Key Takeaways

• iPads fit seamlessly into the Apple ecosystem, making integration between your devices easier.
• Apple’s native apps and software optimization make the iPad a better choice than Android tablets.
• Waiting and saving up for an iPad is more cost-effective because you aren’t buying two devices.

If you want an iPad, don’t consider an Android tablet even as a stopgap. I made the mistake of getting an Android tablet when I could’ve just saved money for an iPad. Here’s why I regret not buying the tablet I really wanted first.

1 An iPad Fits Better in the Apple Ecosystem

While I’m not an Apple fanboy, I use iPhones and Macs because I think they perform better than their competitors. Of course, I can just use an Android tablet separately and sign into the other two with the same Google ID. However, having another Apple product makes it easier to integrate everything within the same ecosystem.

I can quickly AirDrop content between my devices, and having all of my passwords saved across multiple devices—without needing to use a third-party password manager—is also convenient. There are several other features that make the Apple ecosystem amazing, such as Handoff and AirPlay.

This point is irrelevant if you use an Android phone, but an iPad would fight right in if you’re already within the Apple ecosystem.

2 I Prefer Using Apple’s Native Apps

Besides sticking to the Apple ecosystem, I also like using Apple’s native apps. Apple’s Notes app is one example; I think I’ve genuinely opened Google Keep about five times in my life.

I also like using FaceTime more than any other video calling apps, and iMessage is my preferred way to stay in touch with my friends and family. Freeform is also a helpful app for putting my creative ideas on paper.

I still use some Google apps on my iPad, such as Google Calendar. However, I’d much rather have the benefit of Apple’s native apps and then just download the Google apps I’m interested in.

3 iPadOS Runs Better Than Android

By far, the main reason I prefer Apple products is because of how they work. When I had my Android tablet, I got really frustrated with how slow the software would sometimes run. This is the exact why I switched from my Android smartphone to an iPhone over a decade ago, too.

iPadOS is by no means perfect, but I very rarely encounter performance issues. Moreover, the problems I run into are often solved before too long. Most of the time, I can also troubleshoot common iPad problems without too many issues.

4 An Android Tablet Was a Stopgap

The truth is that I always wanted an iPad, and an Android tablet was nothing more than a stopgap. I’ve often caught myself doing this with all kinds of items, such as clothes and headphones. If you don’t *need* whatever you want to buy, it’s often better to just save up and buy the actual thing you want.

Because I bought an Android tablet instead of waiting for an iPad, I spent more money than I would have. Moreover, I was less satisfied with it. If you’re a student who finds iPads expensive, you should get the Apple Student Discount and save money on your purchase.

5 Many iPad Apps Are Unavailable for Android

Besides Apple’s native apps, some third-party apps I like aren’t available on Android. One great example is DaVinci Resolve, which offers powerful video-editing capabilities without needing a computer. I often use the app to create videos for multiple platforms, and I like how using DaVinci Resolve on an iPad provides access to nodes, comprehensive color grading, etc.

Procreate is another example of an app you’ll find on iPadOS but not Android. If creative apps like this are important to you, I’d strongly suggest saving up for an iPad—especially if you aren’t too interested in Android tablets.

Android tablets are good enough for many people, but I always wanted an iPad for creative work, and buying anything else seemed pointless. I like the Apple ecosystem features and the creative apps available for iPads. Plus, iPadOS usually runs without problems. So, If you’re considering a new iPad, I suggest waiting till you can afford one and not buying a stopgap.