Ipad wifi vs wifi and cellular

iPad internal hardware cannot be changed or updated. Whatever configuration you purchase is fixed for the lifetime of the device.

Unless you fully understand and can accept the limitations of a WiFi Only iPad, my personal advice is to always choose the WiFi & Cellular model of any iPad in preference to WiFi Only.

Whilst many have infrequent need for direct Cellular connectivity from iPad, instead opting to use a cellular hotspot when beyond range of a WiFi network, here is the reason why a Cellular model is a often the better option...

A WiFi Only model of iPad can connect to any compatible WiFi network or cellular hotspot connection (e.g., a Cellphone or Cellular Router such as “MiFi”). As such, using a hotspot, an iPad can benefit from a Cellular connection. If using an iPhone, connection to the iPhone hotspot can be automated - such that the iPad will automatically enable and connect to the iPhone hotspot when/if needed. By contrast, a WiFi & Cellular model provides additional flexibility with direct Cellular connectivity if needed - but that is not the end of the story.

Consider your potential need for GPS positioning capability. If you ever have need of “mapping” Apps, or precise determination of location on your iPad, then a WiFi Only model of iPad is not the best choice. WiFi Only models of iPad do not have any GPS capability.

Only Cellular models of iPad incorporate GPS features, GPS functions being an integral element of the iPad Cellular chipset. GPS is functionally independent of Cellular connectivity; it is not necessary to provision cellular service to benefit from the GPS features.

WiFi Only models can only “infer” their location from a database lookup of neighbouring WiFi networks for which the geographic location is known, or the geographic location of your public IP address. For static applications in urban locations, where the location of IP public IP addresses and WiFi networks are known, an “inferred” location can be relatively accurate. However, in rural locations, or when using a Cellular/Satellite/VPN connection, location accuracy of an inferred location [if it works at all] may be very inaccurate.

So, there you have it. The WiFi & Cellular model provides full flexibility in the choice of iPad network bearer - whether or not you have access to a WiFi (or MiFi) hotspot connection. I don’t ever recall seeing complaint of having [unused] Cellular capability in iPad - but regularly see reports of disappointment and frustration of users who choose the cheaper model, only to discover that anticipated GPS capabilities are absent from their iPad. It is always better to have an unused feature (such as Cellular) - than to need a feature that you don’t have (like GPS).

I hope this information and insight proves to be helpful in informing your eventual choice.

No. If you want cellular, you have to buy a device with both WiFi and cellular, it cannot be added later.