If you're looking at an iPad, the entry-level iPad - simply called the iPad - is a natural starting point. It doesn't have quite as many bells and whistles as the flashier models, but it's still an iPad, and as such, great for doing iPad things. It's also your most affordable option, both outright and on a plan.
This guide focuses on the 8th generation iPad, for more on different models, click below:
Apple iPad Quick Links
Apple iPad Plans
The 8th generation iPad is available on a plan through Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone. In each case, you can pick between paying off your iPad on a 24-month and 36-month term. This doesn't change the overall price of a device - you're just dividing the retail price of the iPad Pro across the length of the term.
If you go for a 24-month term, your bill will be more expensive but you'll pay off your iPad faster. On a 36-month term, you'll have a lower bill but a longer commitment.
Outright Pricing: Apple iPad
The 8th generation iPad is available in either a 32GB model or 128GB model. In addition, you can also pick between a WiFi-only version or a model with 4G connectivity.
- iPad (32GB): $499
- iPad (128GB): $649
- iPad 4G (32GB): $699
- iPad 4G (128GB): $849
Apple iPad Design
The 8th generation iPad sure is an iPad. Aesthetically, it harkens back to the original iPad, featuring a reasonable amount of bezel and a home button. You won't find any facial recognition here. It's not quite as flash as the iPad Air or the iPad Pro, but it still does all the same iPad things as its pricier siblings.
Apple iPad Camera
The 8th generation iPad has a 8MP camera on the back and 1.2MP camera on the front.
Apple iPad Battery Life
Apple says the 8th generation iPad should last about ten hours per charge. This is the standard figure for most iPad models.
Apple iPad Processor
The 8th generation iPad is powered by Apple's A12 processor. The A12 first appeared in the iPhone XS and iPhone XR.
Apple iPad Accessories
Apple has a couple of official accessories that go with the iPad. If you want to make it more computer-esque, you can pick up the Smart Keyboard for $235. If you're the drawing or writing type, 1st generation Apple Pencil will set you back $145.
The 8th generation iPad isn't compatible with the trackpad-touting Magic Keyboard or the 2nd generation Apple Pencil.
Apple iPad Colours
The 8th generation iPad is available in a choice of space grey, silver, and gold.
iPad Review
How does the 8th generation iPad stack up against other models? Check out our review.
Choosing an Apple iPad plan
With the WhistleOut search tool, you can compare iPad pricing and inclusions across every provider. But there's a lot more to plans than just cost and data. Here's a break-down of the major benefits you can expect each provider to offer.
While Telstra phone plans tend to be pricier than the competition, Telstra iPad plans tend to be in-line with the competition, and in some cases, better value. They also come with a couple of perks:
- Access to Telstra's super-fast 4GX network
- Data-free access to Apple Music
- Access to the Telstra Plus perks and rewards program
Telstra lets you pay your iPad off over 12, 24, or 36 months, and all plans are free from excess data charges. If you go over your cap, your data will simply be slowed to speeds of 1.5Mbps, which is still fast enough to stream video in SD.
Telstra also has one of the largest tablet plans around, offering allowances of up to 400GB.
Compare Telstra tablet plans
Optus iPad plans come with solid data inclusions and entertainment extras. These include:
- Free access to Optus Sport
- Discounted movie tickets for Hoyts cinemas through the Optus Perks program
All Optus plans are contract-free, devices can be paid off across 12, 24, or 36 months, and you won't pay excess data charges if you go over your monthly allowance. Instead you'll be capped to speeds of 1.5Mbps.
Compare Optus tablet plans
Vodafone iPad plans may not come with the kinds of freebies and perks you can get from Optus or Telstra, but you've still got the choice of paying off your device over 12, 24, or 36 months.
You'll also get access to Vodafone's famous $5 roaming, so you can use your iPad's data allowance if you're travelling overseas.
Vodafone plans all include unlimited data at capped 1.5Mbps speeds for after you go over your allowance.
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