Best iPad for Students in UAE – Budget & Performance Guide (2025)

Choosing the right iPad for studying in the UAE can be tricky. With so many models available—iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad Mini, and the standard iPad—how do you pick the best one without overspending? This guide will break down the best iPads for students in the UAE, balancing performance, budget, and essential features like battery life, note-taking, and portability.

We’ll also compare prices from official stores like Apple UAE, Amazon UAE, Noon, and Sharaf DG, so you can make an informed decision. Whether you need an iPad for taking notes, reading PDFs, drawing, or multitasking, we’ve got you covered.


1. Which iPad is Best for Students in the UAE? (Quick Comparison)


If you’re in a hurry, here’s a quick summary of the best iPads for students:

  • Best Budget iPad: 10th Gen iPad (AED 1,599+) – Good for basic tasks, note-taking, and media.
  • Best Mid-Range iPad: iPad Air (M1, 5th Gen) (AED 2,599+) – Lightweight, powerful, great for multitasking.
  • Best Premium iPad: iPad Pro (M2, 6th Gen) (AED 3,399+) – Best for heavy tasks like video editing & 3D design.
  • Best Compact iPad: iPad Mini (6th Gen) (AED 2,199+) – Super portable, great for reading and light work.

Now, let’s dive deeper into each model.


2. Best Budget iPad for Students: 10th Gen iPad (2022)


Price in UAE: AED 1,599 – AED 2,499 (64GB – 256GB)

Why It’s Great for Students:

  • Affordable (cheapest current-gen iPad)
  • 10.9-inch screen – Big enough for notes & videos
  • A14 Bionic chip – Smooth performance for studying
  • USB-C port – Faster charging & accessories
  • Supports Apple Pencil (1st Gen) – Good for note-taking

Drawbacks:

  • No ProMotion (60Hz display only) – Not as smooth as iPad Air/Pro
  • Apple Pencil 1st Gen (less convenient than 2nd Gen)

Who Should Buy It?

  • Students who need a basic iPad for PDFs, Zoom calls, and note-taking
  • Those who don’t want to spend extra on iPad Air/Pro

Where to Buy in UAE:

3. Best Mid-Range iPad: iPad Air (M1, 5th Gen)


Price in UAE: AED 2,599 – AED 3,799 (64GB – 256GB)

Why It’s the Best Balance of Price & Performance:

  • M1 chip – Same as MacBook Air, super fast for multitasking
  • 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display – Sharp & colorful
  • Supports Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) – Magnetic charging
  • Thin & lightweight – Easy to carry in a backpack
  • All-screen design – Modern look

Drawbacks:

  • 64GB base storage (may fill up quickly)
  • No Face ID (uses Touch ID instead)

Who Should Buy It?

  • Students who need more power for research, design, or coding
  • Those who want better note-taking with Apple Pencil 2

Where to Buy in UAE:

4. Best Premium iPad: iPad Pro (M2, 6th Gen)

Price in UAE: AED 3,399 – AED 7,499 (11-inch & 12.9-inch models)

Why It’s the Most Powerful iPad for Students:

  • M2 chip – Handles video editing, 3D modeling, and heavy apps
  • ProMotion 120Hz display – Smoother scrolling & drawing
  • Face ID – Secure unlocking
  • Thunderbolt USB-C – Connect to monitors & external drives
  • Best for artists & engineers

Drawbacks:

  • Expensive (overkill for most students)
  • Heavier than iPad Air

Who Should Buy It?

  • Engineering, design, or medical students who need pro apps
  • Those who want the best iPad experience

5. Best Compact iPad: iPad Mini (6th Gen)


Price in UAE: AED 2,199 – AED 3,199 (64GB – 256GB)

Why It’s Great for Portability:

  • 8.3-inch screen – Fits in small bags
  • A15 Bionic chip – Strong performance
  • Supports Apple Pencil 2 – Great for quick notes
  • Lightweight (297g) – Easy to hold for long reading sessions

Drawbacks:

  • Small screen – Not ideal for multitasking
  • Expensive for its size

Who Should Buy It?

  • Students who travel a lot and need a super portable iPad
  • Those who read a lot of e-books & PDFs

6. Where to Buy iPads Cheaply in UAE? (Tips for Students)

1. Wait for Back-to-School Promos (July – September)

Apple UAE often gives free AirPods or discounts for students.

2. Check Refurbished iPads on Amazon UAE & Noon

You can save up to 30% on certified refurbished iPads.

3. Look for Bundle Deals at Sharaf DG & Emax

Sometimes, they include free cases or Apple Pencil discounts.

7. Final Verdict: Best Student iPad in UAE?

iPad Model

Best For

Price (AED)

iPad 10th Gen

Budget students

1,599+

iPad Air (M1)

Best balance

2,599+

iPad Pro (M2)

Power users

3,399+

iPad Mini

Portability

2,199+

Best Overall Pick: iPad Air (M1)

It offers the best mix of performance, price, and features for most students.

8. FAQs About iPads for Students in UAE

Q1. Can I use Microsoft Word & Google Docs on iPad?

Yes! All iPads support Microsoft 365, Google Docs, and PDF apps.

Q2. Which iPad is best for note-taking?

Q3. Should I buy 64GB or 256GB?

  • 64GB is enough if you use cloud storage (iCloud, Google Drive).
  • 256GB is better if you download many videos & apps.

Conclusion

If you’re a student in the UAE, the iPad Air (M1) is the best overall choice. But if you’re on a tight budget, the 10th Gen iPad is still great. For maximum power, go for the iPad Pro, and if you want something ultra-portable, the iPad Mini is perfect.

Where to Buy? Check Apple UAE, Amazon, Noon, and Sharaf DG for the best prices.