Apple iPad Pro [13″] (M5): Ultra Retina XDR Display, [256GB], 12MP Front Camera / 12MP Back Camera, LiDAR Scanner, Wi-Fi 7 with Apple N1, Face ID, All-Day Battery Life — Space Black

So I am a bit in an Apple-buying year. I have replaced a lot of the old stuff for me. So I now have the Mac mini m4 pro, iPhone 17 pro, Ultra Watch 3, and old skool AirPods Pro 2. I have a 10 year old IPad that now really needs to be replaced next.

I’ve been looking at the new iPad 2025 (base model), and I’m trying to figure out if the upgrades to the Air or Pro are actually worth it for a standard user. I have some specific “theories” about why the base model might be better, and I want you guys to tell me if I’m wrong:

1. The Netflix / Screen Quality Argument: Everyone complains about the non-laminated screen. But for streaming Netflix in a car or on a plane, is it actually noticeable? To me, it seems like a $200+ tax just for slightly deeper blacks and less glare. Does the base screen hold up for high-quality streaming?
2. The “Kid-Proof” Factor: I have a 5-year-old. I’ve heard that because the iPad 2025 doesn’t have a laminated display, it’s actually cheaper to repair if the glass cracks (since you can replace the glass without the LCD). Is this true? It seems like a huge advantage for parents over the Air/Pro where a cracked screen is basically a total loss.
3. The AI Trap: Everyone says you need an M-series chip for Apple Intelligence. But if I’m mostly using cloud-based AI tools (Google’s tools, etc.), does the chip even matter? My theory is that the A16 chip is more than enough for 99% of AI tasks that don’t happen locally.
4. The “95% Rule”: Aside from professional artists and 4K video editors, what can an Air/Pro do that this iPad can’t? It feels like we’re being sold “Pro” features for “Basic” tasks.

Am I being too cynical, or is the iPad 2025 the logical choice for anyone who isn’t a power user? Especially for someone who needs to hand it to a kid in the back of the car without a heart attack?

I don’t mind spending extra if it’s worth it.

Latest iPad Models and Features

iPad Pro M4

• Screen: OLED display, 120Hz refresh rate.
• Performance: M4 chip, highly powerful but potentially overkill for most users.
• Price: Very expensive, which might not be worth it for non-professional use. 

iPad Air M3

• Performance: M3 chip, offering a great balance of power and cost.
• Screen: Laminated display, 60Hz refresh rate. 
• Compatibility: Supports Apple Pencil Pro, which charges wirelessly.

iPad Mini 7

• Portability: Small and easy to carry, ideal for travel and on-the-go use. 
• Performance: A19 chip rumored, which would be a significant upgrade. 
• Features: Rumored OLED display and 120Hz refresh rate, making it a potential powerhouse in a compact form.

Base iPad (11th Generation)

• Value: Affordable and capable of handling most daily tasks.
• Performance: A16 chip, sufficient for school and general use. 
• Screen: Non-laminated display, which is cheaper to repair but might not offer the best viewing experience.

Considerations

• Use Case: Determine if you need a high-performance iPad for professional work or if a base model will suffice for everyday tasks. 
• Budget: Consider educational discounts and sales to get the best value.
• Compatibility: If you plan to use the Apple Pencil, ensure the iPad model supports the latest version.