Suppose it is true that the most recent iPads correspond to more robust and performing hardware. In that case, it cannot be excluded that the decisions of the previous generation are to be discarded a priori. And, in many cases, you could save money while still enjoying compelling devices that are second to none. Let’s try to understand if this theory applies between the tenth and 9th generation iPad. This article explains the differences and advises you on which one to buy.
Table of Contents
Aesthetics
While Apple usually makes few changes between generations, that was different from the iPad 10. Apple has chosen to change the aesthetics with the latest entry-level tablet. The tenth-generation iPad is a very different tablet from its direct predecessor. Just compare them, even when switched off, to notice the enormous differences. iPad 10 eliminates the central home button, thus reducing the front bezels.
It is a much more modern tablet than the ninth-generation one, still tied to the main controller. TouchID disappears from the front. As in iPad Air and iPad mini, the fingerprint reader is now in the upper key that activates the screen. Apple introduces the long-edge long-edge camera. This, Apple says in its release, makes it easier and more convenient to record video for social media and FaceTime calls. Also, as regards the colors being renewed.
If you are looking for more liveliness, the tenth-generation iPad is the only possible choice between the two because it offers exclusive colors, such as Pink, Blue, and Yellow.
The screen is more significant, at 10.9 inches, compared to the predecessor’s 10.2 inches. However, the product’s overall size is to the full advantage of the 10th generation iPad, which has a slimmer body due to thinner bezels.
The thickness is also lower on the new generation, seven versus 7.5mm—the weight favoring the latest model, with 477 grams, against 487 of the ninth edition. To sum up, the aesthetic side already provides the user with great help in choosing: this time, he will not be faced with two almost identical products; on the contrary, he will have to choose between genuinely different decisions. There is no doubt that iPad 10 wins hands down compared to the previous edition: it is an all-new tablet, closer to the style of iPad mini six and iPad Pro, rather than the previous edition, which seems to have been swept away.
Display
As for the screen, there are essential differences between the two models. As already mentioned, the diagonal is different. The tenth-generation iPad mounts a 10.9-inch panel, while that of the past generation stops at 10.2 inches. The more recent of the two features a Liquid Retina panel, while iPad 10.2 has a Retina-only panel. The resolution is higher on iPad 10 due to the different diagonal: 2360×1640 pixels at 264 ppm against the 2160×1620 pixels at 264 ppm of iPad 9.
There appears to be no difference in brightness as both deliver a typical maximum SDR brightness (typical) of 500 nits. Entrami offers a fingerprint-proof oleophobic coating, both sRGB and True Tone, to better adapt the color tone depending on the ambient light. In other words, if for most of us, there won’t be many apparent technical differences between the two screens, on the other hand, the certainly optimized frames of iPad 10 will make it stand out more compared to that of the previous generation. Also, in this case, the aesthetics are the real plus.
Processor
Even if you look at the iPad 10 datasheet, you notice the boost operated by Apple. And, while the more recent of the two tablets offers the A14 processor, the same one that Apple mounts on the standard iPhone 14 series, the ninth generation iPad still boasts the A13 chip, which we recall belongs to the iPhone 11 generation, therefore a chip by now considered dated. Indeed, for moderate use, it may not feel the difference.
Still, an A13 chip in 2022 could start to struggle, especially considering the Apple games department, which is becoming increasingly oriented towards triple-A. Also, from the point of view of the processor, Apple provides a real reason to prefer the tenth-generation iPad compared to the past generation. For lovers of numbers, iPad 10 gets a 20% performance increase at the CPU level, while if we talk about the Neural Engine, the step between one and the other marks a + 80% in favor of the latest model.
Cameras
The iPad certainly isn’t the first device that comes to mind when taking photos on the go. For this aspect, it is preferable to use a smartphone. However, there are differences in the rear camera between the two models compared. Again Apple provides an actual increase in potential. On the tenth generation iPad, it has mounted a 12MP wide-angle sensor instead of the previous 8MP wide-angle, which stands out on the ninth-generation iPad.
The front camera remains unchanged on both models is 12 MP with an ultra-wide angle, even if video calls are undoubtedly better on the iPad 10. It should be noted, however, that for the first time, Apple has chosen to insert the Pad 10 chamber on the long side to facilitate activities during landscape use. Yes, because with the dedicated accessories, particularly the new keyboard, the iPad 10 practically becomes an actual notebook. The rear camera of the iPad 10 has a 1.8 aperture, while the iPad 9 has a 2.4.
The difference between these two sensors is noticeably noticeable, the first of which is more performing, even in low light conditions. As for video recording, only the iPad 10 has video capabilities up to 4K at 25fps, while the 9th generation iPad stops at 1080p recording at 25fps.
Even slow motion is more appreciable on the most recent iPad, which allows 120 FPS at 1080p, against 120 FPS only at 720P on iPad 9. Even from this point of view, there is no history between the two devices.
WiFi And 5G Networks
Also, from the point of view of the networks, we are faced with two generations of tablets. This could be a marginal difference if you only opt for the WiFi model. At the same time, those who choose an iPad with a data connection can only consider this considerable difference.
In reality, even the WiFi model alone marks a massive difference between the two: the more recent of the two offers support for WiFi 6, which translates into faster downloads, up to 1.2 Gbps, while iAd nine does not support WiFi 6, resulting in slower download speeds of up to 866Mbps.
Accessories
Both tablets support the first-generation Apple Pencil. This support does not honor the 10th-generation iPad at all. Not only could the latest Apple Pencil be expected, but this type of support seems to clash with the tablet’s connectivity completely. It is a tiny fall in style. After all, Apple wanted to keep support for Apple Pencil 2 only on iPads with a higher price list. A solution certainly more complete than the Smart Keyboard of iPad 9, which instead has no trackpad and is undoubtedly more awkward for typing texts.
Prices
This time there is no doubt about which of the two tablets to buy, not even looking at the Apple price list. Sure, it’s not a trivial sum, but the differences between the two tablets are so marked that this difference is justified. The user pays 150 euros more to have a completely new tablet, with a modern design, with much more optimized frames. Furthermore, the value is justified by the presence of a new processor on iPad 10, the new rear camera, and the support for faster WiFi.
The price difference is slightly accentuated if you move away from the official price lists and look for a lower street price. For example, on Amazon, the iPad 9 is at 359, while the iPad 10 is at 585. On eBay, however, the difference between the two returns to Apple levels. Therefore, even if you want to rely on eBay for the purchase rather than on the individual offers found in physical stores, the gap between the two never becomes so important as to justify the investment of iPad 9: the advice is always to focus on the latest model released.
Which One To Choose
At this point, you will have understood that the general advice is to buy an iPad 10. There are too many differences compared to the iPad 9, and the price difference between the two, of around 150 euros, however important, does not seem to justify the savings. Anyway…
Buy an iPad 10
- If you want the bigger screen
- If you wish to have thinner bezels
- If you want a colorful iPad
Buy an iPad 9
- If you like Touch ID
In short, for this comparison, our belief is to the full advantage of the iPad 10. We also recommend saving by purchasing the older product, but there is no reason to do so now. Still, there is not this possibility: even if you find an offer on iPad 9, browsing the net, you will find one advantageous even on iPad 10.
Also Read: Best VPNs For iPhone And iPad
