Choosing the optimal storage capacity is a nightmare. The amount of iPad storage you require is one of the most significant decisions you make when purchasing an iPad. Not only will this affect your ability to save all you need on your device, but you will also be unable to add more physical storage after purchase.
If you only plan to use your iPad for light entertainment while on Wi-Fi, or if you keep everything in the cloud, 64GB should be enough. Even if you need access to offline files, most files are small. If you plan to load your iPad up with downloaded videos, though, you should consider more storage.
If you’re still living in the early 2000s, 64GB of storage sounds like a lot. But since then, the quantity of data consumed, the number of photos taken, and the apps on mobile devices have changed. We’ve compiled a list of things you should evaluate before taking the leap, so let’s get started!
Is 64GB Enough for the iPad?
If you intend to use the iPad as an entertaining bedside device, 64 gigabytes will be more than sufficient. If you have a reliable internet connection, you can stream almost anything, from music and movies to video games.
The additional storage is unnecessary without the requirement to download anything to your device. The 64GB version of the iPad Mini or Air (on Amazon) still provides sufficient space to download your favorite apps, and it will take time to fill up with images and videos, which are rarely utilized on iPads.
And if you’re camping for the weekend, there’s sufficient storage to download a few movies or television series for your children to watch when the internet becomes unstable.
Looking at the second side of the picture, even if you’re not a regular iPad user, you may encounter storage limitations pretty rapidly if your iPad only has 64 GB of storage.
Remember that in addition to storing your emails, messages (including any video or image attachments), media files, and applications on your iPad, you will frequently want 8-10 GB of free space to install iOS updates.
What are the Storage Capacities available for an iPad?
The storage capacity of the iPad is identical to its memory in that it differs in size, so you must determine which one will serve you best.
A wide range of storage capacities is available in Apple iPad models, starting at 32 gigabytes and going as high as two terabytes. Therefore, to choose the iPad storage size you should get when buying an iPad, you must consider the quantity of data you wish to store and the requirements you want the iPad to fulfill.
The various iPad storage capacities are helpful for a variety of uses. For example, designers should utilize 512GB storage, while photographers and editors should utilize 1TB storage.
Different Storage Comes In Different Prices
The primary price distinction for the iPad has been its storage tiers, and the latest iPads are no exception.
Apple could divide based on any characteristic, but storage capacity is intuitive for everyone. Simply said, spending more money will get you more storage space; however, there are changes in the price per gigabyte equation, as detailed below.
- 64GB is almost $5.14 per gigabyte
- 256GB is nearly $1.87 per gigabyte
Storage Is Also Required for Apple Software
You cannot enhance the storage capacity of your iPad using a memory card; therefore, it’s crucial to purchase the correct quantity. Also, remember that the iPad’s operating system also consumes some storage space.
If you select 128GB of storage, there will never be 128GB of open space. Have you anticipated how much storage space you will require on your device? Add around 20% to that number.
Thus, you will have sufficient space. Using cloud storage services is also a viable choice. However, these do cost some money.
How Much Storage Do You Need?
It relies strongly on how you use your iPad and what you do on it. Utilize iCloud, Google Images, or other cloud storage systems to store and manage photos, videos, and different types of media.
Offering several apps you install, you may be able to choose 64GB storage if the response is yes. However, we suggest 128GB or 256GB if you don’t need cloud services or just wish to be extra secure.
Is 64GB Storage Enough?
A 64GB iPad is excellent for internet browsing, checking email, FaceTime, and watching television shows. In addition, it has sufficient storage space to download programs and play games.
You can keep multiple episodes or albums offline from online services such as Netflix and Spotify, but you must delete them when you no longer require them.
If you want to be capable of storing entire episodes offline on your iPad and utilize various demanding apps, select an iPad with additional storage space.
Is 128GB of Storage Enough?
The 128GB iPad is the least expensive choice and should be considered if you do not intend to use your iPad for intensive work. Here are several reasons to consider purchasing an iPad Pro 128GB model:
- The majority of your movies and music are streamed.
- You do not intend to capture a large amount of 4K content.
- You intend to save your images to iCloud Photo Library or a computer.
- You are nowhere near utilizing up to 128GB of storage space on your current devices.
Is 256GB Enough Storage?
Many of you may wish to pay more for the additional 128GB of storage capacity, if only for the peace of mind that comes with having more space to work with. So consider the following before deciding whether or not to purchase the iPad with 256 GB of storage:
- Some of your movies and music are stored locally.
- You require or want to store your images locally.
- You intend to capture 4K content.
- You are nearing 128GB of storage capacity on your existing devices.
- It is unbearable for you to control the data on your devices continually.
The 256GB is a good option that can be utilized with or without iCloud. If you only intend to use your new iPad as an e-reader, email client, and web browser, there isn’t much to think about regarding unexpected storage space consumption.
Your iPad will have sufficient storage space to accommodate any modest unexpected storage requirements. Therefore, the required space will be minimal.
If you wish to play games on your new iPad, keep in mind that game app producers constantly update their games, which require more space. As a result, unique and intriguing video games will be created, and they will need their own room.
When Do You Need More Storage Than 256GB?
There are situations where you may require additional space, such as 512GB or 1TB. Several of the platform’s more refined games have greater file sizes if your iPad is your preferred gaming device. Installing all of them requires a storage disk capable of meeting your requirements.
If you intend to generate or edit a large amount of media on your iPad, such as if you are a photographer or video editor, you may also need to try to expand your iPad’s storage space.
Obviously, you can transfer data from the tablet to a computer or laptop, but additional storage would reduce the frequency with which you must do so.
Who Even Needs 2TB?
If you need the most costly iPad with the highest specifications, then, by all means, grab the 2TB model, which costs a fortune when configured to its full capacity.
You should only consider purchasing the iPad Pro with a storage capacity of 2 terabytes if you take video editing very seriously.
Or you want to use the iPad Pro instead of a MacBook or a personal computer and despise the idea of storing your work on an external drive. If that is not the case, it is not a sensible investment.
Storage Needs Depends Upon Usage
Someone who only wants to use their iPad to browse the web or watch an uncommon video on YouTube does not require one with a storage capacity of 1 terabyte. However, many customers need that and a great deal more! So let’s have a look at the use cases that are provided down below.
iPad Storage For Photos And Videos
It is less frequent for people to capture their life using the more burdensome iPad, even though many of us take pictures and movies using our smartphones.
Nevertheless, you may still require storage for your images and movies if you have activated the iCloud Shot Library, even if you never take a photo with your iPad.
When this function is activated on several devices, it will synchronize everything in your Photos library across all those devices. This implies that if you have thousands of photos and movies stored on your iPad, iCloud Photo Library will replicate them to your iPad, using up space on the latter device.
Before choosing how much iPad storage capacity you require, you should determine how much space media is consuming on your iPad.
If you have a large amount of data that will be synchronized, you may require more storage space than the standard selections of 32GB or 64GB. If you turn off the iCloud Photo Library, you’ll have less of a problem with this.
If you are considering purchasing an iPad for image editing, we suggest you consider the iPad Pro’s 1TB or 2TB variants. This is because your applications will not only allow you to store photographs, but they will also come with a large number of additional tools, settings, and extensions that will need space to store.
If you want to edit clips, you might get away with the one terabyte model, which can hold around 120 hours of HD camera footage.
iPad Storage For Movies
On the other hand, there is a significant distinction between movies and music: Typical music uses up roughly 4 megabytes of storage space.
About 1.5 gigabytes of space is required for the typical movie. So even if you have a data plan that gives you 6 or 10 gigabytes, you will still run out of capacity very soon if you stream over a 4G connection.
If you wish to watch movies while you are on holiday or touring for business, you will require enough storage space to download a few films before you leave or to watch them in your hotel room while signing into the Wi-Fi network provided by the hotel. Either way, you will need to have enough space on your device.
In this situation, 64 gigabytes of storage space will not be sufficient, and even 256 gigabytes may seem insufficient to you if you have a passion for watching movies. Sometimes, you may require more storage capacity than the 256 GB provided.
iPad Storage for Gamers
Are you a serious gamer who plans to start up your iPad whenever you want to play a popular game like Fortnite, PUBG, Battlefield, League of Legends, or any other game of its kind? In that situation, it is recommended that your device has a storage capacity of at least 256 gigabytes because it is considered a reasonable volume.
If, on the other side, your gaming sessions are restricted to ones that are easy and brief, buying an iPad with 64 GB won’t be a disadvantage even if you do it.
iPad Storage for Apps
In a manner comparable to how things operate with games, selecting the most appropriate iPad storage for apps depends on the category of apps you intend to download. To put that another way, regular apps are more likely to be able to fit on the base iPad models.
On the other hand, if you are a professional designer whose day-to-day work involves editing and drawing utilities, it is evident that you will need one of the iPad models with 512 GB or 1 TB of storage space.
It shouldn’t be surprising that the best creative programs are also responsible for producing complicated and huge files.
64GB vs 256GB?
64GB
You have sufficient storage for everyday tasks with 64 gigabytes. You can download a few different social media apps onto your iPad, using WhatsApp, and make phone calls. You also have sufficient capacity to play games with 64GB of space available.
You won’t be able to record 4K videos if you use streaming services like Netflix and Spotify, but you can use those services. Easily removing unused applications and saving photographs to your iCloud photo library are available options.
Did you find that 64GB to be sufficient on your prior device? Since app sizes are only growing over time, it will be challenging to fit everything on your new device.
The 64GB edition will quickly fill up with your work files, requiring you to transfer items from previous projects or eliminate what you think is unneeded. It is in your best interest to have everything at your disposal.
256GB
With 256 gigabytes of storage, you won’t have to stress how much storage is left on your device before downloading the newest versions of your favorite apps and games. Likewise, you do not need to worry about running out of space for your images, movies, or music.
You are not required to take advantage of cloud storage in any way. You also enjoy producing videos in 4K resolution and capturing images in portrait mode. Even better, you can download a few seasons of your favorite series to watch on the flight.
The 256GB model does not guarantee that it will fulfill all of your storage needs, but it will get you closer to achieving that target than the 64GB model ever could.
If you intend to use the iPad Air 4 to its utmost potential, getting every ounce of speed out of its technology, then the 256Gb of internal storage option is the one you should acquire. If you don’t, your workflow will quickly run into a block.
Your Choice of Storage: iCloud or Locally
Your option for storing data locally or in iCloud will determine whether you want a 64 or 128-gigabyte iPad. Using iCloud, you can access an infinite amount of storage space, allowing you to save and backup anything you choose.
You can save and back up your data, including photographs, videos, documents, music playlists, applications, iBooks, and other iTunes purchases.
You can stream videos and music on your iPad instead of downloading them. Additionally, iCloud gives you up to 5 GB of free storage space, which may be expanded to a maximum of 2 TB at any time. However, you will be charged for any extra storage space you require.
With the help of iCloud Drive, you can easily save videos, iOS backups, photographs, files, and any other large or light items you may have on your phone. iCloud Drive is compatible with both iOS and macOS.
Conclusion
It’s crucial to consider both your wants and your budget when deciding on an iPad’s storage capacity. This article explains when 64GB is plenty and when you’ll wish you had more.
For most people, 64 GB of storage capacity is enough to meet their requirements. However, extra storage is needed by everyone who plays video games, downloads large files regularly, or works in graphics or video editing.