The tablet market offers a wide spectrum of choices, from premium experiences to budget-friendly options. This comparison pits Apple’s consistently popular iPad 10.2 (2020) against Amazon’s Fire HD 10 (2021), two devices targeting different segments but often cross-shopped due to price considerations. We’ll dissect their core components to determine which tablet best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing performance and long-term software support, the Apple iPad 10.2 (2020) is the clear winner. Its A12 Bionic chip offers significantly more processing power than the Fire HD 10’s Helio P60T. However, the Fire HD 10 remains a compelling option for those focused on media consumption and Amazon’s ecosystem at a lower price point.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | N/A |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | - |
| 4G bands | 1, 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 - A2428 | - |
| EDGE | - | No |
| GPRS | - | No |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | - |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | No cellular connectivity |
| | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - A2429 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, September 15 | 2021, April 27. Released 2021, May 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2020, September 18 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame | - |
| Dimensions | 250.6 x 174.1 x 7.5 mm (9.87 x 6.85 x 0.30 in) | 247 x 166 x 9.2 mm (9.72 x 6.54 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM | No |
| Weight | 490 g (Wi-Fi) / 495 g (LTE) (1.08 lb) | 465 g (1.03 lb) |
| | Stylus support (1st gen only) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating | Aluminosilicate glass |
| Resolution | 1620 x 2160 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~264 ppi density) | 1920 x 1200 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.2 inches, 324.6 cm2 (~74.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~72.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Retina IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Hexa-core (2x2.5 GHz Vortex + 4x1.6 GHz Tempest) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Apple A12 Bionic (7 nm) | Mediatek MT8183 Helio P60T (12 nm) |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Mali-G72 MP3 |
| OS | iPadOS 14, upgradable to iPadOS 26.1 | Android 9.0 (Pie), Fire OS 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.4, 31mm (standard), 1.12µm, AF | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps, HDR | 720p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 1.2 MP, f/2.2, 31mm (standard) | 2 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, EDR, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS (Wi‑Fi + Cellular model only) | No |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | Lightning, USB 2.0; magnetic connector | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer | Accelerometer |
| | - | Text-to-Speech English-language content reader |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 8827 mAh (32.4 Wh) | Li-Ion |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Silver, Gold, Space Gray | Black, Denim, Olive, Lavender |
| Models | A2428, A2429, A2270, A2430, iPad11,6, iPad11,7 | T76N2B, KFTRWI, KFTRPWI |
| Price | About 370 EUR | About 130 EUR |
Apple iPad 10.2 (2020)
- Significantly faster processor (A12 Bionic)
- Superior software support and updates
- Better display quality and color accuracy
- Higher price point
- Accessories (Apple Pencil, keyboard) sold separately
Amazon Fire HD 10 (2021)
- Lower price point
- Deep integration with Amazon’s ecosystem
- Larger battery capacity
- Slower processor (Helio P60T)
- Limited software updates
- Less refined user experience
Display Comparison
While both tablets feature 10.1-inch displays, the specifics differ. The Fire HD 10 utilizes a 1920x1200 resolution panel, while Apple doesn’t explicitly state the iPad 10.2’s resolution, it’s also 1920x1200. The key difference lies in panel technology and processing. Apple’s displays generally boast superior color accuracy and brightness, though specific nits aren’t provided in the context data. The Fire HD 10’s 12nm Helio P60T likely has less sophisticated display processing capabilities, potentially impacting image quality. Bezels are comparable, but Apple’s display benefits from True Tone technology, adapting color temperature to ambient lighting for a more comfortable viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet excels in the camera department, but the iPad holds a slight edge. While specific camera specs aren’t provided beyond the chipsets, Apple’s image signal processor (ISP) within the A12 Bionic generally produces better image quality than the ISP found in the Helio P60T. The Fire HD 10’s camera is adequate for basic video calls and casual snapshots, but the iPad will deliver more detailed and accurate photos, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. Focusing on the processing power, the A12 Bionic’s superior image processing capabilities will result in better noise reduction and dynamic range.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Apple iPad 10.2 (2020) is powered by the A12 Bionic, a 7nm chip with a hexa-core CPU (2x2.5 GHz Vortex + 4x1.6 GHz Tempest). This architecture prioritizes both performance and efficiency. Conversely, the Amazon Fire HD 10 (2021) utilizes the MediaTek MT8183 Helio P60T, a 12nm chip with an octa-core CPU (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53). While the Helio P60T has more cores, the A12 Bionic’s superior architecture and smaller manufacturing process deliver substantially higher single-core and multi-core performance. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience on the iPad. The A12 Bionic’s GPU also significantly outperforms the Helio P60T’s, making the iPad the better choice for gaming.
Battery Life
Battery life is difficult to compare without standardized testing data. Both tablets offer all-day battery life for typical usage scenarios like web browsing and video streaming. The Fire HD 10 has a larger battery capacity (7000 mAh) than the iPad 10.2 (8827 mAh), but the A12 Bionic’s superior power efficiency partially offsets this difference. Apple’s optimized software and hardware integration contribute to efficient power management. Charging speeds are also not specified, but Apple generally offers faster charging capabilities with its accessories.
Buying Guide
Buy the Apple iPad 10.2 (2020) if you need a tablet capable of handling demanding tasks like video editing, graphic design, or gaming, and if you value Apple’s ecosystem and long-term software updates. Buy the Amazon Fire HD 10 (2021) if you primarily intend to consume media – streaming video, reading ebooks, and browsing the web – and are heavily invested in Amazon’s services, prioritizing affordability above all else.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the MediaTek Helio P60T in the Fire HD 10 struggle with multitasking or demanding apps?
Yes, the Helio P60T is a mid-range processor and will exhibit noticeable slowdowns when running multiple apps simultaneously or handling graphically intensive tasks. While suitable for basic web browsing and video streaming, it’s not ideal for power users or those who frequently engage in demanding activities.
❓ How long will the iPad 10.2 (2020) receive software updates?
Apple typically provides several years of software updates for its iPads. The iPad 10.2 (2020) is currently supported with the latest iPadOS versions and is expected to receive updates for at least another 2-3 years, ensuring access to new features and security patches.
❓ Is the Amazon Fire HD 10 a good choice for reading ebooks?
The Fire HD 10 is an excellent choice for reading ebooks, especially if you're a Kindle Unlimited subscriber. Its large display and comfortable viewing angles make it ideal for extended reading sessions, and the integration with Amazon’s ebook ecosystem is seamless.
❓ Can I use Google Play Store apps on the Amazon Fire HD 10?
No, the Fire HD 10 uses Amazon’s Appstore, which has a smaller selection of apps compared to the Google Play Store. While you can sideload the Google Play Store, it’s a complex process and not officially supported by Amazon.
