iPad 10th Generation vs 9th Generation: Which iPad Wins?
Are you in the market for a new tablet and torn between the latest and the classic? The iPad has always been a top choice, but deciding between the iPad 10th generation vs 9th generation can be tricky.
This comparison dives deep into the features, performance, and value of each device. We’ll explore the upgrades the iPad 10th generation brings to the table and see how it stacks up against its predecessor, the still-capable 9th generation iPad.
Whether you’re a student, a creative professional, or simply someone who enjoys consuming content on the go, understanding the differences between these two iPads is crucial. Let’s find out which iPad best fits your needs and budget.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | iPad 10th Gen | iPad 9th Gen |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 10.9-inch | 10.2-inch |
| Processor | A14 Bionic chip | A13 Bionic chip |
| 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 (USB-C) | Apple Pencil (1st generation) |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2 | Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 4.2 |
| USB-C Port | Yes | Lightning Port |
| Colors | Silver, Blue, Pink, Yellow | Silver, Space Gray |
| Display Resolution | 2360 x 1640 pixels | 2160 x 1620 pixels |
| Weight | 477 grams (Wi-Fi), 481 grams (Cellular) | 487 grams (Wi-Fi), 498 grams (Cellular) |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design
- iPad 10th Generation: Features a modern, all-screen design with flat edges and a landscape-oriented front-facing camera. It has a USB-C port for charging and data transfer. This design offers a more contemporary look but might require new accessories.
- 9th Generation: Retains the classic iPad design with a Home button and thicker bezels. It uses a Lightning port for charging and connectivity. This design is familiar and compatible with older accessories, but feels less modern.
- Winner: 10th Gen
Display
- iPad 10th Generation: Boasts a larger 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 2360 x 1640 pixels. It offers vibrant colors and improved brightness. It lacks ProMotion technology for a smoother refresh rate.
- 9th Generation: Features a 10.2-inch Retina display with a resolution of 2160 x 1620 pixels. It provides a sharp and clear viewing experience, but is not as bright as the 10th gen.
- Winner: 10th Gen
Processor
- iPad 10th Generation: Powered by the A14 Bionic chip, providing a significant performance boost over the 9th generation. It handles everyday tasks and multitasking smoothly.
- 9th Generation: Equipped with the A13 Bionic chip, which is still capable for most tasks, but can struggle with more demanding applications.
- Winner: 10th Gen
Connectivity
- iPad 10th Generation: Supports Wi-Fi 6 and, in some models, 5G cellular connectivity. It provides faster and more reliable wireless connections.
- 9th Generation: Supports Wi-Fi 5 and, in some models, 4G LTE cellular connectivity. It offers adequate connectivity but is slower than the 10th generation.
- Winner: 10th Gen
Camera
- iPad 10th Generation: Features a 12MP ultrawide front-facing camera in landscape orientation for better video calls and a 12MP rear camera.
- 9th Generation: Has a 12MP front-facing camera and an 8MP rear camera.
- Winner: 10th Gen
Apple Pencil Compatibility
- iPad 10th Generation: Compatible with the Apple Pencil (1st generation), but requires a USB-C to Apple Pencil adapter for charging and pairing.
- 9th Generation: Compatible with the Apple Pencil (1st generation).
- Winner: Tie
Storage Options
- iPad 10th Generation: Offers storage options starting at 64GB and going up to 256GB.
- 9th Generation: Offers storage options starting at 64GB and going up to 256GB.
- Winner: Tie
Price
- iPad 10th Generation: Generally more expensive than the 9th generation.
- 9th Generation: More affordable, making it a budget-friendly option.
- Winner: 9th Gen
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Performance | iPad 10th Gen |
| Display | iPad 10th Gen |
| Design | iPad 10th Gen |
| Connectivity | iPad 10th Gen |
| Value | iPad 9th Gen |
What They Have in Common
- Operating System: Both iPads run on iPadOS, offering a similar user experience with access to the App Store and iPad-optimized apps.
- Battery Life: Both tablets provide all-day battery life, allowing for extended use for browsing, streaming, and light productivity tasks.
- App Store Access: Both devices have access to the Apple App Store, offering a vast library of applications for entertainment, productivity, and creativity.
- Design: Both tablets have a similar overall design aesthetic, featuring a sleek and portable form factor that is easy to carry around.
- Accessories Compatibility: Both iPads support a range of accessories, including keyboards and cases, expanding their functionality for various use cases.
iPad 10th Generation vs 9th Generation Buying Guide
Performance and Processing Power
The iPad 10th generation boasts a more powerful A14 Bionic chip, providing a significant performance boost over the 9th generation’s A13 Bionic. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and enhanced gaming experiences. The A14 Bionic’s improved CPU and GPU capabilities handle demanding tasks with greater efficiency. This difference is noticeable when editing photos, running complex applications, or playing graphics-intensive games. The 10th generation offers a more responsive and fluid overall experience.
Display and Design
The 10th generation iPad features a larger 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with thinner bezels and a landscape-oriented front-facing camera. The 9th generation iPad has a 10.2-inch Retina display with thicker bezels. The 10th generation’s display offers a more immersive viewing experience, and its design is more modern. The 9th generation, while still offering a good display, feels dated in comparison. The landscape camera is also a practical upgrade for video calls.
Connectivity and Features
The 10th generation upgrades to USB-C for charging and data transfer, replacing the Lightning port found on the 9th generation. This provides faster transfer speeds and broader compatibility with accessories. The 10th generation also supports Wi-Fi 6 for faster wireless internet speeds. The 9th generation sticks with the Lightning port and Wi-Fi 5. The inclusion of features such as a Magic Keyboard Folio compatibility further enhances the 10th generation’s capabilities.
Accessories and Ecosystem
The 10th generation is compatible with the Magic Keyboard Folio and the 1st generation Apple Pencil (using a USB-C adapter), expanding its versatility. The 9th generation is compatible with the Smart Keyboard and the 1st generation Apple Pencil. The accessory compatibility impacts the overall functionality of the device. The updated accessory support on the 10th generation enhances its productivity and creative potential, broadening its appeal to users who require more from their tablets.
Price and Value
The 10th generation typically comes with a higher price tag than the 9th generation. While offering more advanced features, buyers need to consider their budget and intended use. The 9th generation provides excellent value for those seeking a basic iPad experience for web browsing, media consumption, and light productivity tasks. Evaluate your needs and budget to determine if the extra features of the 10th generation justify the higher cost. Consider sales and refurbished options.
Battery Life
Both generations offer similar battery life, typically providing around 10 hours of web browsing or video playback. However, power consumption can vary based on usage patterns. Performance-intensive tasks on the 10th generation might slightly reduce battery life compared to the more efficient A13 Bionic in the 9th generation. In real-world usage, the difference in battery life is negligible for most users. Both models provide reliable battery performance for daily use.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPad 10th generation If…
- You want a more modern design with thinner bezels and a larger screen.
- You prioritize a faster processor for smoother performance in demanding apps and games.
- You prefer the convenience of a USB-C port for charging and connecting accessories.
- You want the latest connectivity options like Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2.
Buy iPad 9th generation If…
- You’re on a tighter budget and want the most affordable iPad option.
- You primarily use your iPad for basic tasks like web browsing, email, and media consumption.
- You prefer the classic design with a home button.
- You don’t need the latest features and prioritize saving money.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the iPad 10th generation and the iPad 9th generation?
The primary difference lies in the processor. The 10th generation uses the A14 Bionic chip, offering significant performance improvements over the 9th generation’s A13 Bionic. This leads to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and enhanced gaming. Other differences include display design, connectivity (USB-C vs. Lightning), and accessory compatibility. The 10th Gen has a larger display and better design.
Does the iPad 10th generation support the Apple Pencil?
Yes, the iPad 10th generation supports the 1st generation Apple Pencil, but it requires a USB-C to Apple Pencil adapter for charging and pairing. This adapter is included in the box when you buy the Apple Pencil. The 9th generation also supports the 1st generation Apple Pencil. The 10th generation’s implementation adds a layer of complexity.
What is the display size of the iPad 10th generation compared to the 9th generation?
The iPad 10th generation has a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, while the 9th generation has a 10.2-inch Retina display. The 10th generation’s display is larger and features thinner bezels, giving a more immersive viewing experience. This difference contributes to a more modern and sleek design for the 10th generation.
What type of charging port does each iPad use?
The iPad 10th generation uses a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, providing faster transfer speeds and broader compatibility. The 9th generation utilizes a Lightning port, which is an older standard. The USB-C port is a more modern and versatile standard and is a key upgrade in the 10th generation.
Which iPad is better for gaming?
The iPad 10th generation is better for gaming due to its more powerful A14 Bionic chip, which delivers improved graphics performance and smoother gameplay. While the 9th generation can still handle games, the 10th generation provides a more responsive and enjoyable gaming experience, especially for graphically demanding titles. The A14 Bionic offers a noticeable advantage.
Does the iPad 10th generation support Wi-Fi 6?
Yes, the iPad 10th generation supports Wi-Fi 6, enabling faster and more reliable wireless internet speeds compared to the 9th generation, which supports Wi-Fi 5. This results in quicker downloads, smoother streaming, and improved overall network performance, especially in environments with multiple connected devices.
Which iPad is better for students?
The iPad 10th generation is generally a better choice for students, due to its enhanced performance, modern design, and improved features. The more powerful processor and larger display are beneficial for multitasking and note-taking. However, the 9th generation is still a capable device and remains a cost-effective option for basic tasks.
Final Verdict
The iPad 10th generation offers significant upgrades over the 9th generation, including a faster processor, a larger display, and a more modern design. While the 9th generation remains a solid value, the 10th generation’s enhanced performance and features make it the superior choice for most users, especially those prioritizing performance and a more premium experience. The 10th generation provides a more future-proofed experience.
Winner: iPad 10th Generation