Introduction
Released in March 2018, the Apple iPad 6 brought modest improvements over its predecessor, targeting budget-conscious consumers who wanted to enjoy the Apple ecosystem without the premium price of an iPad Pro. Fast forward to today, and while it’s no longer a powerhouse, the iPad 6 can still serve as a reliable device for specific use cases like casual browsing, media consumption, and educational purposes.
In this post, we’ll explore the specifications of the four Apple iPad 6 variants and compare them with alternatives from Google, Huawei, and Samsung tablets of the same era. We’ll also examine the accessory support, making it clear whether this iPad still holds its own against competitors.
Historical Context and Evolution
The iPad 6 was Apple’s sixth-generation standard iPad, following the release of the iPad 5 in 2017. While it retained the same design and form factor as its predecessor, it added Apple Pencil support, making it the first non-Pro iPad to include this feature. The introduction of the Apple A10 Fusion chipset, also used in the iPhone 7, provided a notable performance boost, ensuring smooth day-to-day tasks even years after its release.
In comparison, this iPad faced competition from devices like the Google Pixel C, Huawei MediaPad M5, and Samsung Galaxy Tab S3, all offering similar performance and feature sets at the time.
Detailed Specifications
Here’s a breakdown of the key specifications for the four iPad 6 variants, all released in 2018:
| Model | iPad 6 Wi-Fi 32GB | iPad 6 Wi-Fi 128GB | iPad 6 Wi-Fi + Cellular 32GB | iPad 6 Wi-Fi + Cellular 128GB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Price | $329 | $429 | $459 | $559 |
| Chipset | Apple A10 Fusion | Apple A10 Fusion | Apple A10 Fusion | Apple A10 Fusion |
| CPU | Quad-core 2.34 GHz | Quad-core 2.34 GHz | Quad-core 2.34 GHz | Quad-core 2.34 GHz |
| RAM | 2 GB | 2 GB | 2 GB | 2 GB |
| Internal Storage | 32 GB | 128 GB | 32 GB | 128 GB |
| Screen Size | 9.7 inches | 9.7 inches | 9.7 inches | 9.7 inches |
| Screen Resolution | 1536 x 2048 pixels | 1536 x 2048 pixels | 1536 x 2048 pixels | 1536 x 2048 pixels |
| Main Camera | 8 MP | 8 MP | 8 MP | 8 MP |
| Selfie Camera | 1.2 MP | 1.2 MP | 1.2 MP | 1.2 MP |
| Battery Capacity | 8827 mAh | 8827 mAh | 8827 mAh | 8827 mAh |
| Accessory Support | Apple Pencil (1st gen), Smart Keyboard | Apple Pencil (1st gen), Smart Keyboard | Apple Pencil (1st gen), Smart Keyboard | Apple Pencil (1st gen), Smart Keyboard |
Use Cases in Today’s World
Despite being five years old, the iPad 6 still holds up for specific use cases:
- Educational Purposes: Its support for the Apple Pencil makes it a great option for students looking to take notes, sketch, or annotate documents.
- Media Consumption: The 9.7-inch Retina display is perfect for watching videos or reading eBooks, even in 2024.
- Casual Browsing: With its smooth performance, it can handle web browsing, social media, and basic apps with ease.
However, don’t expect this iPad to manage heavy gaming or professional-grade tasks like video editing.
Comparison with Google, Huawei, and Samsung Tablets
When it comes to alternatives, the Google Pixel C, Huawei MediaPad M5, and Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 were released around the same time and targeted similar audiences. Here’s how they stack up:
| Feature | iPad 6 (Wi-Fi + Cellular) | Google Pixel C | Huawei MediaPad M5 | Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Apple A10 Fusion | Nvidia Tegra X1 | HiSilicon Kirin 960 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 |
| RAM | 2 GB | 3 GB | 4 GB | 4 GB |
| Display Size | 9.7 inches | 10.2 inches | 10.8 inches | 9.7 inches |
| Display Resolution | 1536 x 2048 pixels | 2560 x 1800 pixels | 2560 x 1600 pixels | 1536 x 2048 pixels |
| Accessory Support | Apple Pencil, Smart Keyboard | None | M-Pen | S Pen, Keyboard Cover |
| Battery Capacity | 8827 mAh | 9243 mAh | 7500 mAh | 6000 mAh |
Key Takeaways:
- Display Quality: The iPad 6 has a sharp Retina display but loses out to the Google Pixel C and Huawei MediaPad M5, which have higher resolutions and more vibrant screens.
- Performance: The Apple A10 Fusion still holds up against the Snapdragon 820 in the Galaxy Tab S3, but falls behind the HiSilicon Kirin 960 in multitasking and gaming performance.
- Accessories: Apple has a clear advantage here, with Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard support. Only Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S3 offers similar accessory support with its S Pen.
Common Problems and Limitations
While the iPad 6 can handle basic tasks, it’s important to note a few limitations:
- Software Updates: The latest iOS version supported is iOS 15, which may limit access to newer apps and features.
- No Storage Expansion: With only 32 GB or 128 GB of non-expandable storage, users may quickly run out of space for apps, videos, or photos.
- Limited RAM: At just 2 GB of RAM, multitasking can feel sluggish compared to modern tablets.
Collectibility and Market Value
For tech enthusiasts and collectors, the iPad 6 can still be found at affordable prices on the second-hand market. Wi-Fi-only models typically sell for around $150, while Wi-Fi + Cellular variants might fetch $200-$250, depending on condition. Given its status as the first budget iPad to support the Apple Pencil, it holds some appeal as a collector’s item.
Conclusion
The iPad 6 may not be the powerhouse it once was, but its solid performance for basic tasks, combined with Apple Pencil support, still makes it a viable choice for students, casual users, or collectors looking for a slice of Apple history. While it faces stiff competition from the likes of Huawei and Samsung in terms of raw performance and display quality, the iPad 6 offers a balanced experience with strong accessory support that’s hard to beat.
If you’re looking for a reliable, budget-friendly tablet in 2024, the iPad 6 still has a lot to offer—especially if you can snag a good deal.