iPad 9 vs 10 Generation: Which iPad Should You Buy?
Struggling to choose between the Apple iPad 9th generation and the newer 10th generation? You’re not alone. With each iteration, Apple refines its tablet lineup, making the decision process a bit more complex. This comparison will break down the key differences to help you determine which iPad best suits your needs and budget.
The iPad 9 offers a familiar design and a more affordable price point, making it a great option for those new to iPads or looking for a reliable device for everyday tasks. The iPad 10th generation, on the other hand, boasts a more modern aesthetic and some significant upgrades under the hood, promising a more premium experience.
We’ll dive into the details, comparing performance, display quality, design, and features. Whether you’re a student, a creative professional, or simply someone who enjoys consuming content on a tablet, understanding the nuances between the iPad 9 and 10 generation is crucial to making an informed purchase.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | iPad 9 | 10 generation |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 10.2-inch | 10.9-inch |
| Resolution | 2160 x 1620 pixels | 2360 x 1640 pixels |
| 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, Bluetooth | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
| Cellular Options | Yes | Yes |
| Speaker | Stereo | Stereo (landscape) |
| Design | Thicker bezels, Home Button | Thin bezels, no Home Button |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- iPad 9: Features a 10.2-inch Retina display with True Tone technology, offering vibrant colors and comfortable viewing in various lighting conditions. However, the bezels are relatively thick compared to the 10th generation, and it lacks the anti-reflective coating found in newer models.
- 10 Generation: Boasts a larger 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with thinner bezels and a landscape-oriented front-facing camera. It also includes an anti-reflective coating, resulting in a more immersive and less distracting viewing experience.
- Winner: 10 generation
Processor
- iPad 9: Powered by the A13 Bionic chip, providing decent performance for everyday tasks, web browsing, and casual gaming. It may struggle with more demanding applications and multitasking compared to the newer chip.
- 10 Generation: Equipped with the A14 Bionic chip, offering a significant performance boost over the A13. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming capabilities.
- Winner: 10 generation
Design
- iPad 9: Retains the classic iPad design with a home button and thicker bezels. It offers a familiar look and feel, but the design is starting to show its age.
- 10 Generation: Features a modern all-screen design with thinner bezels, a landscape-oriented front-facing camera, and the power button with Touch ID on the top. It has a more contemporary aesthetic.
- Winner: 10 generation
Connectivity
- iPad 9: Uses a Lightning port for charging and data transfer, and supports first-generation Apple Pencil. It supports Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2.
- 10 Generation: Upgrades to a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, and supports the first-generation Apple Pencil (with a USB-C to Lightning adapter required). It supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2.
- Winner: 10 generation
Cameras
- iPad 9: Features an 8MP wide rear camera and a 12MP ultrawide front-facing camera. The front-facing camera is centered when using the iPad in portrait mode.
- 10 Generation: Offers a 12MP wide rear camera and a 12MP ultrawide front-facing camera, now positioned on the landscape edge for better video calls.
- Winner: 10 generation
Audio
- iPad 9: Equipped with stereo speakers, offering decent audio quality for media consumption. The speakers are located on the bottom of the device.
- 10 Generation: Features landscape stereo speakers, delivering improved audio quality and a more immersive listening experience, especially when watching videos or playing games.
- Winner: 10 generation
Apple Pencil Compatibility
- iPad 9: Compatible with the first-generation Apple Pencil, which attaches to the iPad via a Lightning port for charging and pairing.
- 10 Generation: Supports the first-generation Apple Pencil, but requires a USB-C to Lightning adapter (sold separately) for charging and pairing.
- Winner: ipad 9 (for simplicity of charging)
Price
- iPad 9: Generally more affordable, making it a good option for budget-conscious buyers or those who don’t need the latest features.
- 10 Generation: Typically more expensive, reflecting its upgraded features and newer design.
- Winner: ipad 9
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | 10 generation |
| Processor | 10 generation |
| Design | 10 generation |
| Front Camera | 10 generation |
| Connectivity | 10 generation |
| Apple Pencil Support | 10 generation |
| Value | iPad 9 |
What They Have in Common:
- Storage Options: Both iPad models offer the same storage configurations, allowing users to choose between 64GB and 256GB options based on their storage needs. This provides flexibility for various users.
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Both iPads support Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, ensuring seamless wireless connectivity for internet browsing, file transfers, and connecting to accessories.
- Cellular Options: Both the 9th generation and 10th generation iPads are available with cellular connectivity, allowing users to stay connected on the go without relying solely on Wi-Fi.
- Apple Ecosystem: Both iPads seamlessly integrate with the Apple ecosystem, offering compatibility with other Apple devices and services like iCloud, Apple Pencil, and more.
- Ipados: Both devices run on iPadOS, providing a consistent user experience with access to the App Store, multitasking features, and regular software updates.
iPad 9 vs 10 Generation Buying Guide
Performance and Processing Power
The iPad 9th generation is powered by the A13 Bionic chip, a capable processor that handles everyday tasks smoothly. It’s suitable for web browsing, streaming videos, and running less demanding apps. The 10th generation, however, boasts the A14 Bionic chip, offering a significant performance boost. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and enhanced performance for graphically intensive games and creative applications. The A14 Bionic chip also enables better efficiency, potentially extending battery life under heavy use.
Display and Design
The iPad 9 features a traditional design with thick bezels and the classic Home button. Its display is a Retina display, delivering crisp visuals for content consumption. The 10th generation introduces a more modern design, ditching the Home button for a full-screen display with thinner bezels and a landscape-oriented front-facing camera. The larger display on the 10th generation provides a more immersive viewing experience. The 10th generation also supports the latest accessories like the Magic Keyboard Folio.
Connectivity and Ports
The iPad 9 utilizes the older Lightning port for charging and data transfer, limiting its compatibility with modern accessories. It also supports Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2. Conversely, the 10th generation features a USB-C port, offering faster charging speeds and wider compatibility with peripherals. It also supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2, providing faster and more reliable wireless connectivity. This makes the 10th generation more future-proof and versatile in terms of connectivity options.
Camera Capabilities
The iPad 9th generation features an 8MP wide-angle rear camera and a 12MP ultrawide front-facing camera. The rear camera captures decent photos and videos in good lighting conditions, while the front camera is adequate for video calls. The 10th generation improves upon this with a 12MP ultrawide rear camera and a landscape-oriented 12MP ultrawide front-facing camera, offering enhanced image quality, improved low-light performance, and better video call experiences. The landscape front camera is a significant upgrade for video conferencing.
Storage and Battery Life
Both models offer different storage options to choose from, with the base models offering 64GB and other options for more storage. The iPad 9 offers good battery life, typically lasting through a full day of moderate use. The 10th generation also delivers excellent battery life, comparable to its predecessor. Battery life varies depending on usage, but both iPads are designed to provide all-day power for typical tasks, such as web browsing and streaming.
Accessories and Ecosystem
The iPad 9 is compatible with the 1st generation Apple Pencil and the Smart Keyboard. The 10th generation is compatible with the 1st generation Apple Pencil (with a USB-C adapter) and the Magic Keyboard Folio, offering more advanced accessory options. The ecosystem of accessories for both iPads is extensive. This enhances the usability and versatility of the iPad, allowing users to customize their experience for various tasks, from note-taking to creative work.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPad 9 If…
- You’re on a tighter budget and want an affordable iPad experience.
- You prefer the traditional iPad design with the 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 10 generation If…
- You want a more modern design with thinner bezels and a larger screen.
- You desire a faster processor for improved performance in apps and games.
- You need a USB-C port for faster charging and data transfer.
- You want the latest features and a more premium experience, like landscape front-facing camera and better speakers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between the iPad 9 and the 10th generation?
The 10th generation features a faster A14 Bionic chip, a redesigned body with thinner bezels, a USB-C port, and a landscape-oriented front camera. The iPad 9 uses the A13 Bionic chip, has a traditional design with thick bezels, a Lightning port, and a standard front-facing camera. The 10th generation also supports more modern accessories.
Which iPad is better for gaming?
The 10th generation iPad is generally better for gaming due to its more powerful A14 Bionic chip, which provides superior graphics performance and smoother gameplay. While the iPad 9 can still handle many games, the 10th generation offers a more responsive and immersive gaming experience, especially with more demanding titles.
Does the 10th generation iPad support the Apple Pencil?
Yes, the 10th generation iPad supports the Apple Pencil, but it requires the 1st generation Apple Pencil and a USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter. The adapter is needed because the 10th generation has a USB-C port, while the 1st generation Apple Pencil charges via Lightning. The iPad 9 supports 1st gen Apple Pencil.
What is the battery life like on both iPads?
Both the 9th and 10th generation iPads offer excellent battery life, typically providing all-day performance with moderate use. You can expect around 10 hours of web browsing or video playback. The exact battery life may vary depending on usage patterns and the types of apps being used, but both models are designed to last throughout the day.
Which iPad has a better display?
The display quality is similar in the 9th and 10th generation iPads, both featuring Retina displays. The 10th generation has a slightly larger display due to its thinner bezels, which provides a more immersive viewing experience. The 10th generation also has a better screen to body ratio. In everyday use, both screens are sharp and vibrant.
Which iPad is better for students?
Both iPads are suitable for students. The 10th generation offers faster performance and a more modern design, which may appeal to some. The iPad 9 is a more affordable option, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious students. The choice depends on the student’s budget and specific needs, such as the need for more processing power or a newer design.
What are the storage options for each iPad?
Both the iPad 9th and 10th generations come with different storage options. The iPad 9 starts with 64GB and 256GB options. The 10th generation also offers options for storage, allowing users to choose the storage capacity that best suits their needs. It is important to consider how much storage you will need to store photos, videos, apps, and other files.
Final Verdict
The 10th generation iPad offers significant upgrades with its faster processor, modern design, improved connectivity, and better cameras. While the iPad 9 remains a capable tablet, the 10th generation provides a more future-proof and enhanced user experience. The performance boost, combined with the new features, makes it the superior choice for most users, justifying the higher price point.
Winner: iPad 10th Generation