What to Know Before Buying an iPad in Kenya: Which iPad Model, Wi-Fi or Cellular, Storage, Apple Pencil and Keyboard Compatibility, and What to Check on a Second-Hand iPad

“What to know before buying an iPad” and “what to check when buying an iPad second hand” are the questions behind most iPad purchases. Here is the checklist.

1. Pick the right model

iPad (A16) from KES 63,000 for study, video calls and streaming. iPad Air from KES 100,000 for heavier note-taking and multitasking. iPad Pro from KES 157,000 for drawing, design and video. iPad mini from KES 75,000 for reading and portability. Students: see the best iPad for students.

2. Wi-Fi or Cellular

Wi-Fi models are cheaper and enough for home, school and office. Cellular models take a SIM or eSIM so the iPad has data anywhere — worth it if you travel or study away from Wi-Fi. You can also hotspot from your phone.

3. Storage

Storage can't be added later. 128GB suits most people; choose 256GB or more for downloaded films, large textbooks, drawings or video projects.

4. Apple Pencil and keyboard compatibility

Not every Pencil works with every iPad. The iPad (A16) uses the Apple Pencil (USB-C); recent iPad Air, iPad Pro and iPad mini models work with the Apple Pencil Pro. Keyboards are model-specific too. Check on the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard pages before you buy.

5. Checks for second-hand and Ex-UK iPads

Make sure the previous owner's Apple Account is signed out and Find My is off, test the screen for dead spots, check the charging port and speakers, and confirm the serial on Apple's Check Coverage site. Ex-UK iPads at Gadget Hub come with condition stated on the invoice — for example the iPad (10th gen) Ex-UK from KES 36,000.

Get help at Gadget Hub, Norwich Union House, 4th Floor

Gadget Hub is at Norwich Union House, opposite the Hilton Hotel, 4th Floor, Suite 15, Nairobi CBD (Mon–Sat 8am–8pm, Sun 10am–8pm). Try every iPad, Pencil and keyboard combination in the shop before you choose. The set-up fee, where one applies, is confirmed before we start. WhatsApp or call 0729 585 471.