Apple iPad (10th Gen) Review: Mixed emotions

The most easily recognizable iPad is probably the basic. tabletThe best ever made. It has remained the same over nine generations, holding onto its top and bottom bezels as well as its Touch ID home button. The rest of the iPad line grew and evolved. Apple introduced many new options, including smaller and faster options. But the base tablet remained nearly the same. The Cupertino design team is now working on the iPad that started it all. What can it do in one generation? Find out in our Apple iPad (10th Gen) review.

• Apple iPad 64GB, Wi-Fi: $449 / £499 / €579
• Apple iPad (64GB, Cellular): $599 / £679 / €779
• Apple iPad (256GB, Wi Fi): $599 / £679 / €779
• Apple iPad (256GB, Cellular): $749 / £859 / €979

Apple’s latest iPad (10th Generation) was launched in October 2022. The tablet was not paired with the pomp and circumstance enjoyed just over a month ago by the iPhone 14 series or Apple Watch Series 8, but arrived alongside a barely-refreshed iPad Pro, with all the pomp and ceremony of a blog. Although the announcement was very low-key, the design changes made to the new iPad are not.

The iPad (10th Generation) is completely different from the previous generation. The iPad (10th generation) has flat aluminum edges and equal-sized bezels around the 10.9-inch display. The Touch ID fingerprint scanner has shifted from the classic home button to the edge-mounted power button, and the headphone jack has gone the way of the Dodo. Perhaps the most important shift in the iPad’s new design is that the Lightning port is no more — all iPads now carry USB-C portsFor data transfer and charging with universal USB-C accessories

This base iPad is also one of its most colorful, with a choice of Silver, Pink, Yellow, or Blue frames. All four versions include Apple logos on both the back and subtle tints to match their colors. The 12MP rear-mounted camera is wider than the other models. 9th generation iPadThere have been no other significant changes. Apple’s 12MP selfie camera is the same on paper, too, though it’s shifted from a portrait orientation to a landscape position along the long edge — a first for an iPad.

Under the hood, you’ll find two storage tiers — 64GB and 256GB — and options for Wi-Fi or 5G cellular connectivity. If you pick the cellular version, you’ll find a SIM tray on the same edge as the volume buttons. No matter your configuration, you’ll get Apple’s 5nm A14 Bionic chipset.

Apple is being very secretive about its battery life. It simply stated that the iPad (10th Generation) can surf the internet for up to 10 hours and watch video for up to 10 hours. The cellular model has a slightly lower return, with a maximum of nine hours. Both models charge via the USB-C port at the bottom. You also get a braided USB-C cable. USB-C cableIncluded in the box is a 20W charger adapter.

Perhaps the most controversial change to Apple’s 10th generation iPad is the price. The base 64GB Wi-Fi-only model now starts at $449 — a sharp $120 increase over its predecessor. If you decide to upgrade your storage connectivity for a grand total of $749, you’re then looking at a price tag that’s only $50 shy of the base M2 iPad Pro with Wi-Fi. Add in the potential accessory costs if you want an Apple Pencil and/or an official keyboard case, and you’re in MacBook Air territory. This tablet is not a budget one.

The Apple iPad (10th Gen) can be bought directly from Apple as well as through major third-party retailers worldwide.

The iPad’s top-to-bottom redesign has been a long time coming. It’s the first model to ditch the classic chunky chin and forehead, and it’s a welcome change. The sleeker bezels are modern and more modern. The aluminum construction is strong, but it still feels light in the hand. It’s almost identical to the refreshed iPad Air, which helped to kickstart Apple’s redesign phase. Apple’s penchant for bright colors works well on the iPad (10th generation), too. The bright yellow version I tested would feel entirely out of place in a boardroom, but it’s right at home as a Netflix-streaming, Asphalt 9-playing tablet, too.

As we’ve seen on other redesigned iPads, the flattened aluminum sides bring a host of changes. There are now stereo speakers — two on each of the shorter sides — replacing the old mono speaker setup. I’ve had no problems with volume or clarity, though the iPad (10th generation) seems to prefer the bottom speakers to the top. The revamped design also moves the Touch ID sensor into the position previously held by the power button, something I’d sure like to see on an iPhone. It’s quick and accurate, though it can be a bit of a reach depending on how you hold your tablet.

This is the first base iPad to shift away from Apple’s famed 4:3 aspect ratio. This layout was preferred for years because it was considered the best way to read a web page. But webpages are only a tiny portion of the iPad’s capabilities, so Apple decided to use the 23:16 ratio in its iPad Air series. This is the same ratio that Apple has adopted for the new 10th gen iPad. This change also confirms that the iPad is a tablet designed to be used in landscape mode. It’s much more comfortable for video streaming and writing in apps like Google Docs.

You’ll still run into black bars above and below most shows and movies, but they’re slimmer than on previous iPads. Many apps default to landscape orientation. This is evident in CBS Sports below. But the biggest telltale sign that Apple is thinking horizontally is the iPad’s selfie camera, which now sits opposite the keyboard smart connectors, acting as a “this side up” indicator. Why landscape-centered cameras haven’t been adopted by other iPads is a question for another time, but the advantage is that you no longer look like you’re staring into space on a video call. As far as quality goes, it’s adequate enough for FaceTime needs and the occasional selfie, but you probably won’t want to use it for much more.

The iPad’s rear 12MP shooter is also fine — it’s the same sensor you’d find on the iPhone SE (2022). It shouldn’t be your first choice for photography, but it’ll do in a pinch. You can get decent details in good lighting, but portrait mode isn’t an option. Just please, please don’t bring it to your kid’s recital. Other people want to also see it.

Apple’s iPadOS 16Much the same. Android 12LThis app combines key iOS features and big-screen extras. The taskbar makes life a lot easier, keeping a few of your favorite apps within reach at all times, as well as others you’ve used recently. There are a handful of helpful widgets to dive into — even if the shapes aren’t all that exciting — and the App Library gives you the option of an almost-clean home screen. An extensive list of apps that are optimized for iPadOS 16 might be a reason you need the App Library. Due to Apple’s years of dedication, many apps work better with iPads than they do with Android tablets. Instagram is the exception. This app sits in a corner and shouts like a child left behind at Walmart regardless of what large screen platform you choose.

The iPad also benefits from Apple’s unrivaled ecosystem integration. It is easy to use in tandem with an iPhone or Apple Watch and can also act as a second screen for your Mac. Universal Control, for instance, allows you to seamlessly share a keyboard and mouse between your Mac and your iPad.

Even though Apple’s A14 Bionic processor is no longer positioned to set the world on fire, it feels well matched to the iPad (10th generation). That’s not to say it has any shortage of power, but true hardcore users looking to show off their benchmark totals might prefer an M1- or M2-equipped alternative. For the rest of us with everyday needs, there’s no need to fear. I didn’t experience any lag when I had multiple apps open. I was able to easily switch between news and games. The A14 Bionic doesn’t run into thermal issues, either — the iPad (10th generation) remained a cool customer even after an hour or two of use. Even though the beefed-up iPad Air or iPad Pro could be enough to tempt, there’s not much need for more power than this as it already outmatches essentially every other sub-$500 tablet you can buy.

The iPad (10th generation) is able to meet all expectations in terms of battery life. Apple estimated it would last 10 hours on one charge. I was able to match that number with mixed usage. Of course, I didn’t sit down for 10 hours on the bounce, instead letting my screen time add up over a few days. You might get worse results if you lean heavily on video streaming, but you shouldn’t have any issues if you split your time.

Luckily, the solid battery life means you won’t have to hunt for a charger every day. Tablets aren’t known for their blistering charging speeds, but it’s tough to complain about the iPad (10th generation). Once I finally managed to drain the cell, it took about two hours plugged in with the included 20W charger (a rarity these days) and USB-C cable to get back to full speed — pretty fair for the price point. Apple’s braided USB-C cable is also nicer than what most OEMs toss in the box.

The iPad (10th Gen) is a classic case where two steps forward, one back. It features so many shiny, surface-level improvements, yet it’s loaded with head-scratching quirks. First, the headphone socket is gone. This is the first time we’ve seen a base iPad without a headphone jack, and it’s hard to accept that there isn’t space for one. It’s still a common feature on other low-to-mid-tier non-Apple tablets, even those with slim bezels. It’s called the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 still has one, for example, and it’s tucked carefully into the corner of the frame.

Apple’s larger display is great for watching shows and playing games, but the quality leaves a bit to be desired. The iPad (10th generation) doesn’t have a laminated display like most of Apple’s other premium options. This makes it great for bulk cases like schools because it’s easier to repair, but it results in a more reflective display. It’s an understandable choice from a business perspective, but it makes personal use worse, especially in direct sunlight.

Then there’s the USB-C port. Yes, we’re happy it’s here — one less Lightning cable to worry about — but not all USB-C portsNot all iPads are created equally. The iPad (10th Generation) has a USB-C port that is limited to USB 2.0 data speeds or 480Mbps. If that sounds familiar, it’s because 480Mbps is the same speed that Lightning transfers at. Other iPads offer faster USB C data speeds. The iPad Pro transfers at 40Gbps, while the Air transfers at 10Gbps. Even the Mini can transfer at 5Gbps.

Apple could offset the slower data transfer speeds in some way. After all, the USB-C port should mean that the iPad plays nice with the second-generation Apple Pencil now that the awkward method of jamming the first-gen Pencil into the Lightning port is no longer an option… right? Nope. Instead, it’s only compatible with the first-generation Apple Pencil. You’ll need a USB-C to Lightning dongle to connect the two, and it costs $9Instead of getting a free box.

That’s alright. The iPad is still a great budget-friendly option, right? There’s no need to spend as much on the iPad. You’ll now have to shell out $449 for the base iPad with just 64GB of storage, a far cry from the classic $329 price. It’s still the most affordable iPad — barely — but the 64GB of base storage just isn’t a reasonable amount when you’re spending over $400. Moving up to a higher tier is more expensive. Jumping to 256GB is $599. You could also spend $599 on a base iPad Air (5th Generation) to get the M1 chipset, second-generation Apple Pencil, and Magic Keyboard support. You could also save $499 by purchasing the iPad Mini (6th generation)The newest A15 Bionic chipset is inside the iMac and supports the Apple Pencil.

You should also know that accessorizing will cost you more. The new Magic Keyboard Folio is only compatible for the 10th generation iPad and costs $249. If you choose to go all-in on the 256GB, cellular-enabled model with the folio, you’re looking at $1,000 when it’s all said and done. At that point, you’re dropping the same amount of cash as a MacBook Air (M1). Likewise, while pairing the iPad up to a fancy keyboard case for laptop-like functionality absolutely viable, for whatever arbitrary reason the iPad (10th generation) does not support iOS 16’s Stage ManagerMultitasking can be improved with this feature

Judged in complete isolation, Apple’s 10th generation iPad is a great tablet. It feels more like an iPad’s 10th generation than a cheap afterthought because of its flattened edges, revamped Touch ID sensors, and four equal bezels. The performance is excellent for an everyday tablet with a large display. The battery life is also impressive. Anyone with knowledge of the Apple ecosystem can pick iPadOS 16 up and be familiar with its operation within minutes.

The problem is that the iPad (10th generation) doesn’t exist within a vacuum. Instead, it has to be put into context against its predecessor and the rest of Apple’s lineup. The $120 price increase makes the tablet a much more attractive option than the iPad Air (5th generation).$559 at Amazon) and iPad Mini (6th generation) ($399.99 at Amazon). You should also consider that Apple still offers its previous ninth-generation iPad$298 at AmazonIt further harms the value proposition.

Other than iPadOS, there are several other options. budget Android optionsThere are other options that you might consider. We’ve already mentioned the Galaxy Tab A8 ($229.99 at Amazon), which follows several of the same design cues for almost half the price. It has a wider aspect ratio which is better for widescreen content. However, it definitely can’t match Apple for performance. Amazon’s Fire HD 10 Plus ($219The ) is another budget option that comes with a landscape-oriented, selfie camera. It does require you to give up on Google services and deal with some poor speakers, but Amazon’s largest tablet supports wireless charging and is generally great value for the money, especially for Amazon Prime subscribers.

The iPad (10th generation) was held back by the higher asking price. But there are other options. The headphone jack is a casualty of the new design, and the USB-C port isn’t much better than the Lightning port it replaces if you want to transfer files to and from other storage devices. Then, there’s the confusing Apple Pencil compatibility — did we really need to get to a point where you have to buy a dongle instead of Apple simply making the iPad compatible with the second-gen Pencil? You’ll also have to spend an arm and a leg to round out your setup with the fancy new Magic Keyboard Folio case.

Ultimately, the iPad (10th generation) is a good tablet, but I’m not sure who to recommend it to. If you want a tablet for your kids, I’d buy the predecessor and save the $120. I’d recommend the same for shoppers in Europe — the price hike is even steeper than in the UK or the US. The iPad Mini is a better choice for portability, while iPad Air is powerful and more feature-rich (including Stage Manager Support) without spending too much. It’s an equally odd fit for the education market and many businesses, as students, teachers, and workers would have to muddle with easy-to-lose adapters if they want to use Apple’s stylus.

While you probably wouldn’t ever regret actually buying one, Apple’s long-standing tablet for just about everybody has finally reached a point (and a price) where it doesn’t make the most sense for just about anybody.