Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the Apple iPad (2021) 64GB WiFi + Cellular model. If you're on the hunt for a versatile tablet that balances performance, portability, and connectivity, this could be the one for you. We'll break down everything from its design and display to its performance, battery life, and, of course, whether that cellular connectivity is worth the extra cash. So, grab a comfy seat, and let's get started!

Design and Display

Let's kick things off with the design and display of the Apple iPad (2021). Right out of the box, you'll notice that classic iPad look – clean lines, a familiar button layout, and a sturdy build. The iPad features a 10.2-inch Retina display, which is the star of the show for many users. The resolution is sharp, colors are vibrant, and the brightness is adequate for most indoor environments. While it's not the laminated display you'll find on the iPad Air or Pro models, it still offers a great viewing experience for everyday tasks like browsing, watching videos, and playing games.

One thing to keep in mind is that the display isn't fully laminated, meaning there's a small gap between the glass and the actual display panel. This can sometimes create reflections and might not feel as premium as the more expensive iPads. However, for the price point, it’s a minor compromise. The bezels are a bit thicker compared to the newer iPad designs, but they provide a comfortable grip when holding the device in landscape mode. This is particularly useful for gaming or watching videos without accidentally touching the screen.

The build quality is typical Apple – solid and reliable. The aluminum chassis feels premium, and the tablet has a good weight to it, making it feel substantial without being too heavy to carry around. The physical buttons, including the power button and volume rocker, are responsive and well-placed. The inclusion of the home button with Touch ID is a welcome feature, providing a secure and convenient way to unlock your device and authenticate purchases. Overall, the design and display of the iPad (2021) strike a good balance between functionality and aesthetics, making it a solid choice for a wide range of users.

Performance

Under the hood, the Apple iPad (2021) 64GB WiFi + Cellular is powered by the A13 Bionic chip. Now, this isn't the latest and greatest chip from Apple, but it's still a very capable processor that can handle most tasks you throw at it with ease. Whether you're multitasking between apps, playing graphic-intensive games, or editing photos and videos, the A13 Bionic chip delivers smooth and responsive performance.

In everyday use, you'll notice that apps launch quickly, scrolling is fluid, and multitasking is seamless. The 64GB of storage provides enough space for your essential apps, photos, and files, but if you plan on storing a lot of media or large games, you might want to consider a higher storage option. The iPad also supports the first-generation Apple Pencil, which is great for note-taking, drawing, and other creative tasks. The Apple Pencil integrates seamlessly with iPadOS, offering a natural and intuitive writing and drawing experience.

Gaming on the iPad (2021) is also a pleasant experience. The A13 Bionic chip can handle most mobile games at high settings without any noticeable lag or stuttering. The large display and stereo speakers further enhance the gaming experience, making it immersive and enjoyable. While it may not match the performance of the iPad Pro with its M1 or M2 chip, the iPad (2021) still holds its own and provides a great gaming experience for casual and avid gamers alike. The A13 Bionic chip also brings improvements to machine learning capabilities, enabling features like Live Text and enhanced augmented reality experiences. This makes the iPad (2021) not only a great entertainment device but also a useful tool for productivity and creativity.

Connectivity: WiFi + Cellular

One of the standout features of this particular model is the inclusion of cellular connectivity. The Apple iPad (2021) 64GB WiFi + Cellular allows you to stay connected to the internet even when you're away from a WiFi network. This can be incredibly useful for people who are always on the go or who need to stay connected for work or personal reasons. Setting up cellular connectivity is straightforward – you simply insert a nano-SIM card or activate an eSIM from a supported carrier. The iPad supports a wide range of cellular bands, ensuring compatibility with most carriers around the world.

With cellular connectivity, you can browse the web, stream videos, check your email, and use your favorite apps from virtually anywhere. This is especially useful when traveling or when you're in areas with unreliable WiFi. The cellular performance is generally excellent, with fast download and upload speeds. However, the actual speeds may vary depending on your carrier and network conditions. One thing to keep in mind is that cellular data plans can be expensive, so you'll want to consider your data usage needs carefully before signing up for a plan. The iPad (2021) also supports WiFi, so you can always connect to a WiFi network when one is available to save on cellular data. The combination of WiFi and cellular connectivity makes the iPad (2021) a versatile device that can keep you connected no matter where you are.

Battery Life

Battery life is always a crucial factor when considering a tablet, and the Apple iPad (2021) 64GB WiFi + Cellular does not disappoint. Apple claims up to 10 hours of battery life for web surfing on WiFi or watching videos, and in real-world testing, this holds up pretty well. With moderate use, including browsing, email, and some light gaming, you can easily get a full day of battery life out of the iPad (2021). Even with more intensive tasks like video editing or graphic-intensive gaming, the iPad can still last for several hours on a single charge.

The efficient A13 Bionic chip and optimized software contribute to the iPad's excellent battery performance. The iPad also supports fast charging, allowing you to quickly top up the battery when needed. The actual charging time may vary depending on the power adapter you use, but with a compatible fast charger, you can get a significant charge in a relatively short amount of time. Standby battery life is also impressive, with the iPad able to hold a charge for days when not in use. This is particularly useful if you only use your iPad occasionally, as you won't have to worry about constantly charging it. Overall, the battery life of the iPad (2021) is excellent and should be more than sufficient for most users.

Software and Features

The Apple iPad (2021) 64GB WiFi + Cellular runs on iPadOS, which is specifically designed for iPads and offers a range of features that enhance the tablet experience. iPadOS includes features like multitasking, Split View, and Slide Over, which allow you to run multiple apps simultaneously and switch between them easily. The Files app provides a central location for accessing and managing your files, whether they're stored on your iPad, in iCloud Drive, or on a third-party cloud storage service. The iPad (2021) also supports widgets, which can be placed on the home screen for quick access to information and functions.

Apple regularly updates iPadOS with new features and improvements, ensuring that your iPad stays up-to-date and secure. The App Store offers a vast selection of apps optimized for iPad, ranging from productivity tools to creative apps to games. The iPad (2021) also supports Apple services like Apple TV+, Apple Music, and iCloud, providing seamless integration with other Apple devices. The inclusion of features like Universal Control, which allows you to use a single keyboard and mouse across your iPad and Mac, further enhances the overall user experience. With its intuitive interface, robust features, and access to a wide range of apps, iPadOS makes the iPad (2021) a versatile and powerful device for both work and play.

Is the Cellular Model Worth It?

Now, let's address the big question: is the cellular model of the Apple iPad (2021) 64GB WiFi + Cellular worth the extra cost? The answer depends on your individual needs and usage habits. If you frequently find yourself in situations where you need to access the internet but don't have access to a WiFi network, then the cellular model is definitely worth considering. The ability to stay connected on the go can be invaluable for work, travel, and staying in touch with friends and family.

However, if you primarily use your iPad at home or in locations with reliable WiFi, then you might be able to save some money by opting for the WiFi-only model. You can always tether your iPad to your smartphone's hotspot for occasional internet access when you're on the go. Another factor to consider is the cost of a cellular data plan. Cellular data plans can be expensive, and you'll want to factor in the monthly cost when deciding whether to purchase the cellular model. Ultimately, the decision of whether to buy the cellular model comes down to your individual needs and budget. If you value the convenience of staying connected wherever you go and are willing to pay for a cellular data plan, then the cellular model is a great option. Otherwise, the WiFi-only model may be a more cost-effective choice.

Final Verdict

The Apple iPad (2021) 64GB WiFi + Cellular is a fantastic tablet that offers a great balance of performance, features, and connectivity. The A13 Bionic chip delivers smooth and responsive performance, the Retina display is sharp and vibrant, and the inclusion of cellular connectivity allows you to stay connected on the go. The iPadOS software is intuitive and feature-rich, and the battery life is excellent. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of the more expensive iPad models, the iPad (2021) is still a great value for the price.

If you're looking for a versatile tablet that can handle a wide range of tasks, from browsing the web to watching videos to playing games, the iPad (2021) is definitely worth considering. And if you need to stay connected even when you're away from WiFi, the cellular model is a great option. Overall, the Apple iPad (2021) 64GB WiFi + Cellular is a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable and capable tablet. So, that’s a wrap, guys! Hope this review helped you make a more informed decision.