Do you ever get irritated about deciding when you have too many options? So how do you choose which device suits you the best?

The choice is often very tricky, but no need to worry as in this article, we’ll compare the Chromebook Tablet and iPad devices to help you through the process.

Technology continues to drive innovation regarding a traditional computer or laptop. For example, you can now choose between powerful higher-end Chromebooks and iPad Pro instead of a bulky conventional computer.

However, compared to a Windows laptop or Apple device, a tablet lacks the advanced features that can be accessed with a traditional laptop.

That said, Android tablets, like the Chromebook and Apple’s iPad, are becoming increasingly popular at a lower cost and high productivity output. But, we’ll compare Chromebook vs. iPad in this article to help you decide on the most suitable device for your needs.

Let’s start with the significant differences between the two devices.

Affordability

The Chromebook Android tablet and iPad devices have varied market prices, depending on their features. Don’t be surprised to see hefty price tags ranging from $200 to $1,400 or more. While it all depends on your expectations and requirements, these devices can replace traditional laptops as a more flexible option.

Unlike iOS, Chrome OS is an open-source operating system. This means various firms can use the software to create their version of the Chromebook device at different prices.

A significant factor differentiating Chromebooks and iPads is the experience of their unique operating systems, which is an important factor. Although several iPad models are available, they are Apple product that delivers the same user experience that iOS devices like iPhone do.

Chromebooks are made by various companies that support the Windows interface and manufacture traditional laptops. Companies like Google, Samsung, Dell, and Lenovo offer Chromebook devices.

The $192 Lenovo IdeaPad and the $225 Lenovo Chromebook are two Chromebooks that are considered budget-friendly. However, their features are limited, so users can’t perform everything their computers can on these devices.

A few intermediate options are available, such as the HP Chromebook 2-in-1, which costs roughly $312.

High-end devices include the Google Pixelbook Go and Samsung Galaxy Chromebook, which come with an additional cost for their state-of-the-art capabilities.

On the contrary, iPad devices are slightly expensive compared to Chromebook. For example, the standard 2021 iPad costs $329, while the iPad Mini costs $499.

The most recent iPad Air (2020) costs $599, while iPad Pro devices start at $999.

Remember that a keyboard and other accessories are not included in the cost of the tablet.

You can spend as much money as possible on the Chromebook or the iPad. However, the cheapest Chromebooks will cost less than any iPad device.

Chromebooks win out if cost is the most crucial element to you. With that stated, we can’t deny that iPads have the market advantage in terms of performance per money.

Chromebook vs. iPad Size Difference

Chromebooks function like any traditional laptop or computer device. They run Google’s lightweight operating system, Chrome OS. Such devices are best suited for online browsing and accessing web-based applications like any other computer.

Chromebooks offer a lot of variety in terms of their device design. For instance, the classic clamshell (think the Google PixelBook Go) and convertible models (like the Asus Flip C436) are a few tablet examples.

The classic clamshell screen merely opens and shuts, while the flip device has a 360-degree hinge that bends the screen around.

It makes more sense to use these highly secure devices as a laptop replacement due to their compact screen size yet robust functions.

There are more versions of the Chromebook device, but they aren’t widely available or don’t provide the whole Chrome OS experience.

iPads are, first and foremost, slates. They don’t come with a keyboard unless you pay extra money for one.

A Chromebook tablet is more extensive and heavier than thinner, lighter iPads that are more portable. Size matters in some situations, such as sitting on a bus, couch, or standing. This is because a slated tablet, like the iPad, is easier to handle than a computer. They can be tossed into almost any bag with ease.

iPads are unquestionably more attractive than most Chromebooks. This is because iPads are constructed of high-quality materials such as aluminum and glass, such as MacBook laptops.

Chromebooks can also be well-built, but you’ll have to spend extra on these tablet options.

Android Apps vs. the Apple App Store

Chrome OS isn’t a full-fledged desktop operating system. Unlike Windows or macOS systems, you can’t run apps or access internet pages that aren’t compatible with their framework.

Chromebooks are confined to web-based apps, Android applications, and Linux software.

It’s also worth noting that not all Chromebooks can run Linux software and instead rely on Windows Microsoft or Google Android OS.

While Android-capable Chromebooks with Chrome OS are becoming more prevalent, older computers lack access to the Google Play Store to install updates and software. 

Of course, the entire Google suite is available for any computer. This includes the Google Chrome browser, Google Docs, and its Drive. If you’re concerned about your productivity, the PlayStore also offers the Microsoft Office Suite apps such as Microsoft Word. While these computer apps might not be optimized for your tablet, they help get the job done.

Netflix and Disney Plus are also available if you’re looking for some entertainment. Moreover, you can get Android games from the Play Store and use cloud-based services like Stadia.

iPads give users access to the Apple Store. In addition, the platform features over one million dedicated app options that can be downloaded straight to your iPads over the internet.

Your iPad’s prospects include Google’s entire catalog, Microsoft’s productivity tools, and heavy enterprise software. Professional-level applications like Lightroom and Photoshop are also available to photographers. Similarly, you can transform your touchscreen into a video editor, a canvas, or anything you’d like with iPads.

The App Store boasts the industry’s most considerable collection of entertainment and gaming titles. The main distinction is that all iPad apps are technically mobile programs designed for a larger screen, so you may not get the complete experience computers have to offer.

Accessories like Apple Pencil for the Chromebook vs. iPad

Apple’s Smart and Magic Keyboard variations are compatible with newer iPads. But Logitech, Zagg, and Fintie are a few other brands that create iPad-compatible keyboards.

Any physical keyboard should work with Chromebooks. Likewise, all iPads are compatible with Apple’s Pencil, while other brands are also supported.

It is much easier to come by a stylus for Chromebooks, as some versions even support the USI (Universal Stylus Initiative) selection.

Chrome OS vs. iOS Performance

The most significant consideration when evaluating Chromebook vs. iPad is your usage requirements.

Chromebooks are often constrained in storage, such as their CPU and RAM. As a result, they are inappropriate for immense workloads or multitasking.

Nevertheless, these devices are ideal for people who primarily use them to access emails, social media, and browse the internet. Thus, the Chromebook is convenient for travelers, students, and older people.

The iPad was primarily designed for recreation. So the iPad covers you if you want to read a book, play a game with friends, or browse videos on social media or streaming platforms.

Sometimes, an iPad is used to check people at events or fill up forms when in a rush. Unsurprisingly, some iPads cost as much as regular laptop models despite RAM restrictions. This is owed to their sleek design.

So, in terms of performance, how do Chromebooks fare against iPads? The basic iPad costs $329 and comes with 64GB of storage. The iPad is powered by a Neural Engine and A13 Bionic chip, which delivers lightning-fast utility for routine use. You can even play the App Store’s numerous graphically intensive games.

On the contrary, the Lenovo S330 Chromebook Laptop is one of the most affordable tablets within its range, starting at only $225. It also features 64GB of storage but offers 100GB worth of free cloud storage via Google Drive.

A MediaTek MTK8173C processor powers Chromebooks. While it can perform basic internet surfing and productivity apps, it isn’t designed to handle a lot of heavy lifting.

Higher-end iPad models come with Apple’s powerful M1 chip. It is perhaps the quickest CPU manufactured for Apple products, including iPads and MacBooks. For example, the M1 is used in the 2021 Apple 12.9-inch iPad Pro.

Tablets like the Galaxy Chromebook offer 8GB of built-in memory and an Intel Core i5 processor. In addition, photo editing and gaming are possible thanks to Intel UHD Graphics, including a multimedia reader.

These features make the gadget speedy and silent at its $999 price tag.

If your day primarily consists of emails and Google Docs, Chromebooks will suffice. In addition, there are higher-end Chromebooks for individuals looking for faster devices.

However, if you want the best value for your money, we recommend choosing one of the iPad models.

Chromebook vs. iPad Durability

Investing in a durable tablet is essential; peace of mind that your machine will be able to take regular wear and tear is something every user should consider. Chromebooks have a significant advantage over iPad in this area.

Many Chromebooks feature military-grade drop protection and water or spill resistance. The ASUS Flip C214 is an excellent example of a powerful Chromebook.

While the original iPad and Air are generally sturdy, iPad Pro variants have immediately proven to be among the most delicate tablets available.

If you’re concerned about rugged use, an iPad is probably not the best option.

Comparison Chart

The 2019 Apple iPad 10.2-inch model is available for $329. Features of the iPad include:

  • Storage: Up to 128 GB
  • Screen: 10.5-inch Retina display
  • Input: Multi-touch screen with optional Pencil and Smart Keyboard
  • Height: 9.8 inches
  • Width: 6.8 inches
  • Weight: 1.07 pounds for Wi-Fi only, 1.09 for Wi-Fi and cellular
  • Processor: A10
  • Battery life: Up to 10 hours
  • iCloud Storage: Up to 200 GB online for students and teachers with a Managed Apple ID
  • Applications: More than 180,000 apps designed for education plus 1.3 million apps in the Apple App Store

The Chromebook options vary widely. The most economical model, the 100e, starts at $180 and includes:

  • Storage: Available in16 GB, 32 GB, and 64 GB depending on model
  • Input: Keyboard, touchscreen, stylus
  • Battery life: 8 to 13 hours, depending on model
  • Online Storage: Through Google Drive
  • Applications: Web apps for Chrome browser, PlayStore Apps and G-Suite

Additional features of the Chromebook vs. iPad

The following are some additional points worth considering:

Desktop Browsing to iPad

For years, the iPad’s most notable flaw was that it didn’t support desktop-class online browsing. Apple’s Safari is an efficient browser. But users could only visit mobile versions of websites on their iPad until recently, as everything changed with iOS 13.

With iOS 13 and later versions, Safari remains the default web browser on the iPad. However, it now notably functions as a desktop browser, much like it does on a MacBook.

Websites are touch-optimized and easy to navigate. Thus, you now get the same experience as on a conventional computer rather than a mobile-only version.

This is advantageous, as it vastly improves the iPad’s use for work and study.

The Apple Pencil

Some Chromebooks have a stylus but can’t compare to the Apple Pencil workhorse.

The Apple Pencil’s incredible precision makes it one of the top options for folks serious about being creative on the move — whether designing artwork from scratch or fine-tuning elements on an editor.

When using it, there is hardly any lag. You can apply pressure to generate thicker lines or tilt the Pencil to shade when drawing.

Compared to Android apps on Chromebooks, there is a far larger ecosystem of apps to use with it.

The Apple iPad Pencil will operate with any of the existing iPad models.

Conclusion

Affordability, accessories, applications, form, durability, and performance are the main factors when deciding which tablet you want to buy.

For example, if you want a touchscreen device for your kids, as both are touch screens, we recommend considering a Chromebook as it is highly secure and relatively affordable. On the other hand, the iPad and iPad Pros offer advanced utilities and functions that standard tablets don’t.

It also comes down to which operating systems you prefer. After all, users from the Apple ecosystem can find it very difficult to transition to Android tablets and vice versa.

We hope all the tech specs and considerations above help you ultimately make a suitable investment.