iPad Gen 9 vs 10: Which iPad Should You Buy?
Struggling to decide between the iPad 9th generation and the all-new 10th generation iPad? You’re not alone! With so many fantastic tablets on the market, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. This comparison dives deep into the key differences to help you make an informed decision.
We’ll explore everything from performance and display quality to design and features. Whether you’re a student, a creative professional, or simply looking for a great tablet for everyday use, this guide will provide the insights you need. We’ll break down the nuances of each iPad, so you can find the perfect fit for your needs and budget.
Get ready to discover which iPad reigns supreme in this head-to-head battle. We’ll cover important aspects like processor speed, camera capabilities, and even the availability of certain accessories. By the end, you’ll know exactly which iPad – the iPad gen 9 or the iPad 10 – is the winner for you.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | iPad Gen 9 | iPad 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 10.2-inch | 10.9-inch |
| Processor | A13 Bionic | A14 Bionic |
| 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 Compatibility | 1st Generation | 1st Generation (with adapter) / 2nd Generation |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi + Cellular | Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi + Cellular |
| Charging Port | Lightning | USB-C |
| Speakers | Stereo | Stereo (landscape) |
| Design | Thicker bezels, Home Button | Thin bezels, no Home Button |
| Colors | Space Gray, Silver | Silver, Blue, Pink, Yellow |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Processor
- iPad Gen 9: Features the A13 Bionic chip. It offers solid performance for everyday tasks, web browsing, and running apps, but it may struggle with more demanding applications. It’s a capable chip for its generation but lags behind newer models.
- 10: Powered by the A14 Bionic chip, providing a significant performance boost over the A13. This allows for smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and improved gaming experiences. It’s a more powerful and efficient processor.
- Winner: 10
Display
- iPad Gen 9: Equipped with a 10.2-inch Retina display. It provides good color accuracy and brightness for general use, but lacks some of the advanced features found in newer models, such as True Tone.
- 10: Boasts a larger 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with improved color accuracy, and True Tone technology for better viewing in various lighting conditions. It offers a more immersive and visually appealing experience.
- Winner: 10
Design
- iPad Gen 9: Maintains the classic iPad design with thicker bezels and a physical Home button. It’s a familiar design that’s still functional, but it appears dated compared to the newer models.
- 10: Features a modern design with thinner bezels, a larger display, and the Home button moved to the side (Touch ID). It has a more contemporary and premium feel.
- Winner: 10
Connectivity
- iPad Gen 9: Supports Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2. It offers decent wireless connectivity, but it’s not as fast or efficient as the newer standards.
- 10: Supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2. This provides faster and more reliable wireless performance, improving download speeds and overall connectivity.
- Winner: 10
Camera
- iPad Gen 9: Includes an 8MP wide rear camera and a 12MP ultrawide front-facing camera. The cameras are adequate for video calls and casual photography, but they’re not as advanced as those on newer iPads.
- 10: Features a 12MP wide rear camera and a landscape 12MP ultrawide front-facing camera. The upgraded front camera placement and improved image quality provide better video call and selfie experiences.
- Winner: 10
Apple Pencil Compatibility
- iPad Gen 9: Compatible with the 1st generation Apple Pencil. This is a capable stylus, but it requires a separate Lightning adapter for charging and pairing.
- 10: Compatible with the 1st generation Apple Pencil (with a USB-C adapter) or 2nd generation Apple Pencil. The adapter can be a hassle, but the second-gen pencil offers a better experience.
- Winner: 10
Storage Options
- iPad Gen 9: Available in 64GB and 256GB storage options. This provides adequate storage for basic use, but users with large media libraries might want to consider the higher capacity.
- 10: Available in 64GB and 256GB storage options. The same as the gen 9, but more storage is always preferred.
- Winner: Tie
Price
- iPad Gen 9: Generally more affordable, making it a budget-friendly option for those seeking a basic iPad experience.
- 10: Typically more expensive due to its advanced features and design improvements.
- Winner: gen 9
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Value | iPad Gen 9 |
| Performance | iPad 10 |
| Display | iPad 10 |
| Design | iPad 10 |
| Front Camera | iPad 10 |
| Connectivity | iPad 10 |
What They Have in Common:
- Wi-Fi and Cellular Options: Both iPad models are available in Wi-Fi only and Wi-Fi + Cellular configurations, providing flexibility for connectivity.
- Storage Options: Both offer the same storage configurations, allowing users to choose between 64GB and 256GB models depending on their storage needs.
- Apple Ecosystem: Both fully integrate with the Apple ecosystem, offering seamless compatibility with other Apple devices and services like iCloud.
- Ipados: Both run the latest version of iPadOS, ensuring access to the newest features and security updates.
- App Store Access: Both provide access to the App Store, allowing users to download a vast library of apps and games.
iPad Gen 9 vs 10 Buying Guide
Performance and Processing Power
The iPad 9th generation is powered by the A13 Bionic chip, a capable processor for everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and light gaming. The iPad 10th generation, on the other hand, boasts the A14 Bionic chip, offering a significant performance boost. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved graphics performance, especially for more demanding applications. The A14 Bionic provides a noticeable difference in responsiveness.
Display and Visual Experience
Both iPads offer excellent visual experiences, but with differences. The iPad 9 features a Retina display, delivering vibrant colors and sharp details. The iPad 10, however, steps up the game with a larger Liquid Retina display, providing a more immersive viewing experience, and it has thinner bezels. The 10th gen also has a brighter display, which makes it easier to use in direct sunlight. This makes a difference during media consumption.
Design and Portability
The design of the iPad 9 is classic, with a home button and thicker bezels. It’s still a relatively portable device, easy to carry around. The iPad 10 adopts a more modern design, with slimmer bezels, a larger display, and a more streamlined look. It also moves the front-facing camera to the landscape edge, which is more convenient for video calls. Although the 10th is a bit larger, both are still portable.
Connectivity and Accessories
The iPad 9 features a Lightning port and supports the first-generation Apple Pencil. The iPad 10, meanwhile, makes the switch to USB-C, offering faster data transfer speeds and broader compatibility. The 10th generation also supports the first-generation Apple Pencil, but requires a USB-C to Apple Pencil adapter. This makes the accessories more accessible and useful for the long term.
Battery Life and Charging
Both iPads offer impressive battery life, typically lasting a full day of use on a single charge. However, the charging methods differ. The iPad 9 uses a Lightning port, while the iPad 10 uses USB-C. This means the iPad 10 charges faster than the iPad 9. Both devices offer up to 10 hours of web browsing or video playback. The real world difference is minimal.
Price and Value for Money
The iPad 9 is generally more affordable, making it an excellent option for budget-conscious buyers. It still delivers great value considering its performance and features. The iPad 10 is more expensive, reflecting its enhanced performance, design, and features. The choice depends on your budget and needs. If you want the best performance for the price, the 9th gen is perfect.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPad Gen 9 If…
- You’re on a tight budget and want the most affordable iPad.
- You prefer the classic iPad design with a Home button.
- You primarily use your iPad for basic tasks like web browsing, email, and media consumption.
- You already own a first-generation Apple Pencil.
Buy iPad 10 If…
- You want a more modern design with thinner bezels and a larger display.
- You need a faster processor for more demanding tasks.
- You want a better front-facing camera for video calls in landscape mode.
- You prefer a USB-C charging port for modern convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between the iPad 9 and iPad 10?
The primary differences lie in the processor (A13 Bionic vs. A14 Bionic), the display (Retina vs. Liquid Retina), the design (home button vs. no home button), and the port (Lightning vs. USB-C). The iPad 10 offers a more modern design, a larger display, and faster processing capabilities, making it the more advanced of the two models. However, the 9th gen provides great value.
Which iPad is better for gaming?
The iPad 10 is better for gaming due to its A14 Bionic chip, which offers superior graphics performance compared to the A13 Bionic in the iPad 9. This results in smoother gameplay, faster loading times, and a better overall gaming experience, especially for graphically intensive games. The 10th gen is the better choice for serious gamers.
Does the iPad 10 support the Apple Pencil?
Yes, the iPad 10 supports the Apple Pencil, but with a slight caveat. It supports the first-generation Apple Pencil, but requires a USB-C to Apple Pencil adapter for charging and pairing. This adapter is included in the box. The iPad 9 is compatible with the 1st gen Apple Pencil as well, but requires no adapter.
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 need the best performance, a larger display, and a more modern design, the iPad 10 is a worthwhile upgrade. If you’re on a tighter budget and don’t need the latest features, the iPad 9 still offers excellent value. It really depends on the user.
What is the battery life like on both iPads?
Both the iPad 9 and iPad 10 offer excellent battery life, typically lasting up to 10 hours of web browsing or video playback. Real-world usage may vary depending on how you use your iPad. Both iPads can easily last a full day of moderate use. You can expect all-day battery life, whether you choose the 9th or 10th generation.
Which iPad is best for students?
Both iPads are suitable for students, but the iPad 10 might be a better choice for some. The iPad 10 offers a larger display and the faster A14 Bionic chip, which is beneficial for note-taking, research, and running multiple apps simultaneously. The iPad 9 is still a great option, especially for budget-conscious students. Consider your needs and budget.
Does the iPad 10 have a headphone jack?
No, neither the iPad 9 nor the iPad 10 have a headphone jack. Users will need to use Bluetooth headphones or a USB-C to headphone jack adapter to listen to audio. The lack of a headphone jack is a common design choice for modern tablets. The 9th gen is the same, no headphone jack.
Final Verdict
The iPad 10th generation represents a notable upgrade over the 9th generation, with a faster processor, a larger and improved display, and a more modern design. While the iPad 9th generation remains a solid value for its price, the iPad 10 offers a better overall experience for users who prioritize performance and features. Despite the higher price, the added improvements make the iPad 10 the superior choice for most users.
Winner: iPad 10