gThe iPad (10th Generation), released in October 2022, represents a significant upgrade to Apple’s entry-level tablet lineup. With a complete redesign, improved internals, and a range of vibrant colors, this iPad offers a more modern experience while maintaining its reputation for affordability. It caters to students, families, and casual users seeking a reliable, versatile tablet for everyday tasks.
Design and Build
For the first time in the standard iPad series, Apple has completely overhauled the design, aligning it with the aesthetics of the iPad Air and iPad Pro. Gone are the thick bezels and the physical home button. Instead, the iPad (10th Gen) features flat edges, slim uniform bezels, and a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display that offers a more immersive viewing experience.
The device is constructed with an aluminum unibody, ensuring durability while keeping the weight at just 477 grams (Wi-Fi) and 481 grams (Wi-Fi + Cellular). Measuring only 7 mm thin, it’s sleek and portable, making it ideal for use on the go. The addition of vibrant new colors—Blue, Pink, Yellow, and Silver—gives the iPad a playful, modern touch that appeals to a younger audience.
Liquid Retina Display
The 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display on the iPad (10th Gen) boasts a resolution of 2360 x 1640 pixels and a pixel density of 264 PPI. With its bright and vivid panel, the display is perfect for activities like watching videos, browsing the web, and editing photos. The screen supports True Tone technology, which adjusts the color temperature based on ambient lighting for a more comfortable viewing experience.
While the display is excellent for most tasks, it lacks features like ProMotion (120Hz refresh rate) and full lamination, which are reserved for higher-end models like the iPad Air and Pro. However, for its price point, the screen delivers sharp visuals and accurate colors, making it a standout feature in the entry-level tablet segment.
Performance: A14 Bionic Chip
Under the hood, the iPad (10th Gen) is powered by the A14 Bionic chip, the same processor found in the iPhone 12. The 6-core CPU and 4-core GPU provide a substantial performance boost compared to the A13 chip in the previous generation. This makes the iPad (10th Gen) capable of handling everyday tasks like web browsing, streaming, and gaming with ease.
The 16-core Neural Engine enhances machine learning tasks, enabling features like real-time photo enhancements and on-device Siri processing. While it’s not as powerful as the M1 chip found in the iPad Air or Pro, the A14 is more than sufficient for casual users and students.
With 64GB and 256GB storage options, users can choose a configuration that suits their needs. However, the absence of a 128GB model might leave some users wanting more flexibility in terms of storage.
iPadOS 16: Software and Features
The iPad (10th Gen) runs iPadOS 16, Apple’s latest operating system for iPads. This OS introduces several productivity and multitasking features, such as Stage Manager, which allows users to organize and resize app windows for improved workflow. While Stage Manager is more suited to the M1-powered iPads, the iPad (10th Gen) still benefits from other iPadOS 16 features like improved collaboration tools and enhanced note-taking capabilities.
The inclusion of live text in photos, better Files app functionality, and support for external displays (via USB-C) enhances the device’s utility for both work and play. For students, apps like Pages, Numbers, and Keynote come pre-installed, providing a robust suite of productivity tools out of the box.
Camera System
Apple has made notable improvements to the camera system in the iPad (10th Gen). The 12MP ultra-wide front camera is now placed along the landscape edge of the device, making it more convenient for video calls. This orientation feels natural during FaceTime or Zoom meetings and supports features like Center Stage, which keeps users in the frame as they move around.
The rear camera is a 12MP wide sensor capable of capturing detailed photos and recording 4K video at up to 60fps. While it’s not a replacement for a smartphone or dedicated camera, the rear camera is handy for scanning documents, taking casual photos, or shooting videos.
Connectivity and Port
One of the most significant changes in the iPad (10th Gen) is the switch from the Lightning connector to USB-C, aligning it with the rest of Apple’s iPad lineup. USB-C allows for faster data transfer and broader compatibility with a range of accessories, including external storage devices and monitors.
The iPad (10th Gen) supports Wi-Fi 6 for faster and more reliable internet connections and is available with optional 5G connectivity, ensuring high-speed access when you’re on the go.
Battery Life
The iPad (10th Gen) maintains the same excellent battery life as its predecessors, offering up to 10 hours of web browsing or video playback on Wi-Fi and up to 9 hours on cellular. This ensures that the device can comfortably last a full day of use, whether you’re working, studying, or streaming content.
Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard Folio
The iPad (10th Gen) is compatible with the Apple Pencil (1st Gen), though this comes with a caveat: since the device uses USB-C, a separate adapter is required to pair and charge the Pencil. While this is a step back in terms of convenience, the Pencil remains a valuable tool for note-taking, drawing, and annotating documents.
Apple also introduced a new accessory, the Magic Keyboard Folio, designed specifically for the iPad (10th Gen). This keyboard case features a detachable keyboard and a kickstand, providing a more flexible typing and viewing experience. The keyboard offers a comfortable typing experience and a dedicated row of function keys, making it ideal for productivity tasks.
Target Audience
The iPad (10th Gen) is perfect for students, families, and casual users who want a versatile tablet at an affordable price. Its combination of performance, display quality, and design make it ideal for online learning, video calls, and entertainment. While it lacks some of the advanced features found in the iPad Air and Pro, it delivers excellent value for its price.
Pricing and Value
The iPad (10th Gen) starts at $449 for the 64GB Wi-Fi model and $599 for the 256GB Wi-Fi variant. Cellular models cost an additional $150. While the price is higher than the previous generation, the improvements in design, display, and performance justify the increase.
Conclusion
The iPad (10th Generation) is a significant step forward for Apple’s most popular tablet. Its modern design, vibrant display, improved performance, and new accessories make it a versatile device for a wide range of users. While it sits at a slightly higher price point, it bridges the gap between the standard iPad and the more expensive iPad Air, offering a premium experience without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a student, a family member, or a casual user, the iPad (10th Gen) is a fantastic choice for 2022.