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iPad 6th Generation (2018) Review
The 2018 iPad, also known as the 6th generation iPad, was a significant addition to Apple’s tablet lineup when it was released. Positioned as a successor to the 2017 5th generation iPad, it offered users several new features at a more affordable price. Despite being cheaper than the iPad Pro, it retains enough functionality to appeal to a wide range of users.
In this expanded review, we’ll break down its features, pros, cons, and whether it still holds up today for different use cases such as education, productivity, and creative work.
Table of Contents
Key Features of the 2018 iPad
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Chipset | Apple A10 Fusion, offering solid performance for most tasks |
| Apple Pencil Support | Yes, but requires a separate purchase |
| LTE Support | Faster LTE speeds for better connectivity |
| Price | Starts at $329, significantly cheaper than the iPad Pro |
| Keyboard Compatibility | Logitech Rugged Keyboard and Crayon available for classrooms |
| Camera | 8MP rear camera, 1.2MP front camera |
| Screen Resolution | 2048 x 1536 with 264 PPI (pixels per inch) |
While the new iPad boasts some improvements, it’s important to compare these with the iPad Pro to fully understand its value.
Comparison: iPad 6th Generation vs. iPad Pro
| Specification | iPad 6th Gen (2018) | iPad Pro (Latest Model) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Starts at $329 | Starts at $799 |
| Chipset | A10 Fusion | M1 Chip (Latest Gen Pro) |
| RAM | 2 GB | 4-16 GB |
| Screen | 2048 x 1536 with 264 PPI | Liquid Retina Display, 120Hz, True Tone |
| Speakers | Dual Speaker | Quad Speaker System |
| Camera | 8MP Rear, 1.2MP Front | 12MP Rear, 7MP Front |
| Apple Pencil Support | First-Gen Pencil Support | Second-Gen Pencil Support |
The iPad 6th generation cuts costs by removing features that many users may not miss, making it a highly appealing option for those looking for a more budget-friendly tablet.
Advantages of the iPad 6th Generation (2018)
Affordable Pricing: One of the biggest selling points of the iPad 2018 is its price. At around $329, it offers excellent value for users who don’t require the more advanced features of the iPad Pro, such as the M1 chip, more RAM, or a Liquid Retina display.
Apple Pencil Compatibility: While the first-generation Apple Pencil is not as advanced as the second-generation model available for the iPad Pro, it is still a valuable tool for note-taking, sketching, and light graphic design work. This makes the 6th generation iPad a great option for students and creatives on a budget.
Decent Processing Power: The A10 Fusion chip is powerful enough for most tasks, from browsing the web and watching videos to running educational apps and basic games.
Portability: Weighing around 1 pound and being relatively thin, it’s easy to carry around for on-the-go use.
Drawbacks: What the iPad 6th Generation Misses
While the 2018 iPad offers great value, there are some features that it lacks when compared to the higher-end models, particularly the iPad Pro.
| Missing Feature | Impact on Usage |
|---|---|
| True Tone Display and ProMotion | No DCI-P3 wide color gamut or TrueTone means colors are less vibrant. |
| Higher RAM and Processing Power | Multi-tasking may feel limited, especially with larger, more demanding apps. |
| Quad Speaker System | The sound quality isn’t as rich or immersive compared to the Pro’s quad speakers. |
| Smart Keyboard Connector | While the iPad supports external keyboards, it lacks the Smart Connector for seamless attachment. |
| More Advanced Camera Setup | The 8MP camera is adequate, but not suitable for professional photography or videography. |
iPad for Classrooms and Productivity
With its compatibility with the Logitech Rugged Keyboard and Crayon, the 6th generation iPad is well-suited for classroom environments. Its lower price point and sufficient processing power make it an ideal tool for students.
It’s also effective for light productivity, though it cannot run three apps simultaneously like the iPad Pro. You can use two split-screen apps along with a picture-in-picture video, but adding a third app in a slide-over window will pause background tasks.
Who Should Buy the iPad 6th Generation?
The iPad 6th generation is an excellent choice for:
- Students: Its Apple Pencil support and classroom-ready accessories make it perfect for note-taking, assignments, and educational apps.
- Casual Users: If you’re looking for a device to browse the web, watch videos, or play casual games, the iPad 2018 has more than enough power.
- Budget-Conscious Creatives: While it doesn’t offer the full performance of the iPad Pro, it’s still a good option for light graphic design and drawing with the Apple Pencil.
Conclusion
The iPad 6th generation (2018) provides a balance between cost and functionality, making it an appealing choice for a wide variety of users. It’s not a full computer replacement like the iPad Pro, but for many, that’s not the goal.
Its affordability, portability, and Apple Pencil support make it a strong contender in the mid-range tablet market. Additionally, for event planners or organizations looking for temporary solutions, One World Rental offers rental options that allow users to test the iPad’s capabilities before committing to a purchase.
In conclusion, if you need a capable tablet without breaking the bank, the iPad 6th generation remains a solid choice. While it may lack some premium features, it gets the job done for half the price of the Pro.
