Is iPad 64gb Enough? Storage Guide & Buying Advice

Trendian Staff

So, you’re eyeing a shiny new iPad, and the storage question is looming large. 64GB – is it enough to handle your digital life? It’s a question many of us grapple with, and the answer, as you might suspect, isn’t a simple yes or no. It depends entirely on how you plan to use your iPad.

Think of your iPad’s storage like the hard drive on your computer. It’s where all your apps, photos, videos, music, and documents reside. Run out of space, and things get frustrating quickly. You’ll be constantly deleting things, managing storage, and potentially missing out on new content. But buy too much storage, and you might be paying for space you don’t really need. We’ll break down the factors, help you assess your needs, and give you clear guidance on whether 64GB is the right fit for you.

Let’s get started and figure out the perfect iPad storage solution for your needs. We’ll explore various use cases, weigh the pros and cons, and help you make a confident decision.

Understanding iPad Storage: The Basics

Before diving into whether 64GB is sufficient, let’s clarify what takes up space on your iPad. Understanding these elements is crucial to making an informed decision.

The Major Space Hogs:

  • Apps: From productivity tools like Microsoft Office to entertainment apps like Netflix and games like Genshin Impact, apps can range in size from a few megabytes to several gigabytes. The more apps you have, the more storage you’ll need.
  • Photos and Videos: High-resolution photos and videos, especially those taken on your iPad’s camera, consume significant storage. Videos, in particular, can quickly fill up your device.
  • Operating System and Updates: The iPadOS itself takes up a chunk of space, and operating system updates require additional storage for temporary files during installation.
  • Downloaded Media: Movies, TV shows, music, and podcasts downloaded for offline viewing contribute significantly to storage usage.
  • Documents and Files: PDFs, presentations, spreadsheets, and other documents also consume space, although typically less than media files.

How to Check Your Current Storage Usage:

It’s always a good idea to know how much storage you’re currently using on your existing devices. This will give you a baseline to work from when considering a new iPad.

  1. Go to Settings: Open the Settings app on your iPad.
  2. Tap General: Scroll down and tap on “General.”
  3. Tap iPad Storage: Select “iPad Storage” to see a visual breakdown of your storage usage.
  4. Review the Breakdown: You’ll see a bar graph showing how much space is being used by different categories (Apps, Photos, System, etc.). Tap on the categories to get more detailed information about what’s taking up space.

This information will help you understand your current consumption patterns and predict your future storage needs.

Is 64gb Enough for Everyday Users?

Now, let’s address the central question: is 64GB sufficient for the average iPad user? The answer hinges on your typical usage patterns.

For Whom 64gb Might Be Enough:

  • Light Users: If you primarily use your iPad for web browsing, email, social media, and streaming video, 64GB could be adequate. You might have a few apps and games but don’t download a lot of media.
  • Cloud-Focused Users: If you rely heavily on cloud services like iCloud, Google Drive, or Dropbox for storing your photos, videos, and documents, you’ll need less local storage on your iPad. You’re essentially streaming your content rather than storing it locally.
  • Casual Gamers: If you play only a few casual games that don’t require a lot of storage, 64GB might work. However, some graphically intensive games can quickly eat up storage.

Factors to Consider:

  • App Downloads: The size of apps varies widely. Some games can easily exceed 5GB or even 10GB. Consider how many apps you plan to install.
  • Photo and Video Habits: If you take a lot of photos and videos, especially in high resolution, you’ll need more storage.
  • Offline Media: If you download movies, TV shows, or music for offline viewing, this will consume a significant amount of space.
  • iCloud Usage: If you use iCloud Photos and optimize storage, your iPad only stores lower-resolution versions of your photos, freeing up space. However, the original high-resolution photos are still stored in the cloud.

Key Takeaway: 64GB can work for light users and those heavily reliant on cloud services. However, it requires careful management and might necessitate deleting apps or files to free up space occasionally.

Use Cases and Storage Recommendations

Let’s examine specific use cases to provide more tailored recommendations.

Students:

Students often use iPads for note-taking, research, reading textbooks, and accessing online learning platforms. 64GB might be sufficient, especially if they use cloud storage for documents and notes. However, students who download a lot of course materials, videos, or have multiple large apps might benefit from more storage. (See Also: Is There an Anti Glare Screen for iPad? Your Ultimate Guide)

Recommendation: 64GB might be enough if you’re primarily cloud-based, but 128GB or more is recommended for extensive note-taking, downloading textbooks, and running demanding educational apps.

Creative Professionals (artists, Designers, Video Editors):

Creative professionals, especially those working with photos, videos, and large design files, will quickly outgrow 64GB. Video editing, in particular, requires a significant amount of storage for source files, project files, and rendered videos.

Recommendation: 256GB or higher is highly recommended for creative professionals. Consider 512GB or even 1TB if you work with large video projects or store a substantial media library locally.

Gamers:

Gamers, particularly those who enjoy graphically intensive games, can quickly consume storage. Modern games can easily exceed 5GB or 10GB each. Downloading multiple games can quickly fill up a 64GB iPad.

Recommendation: 128GB is the minimum recommended for serious gamers. 256GB or more provides ample space for a large game library.

Travelers:

Travelers often download movies, TV shows, and music for offline entertainment during flights and other downtime. They also take photos and videos during their travels. 64GB might work, but it requires careful management of downloaded content and frequent deletion of media.

Recommendation: 128GB or 256GB is recommended for travelers, allowing them to store a good amount of media for offline use and capture photos and videos without worrying about running out of space.

Business Professionals:

Business professionals typically use their iPads for email, productivity apps, and accessing documents. 64GB might be sufficient, especially if they primarily work with cloud-based documents. However, those who download large presentations, spreadsheets, or require offline access to documents might need more storage.

Recommendation: 128GB is a good starting point for business professionals. Consider 256GB if you frequently work with large files or need to store a significant amount of data locally. (See Also: Where Is Finder on iPad Pro? A Comprehensive Guide)

Alternatives to More Storage

If you’re unsure whether 64GB is enough and are trying to save money, there are alternative strategies to extend your iPad’s usable storage capacity.

Cloud Storage:

iCloud, Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive are excellent options. By storing your photos, videos, and documents in the cloud, you free up space on your iPad. You can also access your files from any device with an internet connection. Be mindful of your internet connection when using cloud storage.

How to use iCloud Photos: Enable iCloud Photos in your iPad’s settings. Choose “Optimize iPad Storage” to store smaller versions of your photos on your iPad and keep the full-resolution originals in iCloud.

External Storage:

You can use external storage devices like USB flash drives or external hard drives to store files and media. You’ll need an adapter or a USB-C iPad to connect these devices. This is a great way to store large media files without using internal storage.

Deleting Unused Apps and Files:

Regularly review your installed apps and delete those you no longer use. Delete old photos and videos. Clear out downloaded media. This is a simple but effective way to free up space.

Optimizing Photo and Video Settings:

If you take a lot of photos and videos, consider reducing the resolution and frame rate. In the iPad’s settings, you can adjust the video recording settings to capture videos in a smaller file size.

iPad Models and Storage Options

The available storage options vary depending on the iPad model you choose. Here’s a general overview:

iPad (9th and 10th Generation):

These models typically offer 64GB and 256GB storage options. The 64GB model is the entry-level option, while the 256GB model offers significantly more space.

iPad Air (5th Generation):

The iPad Air often comes in 64GB and 256GB configurations, providing a balance of performance and storage. (See Also: Can You Run Office on an iPad? Your Complete Guide)

iPad Pro (m2 Chip):

iPad Pro models offer the most storage options, ranging from 128GB to 2TB. These models are designed for demanding users who need a lot of space for creative work and large files.

iPad Mini (6th Generation):

The iPad Mini typically offers 64GB and 256GB storage options, making it a compact device with a decent amount of storage.

Important Note: Always check the specific storage options available for the iPad model you’re considering. Storage options can change with each new generation of iPad.

Storage Management Tips

Regardless of how much storage you choose, here are some tips to manage your iPad’s storage effectively:

  • Regularly Back Up Your iPad: Back up your iPad to iCloud or your computer to protect your data.
  • Monitor Your Storage Usage: Keep an eye on your storage usage in the Settings app.
  • Delete Old Files: Delete old photos, videos, and documents you no longer need.
  • Clear Safari Cache: Clear the cache and browsing history in Safari to free up space.
  • Offload Unused Apps: Use the “Offload Unused Apps” feature in iPad settings to automatically remove apps you rarely use while preserving their data.
  • Use Optimized Photo Storage: If you use iCloud Photos, enable “Optimize iPad Storage” to store smaller versions of your photos on your iPad.

By following these tips, you can keep your iPad running smoothly and prevent storage-related issues.

Making the Right Choice: A Summary

Choosing the right storage capacity for your iPad is a crucial decision that impacts your user experience. Consider your typical usage patterns, the types of apps and media you use, and your reliance on cloud services. While 64GB can work for some users, it’s essential to carefully evaluate your needs.

If you’re a light user, primarily using your iPad for web browsing, email, and streaming, 64GB might suffice. However, if you’re a student, creative professional, gamer, or traveler, you’ll likely benefit from more storage. In general, it’s often better to err on the side of caution and choose a higher storage capacity to avoid running out of space and having to constantly manage your storage.

Key Takeaway: Before making a purchase, assess your storage needs. Consider the cost difference between storage options. It might be worth investing in a higher storage capacity upfront to avoid future storage limitations.

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Conclusion

Deciding whether 64GB is enough for your iPad is all about understanding your needs. For light users and those deeply entrenched in cloud services, it can work. However, for anyone who enjoys games, creates content, or travels with their iPad, opting for more storage space is often the wiser choice. Don’t be afraid to take a look at your current device usage to help guide your decision. Choosing the right storage will ensure a smoother, more enjoyable experience with your new iPad, free from the constant worry of running out of space. Consider your digital lifestyle, and choose the storage that best fits your needs, ensuring your iPad remains a valuable and versatile tool for years to come.

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