Apple iPad 10.2 (2021) vs. iPad 10.2 (2020): A Detailed Comparison
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The iPad 10.2 (2021) offers a noticeable performance boost thanks to the A13 Bionic chip and a brighter display. While the 2020 model remains a solid choice, the 2021 version provides a better overall experience, especially for those prioritizing speed and visual clarity.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Apple iPad 10.2 (2021) | Apple iPad 10.2 (2020) |
| 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 - A2428 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / 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, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - A2429 | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 14 | 2020, September 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 24 | Available. Released 2020, September 18 |
| 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) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 487 g (Wi-Fi) / 498 g (LTE) (1.07 lb) | 490 g (Wi-Fi) / 495 g (LTE) (1.08 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) | Retina IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Hexa-core (2x2.65 GHz Lightning + 4x1.8 GHz Thunder) | Hexa-core (2x2.5 GHz Vortex + 4x1.6 GHz Tempest) |
| Chipset | Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+) | Apple A12 Bionic (7 nm) |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) |
| OS | iPadOS 15, upgradable to iPadOS 26.1 | iPadOS 14, upgradable to iPadOS 26.1 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM, 256GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR, panorama |
| 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 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 8557 mAh (32.4 Wh) | Li-Ion 8827 mAh (32.4 Wh) |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Silver, Space Gray | Silver, Gold, Space Gray |
| Models | A2603, A2604, iPad12,1, iPad12,2 | A2428, A2429, A2270, A2430, iPad11,6, iPad11,7 |
| Price | About 430 EUR | About 370 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 performance (A13 Bionic)
- Brighter display (513 nits)
- Modern design
- Improved multitasking
- Slightly higher price
- Camera improvements minimal
Apple iPad 10.2 (2020)
- More affordable
- Excellent battery life
- Reliable performance for basic tasks
- Slower performance (A12 Bionic)
- Less bright display
- Older design
Display Comparison
The 2021 iPad 10.2 boasts a significantly brighter display, measured at 513 nits compared to the 2020 model's likely lower brightness (spec not readily available, but generally lower). The contrast ratio is also nominally higher on the 2021 model (1123:1). This results in a more vibrant and easier-to-view screen, especially in bright environments. Both models feature a Retina display, offering sharp visuals.
Camera Comparison
Both models feature a single rear camera for photo and video capture. While the image quality is adequate for casual use, neither tablet excels in this area. The 2021 model may have slight improvements due to software optimizations, but the hardware remains largely the same.
Performance
The A13 Bionic chip in the 2021 iPad 10.2 provides a substantial performance upgrade over the A12 Bionic in the 2020 model. Expect faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance. The A13's hexa-core architecture (2x2.65 GHz Lightning + 4x1.8 GHz Thunder) is more powerful than the A12's (2x2.5 GHz Vortex + 4x1.6 GHz Tempest).
Battery Life
Both the 2020 and 2021 iPad 10.2 models offer excellent battery life, typically lasting 10 hours of web browsing or video playback. There's no significant difference in battery performance between the two generations.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Apple iPad 10.2 (2021)? Students, casual users, and those wanting a faster tablet for light gaming and multitasking. Who should buy the Apple iPad 10.2 (2020)? Budget-conscious buyers who primarily need a tablet for basic tasks like browsing, reading, and media consumption.