Apple iPad 10.2 (2019) vs. iPad Pro 10.5 (2017): A Detailed Comparison

Choosing between an iPad can be tough, especially with models spanning different years. The iPad 10.2 (2019) offers a budget-friendly entry point, while the iPad Pro 10.5 (2017) boasts premium features. Let's break down which tablet is right for you.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The iPad Pro 10.5 (2017) generally wins with its superior display, faster GPU, and ProMotion technology. However, the iPad 10.2 (2019) is a compelling choice for budget-conscious users who prioritize affordability and a more modern design.

PHONES
Phone Names Apple iPad 10.2 (2019) Apple iPad Pro 10.5 (2017)
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 29, 30, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 71 - A22001, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat16 1024/150 Mbps, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 MbpsHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (3CA) Cat9 450/50 Mbps, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE
 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - A2198CDMA2000 1xEV-DO
Launch
Announced2019, September 12. Released 2019, September 212017, June. Released 2017, June
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
BuildGlass front, aluminum back, aluminum frameGlass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame
Dimensions250.6 x 174.1 x 7.5 mm (9.87 x 6.85 x 0.30 in)250.6 x 174.1 x 6.1 mm (9.87 x 6.85 x 0.24 in)
KeyboardQWERTY-
SIMNano-SIM + eSIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight483 g (Wi-Fi) / 493 g (LTE) (1.06 lb)469 g (Wi-Fi) / 477 g (LTE) (1.03 lb)
 Stylus support (1st gen only)Stylus
Display
ProtectionScratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coatingScratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating
Resolution1620 x 2160 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~264 ppi density)1668 x 2224 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~265 ppi density)
Size10.2 inches, 324.6 cm2 (~74.4% screen-to-body ratio)10.5 inches, 341.4 cm2 (~78.3% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD, 120Hz
 -True-tone
Platform
CPUQuad-core 2.34 GHz (2x Hurricane + 2x Zephyr)Hexa-core 2.38 GHz (3x Hurricane & 3x Zephyr)
ChipsetApple A10 Fusion (16 nm)Apple A10X Fusion (10 nm)
GPUPowerVR Series7XT Plus (six-core graphics)PowerVR Series 7 (12-core graphics)
OSiOS 13, upgradable to iPadOS 18.7iOS 10.3.2, upgradable to iPadOS 17.7.10
Memory
Call records20 dialed, 20 received, 20 missed calls-
Card slotNoNo
Internal32GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM, 512GB 4GB RAM
Phonebook3000 entries-
Main Camera
FeaturesHDRQuad-LED dual-tone flash, HDR
Single8 MP, f/2.4, 31mm (standard), 1.12µm, AF12 MP, f/1.8, 1/3.0", PDAF, OIS
Video1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps, HDR4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, 1080p@120fps, 720p@240fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRFace detection, HDR, panorama
Single1.2 MP, f/2.2, 31mm (standard)7 MP, f/2.2, 32mm (standard)
Video720p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers)
Comms
Bluetooth4.2, A2DP, EDR, LE4.2, A2DP, EDR
NFCNoYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS (Wi‑Fi + Cellular model only)GPS, GLONASS (Wi‑Fi + Cellular model only)
RadioNoNo
USBLightning, USB 2.0; magnetic connectorLightning, USB 3.0; magnetic connector
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, hotspotWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, hotspot
Features
BrowserWAP 2.0/xHTML-
GamesDownloadable-
JavaYes-
MessagingSMS, MMS, Email-
SensorsFingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometerFingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer
Battery
Stand-byUp to 400 h (2G) / Up to 150 h (3G)-
Talk timeUp to 10 h (multimedia)Up to 10 h (multimedia)
TypeLi-Po 8827 mAh, non-removable (32.9 Wh)Li-Ion 8134 mAh, non-removable (30.8 Wh)
Misc
ColorsSilver, Gold, Space GraySpace Gray, Rose Gold, Gold, Silver
ModelsA2197, A2200, A2198, iPad7,11, iPad7,12A1701, A1709, A1852, iPad7,3, iPad7,4
PriceAbout 350 EURAbout 730 EUR
SAR-1.19 W/kg (body)
SAR EU-0.93 W/kg (body)

Apple iPad 10.2 (2019)

  • Affordable
  • Modern Design
  • Good for basic tasks
  • Slightly newer model

  • 60Hz display
  • Less powerful GPU
  • Older chipset compared to Pro
  • No ProMotion

Apple iPad Pro 10.5 (2017)

  • ProMotion 120Hz display
  • More powerful GPU
  • Slightly better camera
  • Premium build quality

  • Older design
  • Higher price
  • May be harder to find new

Display Comparison

The iPad Pro 10.5's standout feature is its ProMotion display, offering a 120Hz refresh rate for incredibly smooth scrolling and responsiveness. The iPad 10.2 has a standard 60Hz display, which feels less fluid. Both have excellent color accuracy, but the Pro's brightness is slightly higher. The Pro also has a slightly smaller bezel.

Camera Comparison

The iPad Pro 10.5 has a slightly better rear camera with improved image processing. Both front-facing cameras are adequate for video calls. Don't expect flagship-level camera performance from either device.

Performance

While both use the A10 Fusion chip, the iPad Pro 10.5 utilizes the A10X variant, which includes an additional GPU core. This translates to noticeably better graphics performance on the Pro, especially in games and demanding creative apps. The iPad 10.2 is still capable for everyday tasks, but the Pro offers a smoother experience overall.

Battery Life

Battery life is comparable between the two, offering around 9-10 hours of mixed usage. The iPad 10.2 might have a slight edge due to its smaller screen size, but the difference is minimal.

Buying Guide

The iPad 10.2 (2019) is ideal for students, casual users, and those seeking an affordable tablet for browsing, streaming, and basic productivity. The iPad Pro 10.5 (2017) is better suited for creative professionals, power users, and anyone who values a premium display and enhanced performance for demanding tasks.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the A10X Fusion significantly faster than the A10 Fusion?
Yes, the A10X Fusion in the iPad Pro 10.5 has an additional GPU core, resulting in noticeably better graphics performance.
❓ Which iPad is better for drawing and creative tasks?
The iPad Pro 10.5 is generally better for creative tasks due to its ProMotion display and more powerful GPU, offering a smoother and more responsive experience.