Apple iPad 10.2 (2021) vs. iPad 10.2 (2019): A Detailed Comparison
| Phones Images | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
🏆 Quick Verdict
The iPad 10.2 (2021) is the clear winner thanks to its significantly faster A13 Bionic chip, brighter display, and modern design. While the 2019 model remains a decent budget option, the 2021 offers a noticeable performance boost and a more enjoyable user experience.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Apple iPad 10.2 (2021) | Apple iPad 10.2 (2019) |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | 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 - A2603 | 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 - A2200 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat16 1024/150 Mbps, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / 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 - A2604 | 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 - A2198 | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 14 | 2019, September 12. Released 2019, September 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 24 | Discontinued |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame | 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) | 250.6 x 174.1 x 7.5 mm (9.87 x 6.85 x 0.30 in) |
| Keyboard | - | QWERTY |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 487 g (Wi-Fi) / 498 g (LTE) (1.07 lb) | 483 g (Wi-Fi) / 493 g (LTE) (1.06 lb) |
| Stylus support (1st gen only) | Stylus support (1st gen only) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating | Scratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating |
| Resolution | 1620 x 2160 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~265 ppi density) | 1620 x 2160 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~264 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.2 inches, 322.2 cm2 (~73.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.2 inches, 324.6 cm2 (~74.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Retina IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) | IPS LCD |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Hexa-core (2x2.65 GHz Lightning + 4x1.8 GHz Thunder) | Quad-core 2.34 GHz (2x Hurricane + 2x Zephyr) |
| Chipset | Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+) | Apple A10 Fusion (16 nm) |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | PowerVR Series7XT Plus (six-core graphics) |
| OS | iPadOS 15, upgradable to iPadOS 26.1 | iOS 13, upgradable to iPadOS 18.7 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Call records | - | 20 dialed, 20 received, 20 missed calls |
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM, 256GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM |
| Phonebook | - | 3000 entries |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.4, 31mm (standard), 1.12µm, AF | 8 MP, f/2.4, 31mm (standard), 1.12µm, AF |
| Video | 1080p@25/30fps, 720p@120fps; gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps, HDR |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 12 MP, f/2.4, 122˚ (ultrawide) | 1.2 MP, f/2.2, 31mm (standard) |
| Video | 1080p@25/30/60fps, gyro-EIS | 720p@30fps |
| 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 | 4.2, A2DP, EDR, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS - cellular model only | GPS, GLONASS (Wi‑Fi + Cellular model only) |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | Lightning, USB 2.0; magnetic connector | Lightning, USB 2.0; magnetic connector |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, hotspot |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Browser | - | WAP 2.0/xHTML |
| Games | - | Downloadable |
| Java | - | Yes |
| Messaging | - | SMS, MMS, Email |
| Sensors | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Stand-by | - | Up to 400 h (2G) / Up to 150 h (3G) |
| Talk time | - | Up to 10 h (multimedia) |
| Type | Li-Ion 8557 mAh (32.4 Wh) | Li-Po 8827 mAh, non-removable (32.9 Wh) |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Silver, Space Gray | Silver, Gold, Space Gray |
| Models | A2603, A2604, iPad12,1, iPad12,2 | A2197, A2200, A2198, iPad7,11, iPad7,12 |
| Price | About 430 EUR | About 350 EUR |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Camera | Photo / Video | - |
| Display | Contrast ratio: 1123:1 (nominal) | - |
| Loudspeaker | -29.4 LUFS (Average) | - |
| Performance | AnTuTu: 617292(v9) GeekBench: 3124 (v5.1) GFXBench: 44fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | - |
Apple iPad 10.2 (2021)
- Faster A13 Bionic Chip
- Brighter Display (513 nits)
- Modern Design
- Improved Performance
- Better Multitasking
- Higher Price
- Camera improvements are minimal
Apple iPad 10.2 (2019)
- Lower Price
- Still capable for basic tasks
- Good battery life
- Slower A10 Fusion Chip
- Less Bright Display
- Older Design
- Slower Performance
Display Comparison
The 2021 iPad boasts a noticeably brighter display, reaching 513 nits compared to the 2019 model's likely lower brightness (specifications not readily available, but generally lower). While both offer a 2160 x 1620 resolution, the improved brightness of the 2021 model makes it easier to view content outdoors or in brightly lit environments. Contrast ratio is also improved in the 2021 model.
Camera Comparison
Both models feature basic photo and video capabilities. While the quality is adequate for casual use, neither tablet is a photography powerhouse. The 2021 model may offer slightly improved image processing due to the more powerful chip, but the difference is unlikely to be dramatic.
Performance
This is where the 2021 iPad truly shines. The A13 Bionic chip is a substantial upgrade over the A10 Fusion. Expect significantly faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance. The A13's hexa-core design provides a considerable advantage over the 2019's quad-core processor.
Battery Life
Both iPads offer all-day battery life under typical usage. While exact battery capacities are similar (around 32.4 Wh), the more efficient A13 chip in the 2021 model might provide slightly longer usage times.
Buying Guide
The iPad 10.2 (2021) is ideal for students, casual users, and anyone wanting a responsive tablet for browsing, streaming, and light productivity. The iPad 10.2 (2019) is a good choice for those on a very tight budget who primarily need a tablet for basic tasks like reading and media consumption.