Since Apple products are famous not only for their high quality, but also for a rather tangible price tag, errors in determining the iPad model are unacceptable. Who wants to pay a tidy sum for a gadget that has lost relevance?
Why you need to determine the iPad model
Imagine a situation when someone from your friends suggested you buy a used iPad at a bargain price. You have long been looking for some kind of toy for a child or a device for watching movies on the go, and then a high-quality device from reliable hands, and even saving. Without hesitation, you get a tablet, and then you remember that you didn’t even ask: “How do I know which iPad I have?”.
Or, for example, you are going to buy equipment from a stranger, but you are not sure that you can determine the model of the device yourself.
In these cases, it will be useful to familiarize yourself with the methods described below to find out which model your device is.
What iPads are there?
Before you figure out how to find out which generation of iPad, you should briefly get acquainted with all versions of the device line. To date, Apple has released the following tablet models:
- iPad
- iPad 2;
- iPad 3;
- iPad Mini (in four versions);
- iPad 4
- iPad Air
- iPad Air 2;
- iPad Pro
Tablets of the Air version are distinguished by a thin body and light weight, as well as a faster processor compared to previous models. The iPad of the Pro line is as thin as the Air, but even more powerful. There is a standard 9.7-inch and an enlarged 12.9-inch version.
The iPad Mini is characterized by modest dimensions, making it look like a smartphone. The very first and second models are quite weighty, but they are no less reliable than newer gadgets, and they hold a charge for as long.
All iPads are alike. But an experienced user can easily determine what kind of device he is holding in his hands, focusing on its color, type of connector and other external differences.
How to determine the iPad model using the box and batch number
If you are tormented by the question: “How do I know which iPad I have?”, Consider its original box. It has a sticker indicating the iPad model, color, memory size, as well as the serial number and IMEI. However, if the device was purchased with hands, there is a possibility that the box is from another tablet. In addition, the model does not always indicate the sticker. Sometimes there is only the inscription "iPad". Try to guess what kind of thing is in question. To check if the box is native, just check the serial number on the box with the serial number of the device by looking at it in the iPad settings or on the back panel. If on the box there are no clarifications about the version of the gadget, go to the next method.
To learn the iPad model, the lot number will also help. You can find it in the tablet’s settings, on the back panel or on the box. Then you should compare it with the list of correspondence of numbers to certain versions of the iPad. Such lists are easy to find on the Internet.
External differences of the first, second and third iPads
Despite the strong similarities, iPads still differ externally. How to find out which version of the iPad, even without including it? The tips below will help you with this.
The first iPad is easy to recognize by the design, devoid of any streamline or smoothness, a wide front panel in black and, of course, the lack of a camera. If you see an iPad without a camera, this is definitely iPad 1. This model was produced in only one color and only with a black working panel. Another characteristic feature is the three speaker holes located at the bottom of the case.
The second iPad has smoother lines compared to its predecessor. It is equipped with two cameras. A hallmark of the second-generation tablet is the speaker grill, located on the back of the device.
The third iPad is outwardly indistinguishable from the second, it is only slightly heavier and larger. The difference becomes noticeable only when you turn it on: a display made using Retina technology pleases with image quality and color depth. If there is no older iPad model nearby, it is better to refrain from spotting by eye and use a more reliable identification method.
Differences between Air and Pro, how to find out what my iPad Mini is and how to recognize iPad 4
IPad mini cannot be confused with other models because of their size. Outwardly, they differ only in the quality of the picture on the display. The third iPad mini is highlighted with a Touch ID scanner and a golden color. The fourth compact version is slightly larger than the previous ones, and it also lacks the silent mode switch button.
The fourth iPad is not to be confused with the third - it, unlike the third-generation tablet, has a standard 30-pin connector replaced with a lightning version.
"Air" iPads justify their name: they are thinner, lighter and smaller than previous versions. However, the display remains the same size. This is clearly visible in the narrow fields of the working surface.
The iPad Pro is striking in its technical differences - you can easily get confused in its impressive features. Therefore, let's do it easier: it is easy to distinguish the Pro version by the Smart Connector connector on the side of the tablet.
Having familiarized yourself with the above methods, you will no longer torment yourself with the question "How do I find out which iPad I have?", And you can accurately determine the tablet version.