IPad 10th Gen: Is It Worth The Upgrade?

Hey guys! So, you're thinking about snagging the new iPad 10th generation, huh? Or maybe you're wondering if it's time to ditch your current tablet and jump on the iPad 10th gen bandwagon. Whatever your situation, you've come to the right place! Let's dive deep into a comprehensive iPad 10th generation comparison, breaking down everything you need to know to make an informed decision. We'll explore the features, performance, design, and value of this shiny new tablet so you can figure out if it's the perfect fit for your needs.

Design and Display: A Visual Treat?

The design of the iPad 10th generation is a significant departure from previous models. Say goodbye to the classic home button! This new iPad embraces an all-screen design, bringing it in line with the iPad Air and iPad Pro. This gives you more screen real estate in a similar-sized device, which is always a win. The display itself is a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, boasting vibrant colors and sharp details. It's perfect for watching videos, browsing the web, and getting creative with digital art.

But let's talk specifics. The resolution is 2360 x 1640 pixels, which translates to a pixel density of 264 ppi. This is pretty standard for iPads and ensures a crisp image. The display also supports True Tone technology, which automatically adjusts the color temperature to match your ambient lighting. This makes viewing more comfortable on your eyes, especially during long reading sessions. One thing to note is that the display is not fully laminated, meaning there's a small air gap between the glass and the display panel. This isn't a deal-breaker for most people, but it can result in slightly more glare in bright environments. Also, no promotion here, so the refresh rate is still at 60Hz. Color options are where the iPad 10th gen shines. You can choose from blue, pink, yellow, and silver.

Performance: How Much Power Are We Talking?

Under the hood, the iPad 10th generation is powered by the A14 Bionic chip. Now, this isn't the latest and greatest chip from Apple (that would be the A15 or A16), but the A14 is still a very capable processor. It's the same chip that powers the iPhone 12 lineup, and it offers a significant performance boost over the previous generation iPad. You'll notice snappier app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved graphics performance.

For everyday tasks like browsing the web, checking email, and streaming videos, the iPad 10th generation will handle everything with ease. It can also handle more demanding tasks like video editing, gaming, and graphic design, although you might experience some slowdowns with very large or complex projects. In Geekbench 5 tests, the A14 Bionic scores around 1580 in single-core and 4100 in multi-core performance. This puts it ahead of the previous generation iPad and on par with the iPad Air 4. If you're coming from an older iPad, you'll definitely notice a big jump in performance. The A14 Bionic also brings improvements to machine learning tasks, thanks to its 16-core Neural Engine. This enables features like Live Text and Visual Look Up, which can be really handy. Storage options are limited to 64GB and 256GB, which might be a concern for users who plan to store a lot of photos, videos, or games. Unfortunately, there's no option to expand the storage with a microSD card, so choose wisely!

Cameras: Capture Those Memories

The iPad 10th generation features an upgraded 12MP Wide back camera, a notable improvement over previous base-model iPads. This new camera allows you to capture sharper, more detailed photos and videos, even in less-than-ideal lighting conditions. The larger aperture lets in more light, resulting in brighter images with less noise. The camera also supports features like Smart HDR 3, which helps to balance the highlights and shadows in your photos. You can record videos in up to 4K resolution at 60 frames per second, which is great for creating high-quality content. The front-facing camera has also been upgraded to a 12MP Ultra Wide camera, which is a big improvement for video calls. The wider field of view allows more people to fit into the frame, and the Center Stage feature automatically adjusts the camera to keep you in the center of the shot, even if you move around. The image quality is noticeably better than the previous generation, with sharper details and more accurate colors. Whether you're using it for FaceTime calls, selfies, or recording videos, the front camera on the iPad 10th generation is a solid performer.

Connectivity and Battery Life: Staying Connected on the Go

The iPad 10th generation comes with Wi-Fi 6 support, which offers faster wireless speeds and improved network performance compared to previous generations. If you opt for the cellular model, you'll get 5G connectivity, allowing you to stay connected even when you're away from Wi-Fi. This is great for streaming videos, downloading files, and video conferencing on the go. The iPad 10th generation also features a USB-C port, which replaces the Lightning port used on previous models. This is a welcome change, as USB-C is more versatile and allows you to connect to a wider range of accessories. You can use the USB-C port to charge the iPad, transfer data, and connect to external displays. Battery life is another important factor to consider, and the iPad 10th generation delivers solid performance in this area. Apple claims up to 10 hours of battery life for web browsing or video playback over Wi-Fi, and up to 9 hours for cellular use. In real-world testing, these claims seem to hold up pretty well. You can easily get through a full day of moderate use on a single charge. The included 20W USB-C power adapter charges the iPad relatively quickly, taking around 2.5 hours to fully charge the device.

Accessories: What Else Do You Need?

One of the most controversial aspects of the iPad 10th generation is its compatibility with accessories. While it supports the first-generation Apple Pencil, you'll need to use a USB-C to Lightning adapter to pair and charge it. This is because the iPad 10th generation has a USB-C port, while the first-generation Apple Pencil uses a Lightning connector. The adapter is included in the box with the iPad, but it's still an extra step that some users might find annoying. On the bright side, Apple has also released a new Magic Keyboard Folio designed specifically for the iPad 10th generation. This keyboard attaches magnetically to the iPad and provides a comfortable typing experience. It also includes a built-in trackpad, which makes it easier to navigate the iPadOS interface. The Magic Keyboard Folio is sold separately, and it's a bit pricey, but it's a worthwhile investment if you plan to use your iPad for a lot of typing. Other accessories that are compatible with the iPad 10th generation include USB-C hubs, headphones, and various cases and screen protectors.

Price and Value: Is It Worth the Investment?

The iPad 10th generation starts at $449 for the 64GB Wi-Fi model. The price increases to $599 for the 256GB Wi-Fi model. If you want cellular connectivity, you'll have to pay an additional $150. Compared to other iPads in the lineup, the iPad 10th generation is positioned as a mid-range option. It's more expensive than the base-model iPad 9th generation, but it's less expensive than the iPad Air and iPad Pro. In terms of value, the iPad 10th generation offers a good balance of features and performance for the price. It's a great option for students, casual users, and anyone who wants a versatile tablet for everyday tasks. However, if you need the absolute best performance or advanced features like ProMotion display or Thunderbolt ports, you might want to consider the iPad Air or iPad Pro. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to buy the iPad 10th generation depends on your individual needs and budget.

Final Verdict: Who Is This iPad For?

So, after all this iPad 10th generation comparison, who is this tablet really for? Well, if you're looking for a solid all-around tablet that's great for everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and light productivity, the iPad 10th generation is a fantastic choice. It's got a modern design, a decent processor, and a vibrant display. However, if you're a power user who needs the best possible performance, or if you already own an iPad Air or Pro, you might not see a huge benefit from upgrading. But for everyone else, the iPad 10th generation is a well-rounded tablet that offers a lot of value for the price. Just remember to factor in the cost of accessories like the Magic Keyboard Folio and the Apple Pencil adapter when making your decision. Happy tablet hunting!