Things an iPad Can Do That an iPhone Can't (2024)

Comparing iPad and iPhone is like contrasting two extraordinary siblings -- it's hard to do. While they share the same Apple design and foundation, they remain distinct. Their differences don't make one device better than the other, but both devices better able to support their primary functions. As a mobile phone, iPhone emphasizes portability and cellular connectivity. As a tablet PC, iPad stresses a bigger display that allows you to easily and proficiently use it for work and play. Though dissimilarities in processor, speed, resolution and operating costs have diminished over the years, iPad still outperforms iPhone in four areas.

More Apps

  1. The App Store offers more than 775,000 apps in all and more than 300,000 native iPad apps as of January 2013, according to Apple. While this might suggest that you can enjoy more apps on the iPhone, the reverse is true. IPad can run virtually all iPhone apps, but not vice versa. For instance, you can relish all the App Store’s Hall of Fame apps on an iPad but miss out on some of them on the iPhone — including productivity apps such as Paper by FiftyThree and Adobe Photoshop Touch. For as long as some app developers continue to design apps exclusively for iPad, iPad will have this edge over iPhone.

More Display

  1. IPad’s display comes in two sizes: a 9.7-inch screen on a classic model and 7.9-inch screen on iPad Mini. Both dwarf iPhone’s 3.5-inch and 4-inch displays. While iPad’s size makes it somewhat less portable than iPhone, it also makes the device easier to use. App developers use iPad’s more generous screen to display popovers and split views that provide you with controls, drop-down menus and links on a single screen. Hence, you tap, pinch, spread, swipe and flick much less on iPad than iPhone, while enjoying more immersive visuals on its bigger screen or typing quicker and more accurately on its larger keyboard.

More Storage

  1. IPad has always provided more built-in flash memory options and capacities than iPhone, but beginning with the iPhone 4S, both devices finally offered identical storage capacities at launch -- 16GB, 32GB and 64GB. Today, new iPad models offer a spacious 128GB option that new iPhones don’t. You’ll also find roomier iPad storage capacities among older models that Apple continues to offer as inexpensive, entry-level devices. For example, iPhone 4 only offers 8GB of internal storage, while iPad 2 gives you 16GB.

More Battery Life

  1. Even when both devices run on identical processors offering the same power efficiencies, iPad tends to beat iPhone in battery life and go longer between charges while performing the same activities. For instance, you can surf the Web over 3G or 4G for 10 hours straight on one charge on iPad Mini or fourth-generation iPad, but run out of juice in just eight hours on iPhone 5. That said, the differences in battery life between the devices aren’t as big as they used to be – for instance, iPhone 4 could only endure about six hours of continuous browsing over cellular networks. What’s more, battery life differences dissipate when over-the-air activities are performed over Wi-Fi.

Things an iPad Can Do That an iPhone Can't (2024)

FAQs

What do IPads do that iPhones can't? ›

App Compatibility

The iPad can run any app programmed for the iPad and the iPhone; however, the iPhone can only run apps specifically programmed for the iPhone -- it can't run apps designed for the iPad.

What are the advantages of iPad over iPhone? ›

First, unlike an iPhone, an iPad can run two apps side-by-side, which provides more flexibility in how you use the device. Due to its larger screen, an iPad can do things that aren't as easy to do on an iPhone, such as operating Excel or Word. Other than making calls, the iPad is better for just about every task.

Can you answer your iPhone with your iPad? ›

After setting up your devices, you can make and receive phone calls on your Mac or iPad whenever the iPhone is nearby and on the same network as the other device. , or choose a call option from a menu. You can also make a call directly from the FaceTime app.

What is the disadvantage of an iPad? ›

The main disadvantages of the iPad Air include a relatively high price compared to other tablets, the lack of expandable storage, and the need to purchase additional accessories for features like the Apple Pencil or Keyboard.

What can you do on an iPad but not an iPhone? ›

You can use an apple pencil with an ipad. You can also use a bluetooth mouse, an apple trackpad, and a keyboard with an ipad. ipads can have two apps on screen at once (via either splitscreen or stage manager, if your device supports it). A lot of apps have different layouts and features on ipad vs iphone, too.

What's the point of getting an iPad? ›

IPads offer a range of functionalities, letting users browse the internet, read e-books, watch videos, play games, and create and edit documents.

Is iPad worth buying if you have iPhone? ›

The iPad is a high-quality tablet that can be useful regardless of what other hardware you own. It comes alive if you're already in the Apple Ecosystem. If you use an iPhone, wear an Apple Watch, and do most of your work on an iMac or MacBook, you'll find that an iPad is a natural extension of that family of devices.

Is it better to get a new iPhone or iPad? ›

It totally depends on what you need more. If you need a phone to be with you always, then go for the iPhone. It can pretty much do anything - from utility to entertainment. iPad's basically for a better viewing, I think.

Why can't I answer phone calls on my iPad? ›

On your iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular. If your iPhone has Dual SIMs, choose a line (below SIMs). Do any of the following: Tap Calls on Other Devices, turn on Allow Calls on Other Devices, then choose your iPad along with any other devices on which you'd like to make and receive calls.

Can you FaceTime on an iPad? ›

You can use FaceTime on any of these devices on Wi-Fi: iPhone 4 or later, iPad Pro (all models), iPad 2 or later, iPad mini (all models), and iPod touch 4th generation or later (only iPod touch 5th generation or later support FaceTime audio calling).

How do I use my iPad as a phone? ›

On your iPad or another iPhone: Go to Settings > FaceTime, then turn on FaceTime. On your Mac: Open FaceTime, choose FaceTime > Settings, then select Calls from iPhone. If an Upgrade to Wi-Fi Calling button appears, click it, then follow the instructions.

What are some negative facts about iPad? ›

Studies have shown that children who spend too much time on their iPads are more likely to experience headaches, eye strain, and blurred vision. Prolonged exposure to the blue light emitted from the iPad's screen can also disrupt the body's circadian rhythm, leading to sleep disorders and other related health problems.

What are the risks of using an iPad? ›

iPad or its battery can be damaged if dropped, burned, punctured, or crushed, or if it comes in contact with liquid. If you suspect damage to iPad or the battery, discontinue use of iPad, as it may cause overheating or injury. Don't use iPad with a cracked screen, as it may cause injury.

Can I use my iPad without WIFI? ›

Cellular data on iPad gives you the flexibility to stay connected whenever you're away from Wi‑Fi.

What is the purpose of having an iPad? ›

IPads offer a range of functionalities, letting users browse the internet, read e-books, watch videos, play games, and create and edit documents. User-friendly interface.

Can you use your iPad as a phone? ›

You can make and receive calls on your iPad by using Wi-Fi Calling to relay phone calls through your iPhone (iOS 9 or later required). Cellular charges might apply. Wi-Fi Calling isn't available from all carriers.

What can an iPad do that a tablet cannot? ›

iPad: Strengths

Apple's operating system is extremely easy to use, powerful, and has an intuitive interface. iPads also enable close integration between devices. You can cut and paste between your iPad and Apple Laptop if both are running the latest Operating System. Android tablets are way behind in this area.

Can you text from iPad? ›

You can use the Messages app to send text messages, images, and much more. You can reply within a conversation or to specific comments in a thread. You can even use Siri to listen and respond to your messages.

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