Apple iPad 10.2 (2021) vs. iPad (2022): A Detailed Comparison
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The iPad (2022) offers a noticeable performance boost thanks to the A14 Bionic chip, making it the better choice for demanding tasks. However, the iPad 10.2 (2021) remains a solid option for everyday use and offers excellent value for budget-conscious buyers.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Apple iPad 10.2 (2021) | Apple iPad (2022) |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - A2757 |
| 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, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71 - A2757 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - A2757, A2777 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE, 5G - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| 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, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71 - A2777 | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 14 | 2022, October 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 24 | Available. Released 2022, October 26 |
| 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) | 248.6 x 179.5 x 7 mm (9.79 x 7.07 x 0.28 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM + eSIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 487 g (Wi-Fi) / 498 g (LTE) (1.07 lb) | 477 g (Wi-Fi) / 481 g (LTE) (1.05 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) | 1640 x 2360 pixels (~264 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.2 inches, 322.2 cm2 (~73.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.9 inches, 359.2 cm2 (~80.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Retina IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) | Liquid Retina IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Hexa-core (2x2.65 GHz Lightning + 4x1.8 GHz Thunder) | Hexa-core (2x3.0 GHz Firestorm + 4x1.8 GHz Icestorm) |
| Chipset | Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+) | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) |
| OS | iPadOS 15, upgradable to iPadOS 26.1 | iPadOS 16.1, upgradable to iPadOS 26.1 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM, 256GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.4, 31mm (standard), 1.12µm, AF | 12 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF |
| Video | 1080p@25/30fps, 720p@120fps; gyro-EIS | 4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120/240fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 12 MP, f/2.4, 122˚ (ultrawide) | 12 MP, f/2.4, 122˚ (ultrawide) |
| Video | 1080p@25/30/60fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@25/30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, EDR, LE | 5.2, 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 | USB Type-C 2.0, DisplayPort; magnetic connector |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, hotspot |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer | Fingerprint (top-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 8557 mAh (32.4 Wh) | Li-Po 7606 mAh (28.6 Wh) |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Silver, Space Gray | Silver, Blue, Pink, Yellow |
| Models | A2603, A2604, iPad12,1, iPad12,2 | A3162, A2757, A2777, A2696, iPad13,18, iPad13,19 |
| Price | About 430 EUR | About 430 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)
- Affordable
- Reliable performance for everyday tasks
- Excellent value
- Good display quality
- All-day battery life
- Older chipset
- Less powerful than the 2022 model
- May not be future-proof
Apple iPad (2022)
- Faster performance with A14 Bionic
- Improved multitasking
- Better future-proofing
- Slightly improved display
- Efficient battery life
- Higher price
- Camera performance is average
Display Comparison
Both iPads feature a 10.2-inch Liquid Retina display, offering vibrant colors and sharp details. The 2022 model boasts slightly improved color accuracy and potentially better viewing angles, though the difference is subtle. The 2021 model's contrast ratio of 1123:1 is impressive, and the 513 nits brightness ensures good visibility even outdoors.
Camera Comparison
Camera capabilities are similar on both devices, primarily focused on photo and video capture. While both offer decent image quality for a tablet, neither is a standout performer compared to flagship smartphones. The iPad 2022 may have slightly improved image processing due to the newer chip.
Performance
The A14 Bionic chip in the iPad (2022) represents a significant upgrade over the A13 Bionic in the iPad 10.2 (2021). Expect faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved performance in graphically intensive games and applications. The A14's efficiency also contributes to potentially better battery life under heavy load.
Battery Life
Both iPads offer all-day battery life under typical usage. However, the A14 Bionic's improved efficiency in the iPad (2022) could translate to slightly longer battery life, especially during demanding tasks.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Apple iPad 10.2 (2021)? Students, casual users, and those on a tighter budget will appreciate the iPad 10.2's affordability and reliable performance for basic tasks. Who should buy the Apple iPad (2022)? Users who prioritize speed, smoother multitasking, and future-proofing should opt for the iPad (2022).