 to help you find the best retailer for the job.

Apple iPad Pro 2024 specs

At the "Let Loose" Event, the majority of the specs that were rumored as more or less true were fully confirmed by Apple. Of course, this included one of the biggest revelations for other new iPad Pro, which was its switch over to OLED technology for its panel; in contrast, the new iPad Air devices are sticking to LCD. Apple has dubbed its new OLED iPad display "Ultra Retina XDR", and there's also a nano-textured glass option designed to reduce glare. As expected, there are two models hitting the shelves this time around, with screens of 11" or 13". Both come in a choice of Silver and Space Black shades, and are clad in aluminum.

One of the other notable physical changes is in the orientation of the camera, as it has moved to the right side long edge of the iPad, improving its usability overall. This means the 12MP f/2.4 camera will now be even better for FaceTime calls, and portrait pictures (selfies...) too. It also makes it more ideal for use when attached to a stand or other peripherals such as Apple's Magic Keyboard.

Internally is where the other big upgrades have taken place, notably, it's the M4 chip - just as rumored, the iPad Pro lineup has bypassed the M3 chip completely. This alone sets the new iPad to be a huge advancement over the 2022 models, with Apple claiming it offers up to 50% faster CPU performance and has a GPU that's up to 4x speedier too. This will allow AI to become an even bigger focus for Apple as it starts to roll out the M4 chip into its new lines of devices. It made ense for Apple to lay out its first fully AI-focused device ahead of the WWDC in June, so that come the conference it can focus on how iOS 18 will take advantage of the new AI software and M4 chip.

Apple iPad Pro 2024 pricing

It was unclear from rumors and speculations whether or not the new OLED display would add somewhat of a price premium, but the answer has turned out to be yes. Straight away, we can take a look at the pricing of the current 2022 models, and see immediately that the starting price for the new iPad has gone up by a significant $200:

Will the new Apple iPad Pro be OLED?

Yes, the 2024 Apple iPad Pro will be upgrading to OLED, with a screen dubbed by Apple as "Ultra Retina XDR". The current generation instead uses Apple's LCD Liquid Retina display and mini-LED Liquid Retina XDR display for the 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPads respectively.

Has Apple announced the new 2024 iPad Pro?

Yes, as anticipated, the "Let Loose" event on the 7th of May saw Apple fully announce its brand new 2024 iPad Pro and iPad Air models. The iPad family missed out on getting a refresh throughout 2023, but waiting in the wings were iPad Pros set with the impressive M4 chipset and impressive OLED screens, launched alongside a new Apple Pencil Pro for making the most out of the full capabilities of this tablet that gives even some of the latest MacBooks a run for their money. It looks like the new Pro model is going to be worth the wait and a contender for the best large-screen tablet to date.

Now, Samsung has two main series of tablets - Tab A and Tab S. The former offers budget options, while the latter comes with a premium price tag. On the other hand, Amazon Fire tablets are some of the most affordable tablets on the market. These tablets have great displays, decent battery life, and an affordable price tag, making them suitable for portable media consumption. 

With that being said, the two manufacturers have quite a few tablets on the market. And to help you decide what to buy, we have put together this comparison guide. 

Samsung tablet vs Amazon Fire - what is the difference?

To explore more nuanced differences between Samsung and Fire tablets, we have compared the two brands’ devices based on performance, design, display, and other specs. 

List of Samsung tablets available on Amazon

List of Fire tablets available on Amazon

Samsung tablet vs Amazon Fire tablet - Performance

In terms of performance, the budget variants come with a mobile processor, which is enough for casual, everyday use. For instance, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 comes with an octa-core chip, which is good for streaming as well as light tasks. Meanwhile, the latest tablet, Galaxy Tab S9, features a powerful Snapdragon processor, which is fast enough for resource-intensive tasks.

On the other hand, the Amazon Fire tablets come with mobile chips, which can handle media consumption and similar light tasks very well. For example, the Fire tablet 10 (2023) comes with an octa-core processor with a speed of 2.0 GHz, which is good enough for casual use. 

Samsung tablet vs Amazon Fire tablet - Operating system

One of the main differences between Samsung tablets and Amazon Fire tablets is the operating system. Most Samsung tablets run on Android OS and have a Samsung UI. Users have access to the Google Play Store as well as the Samsung Store, so they can download apps from both platforms. As far as voice support is concerned, you can use Google Assistant as well as Bixby. 

Meanwhile, Amazon tablets run on the Fire OS, which is also based on Android, but it feels limited in comparison to Android. Users can head over to the Amazon app store and download apps from there. While this store has the most common and popular apps, the amount is limited compared to the Google Play Store. An add-on here is that you get built-in Alexa and better support for Kindle. 

Samsung tablet vs Amazon Fire tablet - Design

Generally speaking, both Fire and Samsung tablets are lightweight and portable. However, as Samsung has multiple series of tablets, the manufacturer offers more variety in terms of screen sizes, builds, and other aspects.

With that being said, if you go for budget Samsung tablets, then those options come with a plastic body. However, if you opt for high-end variants, like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9, they have metal bodies that are premium. 

Meanwhile, Amazon Fire tablets usually have a plastic body, which might not look premium, but it absorbs shocks and adds to durability. Further, you will find screen sizes ranging from 7 inches to 11 inches - the choice depends on your needs and budget. 

Samsung tablet vs Amazon Fire tablet - Display

As mentioned earlier, Samsung has multiple series of tablets, which means you get a lot of choices when it comes to screen sizes and resolutions. You will find tablets as small as 7 inches and as big as 14 inches. Similarly, you will find variety in the resolutions, too. Some of the budget options have HD or FHD resolution. At the same time, the more expensive variants have 2K or better resolution. 

On the other hand, you will find Fire tablets in sizes ranging from 7 inches to 11 inches. Plus, most Amazon Fire tablets have an LCD display, which aims to deliver vivid, clear picture quality. Most Fire tablets have HD or FHD resolution, which, considering that these are budget tablets, is a nice spec to have. 

Samsung tablet vs Amazon Fire tablet - Battery life

Both Samsung and Amazon tablets, on average, offer 8 to 12 hours of battery life - this is more or less the same as some of the best Android tablets. However, some high-end Samsung models (like Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 or S9 series) offer an all-day battery life. 

Meanwhile, Amazon Fire tablets usually offer average battery life (that is, 8 to 12 hours). However, some newer models, like the Amazon Fire tablet (2023 release), offer a 13-hour battery life, which is an improvement over the older models. 

Samsung tablet vs Amazon Fire tablet - Price

Amazon Fire tablets are some of the most affordable tablets available on the market. In fact, you can get one for under $100. Plus, if you want the most powerful and latest model, then it would cost you around $194.99 without lock screen ads and 64GB storage - which makes Fire tablets some of the best budget tablets.

Meanwhile, Samsung tablets have two main series - Tab A and Tab S. The Tab A lineup has budget options, while the Tab S series offers premium tablets. To make it clearer, let’s look at some examples from both series. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 costs $329, while the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+, which is one of the newest models, costs $999. 

FAQs

What's the difference between Amazon Fire tablets and Android tablets?

The main difference between an Android tablet and a Fire tablet is the operating system. Android tablets like Lenovo M10, Samsung Galaxy Tab S9, and more run on the Android system. Meanwhile, Amazon Fire tablets run on the Fire OS.

Conclusion 

To sum up, you can consider getting an Amazon Fire tablet if you’re looking for a tablet for streaming and media consumption. These devices come with a good display, decent battery life, and budget-friendly prices, which make them suitable for watching your favorite shows on the go or keeping your kids entertained. 

On the other hand, if you want a more “all-round” tablet experience, then Samsung tablets are more suitable. You get access to the Google Play Store, which has a wider selection of apps. Plus, if you go for powerful variants, then you can use those tablets for photo editing, taking notes, and doing more. 

Now technically speaking, every iPad is a tablet. But often, iPads are distinguished from tablets for two main reasons: they are manufactured by Apple and run on the iPadOS system. Meanwhile, other tablets that are NOT manufactured by Apple either run on Android or some other operating system like Fire OS or even Windows. 

With this in mind, you can see why people want to know the difference between Apple tablets and other non-Apple tablets. To help you understand the difference, we have compared tablets and iPads based on various specifications. 

Apple iPads vs tablets: What is the difference?

One of the main differences between Apple iPads and other non-Apple tablets is the operating system. 

List of Apple iPads available on Amazon

To get a better idea, we have listed iPads that are available on Amazon -

List of Android and other tablets on Amazon

Before we dive into the actual comparison, you can have a look at tablets available online to get a better idea -

Apple iPad vs tablet - Performance

Now, performance depends on the kind of tablet or iPad you get. For instance, if you get the iPad Pro (6th gen), it comes with the M2 chip, which can replace your laptop (or MacBook). In fact, the iPad Pro (6th gen) happens to be one of the best tablets for photo editing as well as illustrations and content creation in general. 

However, if you don’t need so much computing power, then the iPad Mini 6 will be a more suitable option. As you can guess, this iPad costs significantly less and is ideal for casual workload and entertainment. 

Similarly, you can get equally powerful Android and Windows tablets if you have a big budget. Some good examples would be the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, which sports the latest Snapdragon chip, or the Microsoft Surface Pro, which is equipped with an Intel Core 12th-gen processor. 

Again, if you need a tablet for casual use or if you’re looking for a budget option, then there are several affordable as well as mid-range tablets. Some great examples would be OnePlus tablet, Samsung Tab A8, or Lenovo M10. 

Apple iPad vs tablet - Operating system

As mentioned earlier, Apple iPads make use of the iPadOS system, which is usually considered “clean” and user-friendly. iPad owners can download apps from the Apple app store, which has limited choices when compared to the Google Play Store. However, users can get access to exclusive Apple apps like Procreate, which can come in handy if you’re a creator. 

On the other hand, Samsung, Lenovo, OnePlus, and several other tablets run on the Android system, which is usually considered more flexible than iPadOS. Plus, manufacturers often have their own version of Android OS. For example, the OnePlus Pad has OxygenOS, which is based on Android.

Meanwhile, there are a few tablets that run on Windows, like the Microsoft Surface Pro 9. Users can download apps from the Microsoft Store as well as other platforms, which is quite flexible. These tablets are usually convertible, which means you can use these devices as tablets as well as mini laptops. 

Apple iPad vs tablet - Design

Now, Apple’s iPads have a premium-looking durable build. Let’s take the example of the iPad Air (5th gen). This tablet comes with an aluminum chassis, a sheen-glossy metal finish, soft pastel colors, and the usual Apple logo at the center. 

On the other hand, the design of a non-Apple tablet depends on the kind of tablet you get. For example, if you get a high-end device like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+, then these devices usually look premium and have a metal chassis. However, if you go for budget tablets like Lenovo M10 or Amazon Fire tablet 10 (2023), then they come with plastic bodies. While a plastic body may not look premium, it usually absorbs shock. 

Apple iPad vs tablet - Display

Apple devices, including iPads, usually come with a Liquid Retina display, which promises to deliver clear, crisp visuals. Most iPads use IPS LCD or OLED displays and have a resolution of 264ppi or more, so you can expect high-resolution visuals. Additionally, iPads also offer True Tone, which adjusts the color temperature of the display based on surrounding light, and ProMotion, which adjusts the refresh rate for smoother motion.

Meanwhile, tablets from other brands come with various combinations of display technologies and resolutions - so it all comes down to your budget. If you go for a high-end tablet, like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, then you will get premium features like an AMOLED 2X display, WQXGA+ resolution, and 120Hz refresh rate. However, if you choose a budget option, then you won’t have too many of these features.

Further, much like iPads, Android and other tablets also have features like automatic display light adjustments, eye comfort, and motion blur. 

Apple iPad vs tablet - Battery Life

Now, tablets, in general, offer a battery life ranging from 8 to 12 hours, which typically lasts for a whole day. Compared to laptops, tablets consume less power, and hence they offer better battery life. 

Apple iPads are known for having all-day battery life, so it doesn’t come as a surprise that they’re some of the best devices in this regard. For example, the iPad Pro (6th gen) has a battery life of about 18 hours, which should last you the whole day.

Meanwhile, some non-Apple options also offer good battery life. For instance, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+ offers all-day battery life, and the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 offers 15.5 hours. 

Apple iPad vs tablet - Price

Apple devices are usually considered premium and high-end options, so they usually come with a hefty price tag. The powerful iPad Pro (6th gen), when maxed out, can cost up to $2,099.00, which can be quite an investment. And if you decide to get the Apple Pencil and other accessories, then the costs would only add up. However, there are budget options available as well, like the iPad Air (5th gen) and iPad Mini 6, which cost $899 and $649, respectively. 

Meanwhile, non-Apple tablets obviously offer more options over a wider budget. You can find some of the best tablets under $200, mid-range options, and high-end devices like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 and S9 series. For instance, the Lenovo M10 Plus costs around $209, while Samsung Galaxy S9+ costs $999.

Conclusion

To sum up, the main differences between iPads and tablets from other manufacturers are operating systems, processors, and software. The right tablet for you comes down to your preferences, budget, and requirements. If you want a powerful tablet to replace your laptop occasionally, then you can check out iPad Pro (6th gen) or other iPads. Of course, there are a few budget options here. Meanwhile, if you want a budget tablet with powerful performance, then you should explore budget Android and Windows tablets - as there's a wider variety here.

While tablets and laptops are quite different devices, there are some overlaps. Some tablets can be as powerful as laptops, and some laptops are as portable as tablets. 

Now, tablets can said to be a middle ground between phones and laptops. They have larger displays than mobile phones, they usually come with power-efficient processors, and are quite portable. You can even hook some accessories to tablets and transform them into laptops. Plus, you get more intuitive controls with touchscreen and styluses.

Laptops, on the other hand, are usually meant for business and work. They come equipped with powerful processors and larger displays and are usually portable. Unlike tablets, laptops already have a keyboard and a trackpad built-in. 

If you’re looking to strike the right balance between performance and portability, you might want to compare the two devices and decide which one suits your needs the best.

Tablet vs laptop - what is the difference?

If you look at the specs of tablets and laptops, you will realize that laptops are meant for productivity and work, while tablets are more geared towards entertainment and media consumption. Of course, there are several exceptions to this generalization, and that's why we have laid out elaborate comparison between the two devices based on performance, display, design, and other specs below.

List of some of the best tablets on Amazon

To give you a better idea, we have listed some of the best tablets right here -

List of some of the best laptops on Amazon 

To give you a better overview of the market, here are some of the best laptops on Amazon - 

Tablet vs laptop - Performance

If we take a surface-level view of things, then tablets and laptops can perform things like browsing, media consumption, and basic functions well. However, when it comes to resource-intensive tasks like video editing or productivity, laptops have the edge as they generally pack in more power. 

The performance of a tablet depends on the specific tablet model that you get. For instance, if you get a powerful tablet like the Apple iPad Pro (6th gen) or Samsung Galaxy Ultra 9 tabet, then the performance comes close to a laptop. However, if you choose a mid-range or budget tablet like iPad Mini 6, then the performance resembles a smartphone. 

Now, a laptop’s performance depends on the kind of processor you choose to get. For example, if you get an Intel P or U series processor, then those laptops can handle basic tasks well. However, if you get a powerful laptop, then the performance resembles 

Another thing to note is that there are 2-in-1 laptops, which are a combination of tablets and laptops and can also be used for productivity tasks. For instance, Microsoft Surface Pro is a convertible laptop that you can easily use as your primary computer. 

Tablet vs laptop - Operating system

Now, tablets run on Android, iPadOS, and Windows - so it comes down to your preferences. If you want more productivity, then the iPadOS or Windows might be suitable. Both operating systems offer productivity tools - so the choice will depend on your preferences. 

On the other hand, laptops usually run on Windows, which is meant to mimic a desktop in a portable version. With laptops, you have more flexibility, as you can install and run several different programs. Plus, with laptops’ power, you can expect software to run more smoothly than on a tablet. 

Tablet vs laptop - Design

Tablets are like larger versions of mobile phones, with screen sizes ranging from 7 inches to 13 inches. The touchscreen is the main input device, although you can add accessories such as a keyboard and a mouse. However, it should be noted that tablets offer limited connectivity options, as they have fewer ports than a laptop. Tablets are sleek and lightweight, as they are meant to be portable. For example, the iPad Pro (6th gen) weighs only 600 grams. 

Meanwhile, laptops have a clamshell design, and they have a keyboard and trackpad built right into them, which are primary methods of input. The screen size usually tends to be bigger than tablets, so you will find laptops with screens as small as 12 inches to as big as 18 inches. Further, laptops offer more connectivity options like multiple USB ports, HDMI ports, and more. As you can guess, laptops weigh more than tablets, but usually, most laptops are portable. For context, you can check out some of the best lightweight laptops.

Tablet vs laptop - Display

As mentioned earlier, tablets usually have smaller screens than laptops. You will find tablets with screen sizes ranging from 7 inches to 11 inches. Of course, there are exceptions, like the Samsung Galaxy S9 Ultra has a big 14-inch screen. In terms of resolution, budget tablets can be HD or FHD, while some high-end tablets can be QHD. 

On the other hand, laptops have screen sizes ranging from 11 inches to 18 inches, which makes them suitable to be a multitasking workstation. Further, laptops have various panel types - like LCD, LED, OLED, etc - so you can pick from these. As far as resolutions are concerned, you will budget HD laptops as well as high-end 4K laptops. A laptop display usually offers more brightness,

Tablet vs laptop - Battery life

If we look at the battery life of tablets, it is usually between 8 hours to 12 hours and even more. Plus, there are tablets like iPad Pro or Samsung Galaxy Tab S9, which offer an all-day battery. Considering that a tablet has limited internal components and power-efficient mobile processors, tablets do not run out of juice that quickly. 

Meanwhile, laptops usually offer up to 8 hours of battery life, which is sufficient to get you through the day. However, if you perform resource-intensive and power-hungry tasks like video editing or gaming, then the battery tends to drain down faster - gaming laptops are a fine example of this. Again, there are a few exceptions here. For instance, MacBook Air offers up to 18 hours of battery life, which is one of the best battery life laptops. 

Tablet vs laptop - Camera setup

Now, cameras on tablets and laptops are more of a convenience rather than a necessity. Mostly, people end up using cameras for video conferencing or taking some quick reference photos. 

Most tablets have a rear camera and a front camera with decent resolution. For example, the iPad Pro has 12 MP front and rear cameras, which should be good enough for clicking quick snaps and video calls. Meanwhile, laptops usually have only one web camera with decent clarity, which is primarily used for video conferencing.

Tablet vs laptop - Price 

If you want a tablet for the most basic tasks like browsing and streaming shows, then you will find tablets that cost less than $200. For reference, you can check out some of the best budget tablets. The mid-range tablets, like the iPad Mini 6, offer more power and may cost anywhere from $200 to $600. However, if you look at the premium tablets, like the iPad Pro (6th gen) or Samsung Galaxy Tab S9, they can easily cost you upwards of $1,000. Some of these tablets are powerful enough to replace your computer. But at this price point, you might consider going for a laptop. 

On the other hand, the most affordable laptops can cost you around $300. These laptops are great for emailing, browsing, and other light productivity tasks. If you spend a little more, then you can consider getting mid-range laptops, which are powerful enough for resource-intensive tasks. And if you have a big budget, you can look at premium laptops, which might cost upwards of $1,500, like the Apple MacBook with M2 or M3 processors. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better laptop or tablet?

The ultimate decision comes down to your requirements and preferences. If your main requirements are work-related, then it is advisable to get a laptop. Generally, laptops are more powerful than tablets. Plus, they come equipped with productivity tools to make your work easier. For instance, it is easier to make an Excel sheet on a laptop than on a tablet. 

Meanwhile, if you want to stream your favorite shows on the go, play video games, check emails, or spend some time on social media, then tablets are more suitable. These devices are lightweight, have bigger screens, and offer excellent battery life. Plus, tablets can also handle basic computing tasks. 

Can a tablet be used as a laptop?

Yes, you can use your tablet as a laptop by attaching peripherals such as keyboards and mice. However, it can be quite an investment. For example, if you want to turn your iPad into a laptop, then you will have to buy a Magic keyboard and mouse separately. 

Conclusion

To sum up, tablets are great if you want to balance performance with portability. If media consumption is your main focus, then tablets are a great portable option. Plus, most tablets can handle basic, light tasks like browsing, word processing, data entry, and more. Some tablets also offer great support for illustrations. However, they offer limited options for productivity in general. 

If you need to do some resource-intensive tasks like video editing or programming, then you might want to consider getting a laptop. Especially if your main use case is work and productivity, then laptops offer better support, as they come equipped with useful tools.

Now, the Amazon Fire tablet range is more geared towards portable entertainment and streaming. Meanwhile, iPads tend to be more versatile, and some powerful variants can be used for professional projects and productivity, too. The “right” one for you will depend on how you’re planning to use the tablet and how much you’re willing to spend. 

With that being said, we have created an elaborate guide explaining the differences between Amazon Fire tablets and Apple iPads - so you can pick the one that suits your needs the best.

Amazon Fire tablet vs iPad: What’s the difference?

As mentioned earlier, the Fire tablets are versatile, but they are more focused on entertainment and media consumption. Meanwhile, iPads are a bit more versatile, and some of them pack in enough power for professionals. To elaborate on this a little, we have laid down the comparison between the two lineups based on performance, design, display, and other specs. 

List of Amazon Fire tablets available on Amazon

Below, we have listed some of the Amazon Fire tablets available on Amazon to give you an idea. 

List of Apple iPads available on Amazon

Below, we have listed some Apple iPads available on Amazon to give you an idea. 

Amazon Fire tablet vs Apple iPad - Performance and software

To start with, the Amazon Fire tablets run on the Fire OS, which is based on Android. This means users get the same seamless experience as Android, along with Fire’s easy-to-use interface. People get access to the Amazon app store from where they can download apps, which, of course, includes Amazon apps as well as other popular apps like Netflix and Spotify. 

As far as performance goes, most Fire tablets feature mobile processors, like the 2023 Amazon Fire 10 tablet has an octa-core processor with 2.0 GHz speed, which is good for browsing, streaming, and not-so-demanding tasks. 

On the other hand, iPads run on the iPadOS, which is Apple’s system for tablets. It resembles iOS a lot, and it is quite user-friendly. Users get access to Apple’s App Store, which has several useful and popular apps like Netflix, Prime Video, and more. Plus, the highlight here is that you get access to Apple’s exclusive apps like Procreate, Apple TV, and more. 

As for performance, iPads usually come equipped with mobile processors like A15 Bionic chips or laptop-level chips like M1 or M2. As you can guess, the iPads with M1 and M2 chips can double up as laptops with the Magic keyboard and mouse, which is why it's one of the best business tablets.

As you can see, the performance of the two tablets is quite different. Amazon Fire tablets are more inclined towards entertainment, such as watching Netflix. However, Apple tablets are more suitable for productivity. 

Amazon Fire tablet vs Apple iPad - Design

Amazon Fire tablets usually come with a plastic body, which absorbs shocks and lends them some durability. However, as these are budget tablets, appearance is less important than the utility. Most Fire tablets have a slim profile and are somewhat lightweight - so you can choose to hold them in your hands or place them on a surface. For example, the Amazon Fire 10 tablet weighs about 430 grams, which should be portable for most people. 

Meanwhile, Apple iPads come encased in an aluminum body, which appears premium. Most iPads have a slim profile and are really sleek. Plus, they are lightweight, which should make them portable. For example, the iPad Pro (6th gen) weighs only 682 grams, which, considering that it has a 12.9-inch display, is quite lightweight. 

Amazon Fire tablet vs Apple iPad - Display

Most Amazon Fire tablets have an LCD display with HD or FHD resolution, which should deliver vibrant colors and good quality visuals. For example, if you look at the Amazon Fire Max 11 tablet, it has an 11-inch display with 2000 x 1200 resolution, so you can expect good-quality visuals. 

Meanwhile, Apple iPads sport the Liquid Retina display, which has high color accuracy and high resolution. People often use iPads for illustrations, productivity, reading, and media consumption in general - in fact, it is one of the best tablets for photo editing. Usually, iPad displays have high peak brightness, which makes them suitable for use in well-lit environments. For example, the iPad Pro (6th gen) comes with a 12.9-inch display with 2732 x 2048 resolution and peak brightness of 1,600 nits. 

Amazon Fire tablet vs Apple iPad - Camera setup

Now, tablets usually have cameras for convenience, so you shouldn’t really expect these devices to take pro-level photos. The Amazon Fire tablets usually have a front and rear camera, which you can use to take photos or for video calls. For instance, the 2023 Fire tablet comes with a 5MP rear and a 5MP front camera, which should be good enough for video calls. 

Similarly, iPads, too, have front and rear cameras, which come in handy for video conferencing and taking photos. Especially if you are a professional creator, you might have to use this camera quite often for reference pictures. For instance, the iPad Pro comes with a 12MP Ultra Wide front camera for good-quality video calls. On the back, 12MP Wide and 10MP Ultra Wide back cameras, which should help you snap some high resolution photos. 

Amazon Fire tablet vs Apple iPad - Battery life

Amazon Fire tablets offer a battery life between 8 and 12 hours, which is more or less on par with some of the best Android tablets. For instance, the 2023 Fire tablet 10 offers a battery life of up to 13 hours, which is sufficient for long-distance journeys. 

Apple’s iPads are known for their superior battery life, so it doesn’t come as a surprise that some iPad batteries can last up to 20 hours. Depending on your usage, an iPad should last you all day on a single charge. 

Amazon Fire tablet vs Apple iPad - Price

Now, clearly, Amazon Fire tablets are some of the best and most affordable entertainment tablets out there. Much like some of the best budget tablets, these devices tend to strike a balance between features and price. To give you an idea, the 2023 Fire tablet 10 without lock-screen ads and 64GB storage costs $194.99. Meanwhile, the Amazon Fire Max 11 tablet with 128GB storage and ad removal comes at the price of $279.99.

Apple iPads are premium, and buying them is a serious investment. To give you context, the iPad Pro (6th gen) with the M2 chip comes with a price tag of $2,217.44 if you get the maxed-out 2TB version. There are some budget options available, like the iPad Air (5th gen), which costs $899, or the iPad Mini 6, which you can get for $783.00.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use Apple apps on Fire tablet?

No, you cannot use Apple apps on your Fire tablets. Apps like Procreate, Apple Music, Apple Podcasts, LiDAR, etc. are all made exclusively for Apple products like Mac, iPad, iPhone, and others - so they can only be accessed through an Apple device.

Conclusion

If you have an Apple ecosystem (that is, iPhones and MacBooks), then it might make sense to invest in an iPad. Plus, if you’re a creator, then Apple offers power iPad models with M1 and M2 chips, which can act as a substitute for your computer. However, this investment is worth it if you want a tablet with productivity apps, along with some entertainment. 

On the other hand, if you are just looking for a tablet for streaming shows or keeping kids entertained on long journeys, then the Amazon Fire tablet might be a suitable option. These budget tablets come packed with all the necessary tools and apps for entertainment and offer decent performance.

Both - Amazon Fire and Amazon Kindle - are Amazon products, but they are quite different from each other. The Kindle range is all about e-reading, and so the tablets are all tailored for the digital reading experience. On the other hand, the Fire tablets are more versatile and put emphasis on entertainment and streaming with the Fire interface. 

With that being said, until a few years ago, the portable entertainment Fire tablets were referred to as “Kindle Fire,” which sometimes causes confusion. However, since 2015, the two tablet ranges have been separated. In fact, the Kindle and Fire tablets serve entirely different purposes and possibly have different user bases. 

Amazon Fire tablet vs Amazon Kindle: What’s the difference?

One of the main differences between Amazon Kindle and Amazon Fire tablets is the use case. As mentioned before, Kindle tablets are focused on e-reading, so they offer features that make reading comfortable. In contrast, Fire tablets are for portable entertainment devices that are more versatile.

For a closer comparison, we have compared the two ranges on various grounds like performance, design, battery life, and more. 

List of Amazon Fire tablets

Below, we have listed some of the Amazon Fire tablets available on Amazon to give you an idea. 

List of Amazon Kindles

Before we go ahead and compare the two Amazon products, here’s a quick list of Kindle tablets available on the market.

Amazon Fire Tablet vs Kindle - Performance

To start with, the Kindle tablets run on a custom Linux-based operating firmware, which is designed specifically for reading e-books. Users get access to the Kindle Store, from where they can download books, comic books, magazines, plays, and more. As this is an e-reader, the store might feel limiting to some. 

On the other hand, Amazon Fire tablets run on the Fire OS, which is Amazon’s custom OS based on Android. This means the user experience is very similar to Android tablets, but the tablets have a Fire interface. 

Compared to Kindle, the Fire tablets have more options when it comes to downloading and using apps. You can even download popular apps like Spotify, Netflix, Peacock TV, Paramount+, Apple TV, and more - think of this as a portable TV. Meanwhile, the Kids' version of Fire tablets offers an age-restricted, children-friendly experience mostly focused on educational content. 

However, Kindles are almost strictly for reading books, so you will get access to reading-related services like Kindle, Goodreads, Project Gutenberg, and more. Kindles also let you upload and read PDFs, so you don’t have to limit yourself to a Kindle library. Plus, you can also access a search feature, which is a limited version of a web browser. It is worth noting that some models, like the Kindle Scribe, come with a stylus and note-taking features.

Amazon Fire Tablet vs Kindle - Design

In terms of appearance, Amazon Kindle tablets usually have a slim profile, and they look sleek. They are a few inches smaller than Fire Tablets, as these are supposed to be held continuously in a single hand for reading. For example, the Kindle Paperwhite Signature edition has a 6.8-inch display, which should be comfortable for holding as well as reading. Further, the Kindle tablets tend to be lightweight for easier holding. Taking the same example as before, the Paperwhite Signature edition weighs around 200 grams. 

Now Fire tablets are bigger compared to the Kindle tablets, as they are meant to be used for entertainment. Fire tablets have screens as small as 7 inches and as big as 11 inches. For example, the 2023 Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet has a 10.1-inch FHD display, which should deliver an immersive viewing experience. Considering the screen sizes, you can either hold these tablets or place them on a tabletop. For convenience, you can also choose to get a stylus. Overall, the 10-inch model weighs about 430 grams, which is twice the weight of the Kindle mentioned above. 

Amazon Fire Tablet vs Kindle - Display

One of the biggest differences between the Fire and Kindle tablets is the display technology. The Kindle tablets use e-ink displays, which are designed to mimic the look and feel of a real-life book page. These displays are meant to go easy on the eyes and deliver a comfortable reading experience - so they have high contrast and sharp text. 

Meanwhile, the Fire tablets usually sport a regular LCD display with HD or FHD resolutions. These displays are meant to deliver a wide spectrum of colors for media consumption. They are ideal for streaming Netflix and other multimedia content. 

Now, you can use Fire tablets for reading e-books as well, but the experience won’t be as comfortable as Kindle. Similarly, you can use a browser on Kindle and even watch videos, but the video output will not be as vibrant as a Fire tablet. For a more in-depth explanation, you can check out our guide on Tablets vs e-readers for reading.

Amazon Fire Tablet vs Kindle - Battery life

Now, Kindles have a longer battery life, as reading does not consume too much power. For instance, if you look at the Kindle Paperwhite Signature edition, it has a battery life that can last for up to 10 weeks. Most Kindle owners do not use their devices for power-hungry tasks like gaming, streaming, or photo editing - so the power does not get consumed too much. 

On the other hand, Fire tablets have a battery life of 8 to 12 hours, which is on par with some of the best Android tablets. For example, the latest Amazon Fire HD 10 Pro tablet (2023) has a battery life of 13 hours, which is quite decent and travel-friendly. As people use the Fire tablet for streaming, gaming, browsing, and other activities, the power gets consumed quicker than e-readers. With that being said, this is not exactly a “con,” as most tablets offer more or less similar battery life.

Amazon Fire Tablet vs Kindle - Price 

Now, both Kindle tablets and Fire tablets are budget-friendly options on the market. For comparison, let's look at the latest devices from both lineups. The 2023 Fire HD 10 tablet can cost up to $194.99 with 64GB storage and no lock-screen ads. Similarly, the Amazon Fire Max 11 tablet can cost you $279.99 with 128GB storage and no lock-screen ads. Here, you can also consider the cost of Netflix and other subscriptions. 

On the other hand, the latest version of Kindle Paperwhite comes with a $169.99 price tag with 16GB storage and no lock-screen ads. Further, if you want a few more functions, like note-taking, then Amazon Kindle Scribe comes at the price of $419.99, which includes lock-screen ad removal, premium pen, and 64GB of storage. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use an Amazon Kindle tablet for browsing?

Yes, but most Kindle models do not have a fully functional web browser. They have an Experimental Browser that brings up text-based results. Plus, with each new update, the web browser gets more and more functions, so you can expect a decent browsing experience.

Is Fire tablet and Kindle the same?

No, Fire tablets and Kindle tablets are not the same. After 2015, Amazon produced two different lineups of tablets - Fire and Kindle. The Fire tablets are focused on portable entertainment and streaming, while the Kindle tablets are e-readers meant for e-books.

Conclusion

Whether Amazon Fire or Amazon Kindle is better for you depends on how you plan to use the tablet. For instance, if you are planning to get a tablet for reading on the go and maybe browse a little, then Kindle is the way to go. However, if you want versatility and portable entertainment on a budget, then the Fire tablets are a good investment. 

Usually, a Kindle not turning on is caused by a dead battery. It is highly likely that your Kindle has run out of battery and doesn’t have enough power to turn on. Thankfully, this is not a major issue and is easily solvable. However, if charging the device doesn’t work, then it might mean that your Kindle has suffered hardware damage or is having a software glitch. 

In any case, we have listed some easy, actionable solutions that should work on most Kindle models, like Kindle Paperwhite and Kindle Oasis.

Why my Kindle won't turn on

Here’s why your Kindle may not be turning on -

How to fix the Amazon Kindle won't turn on issue

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Kindle won't turn on even when plugged in?

If you have connected your Kindle to a functional power adapter and it doesn’t seem to be turning on, then it’s possible that the device doesn’t have enough power. Most probably, you should be able to turn your Kindle on when it has sufficient power. 

However, you should check if the power adapter and cable are functioning properly. You can also try connecting your Kindle to an alternate power source like a power bank or a laptop.

Conclusion

To sum up, your Kindle not turning on is likely due to battery issues, and you should be able to turn it on after charging. To ensure that your device is charging properly, check if the power adapter, cable, and power outlet are functioning. You can also try alternate power sources, such as a power bank or a laptop. However, if nothing seems to be working, then you should contact Amazon support. On the same note, if you want to upgrade your Kindle, then you can check out some of the best tablets for reading or the best e-ink tablets.

iPads are arguably one of the best kinds of tablets available on the market, with each iteration being more powerful than its predecessor. However, this doesn’t make iPads invincible to minor issues and bugs every now and then.

One of the most common problems that iPad owners might have is their iPads not turning on. Thankfully, usually, it’s a dead battery causing the issue, and it can be easily resolved. However, if charging the device does not work, then it might be a software or hardware issue.

With that being said, we have rounded up some of the possible causes and solutions to help you fix your iPad that won’t turn on. The methods listed below should work on iPads with a Home screen button (older iPads like iPad Air 2, iPad Pro 1st gen, iPad Mini, and other models released before 2017) and without the home screen button (that is, the newer iPads).

Why won't my iPad turn on?

There are a few reasons why your iPad won’t turn on. Some of the common reasons are -

How to fix an iPad that won't turn on

Will I lose my data if I force restart my iPad?

No, the forced restart will not erase any on your iPad. A force restart is just a more abrupt way of shutting down programs on your iPad and restarting your device. It is completely safe to force restart your iPad, but we don’t recommend doing it too often as it might strain your device.

Conclusion

As mentioned earlier, the most common reason why your iPad won't start is because it's completely out of battery. If you let your iPad charge uninterrupted for an hour or so (assuming that your charger is not damaged), it should be up and running fine. However, if charging your iPad does not help, then it is likely that your iPad is having hardware or software issues. You can try troubleshooting with the simple steps mentioned above, or you can get assistance from Apple. On the same note, if you're looking for a new tablet, you can switch things up a little and check out some of the best Android tablets or the best Windows tablets.