What is the difference between wifi and wifi cellular ipad

What is the difference between wifi and wifi cellular ipad

Estimated read time: 2 minutes


I’ve been a big fan of the iPad from when it first came out. I had the first one, which weighed a ton, the second one, and the latest iPad Pro. And every time I get a new iPad, the question comes up: WiFi only, or should I get a cellular plan?

With my fifth-generation iPad Pro, I did opt-in for the cellular function. Let’s discuss my thinking over the years and what led me to get the cellular plan most recently.

Advantages of WiFi-only iPads

The most significant advantage likely is that it’s cheaper. Right now, the difference for a 12.9-inch iPad Pro is $200. And then there’s no monthly line charge through your cellular provider. So it does save some money.

What is the difference between wifi and wifi cellular ipad

Advantages of cellular on iPad

The most significant advantage is that a cellular plan on an iPad allows you to use it everywhere with network coverage without tethering it to your phone or finding a WiFi network.

With the advances in 5G technology, this option for an iPad might become ever more attractive.

When I’m out and about, I have usually tethered my iPad to my iPhone’s hotspot (which is included in a more expensive plan) and use it that way. Indeed, it could be easier to use when it has its connection.

But it also depends on how you use your iPad while away from your home or office network. For example, if you use it to livestream or create other live content, it could be advantageous, especially if 5G or 5GUW is faster than the available internet.


Read next: (Video livestreaming) 8 crucial steps to improve your stream quality

Overall, a cellular plan for an iPad is worth considering if you use the device away from your home or office network and need a good connection. The biggest thing to consider is the added cost and determining whether that added cost is justified.



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Apple revealed the iPad Air 5 (2022) during its Peek Performance event. This is the vs between WiFi and Cellular models. What's different?

Apple unveiled the 5G-enabled iPad Air 5 (2022) during its Peek Performance virtual event. Despite it sharing the same chassis with the previous-gen model, it still brings plenty of improvements. Most notably, it includes Apple's M1 chip, supports 5G networks, and comes in five vivid finishes. For $599 only, you can buy the iPad Air 5 in Space Gray, Starlight, Pink, Purple, or Blue. If you decide to go for it, don't forget to protect it with a case and take a look at the best chargers available as an alternative to the included one. Now, you must be wondering -- what's the difference between the regular and 5G models? This is the Apple iPad Air 5 (2022) WiFi vs Cellular: every difference between the two variants.

Apple iPad Air 5 WiFi vs Cellular

Design

For starters, you can visually distinguish between the WiFi and Cellular models. That's because the latter has antenna bands on its top and bottom edges. The difference is pretty minor for the unsuspecting, but if you put the two side-by-side, the antennas become more obvious. Additionally, the Cellular model has a nano-SIM tray on its side.

Weight

With additional hardware comes a heavier weight. The Cellular model is -- behold! -- a single gram heavier than the WiFi model. That's 461 vs 462 grams for the WiFi and Cellular models respectively. Obviously, you won't notice the difference, but it's there.

Location and Connectivity

Undoubtedly, the Cellular model supports mobile networks for data and WiFi calling. Whether you're in an LTE or a 5G region, your Cellular iPad Air 5 will connect to the cell towers just fine once you set a plan up. Not only does it support nano-SIMs, but it also includes a built-in eSIM. In addition to that, the Cellular model has a built‑in GPS/GNSS and uses cellular connectivity for fine-tuning your location.

Pricing

The WiFi-only iPad Air 5 starts at $599 in the US, while the Cellular model goes for $749. So if you don't plan on using mobile networks, it's wise to get the WiFi model and save a few bucks in the process.

Apple iPad Air (2022)

The 2022 5th-generation iPad Air is powered by the Apple M1 processor, it supports 5G for the first time, and it comes in an array of beautiful colors.iPad Air 5 (2022)

The new 5th-generation iPad Air is powered by the Apple M1 processor, it supports 5G for the first time, and it comes in an array of beautiful colors.

Do you plan on buying the WiFi or Cellular variant of the Apple iPad Air 5 (2022), and why? Let us know in the comments section below.

Is it worth getting an iPad with cellular?

Advantages of cellular on iPad The most significant advantage is that a cellular plan on an iPad allows you to use it everywhere with network coverage without tethering it to your phone or finding a WiFi network. With the advances in 5G technology, this option for an iPad might become ever more attractive.

What is better Wi

Wi-Fi has a limited range, cellular data does not. Wi-Fi only works within the range of your router. With your Verizon Wireless plan, you can access the Internet on your phone or tablet even when you're out of Wi-Fi range. And those fast 4G LTE data speeds now cover more than 98 percent of the US population.

Can you use a cellular iPad on Wi

A wifi-only iPad does not have the hardware for cellular service. You would have to sell it and buy a new one. You can connect the iPad to your cell phone's hotspot for service if your carrier offers that feature.

Do you have to pay monthly for iPad cellular?

We rank every iPhone design, from the humble 3G to the latest iPhone 13. As with your iPhone, you'll have to pay a monthly charge for data on your cellular plan.