In recent years, the advent of gadgets is one that greatly influences our outlook on technology. It’s almost as if phone manufacturing companies listen to our little thoughts of what features we would love to have in a new device and boom, there it is, at the snap of a finger. With the annual roll out of new devices, you can be sure to have several options to pick from.
When it comes to tablet devices, Apple Inc. is always at the top of their game as they know their onus and how well to satisfy their users.
You may wonder what is the point of upgrading your gadget but I tell you, there is always a reason to do so if you are well-versed with gadgets and their features. Even better, Apple makes that reason distinct. So, if there is ever a time to consider owning an iPad (if you do not already own one) then it should be now.
With the recent launch of the 10th Gen iPad, there have been a lot of questions from iPad users. Especially because of its similarities with the 9th Gen iPad which boils down to users trying to find out which to buy.
So, in this article, you will learn about the differences between the iPad 10 and iPad 9 by making a comparison of both devices. In turn, this will help inform your decision to know which you should buy.
Enjoy!
The iPad 10th Gen was officially launched on the 18th of October 2022. And so far, this is the biggest update to ever happen in the history of entry-level iPads. The features of this new iPad are quite different from what you have in the iPad 9 as it spots an entirely new design, a larger 10.9-inch screen display; a faster processor – the A14 Bionic chip, and a USB-C port.
Unfortunately, you have to trade some extra bucks to own this iPad having these juicy features. The starting price of the iPad 10 is $449 which is almost an additional $120 more than its predecessor, the iPad 9. Now, you ask, is this worth the price? which do you go for? find out below as I compare both devices.
To ease your understanding, I make the comparison of both devices into different subheadings.
Design
The design of the iPad 10 spots an entirely different outlook when compared with its predecessor, the iPad 9. While the iPad 9 still retained design features of the base model iPad such as the touch ID at the center, large bezels, and thin frames, things are pretty much different with the iPad 10 which spots a flat edge with curved corners and its much thinner than the iPad 9. Also, the touch ID of the iPad 10 bears semblance with that of the iPad Air, having its touch ID button at the top of the device.
Display
The iPad 10th Gen features a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina Display with a resolution of 2360*1640 which is 0.7-inch more that the iPad 9th Gen featuring a 10.2-inch Liquid Retina Display with a 2160*1620 resolution. This means that you have an ample screen display view. So, viewing just got better with the iPad 10 display screen.
Processor
The iPad 10 comes with a new processor, the A14 Bionic chip with features such as the 6-core CPU, 4-core GPU, and 16-core Neutral Engine compared to the A13 Bionic chip in the iPad 9 that has a 6-core CPU, 4-core GPU, and only 8-core Neural Engine. This new processor of the iPad 10 will enable your software to run smoothly without any disruption.
The iPad 10 supports the operating system 16.1 (iPadOS16.1) while the iPad 9 supports the latest iPadOS version.
Camera
The iPad 10 camera has a smart HDR 3 and features an extended dynamic range for shooting videos up to 30 fps and also shooting a 4k video recording. In addition, it supports slow motion (slo-mo) video for 1080p at 120 fps or 240 fps. On the other hand, the iPad 9 has only HDR, and can only shoot 1080p video recording while supporting slow-motion videos for 720p at 120 fps. One downside is that it does not have an extended dynamic range.
The front camera of the iPad 10 has 12MP, f/2.4 aperture, and smart HDR 3 which lets you take pictures in landscape mode instead of portrait mode while that of the iPad 9 features 12MP, f/2.4 aperture, and HDR only.
At the rear camera, the iPad 10 features a 12MP Wide camera and a focal of 1.8 aperture (f/1.8), while the iPad 9 features an 8MP Wide camera, with a focal of 2.4 aperture (f/2.4).
Weight
Compared to the iPad 9 which weighs 487 grams and has a dimension of 250.6*174.1*7.5 mm, the iPad 10 weighs 477 grams and has a dimension of 248.6*179.5*7 mm making it a lightweight device. This is an advantage for users who love a lightweight gadget.
Connectivity
The iPad 10 supports 5G in cellular models, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2. On the flip side, the iPad 9 supports LTE only, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2
Ports
Unlike the regular lightning port being used in the iPad models, the port of the iPad 10 has been changed to a USB-C port while that of the iPad 9 retains the usual lightning port.
Accessories
The iPad 10 will spot a new magic keyboard folio case which is not so with the iPad 9. Unfortunately, no upgrade was made to Apple Pencil compatibility as the iPad 10 still remains compatible with only the first-generation Apple Pencil. Also, it appears that Apple scrapped using headphone ports as it was not included in the iPad 10.
Battery
The battery life of both iPads is similar and can last for 10 hours using Wi-fi and 9 hours of web use with your cellular network.
Colors
The color is one of the noticeable updates made to the iPad 10. It moves from the generic color Apple uses for its iPads as it adds on two more brilliant colors to the iPad 10.
The iPad 10th Gen is available in four different colors namely Blue, Pink, Silver, and Yellow colors. While the 9th Gen iPad is available in only two different colors, Silver and Space Gray.
Price
This may be the determining factor for you to make a decision. While the iPad 9 costs $329 for the 64GB + Wi-Fi, $459 for the 64GB + cellular and $479 for the 256GB + Wifi and $609 for the 256GB + cellular. The price of the iPad 10 starts at $449 for the 64GB + Wi-Fi model, $599 for the 64GB + cellular model, $599 for the 256GB + Wi-Fi and $749 for 256GB +, cellular model.
So, there you have it. Having read the differences between both iPads, if you think the new features of the iPad 10 are Worth trading off an extra $120 then, you can go for it. However, if you are on a tight budget and wouldn’t mind the features then the iPad 9 is your best bet. Whichever decision you make, I hope it’s one you are happy to purchase.
Happy purchase,
Cheers!
