iPad with Cellular means the iPad has a SIM slot like a phone and can connect to the cellular data network, like your phone. A WiFi Only iPad can only connect to data (and say, browse the internet or download emails) if there is a WiFi network available which you can connect to. So if you plan to be out an about a lot with your iPad, getting one with cellular can be a great option.
Now, we have to be careful here because unlike a phone, iPad with Cellular only connects to data and not to voice or standard text messages (text messages use the voice network channel on your phone). If you use iMessage, you can send and receive text messages to other people using iMessage; these look like text messages but are actually sent over mobile data.
The upshot is that even with a functioning SIM card your phone won't take normal phone calls like a cellphone. That said, these days there are a ton of apps like Skype, FaceTime & WhatsApp to name a few, which enable you to make calls over the data network, and more and more of your contacts will be using these apps too.
The other advantage of iPad with Cellular is it comes with a GPS antenna, unlike WiFi Only. This means you can use your iPad with Cellular for maps and navigation which is great if you're going to use it on a boat or plane, or just for walking around touring a city - just make sure your get a water proof case if you're taking it out on the seas!
*** Pro Tip ***
You can quickly tell if an iPad has cellular by looking at the top back of the iPad - if there's a thick black or white band like the one below you know it has cellular (that's where all the antennae go...)
-
GoodTech™ .
Comments on this post ( 30 )
Thank you, really useful as I know nothing about i pads
— Darren
For once a article on the web actually makes sense ,says exactly how it works
— Burt
Many thanks – just what I needed for clarification.
— Pete
I found it very helpful and clearly explained.
Thank you :-)
— Inma
Very useful. Thank you.
— Dayan
FYI – The band does not apply to all iPads. For example, the Pro does not have the band but could still be cellular.
— Brandon
Thank you for clarifying. I was so confused. You rock.
— Bella Blanchard
Thnk u for ur help thnk God for someone like u to let ppl like me knw what’s the difference of the ipad thnk 💯
— Sheree
Well explained. Very helpful. More power!
— Margie king
Brilliant site. Sorted out my issue with a data card on my new iPad Pro.
Many thanks, straightforward answer. No messing.
Best regards,
Clifford Winter
— Clifford Winter
Should I exchange my WiFi one for a cellular?
— Jean
I have purchased an iPad Pro with no cellular should I return it and buy one with cellular?
— jeannie
You made it so clear. Thanks!
— jackie
Good explanation
— Karla
Can you text w just a WiFi device or do you need cellular too?
— Dan
My sis had internet/email access through her cable service. Her computer died and I want to replace with an iPad. Is one with wi-fi cellular what is neede?
— Arlene
My IPad has cellular but no SIM card
Which sim do I need and where do I get it from
Thank you
— Roberta Bartington
My IPad has cellular but no SIM card
Which sim do I need and where do I get it from
Thank you
— Roberta Bartington
Thank goodness for a site that gives clear and easy to understand information.
— Diana
If I am having trouble connecting with the internet with my phone. Will purchasing an i pad with wi fi help? Won’t it be connecting with the same towers?
— susan hargis
Was beginning to wonder if my question was dumb until I found this page where I easily got my answer (and more) to:
“Why would I need an iPad Pro with cellular when I have my phone hotspot?”
I will definitely be getting the cellular on the new IPAD.
— Tracy
Hi. If I buy an iPad in canada or the US for use in europe is it a compatible specification as they are much cheaper outside of the UK. I am looking at the 11 inch iPad pro?
Thank you
— Rick
I have been given the run around for the last 2 months and could not get a straight answer as to if I can or cannot make and receive calls on any phone, cellular or landline, then in under 5 minutes, you told me everything I needed to know!
Thank you!
— Jackie
Thank you so much for this information. – it really helped me understand the difference between Ipad with wifi and ipad with wifi + cellular.
— Margaret M Platt
does I pad pro cellular can make a call like a phone
— tenzin