[Personal Experience] Why a Wi-Fi Model iPad Was Enough for iPhone Users | Tethering Tips and Communication Cost Savings

In this article, for those considering purchasing an iPad,
especiallyfor all you iPhone users,,
I will explore the theme of "Do you really need a cellular model iPad?" based on my own personal experience.

Actually, I myselfcurrently own a cellular model iPad.
However, as I continued to use it,
I honestly realized that a Wi-Fi model would have been enough...I will summarize the reasons for this and how you can use a Wi-Fi model comfortably in detail.

Reasons why I felt that if you have an iPhone, you don't need cellular on an iPad

✅ Tethering is almost automatic and comfortable

If you use an iPhone and iPad with the same Apple ID, you can connect from the iPad to the iPhone's internet sharing
almost automatically.No password entry is required, and the connection is completed in a few seconds.

Unlike in the past,
it's at a level where you don't even need to perform operations every time.

You can read how to set it up here.

✅ There is little need for communication in the first place

The scenes where I use an iPad when I'm out are surprisingly often
offline tasks (reading, notes, PDFs).

Even when I need the internet, it's just
for a little research or looking at maps.
Tethering at those times is enough.

✅ Not worth the cost

The cellular model is10,000 to 20,000 yen more expensiveand
incurs a running cost of 1,000 to 3,000 yen per month for a SIM contract.

Considering the frequency of use,
honestly, I have stopped feeling the value for that amount.

Are there actually more benefits to the Wi-Fi model?

💡 List of benefits of the Wi-Fi model

• ✅ Lower unit price

• ✅ No SIM contract required (0 yen operating cost)

• ✅ Battery life is slightly better

• ✅ The device is slightly lighter (even a few grams makes a difference on devices like the iPad mini)

• ✅ Simple setup and management (popular in businesses and schools)

Honestly, it depends on what you want from an iPad, but for those who use an iPhone daily,
you will rarely have any issues with a Wi-Fi model.

Data saving techniques when tethering
Tips to avoid wasting data

When using an iPad via tethering,
you may be consuming data capacity without realizing it.
Adjusting the following settings will give you peace of mind.

🔕 Turn off notifications (for unnecessary apps)

Background data usage occurs every time a notification arrives.
Go to Settings > Notifications > Each App > Turn off notifications to keep it under control.

⛔ Turn off Background App Refresh

Settings > General > Background App Refresh > Off or Wi-Fi only

☁ Limit iCloud synchronization

Review your sync settings for photos, files, notes, etc. Set them to manual sync only when necessary.

📦 Turn off automatic downloads

App updates and automatic Podcast downloads can be a cause of high data usage while tethering.

Settings > App Store > Turn off automatic downloads

📉 Utilize Low Data Mode

Settings > Wi-Fi > iPhone tethering name > Turn on Low Data Mode and the OS will help reduce data usage.

Conclusion
For iPhone users,
is a cellular iPad really necessary?

The cellular feature is only useful if,

• you do not have your iPhone with you

• You want to connect to the internet for long periods while out and about

• You find even the act of tethering to be a hassle
  —I think these are the limited cases where it might be necessary.

For most other people, the Wi-Fi model is more logical, comfortable, and economical.

Summary: A Checklist to Consider Before You Buy

• ☐ You own an iPhone and always carry it with you

• ☐ You don't mind tethering, or actually find it convenient

• ☐ You don't use the internet that often when you're out

• ☐ You want to keep your monthly communication costs down

• ☐ You mainly use your iPad for reading, note-taking, watching videos, or viewing documents

If you checked all of these as "Yes," then a Wi-Fi model is enough for you.

I hope the content of this article
is helpful for those struggling with choosing an iPad.

If you have any questions or additions,
please feel free to leave a comment or contact me!

Thank you
for reading
my blog until the end.
I also
share other recommended products and
useful information
through
note, so
I would be happy if you could take a look at my other articles.

Other popular articles

It would encourage me if you could leave a tip at the bottom.
Versatility of Apple Products
Making the Most of MacBook
Making the Most of iPad
Making the Most of iPhone
Gadget Introductions & Suggestions
I have organized them
by category, so
I hope you can
find articles that interest you.
Please follow me
so you can easily see new articles.
I also
post videos on social media,
so please come and watch them.
YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@oshabaku_gadgetch_jp
TikTok
https://www.tiktok.com/@oshabaku_style
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/oshabaku_style/
Threads
https://www.threads.net/@oshabaku_style

As an Amazon Associate,
MONOQLO Blog earns from qualifying purchases.
See you later.