Apple iPad (10th generation) vs Apple iPad 9th Gen
The Verdict
Both tablets deliver solid everyday performance, but they cater to different priorities. iPad 10th gen features a larger 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with superior 2360x1640 resolution, modern USB-C connectivity, the faster A14 Bionic chip, and 4GB RAM versus the 9th gen's 3GB. Its landscape ultrawide front camera excels for video calls. However, iPad 9th gen remains compelling at $329, offering nearly identical battery life, stylus support, and proven iPadOS compatibility with a lower entry price. The 10th gen's display quality, processing power, and future-proofing justify the $120 premium for users prioritizing visual performance and longevity. For budget-conscious buyers or those with basic browsing and content consumption needs, the 9th gen remains excellent value. Recommend the 10th generation if display quality matters; choose 9th gen if budget is paramount.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple iPad (10th generation) if…
- →Affordable entry point into the iPad lineup
- →Modern all-screen design with Touch ID in the power button
- →Landscape front camera great for FaceTime
Buy the Apple iPad 9th Gen if…
- →Best budget iPad — unbeatable value at $329
- →A13 Bionic still handles everyday tasks and light gaming well
- →10.2" Retina display is sharp and color-accurate for the price
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple iPad (10th generation)
Pros
- Affordable entry point into the iPad lineup
- Modern all-screen design with Touch ID in the power button
- Landscape front camera great for FaceTime
- Solid A14 Bionic performance for everyday use
- Long iPadOS software support
Cons
- Only supports 1st gen Apple Pencil with awkward USB-C adapter
- 60Hz display feels dated
- Just 64GB on the base model
- USB-C limited to slow USB 2.0 speeds
- No laminated display or anti-reflective coating
Apple iPad 9th Gen
Pros
- Best budget iPad — unbeatable value at $329
- A13 Bionic still handles everyday tasks and light gaming well
- 10.2" Retina display is sharp and color-accurate for the price
- Center Stage camera keeps you centered in video calls
- Strong iPadOS app ecosystem with years of software updates
Cons
- Thick bezels and Home button design feels outdated
- Lightning port instead of USB-C
- Only supports 1st gen Apple Pencil (charges via Lightning)
- 3 GB RAM struggles with demanding multitasking
- Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2 are behind modern standards
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPad (10th generation) | Apple iPad 9th Gen |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iPadOS 16 | iPadOS 15 (upgradable to iPadOS 17+) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 477 g (Wi-Fi) | 487 g (Wi-Fi) |
| Dimensions | 248.6 x 179.5 x 7.0 mm | 250.6 x 174.1 x 7.5 mm |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 10 hours web on Wi-Fi | Up to 10 hours web browsing on Wi-Fi |
| Capacity | — | 8557 mAh (32.4 Wh) |
| Cameras | ||
| Rear | 12 MP wide | — |
| Front camera | 12 MP ultrawide (landscape) | — |
| Display | ||
| Size | 10.9 inches | 10.2 inches |
| Type | Liquid Retina LED-backlit IPS | Retina IPS LCD |
| Resolution | 2360 x 1640 | 2160 x 1620 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 60Hz |
| Storage | ||
| Storage options | 64 GB, 256 GB | 64 GB, 256 GB |
| Expandable storage | ||
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 4 GB | 3 GB |
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic | Apple A13 Bionic (6-core CPU, 4-core GPU) |
| Connectivity | ||
| USB | USB-C (USB 2.0) | Lightning |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) |
| Cellular | ||
| Stylus Support | ||
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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