Technically, iPads and tablets are not two categories of devices because the iPad is simply Apple’s version of a tablet. Both are portable computing devices with internet connectivity, touch-screen displays, cameras and microphones. Functionally, however, there are important distinctions, and shoppers who are looking for a tablet may benefit from knowing the difference between a tablet and an iPad.

Operating Systems and Ecosystems

Most tablets run Google’s Android operating system, but the iPad runs Apple’s iOS. Android tablets generally place very few limits on changing the user experience, offering greater control over fonts, theme components, menus and more. iOS intentionally limits some of these options to create a simpler user experience.

Many users still prefer the iPad because they don’t need all of those customization options and find the user experience more enjoyable without having to navigate them. iPads often present an easier learning curve to someone with little experience with technology.

Software and Cross-Device Functionality

Every tablet won’t be able to run every app. iPads and tablets have access to different app storefronts, with Apple offering a wider selection of tablet-optimized applications. For example, someone who intends to use Apple’s popular FaceTime app to chat with loved ones should not expect an Android tablet to have access to that application. It’s also important to note that some companies, like Amazon, use their own variation of Android’s OS on their tablets and offer an even more limited app selection. 

Apple also designs its devices to work well with other devices in its ecosystem. This allows someone who already has an iPhone or a MacBook to easily perform actions like accepting calls or cutting and pasting across devices. Some companies, such as Samsung, offer similar cross-device functionality, but they’re the exception among Android tablets. Someone who is already comfortable with a particular company’s device ecosystem might want to stick with the experience they already know and enjoy.

Hardware and Price

Many companies produce Android tablets, so they come in a wide variety of sizes and often include newer hardware and features than the iPad. Android tablets also tend to be cheaper than comparable iPads. On the other hand, Apple’s standardized approach results in a more predictable product that users can expect to have longer-lasting functionality and support. 

Android tablets usually allow users to upgrade their device’s storage by inserting a memory card into a microSD slot, but the iPad has no way of expanding its storage. An Android tablet can be purchased with less storage for a lower cost, and then the storage can be upgraded as needed. However, someone who purchases an iPad and then requires increased storage must buy an entirely new device with more memory. 

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