iPad vs. Tablet — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Published on February 7, 2024
An iPad is a brand of tablets made by Apple, known for its iOS operating system, while "tablet" is a general term for portable computing devices with touchscreens.
Difference Between iPad and Tablet
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
iPads are a specific line of tablets manufactured by Apple, featuring high-resolution displays and seamless integration with Apple's ecosystem. Tablets, in general, encompass a wide range of devices from various manufacturers, each with different operating systems like Android, Windows, or iOS in the case of iPads.
While iPads run on Apple's proprietary iOS (or iPadOS for newer models), offering a curated app store and consistent updates, tablets can run on various operating systems, providing a broader range of software choices and customization options. This fundamental software difference significantly influences the user experience and device capabilities.
In terms of design, iPads are known for their sleek, minimalist aesthetic, with a focus on build quality and user-friendly interfaces. Tablets, however, vary widely in design, with some prioritizing affordability and others aiming for premium features and materials, catering to a broader market.
The ecosystem surrounding iPads, including accessories like the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard, is designed for seamless compatibility, enhancing productivity and creativity. Other tablets offer diverse accessory options, but compatibility and integration can vary, depending on the brand and model.
Regarding market positioning, iPads are often perceived as premium devices within the tablet market, reflecting Apple's brand reputation for quality and innovation. Tablets from other brands cover a wider spectrum, from budget-friendly options to high-end devices, allowing for greater flexibility in choice based on price and features.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Operating System
IOS/iPadOS, exclusive to Apple devices.
Various (Android, Windows, proprietary OS, etc.)
Design and Build Quality
Uniform, premium design across all models.
Varies widely from budget to high-end designs.
Ecosystem Compatibility
Tightly integrated with Apple products.
Compatibility varies by brand and OS.
App Store
Apple App Store, curated selection of apps.
Depends on OS; Google Play Store, Windows Store, etc.
Market Position
Generally positioned as premium devices.
Ranges from budget to premium segments.
Compare with Definitions
iPad
Offers access to a vast array of apps through the Apple App Store, catering to entertainment, productivity, and education.
I found this amazing language learning app on the App Store and installed it on my iPad.
Tablet
A portable computing device featuring a touchscreen interface, used for a variety of tasks.
I loaded my presentation on the tablet and connected it to the projector for the meeting.
iPad
A tablet device designed and marketed by Apple Inc., known for its sleek design and advanced technology.
I downloaded the latest drawing app on my iPad to work on my digital illustrations.
Tablet
Offers flexibility in operating systems, including Android, Windows, and proprietary versions.
My Android tablet allows me to customize the interface exactly how I like it.
iPad
Runs on Apple's proprietary iOS or iPadOS, offering a seamless experience with other Apple devices.
Syncing my iPad with my iPhone ensures that all my documents are up to date across my devices.
Tablet
Can be used with various accessories, such as keyboards and styluses, to enhance productivity.
Attaching a keyboard to my tablet turns it into a mini laptop, perfect for typing longer documents.
iPad
Compatible with Apple accessories like the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard, enhancing its functionality.
Taking notes in class is a breeze with my iPad and Apple Pencil.
Tablet
A slab or plaque, as of stone or ivory, with a surface that is intended for or bears an inscription.
iPad
Features a touch screen interface, allowing users to interact directly with content and applications.
Browsing through photos on my iPad is so intuitive with just the swipe of a finger.
Tablet
A thin sheet or leaf, used as a writing surface.
Tablet
A set of such leaves fastened together, as in a book.
Tablet
A pad of writing paper glued together along one edge.
Tablet
A lightweight, portable computer having a touchscreen as the method by which data is input.
Tablet
A small flat pellet of medication to be taken orally.
Tablet
A small flat cake of a prepared substance, such as soap.
Tablet
To inscribe on a tablet.
Tablet
To form into a tablet.
Tablet
A slab of clay, stone or wood used for inscription.
Tablet
(religion) A short scripture written by the founders of the Bahá'í faith.
Tablet
A pill; a small, easily swallowed portion of a substance.
Many people take vitamin tablets as a food supplement.
Tablet
A block of several sheets of blank paper that are bound together at the top; pad of paper.
Tablet
(computing) A graphics tablet.
Tablet
(computing) A tablet computer, a type of portable computer.
Tablet
(Scotland) A confection made from sugar, condensed milk and butter, produced in flat slabs, with a grainer texture than fudge.
Tablet
(rail) A type of round token giving authority for a train to proceed over a single-track line.
Tablet
(transitive) To form (a drug, etc.) into tablets.
Tablet
A small table or flat surface.
Tablet
A flat piece of any material on which to write, paint, draw, or engrave; also, such a piece containing an inscription or a picture.
Tablet
Hence, a small picture; a miniature.
Tablet
A kind of pocket memorandum book.
Tablet
A flattish cake or piece; as, tablets of arsenic were formerly worn as a preservative against the plague.
Tablet
A solid kind of electuary or confection, commonly made of dry ingredients with sugar, and usually formed into little flat squares; - called also lozenge, and troche, especially when of a round or rounded form.
Tablet
A slab of stone or wood suitable for bearing an inscription
Tablet
A number of sheets of paper fastened together along one edge
Tablet
A small flat compressed cake of some substance;
A tablet of soap
Tablet
A dose of medicine in the form of a small pellet
Tablet
Varies in size, design, and capabilities, catering to a wide range of consumer needs and preferences.
I chose a compact tablet that easily fits in my bag for reading during my commute.
Tablet
Serves multiple purposes, from entertainment and gaming to professional work and education.
My kids use the tablet for educational games, while I use it for work emails and browsing.
Common Curiosities
How do iPads differ from other tablets in terms of operating system?
iPads run on Apple's iOS or iPadOS, while other tablets may run Android, Windows, or other operating systems.
Are all tablets touch screen?
Yes, the defining feature of tablets, including iPads, is their touchscreen interface.
Can iPads run Android apps?
No, iPads cannot run Android apps as they use Apple's iOS or iPadOS.
What is an iPad?
An iPad is a brand of tablet computers designed and marketed by Apple Inc., featuring iOS or iPadOS.
Can you make phone calls with a tablet?
Some tablets, including certain iPad models with cellular capabilities, can make phone calls, either through SIM services or VoIP apps.
What is a tablet?
A tablet is a portable touchscreen computer that comes in various sizes and is manufactured by multiple companies.
Do iPads always come with cellular connectivity?
iPads are available in both Wi-Fi only and Wi-Fi + Cellular models, offering users a choice based on their needs.
Are tablets suitable for professional work?
Tablets, including iPads, have become increasingly capable of handling professional tasks, especially with the addition of accessories like keyboards and styluses.
What makes iPads considered premium compared to other tablets?
iPads are often viewed as premium due to Apple's focus on design, build quality, and a seamless ecosystem of devices and services.
Are there budget-friendly tablet options available outside of the iPad line?
Yes, the tablet market includes a wide range of options, from budget-friendly models to high-end devices, beyond the iPad series.
Do iPads support external storage like USB drives or SD cards?
iPads do not have direct ports for external storage, but they can connect to external drives via adapters and the Files app.
Can you expand the storage of a tablet?
Some tablets feature expandable storage via microSD cards, unlike iPads, which do not offer this capability.
Do all tablets have a camera?
Most tablets, including iPads, come equipped with front and rear cameras, with varying specifications.
Can iPads replace laptops?
Depending on the user's needs, iPads can replace laptops for many tasks, especially with the addition of a keyboard and the right apps.
What is the average battery life of an iPad compared to other tablets?
iPads are known for their long battery life, often surpassing 10 hours, which is comparable to many other high-end tablets.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Port Wine vs. Sherry
Next Comparison
Tonofibrils vs. TonofilamentsAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
