Apple iPad (10th gen) review

Trade in Apple iPad (10th gen)

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The iPad (10th gen) brings several noteworthy improvements, transforming Apple’s base model tablet with a more modern design. Key changes include the removal of large bezels, the Home button, and the Lightning port, making way for a larger 10.9-inch nearly edge-to-edge display, a Touch ID-equipped power button, and USB-C charging. The device boasts a thinner and lighter design with flat edges, reminiscent of the iPad Air and iPad Pro. The inclusion of the A14 Bionic chip and vibrant color options further enhance its appeal, making it one of the top tablets available.

However, the higher starting price of $449 compared to its predecessor might be a drawback for some users. The use of the 1st gen Apple Pencil with a Lightning port could be seen as a limitation, although the option for the new Apple Pencil with USB-C addresses this concern. While the front camera’s new landscape position is appreciated, the back camera may be considered underwhelming. A comprehensive review will delve into both the positive and negative aspects of the iPad (10th gen), aiding users in determining if it aligns with their preferences and needs.

IPAD 10TH GEN REVIEW: PRICE AND RELEASE DATE

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The iPad (10th gen) is priced starting at $449/£499/AU$749, marking a $120 increase from the base model of the previous 10.2-inch iPad. For users interested in 5G cellular connectivity, the starting price is $599/£679/AU$999. The base model comes with 64GB of storage, and there is an option to upgrade to a more capacious 256GB for an additional $150 on either model.

It’s important to note that the iPad 10.2 (2021) is still available for purchase from Apple at the lower starting price of $329/£369/AU$549. A comparison between the iPad 2022 and iPad 2021 can help users understand the differences between the two models. Additionally, users can explore the latest discounts on the best iPad deals page.

IPAD 10TH GEN REVIEW: SPECS

IPAD 10TH GEN REVIEW: DESIGN AND COLORS

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The iPad (10th gen) has undergone a significant design change with an expanded display, increasing from 10.2 inches to 10.9 inches. This modification has led to the removal of the old Home button, resulting in a nearly edge-to-edge screen. While the bezels are still noticeable, the removal of the Home button allows for a more modern design.

An additional improvement is the integration of Touch ID into the Power button. Placing your finger on the button allows you to effortlessly unlock the iPad. To enhance convenience, the reviewer registered their index finger on both hands, enabling easy unlocking in both portrait and landscape modes. Touch ID was found to work seamlessly on every occasion.

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The iPad (10th gen) features a thinner and lighter design compared to its predecessor, the 9th gen iPad. Measuring 9.79 x 7.07 x 0.28 inches and weighing 1.05 pounds (1.06 pounds for the cellular model), the new iPad offers improved portability. The iPad 2022 is available in bold colors, including yellow, pink, blue, and silver. The reviewer expressed a preference for the blue model.

Despite its attractive design, it’s important to note that the iPad 2022 may not be particularly durable, as suggested by a durability test. Users should be mindful of potential vulnerabilities in terms of ruggedness.

IPAD 10TH GEN REVIEW: DISPLAY

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The 10.9-inch display on the iPad (10th gen) is deemed satisfactory for its price, providing good visuals. The reviewer appreciated the rich colors while watching the trailer for Wakanda Forever, particularly in scenes with Namor emerging from the water, showcasing his gold and navy blue armor. When flipping through pictures in the Photos app, the display’s capability to render details, such as tiny water droplets on a flower, was noted. Overall, while not described as groundbreaking, the display appears to offer a positive viewing experience.

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The iPad (10th gen) demonstrated satisfactory brightness levels on lab tests, reaching a maximum of 504 nits, closely aligning with Apple’s claim of 500 nits. However, the reviewer noted potential visibility challenges in direct sunlight based on personal experience. In comparison, higher-end models like the iPad Pro 2021 and iPad Pro 2022 achieved significantly higher brightness levels, with the Pro 2021 reaching 1,588 nits. Regarding color performance, the iPad (10th gen) covered 101.2% of the sRGB color gamut and 71.7% of the DCI-P3 color space. While these figures are slightly lower than the iPad Air’s, the iPad (10th gen) exhibited more accurate colors in the Delta-E test, with a score of 0.21 compared to the Air’s 0.29 and the Pro’s 0.3.

IPAD 10TH GEN REVIEW: MAGIC KEYBOARD

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The Magic Keyboard Folio for the iPad provides an excellent typing experience, making it a valuable accessory for users looking to enhance productivity. Despite its relatively high cost at $249, the keys offer a satisfying 1mm of travel and responsive feedback. During a typing speed test on 10fastfingers.com, the reviewer achieved an average speed of 71 words per minute with 96% accuracy, comparable to their typing pace on a 14-inch MacBook Pro. However, the smaller layout of some keys, such as Return and Delete, may require some adjustment. The inclusion of a 14-key function row at the top of the keyboard is praised for providing easy access to open apps and controls for brightness and volume.

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The Magic Keyboard Folio for the iPad features an adjustable kickstand that makes typing stable even when using the iPad on one’s lap, although there was some bouncing observed. The magnetic attachment of the protective back panel to the iPad is praised for its convenience, but there were instances where it slipped off, leading to a suggestion that it could be more secure. The keyboard can be removed, allowing users to use the back panel as a stand for activities like watching movies.

IPAD 10TH GEN REVIEW: APPLE PENCIL

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Apple Pencil support on the iPad 10th generation is a source of frustration, particularly because it doesn’t support the latest 2nd gen Apple Pencil. Users must opt for the $99 1st gen Apple Pencil if they want to draw, take notes, and perform other related tasks. Notably, there is no dedicated place to store the Apple Pencil when not in use, unlike the iPad Air and iPad Pro, which allow magnetic attachment to the top flat edge of their chassis for easy storage and charging. Additionally, the removable cap on the 1st gen Apple Pencil is noted for being easy to lose.

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The frustration with Apple Pencil support on the iPad 10th generation extends further due to the need for a separate USB-C to Apple Pencil adapter to pair and charge the 1st gen Apple Pencil. This is because the Pencil continues to use the old Lightning connector instead of USB-C. While Apple includes the mini dongle with the purchase of the 1st gen Apple Pencil, the solution is seen as awkward and could have been avoided if Apple had added support for the Apple Pencil 2nd gen to the iPad 2022.

However, it’s acknowledged that the Apple Pencil works well, providing effective drawing and writing capabilities. The artistic features of the Pencil are appreciated, with pressure sensitivity recognized by third-party apps like ProCreate, Pixelmator, and GoodNotes. It’s worth noting that the new $79 Apple Pencil supports USB-C charging and magnetically attaches to the iPad, offering a more convenient storage option, though it lacks pressure sensitivity.

IPAD 10TH GEN REVIEW: PERFORMANCE AND 5G

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The A14 Bionic chip in the iPad 2022 demonstrates impressive performance, as expected, considering it is the same processor found in the iPhone 12. The tablet handles tasks smoothly, even during gameplay in demanding applications like Genshin Impact. While some slight sluggishness was observed in specific scenarios, overall, the iPad 2022 delivers fluid animations and reliable performance.

Benchmark results from Geekbench 5 showcase the iPad 2022’s capabilities, with scores of 1,580 on the single-core test and 4,400 on the multi-core test. These scores represent a significant improvement over the 9th gen iPad, which scored 1,384 on the single-core and 3,387 on the multi-core test. However, the iPad Air, equipped with the M1 chip, achieved a notably higher score of 1,707 on the single-core test and 7,151 on the multi-core test.

In terms of graphics performance, the iPad 2022 demonstrates a slight improvement over its predecessor. The tablet achieved a score of 8,579 and 51.4 frames per second on the 3DMark Wild Life test, compared to the 9th gen iPad, which scored 8,000 and 47.9 fps. While this improvement is noticeable, the iPad Air, featuring the M1 chip, achieved significantly higher results with a score of 17,966 and 107 fps, highlighting the superior graphics capabilities of the iPad Air.

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In the video transcoding test using Adobe Premiere Rush, the iPad 2022 strangely finished a little slower than the iPad 9th gen, taking 29 seconds compared to 27 seconds for the 9th gen iPad. The iPad Air, with its M1 chip, outperformed both with a faster time of 22 seconds. It’s important to consider that different factors, including software optimization and specific workload characteristics, could contribute to variations in performance in specific tests.

Additionally, the iPad 2022, equipped with a 5G cellular connection for Verizon, demonstrated varying download speeds ranging from 38 Mbps near central New Jersey to over 100 Mbps in midtown Manhattan. The performance of 5G networks can be influenced by factors such as location and signal strength.

It’s worth noting that the USB-C port on the iPad 2022 supports USB 2.0 data transfer speeds, capping at around 480 Mbps, similar to the speed provided by the Lightning port.

IPAD 10TH GEN REVIEW: CAMERAS

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The iPad 2022 boasts an upgraded back camera with a resolution of 12MP, a notable improvement over the 8MP camera found in the previous model. Additionally, the front camera has been shifted from the top edge to the long edge, enhancing the experience of video calls, particularly in landscape mode. This adjustment is especially beneficial when using the iPad with accessories like the Magic Keyboard Folio.

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The 12MP main camera on the rear of the iPad 2022 delivers a mixed performance. In outdoor settings, the iPad captures bright and detailed images, such as a flower where small water droplets on the petals are clearly visible, and the surrounding leaves are artfully blurred. However, indoors, especially in low-light conditions, there is some noticeable graininess in the photos, as seen in an image of a witch’s boot on a fireplace mantle. While the iPad 2022 performs well with sufficient ambient light, it doesn’t feature Night mode, and there’s no flash available. This limitation is shared with the iPad Air 5th gen.

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The front-facing 12MP camera on the iPad 2022 is positioned above the long edge of the display in a new landscape location. This placement enhances the device’s suitability for video calling, providing a better framing for landscape orientation. In a dimly lit room, the iPad delivered a fairly sharp image of the user’s face and hair, although some noise was noticeable in the shirt. Additionally, the iPad intelligently uses the display to light up, acting as a pseudo flash to improve the overall image quality.

IPAD 10TH GEN REVIEW: BATTERY LIFE AND CHARGING

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The iPad 2022 is expected to provide solid battery life, making it possible for users to go through most of the day without needing to recharge. The included 20W charger may not be necessary for daily use, as the iPad 10th gen demonstrated impressive longevity on the Tom’s Guide Battery Test. This test involves continuous web surfing at 150 nits of screen brightness, and the iPad 10th gen achieved an excellent runtime of 10 hours and 57 minutes over Wi-Fi.

Although the iPad 2021 outlasted its successor with a longer time of 11:59, further testing and averaging may help the iPad 2022 close the gap. In comparison, the iPad Air lasted a shorter 10:09 on the same test. The inclusion of USB charging is a positive aspect, leading to faster recharge times in testing compared to the previous model. The new iPad reached 26% in 30 minutes, while the Lightning-equipped iPad 9th gen achieved 19%. While the difference may not be substantial, it represents a welcomed improvement.

IPAD 10TH GEN REVIEW: IPADOS 16

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The new iPad 2022 lacks support for the hallmark feature of iPadOS 16, Stage Manager, which enhances multitasking by placing recently used apps on the left side of the display. However, it does offer other notable features introduced with iPadOS 16. For instance, in Messages, users can edit or unsend a sent message, and they can copy, translate, or lock up text directly from a video frame.

One standout feature of iPadOS 16 that can be utilized on the new iPad is the ability to lift a subject from the background in an image, similar to iOS 16. Users can press and hold on the subject within a photo and then drag and drop it elsewhere, such as in an ongoing message.

iPadOS 16 also brings refinements, including apps better optimized for the larger iPad display. Users can expect customizable toolbars, the ability to view folder size in Files, a more consistent Undo and redo experience, and find-and-replace functionality in apps. These improvements contribute to an enhanced user experience on the iPad 2022.

IPAD 10TH GEN VS IPAD AIR M1

Choosing between the iPad 10th gen and the iPad Air depends on your usage priorities. If you don’t have much use for the Apple Pencil, the iPad 10th gen might be a more cost-effective option. However, if you plan to utilize the Apple Pencil frequently for drawing or note-taking, investing in the pricier $599 iPad Air may be more beneficial. The iPad Air comes with support for the newer 2nd gen Apple Pencil, which attaches to the tablet for storage and charging.

Moreover, the iPad Air boasts a faster M1 chip and supports the new Stage Manager multitasking feature. Keep in mind that accessories for the iPad Air are more expensive, with the Apple Pencil priced at $129 and the Magic Keyboard at $299, compared to the iPad 2022’s equivalent add-ons costing $99 and $249, respectively. For a more in-depth comparison, you can refer to the iPad 2022 vs. iPad Air 2022 face-off for a detailed breakdown of the differences between the two tablets.

IPAD 10TH GEN REVIEW: VERDICT

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The iPad (10th gen) represents a significant update with its new design, larger display, Touch ID-enabled power button, USB-C charging, upgraded A14 Bionic chip, and 5G connectivity. These improvements contribute to a more modern and future-proof tablet. However, the $449 starting price, which is a $120 increase over the previous generation, might be a notable consideration for potential buyers.

The Apple Pencil situation is also a point of contention, with the 1st gen Apple Pencil requiring an awkward charging solution and lacking a storage option when not in use. The $79 Apple Pencil provides a more convenient solution but still falls short of the seamless experience offered by the 2nd gen Apple Pencil on other iPad models.

Ultimately, the iPad 10th gen is recognized as one of the best tablets, but whether it’s the best choice for most people depends on individual preferences, budget considerations, and the importance of specific features like Apple Pencil support.

Source: Tom’s Guide