iPad 10 vs iPad 9: Which iPad Should You Buy?
Staring at the sleek design of a new iPad, but unsure which one to choose? The world of tablets can be confusing, especially with the constant evolution of technology. Today, we’re diving deep into a head-to-head comparison to help you make the perfect choice between two popular contenders: the iPad 10 and the iPad 9.
Both iPads offer a fantastic user experience, but they cater to slightly different needs and budgets. The iPad 9 is a solid, reliable choice, while the iPad 10 brings a fresh design and some notable upgrades. We’ll explore the key differences in performance, display, design, and features.
Whether you’re a student, a creative professional, or simply looking for a great tablet for entertainment, this comparison will provide you with the insights you need. Get ready to discover which iPad reigns supreme and is the best fit for your digital life, the iPad 10 or the iPad 9.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | iPad 10 | iPad 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 10.9-inch | 10.2-inch |
| Processor | A14 Bionic | A13 Bionic |
| RAM | 4GB | 3GB |
| Storage Options | 64GB, 256GB | 64GB, 256GB |
| Front Camera | 12MP Ultra Wide (landscape) | 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 |
| USB-C Port | Yes | Yes |
| Speakers | Landscape Stereo | Stereo |
| Design | All-screen design | Thicker bezels |
| Colors | Silver, Blue, Pink, Yellow | Space Gray, Silver |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design and Display
- iPad 10: Features a modern, all-screen design with flat edges and a landscape-oriented front-facing camera. It boasts a larger 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with thinner bezels. The design is more contemporary, but the lack of a headphone jack might be a drawback for some.
- iPad 9: Retains the classic iPad design with thicker bezels and a home button. It has a 10.2-inch Retina display. It’s a familiar design, but feels dated compared to the newer model.
- Winner: ipad 10
Processor
- iPad 10: Powered by the A14 Bionic chip, offering a significant performance boost over the previous generation. This translates to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance. It’s a capable processor, but not the newest.
- iPad 9: Equipped with the A13 Bionic chip, which still provides decent performance for everyday tasks. However, it’s noticeably slower than the A14 Bionic in the iPad 10, especially for demanding applications.
- Winner: ipad 10
Connectivity
- iPad 10: Upgraded to USB-C for charging and data transfer, offering faster speeds and broader compatibility with accessories. Supports Wi-Fi 6. This is a major upgrade for convenience and future-proofing.
- iPad 9: Uses a Lightning port for charging and data transfer, which is slower and less versatile than USB-C. Supports Wi-Fi 5. This is a dated connection compared to the newer standard.
- Winner: ipad 10
Camera System
- iPad 10: Features a 12MP rear camera and a landscape-oriented 12MP front-facing camera for better video calls and selfies. Offers improved image quality. The front-facing camera placement is a significant upgrade.
- iPad 9: Has an 8MP rear camera and a 12MP front-facing camera. The rear camera is adequate, but the front-facing camera is not as well-positioned for video calls.
- Winner: ipad 10
Apple Pencil Compatibility
- iPad 10: Compatible with the 1st generation Apple Pencil, but requires a USB-C to Apple Pencil adapter for charging and pairing, which is sold separately.
- iPad 9: Compatible with the 1st generation Apple Pencil.
- Winner: ipad 9
Storage Options
- iPad 10: Offers storage options starting at 64GB and going up to 256GB.
- iPad 9: Offers storage options starting at 64GB and going up to 256GB.
- Winner: Tie
Price
- iPad 10: Generally more expensive than the iPad 9, reflecting its newer features and updated design.
- iPad 9: More affordable, making it a budget-friendly option.
- Winner: ipad 9
Accessories
- iPad 10: Supports accessories designed for USB-C, offering wider compatibility. The updated design may require new cases.
- iPad 9: Designed for accessories that are compatible with the classic iPad design.
- Winner: ipad 10
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Performance | iPad 10 |
| Display | iPad 10 |
| Design | iPad 10 |
| Front Camera | iPad 10 |
| Value | iPad 9 |
| Connectivity | iPad 10 |
What They Have in Common
- Display: Both iPads feature vibrant Liquid Retina displays, providing crisp visuals for media consumption and work.
- Apple Pencil Support: Both models support the Apple Pencil (1st generation), allowing for note-taking, drawing, and creative tasks. However, the iPad 10 requires an adapter.
- Ipados: Both devices run on iPadOS, offering a user-friendly interface optimized for tablet use, with access to a vast ecosystem of apps.
- App Store: They both provide access to the App Store, which gives users access to a wide array of apps for productivity, creativity, and entertainment.
- Wi-Fi and Cellular Options: Both models are available in Wi-Fi only and Wi-Fi + Cellular configurations, providing flexibility in how you connect.
iPad 10 vs iPad 9 Buying Guide
Performance and Processing Power
The iPad 10 boasts a more powerful A14 Bionic chip, providing a significant performance boost compared to the A13 Bionic chip in the iPad 9. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming experiences. While the iPad 9 remains capable for everyday tasks, the iPad 10 offers a noticeable edge, especially for demanding applications and resource-intensive activities. The newer chip allows for better energy efficiency and improved graphics processing.
Display and Design
The iPad 10 features a larger, edge-to-edge Liquid Retina display, offering a more immersive viewing experience. It also sports a modern, flat-edged design, compared to the thicker bezels and traditional design of the iPad 9. The iPad 10’s display is brighter and more vibrant, making it better for watching videos, browsing the web, and working on creative projects. The design update offers a more premium feel and aesthetic.
Connectivity and Ports
The iPad 10 upgrades to USB-C for charging and data transfer, providing faster and more versatile connectivity compared to the Lightning port on the iPad 9. This allows for easier connection to external devices and accessories. The iPad 10 also supports Wi-Fi 6, offering faster and more reliable wireless internet speeds. This can be crucial for streaming, online gaming, and video conferencing.
Camera Capabilities
Both iPads offer capable cameras, but the iPad 10 improves upon the iPad 9. The iPad 10 has a landscape-oriented front-facing camera, better positioned for video calls. The rear camera also sees enhancements, delivering improved photo and video quality. Both iPads are suitable for casual photography and video recording, however, the iPad 10 offers a more user-friendly and modern camera experience, especially for video calls.
Apple Pencil Compatibility
The iPad 10 supports the first-generation Apple Pencil, but requires a USB-C to Apple Pencil adapter for charging and pairing, which is sold separately. The iPad 9 is compatible with the first-generation Apple Pencil without an adapter. This is an important consideration for users planning to use the Apple Pencil. While the adapter is a small cost, it adds an extra step to the process.
Price and Value
The iPad 10 generally comes with a higher price tag than the iPad 9. However, the added features, improved performance, and modern design of the iPad 10 justify the cost for many users. The iPad 9 remains a solid value proposition for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize affordability. Consider your budget and needs to determine which iPad offers the best value for your requirements. Ultimately, the choice depends on features and budget.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPad 10 If…
- You want a more modern design with thinner bezels and a larger screen.
- You need a faster processor for smoother performance in demanding apps and games.
- You value the improved front-facing camera placement and quality.
- You prefer the convenience of a USB-C port.
Buy iPad 9 If…
- You are looking for a more budget-friendly option.
- You don’t need the latest processor or design upgrades.
- You primarily use your iPad for basic tasks like web browsing, email, and streaming.
- You already own a 1st generation Apple Pencil.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between iPad 10 and iPad 9?
The iPad 10 offers a more powerful processor (A14 Bionic vs. A13 Bionic), a larger and more modern display, a landscape-oriented front-facing camera, USB-C connectivity, and a redesigned body. The iPad 9 is more affordable but lacks the newer features. The iPad 10 has a more immersive display and faster performance.
Which iPad is better for gaming?
The iPad 10 is better for gaming due to its more powerful A14 Bionic chip, which provides faster performance and smoother graphics. This is crucial for playing demanding games. The improved display also enhances the gaming experience. While the iPad 9 is capable, the iPad 10 provides a superior gaming experience, making it the better choice.
Does the iPad 10 support the Apple Pencil?
Yes, the iPad 10 supports the first-generation Apple Pencil. However, you need a USB-C to Apple Pencil adapter (sold separately) to charge and pair the Apple Pencil. The iPad 9 also supports the first-generation Apple Pencil without the need for an adapter. This is a crucial consideration for potential buyers.
Is the iPad 10 worth the extra cost?
Whether the iPad 10 is worth the extra cost depends on your needs and budget. If you value a more powerful processor, a modern design, and improved features, the iPad 10 is a worthwhile investment. If you are on a tight budget and don’t need the latest features, the iPad 9 is still a capable option.
What is the battery life like on both iPads?
Both iPads offer all-day battery life for typical usage, such as web browsing, watching videos, and light productivity tasks. However, battery life can vary depending on usage patterns and the intensity of the tasks performed. The iPad 10 and iPad 9 both offer similar battery performance, and either should last a full day of use.
Which iPad has a better display?
The iPad 10 has a better display. It features a larger, edge-to-edge Liquid Retina display that is brighter and more vibrant than the display on the iPad 9. This results in a more immersive viewing experience, making it ideal for watching videos, browsing the web, and working on creative projects. The iPad 10’s display offers a noticeably improved visual experience.
What are the connectivity options on each iPad?
The iPad 10 features USB-C for charging and data transfer, while the iPad 9 uses a Lightning port. The iPad 10 also supports Wi-Fi 6, offering faster wireless speeds. The USB-C port on the iPad 10 provides more versatility and allows for easier connection to external devices. The iPad 9 is limited by the older Lightning port.
Final Verdict
The iPad 10 offers a significant upgrade over the iPad 9, with a more powerful processor, a modern design, and improved features. While the iPad 9 remains a solid value option, the iPad 10 provides a superior overall experience for most users. The improved performance, display, and connectivity make the iPad 10 the better choice.
Winner: iPad 10