9th Gen iPad vs 10th Gen: Which iPad Should You Buy?
Struggling to choose between the 9th gen iPad and the newer 10th gen model? You’re not alone! Both tablets offer compelling features and performance, making the decision a tricky one. This comparison will break down the key differences to help you make the best choice for your needs and budget.
The iPad has long been a staple in the tablet market, offering a blend of portability, power, and versatility. The 9th generation iPad provides a solid foundation with its A13 Bionic chip and excellent display. The 10th generation iPad, on the other hand, boasts significant upgrades in several key areas.
We’ll delve into the specifics, comparing the displays, performance, cameras, and connectivity options of both the 9th gen iPad and the 10th gen iPad. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of which iPad is the superior choice for you. Let’s dive in and find out!
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | 9th gen iPad | 10th gen iPad |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 10.2-inch | 10.9-inch |
| Processor | A13 Bionic chip | A14 Bionic chip |
| RAM | 3GB | 4GB |
| Storage Options | 64GB, 256GB | 64GB, 256GB |
| Front Camera | 12MP Ultra Wide | 12MP Ultra Wide (landscape) |
| Rear Camera | 8MP Wide | 12MP Wide |
| Apple Pencil Support | 1st generation | 1st generation (with adapter) / 2nd generation |
| Connectivity | Lightning, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 4.2 | USB-C, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Cellular Options | Yes | Yes |
| Design | Thicker bezels, Home button | Thinner bezels, No Home button |
| Audio | Stereo speakers (top & bottom) | Landscape stereo speakers |
| Weight | 487g (Wi-Fi), 498g (Cellular) | 477g (Wi-Fi), 481g (Cellular) |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design
- 9th Gen iPad: Features a classic design with thick bezels and a Home button. It retains the Lightning port. Its design is dated compared to more modern tablets.
- 10th Gen: Boasts a more modern design with thinner bezels, a larger display, and a relocated front-facing camera. It features a USB-C port, aligning with current industry standards.
- Winner: 10th gen
Display
- 9th Gen iPad: Equipped with a 10.2-inch Retina display. It provides a good viewing experience, suitable for everyday tasks, but lacks advanced features found in higher-end iPads.
- 10th Gen: Features a larger 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with thinner bezels. It offers improved visual quality and a more immersive viewing experience.
- Winner: 10th gen
Processor
- 9th Gen iPad: Powered by the A13 Bionic chip, which provides sufficient performance for most common tasks and light gaming. Its performance is starting to show its age.
- 10th Gen: Runs on the A14 Bionic chip, offering a significant performance boost over the A13. This results in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
- Winner: 10th gen
Connectivity
- 9th Gen iPad: Uses a Lightning port, which is an older standard. It also supports Wi-Fi 802.11ac and Bluetooth 4.2.
- 10th Gen: Features a USB-C port, enabling faster charging and data transfer. It also supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2.
- Winner: 10th gen
Camera
- 9th Gen iPad: Includes an 8MP wide rear camera and a 12MP ultrawide front camera. The front camera is located at the top of the screen when held in portrait mode.
- 10th Gen: Features a 12MP wide rear camera and a landscape-oriented 12MP ultrawide front camera, which is better for video calls.
- Winner: 10th gen
Apple Pencil Support
- 9th Gen iPad: Supports the 1st generation Apple Pencil, which attaches to the iPad via a Lightning adapter.
- 10th Gen: Supports the 1st generation Apple Pencil, but requires a USB-C to Apple Pencil adapter for charging and pairing.
- Winner: Tie
Storage Options
- 9th Gen iPad: Offers storage options of 64GB or 256GB.
- 10th Gen: Offers storage options of 64GB or 256GB.
- Winner: Tie
Price
- 9th Gen iPad: Generally has a lower starting price, making it a more budget-friendly option.
- 10th Gen: Comes with a higher price tag due to its upgraded features and design.
- Winner: 9th gen
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display | 10th gen iPad |
| Performance | 10th gen iPad |
| Cameras | 10th gen iPad |
| Connectivity | 10th gen iPad |
| Design | 10th gen iPad |
| Value | 9th gen iPad |
What They Have in Common:
- Storage Options: Both the 9th and 10th generation iPads offer the same storage configurations, allowing users to choose between 64GB and 256GB models based on their needs. This provides flexibility for storing apps, documents, and media.
- Cellular Options: Both models are available with cellular connectivity, allowing for internet access on the go when a Wi-Fi network isn’t available. This is a great feature for users who need to stay connected.
- Operating System: Both iPads run on iPadOS, ensuring a consistent user experience with access to the latest features and updates from Apple. This includes access to the App Store and all iPadOS functionalities.
- App Support: Both devices support the same vast library of apps available on the App Store, enabling users to enjoy a wide range of applications for productivity, creativity, and entertainment.
- Battery Life: Both iPads are designed to offer all-day battery life, allowing users to browse the web, watch videos, and work for extended periods without needing to recharge frequently.
9th Gen iPad vs 10th Gen Buying Guide
Performance
The 9th generation iPad is powered by the A13 Bionic chip, which offers solid performance for everyday tasks like web browsing, email, and light gaming. Its performance is respectable, making it a capable device for general use. However, the 10th generation iPad boasts the more powerful A14 Bionic chip, resulting in noticeable improvements in speed and responsiveness. This translates to faster app loading times and smoother multitasking, especially when handling demanding applications or games.
Display
The 9th generation iPad features a 10.2-inch Retina display, offering vibrant colors and sharp details. It’s a great screen for watching videos, reading, and browsing. The 10th generation iPad retains the 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, with a larger screen size and improved image quality with a higher resolution. This results in a more immersive viewing experience, and it also supports landscape orientation.
Design and Portability
The 9th generation iPad has a classic design with a Home button and thicker bezels. It’s still a relatively portable device, but the design feels a bit dated. The 10th generation iPad adopts a more modern design, featuring thinner bezels, a larger screen-to-body ratio, and the removal of the Home button. It also has a USB-C port, replacing the Lightning port, for faster charging and data transfer. These changes make it look and feel more premium.
Accessories
The 9th generation iPad is compatible with the first-generation Apple Pencil and the Smart Keyboard. This provides some versatility for note-taking and light productivity tasks. However, the 10th generation iPad is compatible with the first-generation Apple Pencil, requiring a separate USB-C adapter for charging, and the new Magic Keyboard Folio. This offers a more refined typing experience and enhanced functionality.
Camera
The 9th generation iPad includes an 8MP rear camera and a 12MP ultrawide front-facing camera. The front-facing camera is decent for video calls. The 10th generation iPad also has a 12MP rear camera, and a landscape 12MP ultrawide front-facing camera. This also supports Center Stage, which keeps you in frame during video calls, and overall, it offers better image quality.
Price and Value
The 9th generation iPad is the more affordable option, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers. Its lower price point makes it an attractive entry-level tablet for basic needs. The 10th generation iPad is more expensive, reflecting its enhanced features and performance. While it costs more, the improvements in display, design, and performance may justify the higher price for users who need a more capable tablet.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy 9th gen iPad If…
- You’re on a budget and want an affordable iPad.
- You prioritize the physical Home button.
- You primarily use your iPad for basic tasks like web browsing, email, and streaming.
- You already own a 1st generation Apple Pencil.
Buy 10th gen iPad If…
- You want a more modern design with thinner bezels and a larger display.
- You need a faster processor for more demanding tasks.
- You want improved front and rear cameras.
- You prefer USB-C connectivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between the 9th and 10th generation iPads?
The 10th generation iPad features a more powerful A14 Bionic chip, a larger display with thinner bezels, a modern design with a USB-C port, and enhanced accessory compatibility. It also has a better camera and supports landscape orientation. In contrast, the 9th generation iPad has an A13 Bionic chip, a traditional design, and a Lightning port.
Which iPad is better for gaming?
The 10th generation iPad is better for gaming due to its more powerful A14 Bionic chip, which provides faster performance and smoother gameplay. While the 9th generation iPad can handle some games, the 10th generation will be able to handle more graphically demanding games better and with less lag. The larger display is also a benefit.
Does the 10th generation iPad support the Apple Pencil?
Yes, the 10th generation iPad supports the first-generation Apple Pencil. However, you’ll need a USB-C to Apple Pencil adapter to charge and pair the Apple Pencil, which is sold separately. This is because the 10th generation iPad has a USB-C port, while the first-generation Apple Pencil has a Lightning connector.
What is the battery life like on both iPads?
Both the 9th and 10th generation iPads offer similar battery life, typically providing up to 10 hours of web browsing or video playback. The actual battery life may vary depending on usage. You can expect all day use from both devices, making them suitable for everyday use and travel.
Which iPad has a better display?
The 10th generation iPad has a better display. It features a larger 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with a higher resolution and improved image quality compared to the 9th generation iPad’s 10.2-inch Retina display. The 10th gen also boasts a wider color gamut, offering a more vibrant and immersive viewing experience.
Is the 10th generation iPad worth the extra money?
Whether the 10th generation iPad is worth the extra money depends on your needs and budget. If you prioritize performance, a modern design, a larger display, and the latest features, the 10th generation iPad is worth the extra investment. However, if you are on a budget and only need a tablet for basic tasks, the 9th generation iPad is still a great option.
Which iPad is better for students?
The 10th generation iPad is better for students who are looking for the best performance and features. Its faster processor, enhanced display, and compatibility with the Magic Keyboard Folio make it ideal for note-taking, research, and productivity tasks. However, the 9th generation is still a good option for budget-conscious students.
Final Verdict
The 10th generation iPad emerges as the superior choice, offering a significant upgrade in performance, design, and display. While the 9th generation iPad remains a solid value, the enhancements in the 10th generation justify its higher price for those seeking a more advanced tablet experience. The 10th generation iPad provides a more modern and versatile experience.
Winner: 10th Gen iPad