10th Gen iPad vs 9th Gen: Which iPad Should You Buy?
Choosing the right iPad can feel overwhelming, especially with new models constantly emerging. Are you wondering which iPad is best for you? Look no further! We’re diving deep into a head-to-head comparison to help you decide.
In this guide, we’ll pit the 10th generation iPad against the 9th generation iPad. We’ll explore their key differences, from performance and display to features and price. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which iPad better suits your needs and budget.
Whether you’re a student, a creative professional, or simply looking for a tablet for everyday use, this comparison will provide valuable insights. We’ll break down the specs, highlight the pros and cons, and ultimately help you make an informed decision. Get ready to discover the perfect iPad for you!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | 10th gen iPad | 9th gen |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 10.9-inch | 10.2-inch |
| Processor | A14 Bionic chip | A13 Bionic chip |
| RAM | 4GB | 3GB |
| Storage Options | 64GB, 256GB | 64GB, 256GB |
| Front Camera | Landscape 12MP Ultra Wide | 12MP Ultra Wide |
| Rear Camera | 12MP Wide | 8MP Wide |
| Apple Pencil Support | Apple Pencil (1st generation) with adapter | Apple Pencil (1st generation) |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2 | Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 4.2 |
| Charging Port | USB-C | Lightning |
| Design | All-screen design | Thicker bezels, Home button |
| Colors | Blue, Pink, Yellow, Silver | Silver, Space Gray |
| Audio | Landscape Stereo Speakers | Stereo speakers |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design & Display
- 10th Gen iPad: Features a larger 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with thinner bezels and a landscape-oriented front-facing camera. It has a modern, all-screen design with Touch ID integrated into the power button. This provides a more immersive viewing experience, but the new design also means you lose the home button.
- 9th Gen: Boasts a 10.2-inch Retina display with thicker bezels and a traditional home button. It retains a familiar design that many users are accustomed to and is generally more durable. However, the design feels dated compared to the 10th gen.
- Winner: 10th gen
Processor
- 10th Gen iPad: Powered by the A14 Bionic chip, offering a significant performance boost over the 9th generation. This chip handles demanding tasks and multitasking more smoothly. While powerful, it’s still not the latest chip available in iPads.
- 9th Gen: Equipped with the A13 Bionic chip, providing solid performance for everyday tasks, web browsing, and casual gaming. It’s a capable chip, but it struggles with more intensive applications compared to the newer A14.
- Winner: 10th gen
Connectivity
- 10th Gen iPad: Upgraded to USB-C for charging and data transfer, enhancing compatibility with modern accessories. Also supports Wi-Fi 6 for faster wireless speeds. These are welcome upgrades that enhance convenience.
- 9th Gen: Uses the older Lightning port for charging and data transfer, which is slower than USB-C. It supports Wi-Fi 5. The older ports are less versatile.
- Winner: 10th gen
Camera
- 10th Gen iPad: Features a landscape-oriented 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage for improved video calls. The rear camera remains at 12MP. This setup is ideal for video conferencing and selfies.
- 9th Gen: Has a standard front-facing camera and a single 8MP rear camera. While adequate for basic use, they are less advanced than the 10th gen’s camera system.
- Winner: 10th gen
Apple Pencil Compatibility
- 10th Gen iPad: Compatible with the 1st generation Apple Pencil, but requires a USB-C to Apple Pencil adapter for charging and pairing. This adds an extra step and cost.
- 9th Gen: Works with the 1st generation Apple Pencil, using the Lightning port for pairing and charging. This is more straightforward, but the Lightning port is now outdated.
- Winner: Tie
Keyboard Compatibility
- 10th Gen iPad: Supports the Magic Keyboard Folio, offering a more premium typing experience and trackpad. This is an upgrade over the 9th gen’s keyboard options.
- 9th Gen: Compatible with the Smart Keyboard, which is a functional but less advanced keyboard.
- Winner: 10th gen
Storage Options
- 10th Gen iPad: Offers storage options up to 256GB, providing ample space for storing apps, files, and media.
- 9th Gen: Offers storage options up to 256GB, providing ample space for storing apps, files, and media.
- Winner: Tie
Price
- 10th Gen iPad: Typically more expensive than the 9th generation, reflecting its newer features and design.
- 9th Gen: Offers a more budget-friendly price point, making it an attractive option for those seeking a basic iPad experience.
- Winner: 9th gen
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Performance | 10th gen iPad |
| Display | 10th gen iPad |
| Design | 10th gen iPad |
| Connectivity | 10th gen iPad |
| Value | 9th gen |
What They Have in Common
- Display: Both iPads feature Retina displays, offering sharp and vibrant visuals for content consumption and everyday tasks.
- Apple Pencil Support: Both models are compatible with the Apple Pencil (1st generation), allowing for note-taking, drawing, and creative expression.
- Ipados: Both devices run on iPadOS, providing a consistent user experience with access to the App Store and features optimized for tablets.
- Battery Life: Both iPads offer all-day battery life, allowing users to browse the web, watch videos, and work on the go without frequent charging.
- App Ecosystem: Both iPads have access to the vast iPad app ecosystem, with thousands of apps optimized for tablet use.
10th Gen iPad vs 9th Gen Buying Guide
Performance and Processing Power
The 10th generation iPad boasts a significantly improved performance thanks to its A14 Bionic chip, providing a noticeable speed boost compared to the 9th generation’s A13 Bionic. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better overall responsiveness. For users who frequently work with demanding applications, play graphics-intensive games, or edit videos, the performance upgrade of the 10th gen will be readily apparent. The 9th gen iPad, while still capable, may struggle with more complex tasks, especially when running multiple applications simultaneously.
Display and Design
The 10th generation iPad features a larger 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with thinner bezels and a more modern design, moving the front-facing camera to the landscape edge. This results in a more immersive viewing experience and a sleeker aesthetic. The 9th generation iPad retains the traditional design with thicker bezels and a smaller 10.2-inch Retina display. While the 9th gen’s display is still adequate, the 10th gen’s display offers a more contemporary and visually appealing experience, especially for media consumption.
Connectivity and Ports
The 10th generation iPad upgrades to a USB-C port, offering faster data transfer speeds and broader compatibility with accessories. The 9th generation iPad utilizes a Lightning port, which is slower for data transfer and may require adapters for some modern accessories. The 10th gen also supports Wi-Fi 6, providing faster and more reliable wireless connectivity. This can make a significant difference when downloading large files or streaming high-resolution video. The 9th gen iPad is limited to Wi-Fi 5.
Camera Capabilities
Both iPads have capable cameras, but the 10th generation iPad offers improvements. The front-facing camera is located on the landscape edge and has a wider field of view, making it ideal for video calls in landscape mode. The 10th gen also features a better rear camera. The 9th gen’s cameras are still sufficient for casual use, but the 10th gen offers a more versatile and enjoyable camera experience for both photos and video calls, especially in well-lit environments.
Apple Pencil Compatibility
The 10th generation iPad supports the first-generation Apple Pencil, but requires a USB-C to Apple Pencil adapter for charging and pairing, which is sold separately. The 9th generation iPad is fully compatible with the first-generation Apple Pencil. This difference impacts the overall user experience. The 10th gen’s adapter adds an extra step. For users who frequently use the Apple Pencil for note-taking, drawing, or other creative tasks, the compatibility is a key consideration.
Price and Value
The 10th generation iPad is generally more expensive than the 9th generation. While the 10th gen offers significant upgrades in performance, design, and features, the 9th gen iPad provides excellent value for the price. The 9th gen is a strong choice for budget-conscious users or those who primarily use their iPad for basic tasks such as web browsing, email, and media consumption. The value proposition depends on your needs and budget. Consider which features are most important to you.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy 10th gen iPad If…
- You want a more modern design with an all-screen display and thinner bezels.
- You prioritize a faster processor for improved performance in apps and games.
- You want the convenience of a USB-C charging port.
- You want landscape stereo speakers.
Buy 9th gen If…
- You’re looking for the most affordable iPad option.
- You don’t need the latest processor or design updates.
- You prefer the traditional home button for navigation.
- You are okay with a Lightning charging port.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between the 10th and 9th generation iPads?
The 10th generation iPad has a faster processor (A14 Bionic vs. A13 Bionic), a larger display with thinner bezels, a USB-C port, and a landscape-oriented front-facing camera. It also supports Wi-Fi 6. The 9th gen offers a more affordable price point and retains the traditional design with a Lightning port. The 10th gen offers a more modern and powerful experience.
Which iPad is better for gaming?
The 10th generation iPad is better for gaming due to its more powerful A14 Bionic chip, which provides smoother frame rates and faster loading times in graphically intensive games. The improved display also enhances the gaming experience. While the 9th gen can still play games, the 10th gen provides a more responsive and enjoyable experience.
Does the 10th generation iPad come with an Apple Pencil?
No, neither the 10th or the 9th generation iPads come with an Apple Pencil. The 10th generation iPad is compatible with the first-generation Apple Pencil, but it requires a separate USB-C to Apple Pencil adapter for charging and pairing. The 9th generation is also compatible with the first-generation Apple Pencil.
What kind of port does the 10th generation iPad have?
The 10th generation iPad features a USB-C port. This allows for faster data transfer speeds and wider compatibility with accessories compared to the Lightning port found on the 9th generation iPad. USB-C also simplifies the charging process by using a more universal standard.
Is the 9th generation iPad still a good buy?
Yes, the 9th generation iPad remains a good buy, especially for budget-conscious users. It offers a solid performance for everyday tasks like web browsing, email, and media consumption. Its lower price makes it an attractive option for those who don’t need the latest features or the highest level of performance.
What is the battery life like on both iPads?
Both the 10th and 9th generation iPads offer similar battery life, typically providing up to 10 hours of web browsing or video playback. Actual battery life may vary depending on usage. Both devices provide all-day battery life for most users. The 10th generation may slightly outperform the 9th gen due to improved power efficiency.
Which iPad is better for students?
The best iPad for students depends on their needs. The 10th generation offers better performance for demanding tasks and a more modern design, making it a good choice for those who need more power. The 9th generation, with its lower price, is a good option for students on a budget who primarily use their iPad for note-taking, research, and basic tasks.
Final Verdict
The 10th generation iPad presents a significant upgrade over the 9th generation, offering a faster processor, a more modern design, and improved features like USB-C and Wi-Fi 6. While the 9th generation remains a solid value, the 10th generation provides a superior overall experience for those who prioritize performance and modern features. The choice depends on budget and specific needs.
Winner: 10th Gen iPad