Apple iPad 9th Gen vs 10th Gen: Which iPad Wins?
Are you in the market for a new tablet and torn between two popular choices? The battle between the Apple iPad 9th generation and the 10th generation is a common dilemma. Both offer a compelling experience, but significant differences might sway your decision.
This comparison dives deep into the specifications, features, and performance of the Apple iPad 9th gen versus the 10th gen. We’ll explore everything from display quality and processor speed to design and price, helping you determine which iPad best suits your needs.
Whether you’re a student, professional, or casual user, understanding the nuances of these two iPads is crucial. Get ready to discover which iPad reigns supreme in this head-to-head showdown and find the perfect fit for your digital life.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | iPad 9th gen | iPad 10th gen |
|---|---|---|
| Screen 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 |
| Video Recording | 1080p at 25 fps, 30 fps, or 60 fps | 4K at 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps, or 60 fps |
| Apple Pencil Compatibility | 1st generation | 1st generation (with adapter) / 2nd generation |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2 | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Ports | Lightning | USB-C |
| Speakers | Stereo | Stereo (landscape) |
| Colors | Space Gray, Silver | Silver, Blue, Pink, Yellow |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Processor
- Apple iPad 9th Gen: Features the A13 Bionic chip. Offers solid performance for everyday tasks and older games. However, it can feel sluggish with more demanding applications.
- 10th Gen: Powered by the A14 Bionic chip. Provides a significant performance boost over the 9th gen, handling multitasking and graphically intensive apps more smoothly.
- Winner: 10th gen
Display
- Apple iPad 9th Gen: 10.2-inch Retina display. Good for general use, but lacks some of the advanced features of newer iPads. It has a standard brightness.
- 10th Gen: 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display. Larger display with improved image quality, including higher brightness and better color accuracy.
- Winner: 10th gen
Design
- Apple iPad 9th Gen: Features a traditional design with thick bezels and a Home button. It’s a familiar design, but feels dated compared to the newer iPads.
- 10th Gen: Features a modern, all-screen design with thinner bezels and the Touch ID sensor integrated into the power button. A more contemporary look.
- Winner: 10th gen
Connectivity
- Apple iPad 9th Gen: Lightning port for charging and data transfer. Still uses the older Lightning connector, limiting compatibility with newer accessories.
- 10th Gen: USB-C port for charging and data transfer. Offers faster data transfer speeds and broader compatibility with modern accessories.
- Winner: 10th gen
Front Camera
- Apple iPad 9th Gen: 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage. Improves video calls, but the image quality is average.
- 10th Gen: 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage, positioned on the landscape edge. Offers improved image quality and a more natural video calling experience.
- Winner: 10th gen
Apple Pencil Compatibility
- Apple iPad 9th Gen: Supports the 1st generation Apple Pencil. Requires a separate adapter to charge the Apple Pencil.
- 10th Gen: Supports the 1st generation Apple Pencil, but requires a USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter (sold separately).
- Winner: Tie
Storage Options
- Apple iPad 9th Gen: Available in 64GB and 256GB storage options. Offers sufficient storage for basic use, but can be limiting for users with large media libraries.
- 10th Gen: Available in 64GB and 256GB storage options. Same storage capacity as the 9th gen.
- Winner: Tie
Starting Price
- Apple iPad 9th Gen: Generally more affordable. A great option for budget-conscious buyers.
- 10th Gen: More expensive. But it comes with a lot of improvements.
- Winner: 9th gen
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Performance | iPad 10th gen |
| Display | iPad 10th gen |
| Design | iPad 10th gen |
| Camera | iPad 10th gen |
| Connectivity | iPad 10th gen |
| Value | iPad 9th gen |
What They Have in Common:
- Operating System: Both iPads run on iPadOS, providing a user-friendly interface optimized for tablets and access to a vast ecosystem of apps.
- App Store Access: Both devices offer access to the App Store, allowing users to download a wide variety of apps for productivity, creativity, and entertainment.
- Wi-Fi and Cellular Options: Both iPad models are available in Wi-Fi only and Wi-Fi + Cellular configurations, providing flexibility for internet access.
- Apple Ecosystem: Both iPads seamlessly integrate with other Apple devices and services, such as iCloud, AirDrop, and Handoff.
- Touch Id: Both models feature Touch ID for secure authentication and easy unlocking.
Apple iPad 9th Gen vs 10th Gen Buying Guide
Performance and Processing Power
The 10th generation iPad boasts a significant performance upgrade compared to the 9th generation. It features the A14 Bionic chip, offering noticeably faster processing speeds and improved graphics performance. The 9th gen, with its A13 Bionic chip, still handles everyday tasks well, but it can feel sluggish when multitasking or running demanding applications. If you prioritize speed and responsiveness, especially for gaming or video editing, the 10th gen is the better choice.
The A14 Bionic chip allows for smoother performance when running more complex applications and multitasking. The older A13 chip in the 9th gen iPad is still capable, however, the A14 handles graphic intensive tasks much better.
Display Quality and Features
The display is another area where the 10th gen iPad excels. It features a larger 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with thinner bezels, providing a more immersive viewing experience. The 9th gen has a smaller 10.2-inch Retina display with thicker bezels. The 10th gen also supports landscape orientation for the front-facing camera, which is better for video calls.
The 10th generation iPad’s display is brighter and offers a wider color gamut, resulting in more vibrant and accurate colors. While the 9th gen’s display is still good, the 10th gen offers a more modern and visually appealing experience, making it much easier to use.
Design and Portability
The design of the 10th gen iPad is more modern, with flat edges and a more streamlined look. It also has a USB-C port, which offers faster data transfer speeds and broader compatibility with accessories. The 9th gen retains the older design with curved edges and a Lightning port. Both iPads are portable, but the 10th gen’s design makes it feel more premium.
The 10th gen iPad is slightly thinner and lighter than the 9th gen, further enhancing its portability. The move to USB-C is a significant advantage, allowing for more versatile connectivity options. In general the design of the 10th gen is a significant upgrade from the 9th gen.
Camera Capabilities
The 10th gen iPad features an upgraded front-facing camera, offering improved video call quality and a wider field of view. The rear camera also sees some improvements, with better image processing capabilities. The 9th gen’s cameras are adequate for casual use, but the 10th gen provides a noticeable upgrade, particularly in low-light conditions.
The front-facing camera’s landscape orientation on the 10th gen is particularly useful for video calls. The 10th gen’s camera system is more versatile and can capture better photos and videos, especially when capturing moving subjects. The 9th gen camera is still usable, but the 10th gen is a marked improvement.
Accessories and Compatibility
The 10th gen iPad is compatible with the latest accessories, including the redesigned Magic Keyboard Folio and the Apple Pencil (1st generation) with a USB-C adapter. The 9th gen is compatible with the older Smart Keyboard and the Apple Pencil (1st generation). This compatibility is an important consideration depending on the accessories you intend to use.
The 10th gen’s support for newer accessories makes it a more future-proof choice. The 9th gen’s accessory compatibility is limited to older models. The different generations of accessories will not work on different generations of iPads, so compatibility is important to consider.
Price and Value
The 10th gen iPad is generally more expensive than the 9th gen, reflecting its improved features and performance. However, the price difference may be worth it for users who value the enhanced display, faster processor, and modern design. The 9th gen offers excellent value for its price, especially if you are on a budget.
When considering value, it’s essential to weigh your needs against your budget. While the 10th gen offers more features, the 9th gen remains a capable tablet at a more affordable price point. If you only need basic functionality, the 9th gen is a great deal.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPad 9th gen If…
- You’re on a budget and looking for an affordable iPad.
- You primarily need a tablet for basic tasks like web browsing, email, and streaming.
- You prefer the classic iPad design with a Home button.
- You already own a first-generation Apple Pencil.
Buy iPad 10th gen If…
- You want a more modern design with a larger display and thinner bezels.
- You desire a faster processor for smoother performance in demanding apps and games.
- You want a better front-facing camera for improved video calls.
- You prefer the versatility of a USB-C port for charging and connecting accessories.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference in performance?
The primary performance difference lies in the processors. The 10th gen iPad has the A14 Bionic chip, offering significant performance improvements over the 9th gen’s A13 Bionic chip. This translates to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better graphics performance, especially in demanding applications.
Does the 10th gen have a better display?
Yes, the 10th gen iPad features a larger 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with thinner bezels compared to the 9th gen’s 10.2-inch Retina display. The 10th gen’s display is also brighter and offers a wider color gamut, resulting in a more vibrant and immersive viewing experience.
What are the design differences?
The 10th gen iPad sports a more modern design with flat edges and a USB-C port, contrasting the 9th gen’s curved edges and Lightning port. The 10th gen is also slightly thinner and lighter, enhancing portability. The 10th gen’s design feels more premium.
Which iPad has better cameras?
The 10th gen iPad boasts improved front and rear cameras. The front camera offers better video call quality and a wider field of view, while the rear camera has enhanced image processing capabilities. Although the 9th gen’s cameras are adequate, the 10th gen provides a noticeable improvement.
Which iPad supports newer accessories?
The 10th gen iPad is compatible with newer accessories, including the Magic Keyboard Folio and the Apple Pencil (1st generation) with a USB-C adapter. The 9th gen is compatible with older accessories like the Smart Keyboard and Apple Pencil (1st generation). This makes the 10th gen more future-proof.
Is the 10th gen worth the extra cost?
Whether the 10th gen is worth the extra cost depends on individual needs. The 10th gen provides a better display, faster performance, and a more modern design. If these features are important to you, and you can afford it, the 10th gen is the better choice. If you’re on a budget, the 9th gen offers great value.
Which iPad is better for gaming?
The 10th gen iPad offers a superior gaming experience due to its more powerful A14 Bionic chip. This results in faster loading times, smoother gameplay, and better graphics performance. While the 9th gen can still handle gaming, the 10th gen provides a more immersive and enjoyable experience.
Final Verdict
Choosing between the iPad 9th gen and 10th gen depends on your needs and budget. The 10th gen offers a better display, faster performance, and a more modern design, making it the superior choice for most users. However, the 9th gen remains a capable tablet at a more affordable price, making it a great value option for basic use.
Winner: Apple iPad 10th Gen