iPad vs. iPhone vs. iPod touch

At first glance, Apple's 2018 line of iOS devices, including the iPad Pro (2nd generation), the iPad (6th generation) and iPad mini 4, the iPhone X and iPhone 8 series, and the iPod touch (6th generation). appear to be similar to one another. They use the same operating system, run most of the same apps, look a lot alike, and have some of the same hardware features. So what is it, besides size, that sets them apart?

This article compares the 2018 Apple iOS lineup: iPad Pro (2nd generation), iPad (6th generation), iPad mini 4, iPhone X, iPhone 8, and iPod touch (6th generation).

Overall Findings

	iPad Pro (2nd gen) (2 sizes)	iPad (6th gen)	iPad mini 4	iPhone X	iPhone 8 (2 sizes)	iPod touch (6th gen)
	iPad Pro review	iPad review	iPad mini 4 review	iPhone X review	iPhone 8 review	iPad touch review
Screen size (diagonal) in inches	12.9 and 10.5	9.7	7.9	5.8	5.5 and 4.7	4
Processor	A10X Fusion	A10	A8	A11 Bionic	A11 Bionic	A8
Price at release	$799 and up	$459 and up	$399 and up	$999 and up	$499 and up	$199 and up
Cameras	12 MP and 7 MP	8 MP and 1.2 MP	8 MP and 1.2 MP	12 MP and 7 MP	12 MP and 7 MP	8 MP and 1.2 MP

All these iOS devices are available from third-party sellers and the Apple refurbished site at lower prices than the original launch price. The App Store sells new iPhone 8s at a reduced price as of early 2020.

The Apple 2018 mobile lineup is full of powerful devices. The iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch deliver impressive performance and have many of the same capabilities. They all run iOS apps from the App Store, contact the internet by Wi-Fi or, in some cases, cellular connections, and can be used for communication purposes—either voice or text, depending on the device. Each one comes with two cameras and plays music.

However, there are plenty of differences between them. Size, price, and capabilities may affect your decision. We reviewed the iPad Pro (2nd generation), iPad (6th generation), iPad mini 4, iPhone X, iPhone 8, and iPod Touch (6th generation) to help you make a decision.

Form Factor: It's a Three-Way Tie

iPad Pro (2nd gen)	iPad (6th gen)	iPad mini 4	iPhone X	iPhone 8	iPod touch (6th gen)
Tablet	Tablet	Tablet (small form)	Phone	Phone	Music Player

What you want in a new iOS device heavily influences which iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch is right for you. The iPhone is the only one that is truly a phone. You can use it to call anyone anywhere as long as you have a contact number and a cellular provider contract. Maybe you have a phone and are looking for a tablet. In that case, one of the iPads may be a good choice. Looking for a music player you can also game on? iPod touch provides plenty of music and gaming options.

Size and Weight: Where Are You Going to Use It?

	iPad Pro (2nd gen) (two sizes)	iPad (6th gen)	iPad mini 4	iPhone X	iPhone 8 (two sizes)	iPad touch (6th gen)
Size in inches	12 x 8.68 and 9.78 x 6.8	9.4 x 6.6	8 x 5.3	5.65 x 2.79	5.45 x 2.65 and 6.24 x 3.07	4.86 x 2.31
Weight	1.49-1.53 lb. and 1.03-1.05 lb.	1.03-1.05 lb.	0.65-0.67 lb.	6.14 oz.	5.22 oz. and 7.13 oz.	3.1 oz.

Size matters, and these six devices range from 12 inches to under 5 inches. Bigger may be better in some cases, but you probably aren't going to tuck an iPad Pro in a pocket when you go out. The device you use most is usually the one you keep with you all the time. Where you plan to use the device may influence your choice.

Best Display: Retina Displays Are Easy on the Eyes

	iPad Pro (2nd gen) (two sizes)	iPad (6th gen)	iPad mini 4	iPhone X	iPhone 8 (two sizes)	iPod touch (6th gen)
Screen size in inches (diag.)	12.9 and 10.5	9.7	7.9	5.8	5.5 and 4.7	4
Screen size in pixels	2732 x 2048 and 2224 x 1668	2048 x 1536	2048 x 1536	2436 x 1125	1920 x 1080 and 1334 x 750	1136 x 640
Touch ID	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	No
Face ID	No	No	No	Yes	Yes	No
3D Touch	No	No	No	Yes	Yes	No

All of these devices have the Apple Retina display technology, which yields crisp, beautiful images, but not all of them come equipped with Touch ID, Face ID, or 3D touch.

Best Camera: Size Loses to Convenience

	iPad Pro (2nd gen)	iPad (6th gen)	iPad mini 4	iPhone X	iPhone 8	iPod touch (6th gen)
Camera, back and front	12 MP, 4K HD video and 7 MP, 1080p video	8 MP, 1080p HD video and 1.2 MP, 720p HD video	8 MP, 1080p HD video and 1.2 MP, 720p HD video	12 MP, 4K HD video and 7 MP, 1080p HD video	12 MP, 4K HD video and 7 MP, 1080p HD video	8 MP, 1080p HD video and 1.2 MP, 720p HD video
Portrait mode	No	No	No	Yes	Yes	No
Wide angle	No	No	No	Yes	Yes	No
Telephoto	No	No	No	Yes	No	No

The two iPhone models both have 12-megapixel back-facing cameras and 7-megapixel front-facing (selfie) cameras. The cameras are superior to the other devices in this comparison except for the iPad Pro, and who's going to carry around an iPad Pro to use as a camera? The majority of people need a camera with them all the time, and that means either of the iPhones is the best choice here. The iPod touch is also mobile and equipped with two cameras, but the resolution can't keep up with the iPhone cameras.

Compatibility: Which Apple Extras Do You Use or Want

	iPad Pro (2nd gen)	iPad (6th gen)	iPad mini 4	iPhone X	iPhone 8	iPod touch (6th gen)
Apple Pay	In-app only	In-app only	In-app only	Yes	Yes	No
Apple Watch	No	No	No	Yes	Yes	No
Apple Pencil	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	No
Animoji	No	No	No	Yes	No	No

Dreaming of an Apple Watch? Then you need an iPhone to control it. Mesmerized by the Apple Pencil? It works only on select iPads. Only care about music and apps? iPod touch may meet your needs.

Other Specs: Details Matter

	iPad Pro (2nd gen)	iPad (6th gen)	iPad mini 4	iPhone X	iPhone 8	iPod touch (6th gen)
Processor	A10X Fusion	A10	A8	A11 Bionic	A11 Bionic	A8
GPS	Wi-Fi+ Cellular models only	Wi-Fi+ Cellular models only	Wi-Fi+ Cellular models only	Yes	Yes	No
Capacity	64, 256, and 512 GB	32 and 128 GB	16, 32, 64, and 128 GB	64 and 256 GB	64 and 128 GB	16, 32, 64, and 128 GB
Battery life (in hours)	10 Wi-Fi, 9 4G LTE	10 Wi-Fi, 9 4G LTE	10 Wi-Fi, 9 4G LTE	12 internet, 21 talk, 13 video, 60 music	13 internet, 21 talk, 14 video, 60 music, 12 internet, 14 talk, 13 video, 40 music	8 video, 40 music
Network	Wi-Fi, optional 4G LTE	Wi-Fi, optional 4G LTE	Wi-Fi, optional 4G LTE	Wi-Fi, 4G LTE	Wi-Fi, 4G LTE	Wi-Fi

Battery life may not be as interesting as cameras, but it—and other specifications—can affect your decision. Whether you want a Wi-Fi-only device or prefer Wi-Fi + cellular, you can find the right fit. As far as storage goes, you have plenty of choices there as well.

Final Verdict

When it comes down to decision-making time, concentrate on your needs. If you need a phone (or want an Apple Watch), then you only have two choices in this group: iPhone X and iPhone 8. The iPhone 8 is an excellent entry-level smartphone, and the price is much less than its big brother. The cameras on both phones offer cutting-edge technology. However, if you're familiar with iPhones and can afford the X price, you won't be disappointed with this powerhouse.

Anyone who wants a small-form tablet can't go wrong with the iPad mini 4. Graphics professionals and power users tend to go with the iPad Pro. For most, the iPad 6th generation offers plenty of power and options at a reasonable price.

The iPod touch is the best choice for anyone who doesn't need a phone but wants a small music player or gaming device. It isn't as powerful at the other iOS devices, but it isn't as expensive either, and it provides access to Apple's world of apps, games, and music.

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