Apple iPad (10th generation) vs Apple iPad Pro 12.9" (2022, M2)
The Verdict
Apple's 10th-gen iPad delivers excellent value for casual users with its A14 Bionic chip, 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, and Apple Pencil support at $449. However, iPad Pro 12.9" (2022) represents a professional-grade device commanding $1,099, featuring the M2 chipset, larger 12.9-inch XDR mini-LED display with 120Hz ProMotion, superior 8GB-16GB RAM configurations, Thunderbolt connectivity, and advanced features like Face ID, LiDAR, and Stage Manager. While the standard iPad excels for browsing, media consumption, and light creative work, the Pro model's performance advantage, display quality, and software capabilities justify its premium for professionals requiring video editing, multitasking, and computational tasks. iPad Pro 12.9" wins decisively for power users; iPad 10th gen suits budget-conscious consumers.
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 Pro 12.9" (2022, M2) if…
- →Mini-LED display with 2596 dimming zones delivers stunning HDR contrast
- →M2 chip handles desktop-class apps and heavy creative workflows
- →Thunderbolt port enables pro external displays and fast storage
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 Pro 12.9" (2022, M2)
Pros
- Mini-LED display with 2596 dimming zones delivers stunning HDR contrast
- M2 chip handles desktop-class apps and heavy creative workflows
- Thunderbolt port enables pro external displays and fast storage
- 120Hz ProMotion for ultra-smooth scrolling and Apple Pencil tracking
- LiDAR scanner for AR and precision photography
Cons
- Extremely expensive starting at $1,099 before accessories
- iPadOS still limits true desktop multitasking despite Stage Manager
- Heavy at 682 g — noticeable during extended handheld use
- Base model only 128 GB with no expandable storage
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPad (10th generation) | Apple iPad Pro 12.9" (2022, M2) |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iPadOS 16 | iPadOS 16 (upgradable to iPadOS 17+) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 477 g (Wi-Fi) | 682 g (Wi-Fi) |
| Dimensions | 248.6 x 179.5 x 7.0 mm | 280.6 x 214.9 x 6.4 mm |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 10 hours web on Wi-Fi | Up to 10 hours web browsing on Wi-Fi |
| Capacity | — | 10758 mAh (40.88 Wh) |
| Cameras | ||
| Rear | 12 MP wide | — |
| Front camera | 12 MP ultrawide (landscape) | — |
| Display | ||
| Size | 10.9 inches | 12.9 inches |
| Type | Liquid Retina LED-backlit IPS | Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED |
| Resolution | 2360 x 1640 | 2732 x 2048 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz ProMotion |
| Storage | ||
| Storage options | 64 GB, 256 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB |
| Expandable storage | ||
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 4 GB | 8 GB (16 GB on 1 TB/2 TB) |
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic | Apple M2 (8-core CPU, 10-core GPU) |
| Connectivity | ||
| USB | USB-C (USB 2.0) | Thunderbolt / USB 4 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Cellular | ||
| Stylus Support | ||
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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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