6 Reasons Why Your Next iPad Should Be Cellular

In the market for a new iPad? Here are all the reasons we think a cellular iPad is worth the extra expense.

A cellular iPad can merge the power of a laptop with the connectivity of a smartphone, and it all comes in a super-portable package. iPads have really grown up in the past few years. They’re a lot more than just Netflix machines. Whether you use your iPad for fun or for productivity, choosing a cellular model lets you turn your tablet into a do-anything, go-anywhere device.

Here are six reasons why your next iPad should be cellular.

1. There’s a Ton of Options Available

When it comes to picking out a cellular iPad, there’s no shortage of choices. Every iPad model has a cellular version available.

Better yet, the latest iPad Pro and iPad mini are 5G enabled, allowing you to access the full speed of the growing 5G network. Unfortunately, the cellular iPad Air is still stuck on 4G for the time being, although the next product line refresh could bring 5G to the Air.

Although 4G iPads can still pack a punch when it comes to data speeds, if you want the fastest speeds available, the best iPad to buy is one of the 5G models.

Keep in mind that the additional capabilities of cellular iPads aren’t free; cellular iPads cost more. If you’re choosing between a cellular and a Wi-Fi-only iPad Air or mini, you’ll need to shell out another $130 for the cellular model. If you’re stepping up to the iPad Pro, it’s another $200 on top of the base price. On top of that, you need to pay for a cellular contract to actually make use of that functionality.

But, cellular iPads don’t have to be expensive. If you’re on a budget, older generation cellular iPads like the iPad mini (5th generation) can get you on the 4G network at the same price as a new Wi-Fi only model.

2. Hotspot Isn’t Always Your Best Option

If Wi-Fi isn’t available, you can always get your iPhone online by connecting to your phone’s hotspot. The iPhone’s hotspot feature, or tethering, is when you use your phone’s mobile data to connect another device to the internet. This is a great way to get your iPad online in a pinch, but it’s not always a great long-term solution.

While most carriers offer unlimited data plans for phones, when it comes to tethering other devices, they’re not always so generous. Almost no carriers offer unlimited hotspot data. That’s to stop people from using their phone’s mobile data as their home internet connection.

When it comes to data speed, mobile hotspots aren’t always your best option either. Although 5G on phones can be mind-bendingly fast, you probably won’t get that kind of speed when you’re tethering. Most cellular providers will throttle your hotspot data speed. Although your iPhone might have a perfect 5G signal, your hotspot might be slowed down to 4G, or even 3G speeds.

If you want a fast and reliable connection you can take anywhere, you need a cellular iPad so you don’t need to rely on hotspots at all.

3. Only Cellular iPads Have GPS

GPS is one of the most useful features on any smart device. Gone are the days of pulling out giant paper maps and asking strangers for directions.

Don’t own a Tesla with a giant infotainment screen? No problem, get a car mount and put your iPad on your dashboard. iPads can be a great tool for plotting out directions or planning your next big trip, but only cellular iPads have GPS system built in. In Apple’s manufacturing process for iPads, the GPS module and the cellular module are on the same chip. So, if you don’t get a cellular iPad, it also won’t come with GPS.

If you have a Wi-Fi-only iPad, you can still use Apple Maps or Google Maps, but you’ll have to rely on Wi-Fi positioning instead of GPS. Although it can detect your general location, Wi-Fi positioning isn’t nearly as accurate as GPS.

4. Cellular iPads Are Great for Work

The pandemic has changed our lives and our work lives forever. Boardroom meetings have become living room meetings, and many former office workers are becoming full-time digital nomads. If you’re using your iPad as a productivity machine, a built-in data connection can be a great boost to your workflow.

If you’re traveling to, or living somewhere, without a good internet connection, a cellular iPad can deliver the speed and reliability you need to meet with teammates or download large files.

Cellular connectivity is a great reason to choose an iPad over a more traditional laptop. MacBooks are the go-to for many professionals, but there’s still no MacBook available with a cellular data connection. Devices like the cellular iPad Pro are blending laptop-level performance with the go-anywhere data connection of a phone.

Being hooked up to a cellular network means you can take your meeting in that coffee shop you love, without having to worry about their spotty Wi-Fi. It’s a liberating experience.

5. Mobile Data Is Way More Secure Than Wi-Fi

Ever been forced to connect to that sketchy, unsecured Wi-Fi network at the hotel you’re staying at? Hopping on networks you don’t trust is like playing Russian roulette with your data. Any time you connect to a public Wi-Fi network, there’s always a possibility that it’s been compromised. Trackers and scammers love to leech onto unsecured networks and steal personal information, passwords, and bank account information.

While there are services like VPNs that can make using public Wi-Fi more secure, an iPad on a cellular connection steps around that problem completely. By choosing a cellular iPad, you will always have the option of connecting to a secure network that’s managed by a nationwide service provider, not some guy in a back room.

6. You Can Take Cloud Gaming Anywhere

A built-in cellular connection can turn an iPad into a mobile gaming powerhouse. With the rise of cloud gaming, an iPad can go from tablet to mobile console. Services like Stadia and Xbox Cloud Gaming are bringing games that were once only playable on consoles or high-end PCs to almost any device with an internet connection.

While these services are great, to work well they need a solid internet connection. Depending on your location, it can be hard to find a connection that’s fast enough and reliable enough for cloud gaming. Picking up a cellular iPad, especially one with 5G capabilities, lets you take your game almost anywhere.

Cellular iPads Just Give You More Options

Whether it’s for work or for play, a cellular iPad can be a game changer. Having the speed, reliability, and security of a cell connection lets you use your iPad in new ways, and gives you peace of mind while doing it.

If you’re looking for the best iPad Apple makes, make sure you pick up one with a cellular connection.

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