Apple iPad 10.2 (2021) vs. iPad 9.7 (2017): A Detailed Comparison
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The iPad 10.2 (2021) is the clear winner, offering a significantly faster processor, brighter display, and modern design. While the iPad 9.7 (2017) remains a capable budget option, the 10.2's improvements make it a worthwhile upgrade for most users.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Apple iPad 10.2 (2021) | Apple iPad 9.7 (2017) |
| 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, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 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 | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 14 | 2017, March. Released 2017, March |
| 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) | 240 x 169.5 x 7.5 mm (9.45 x 6.67 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) | 469 g (Wi-Fi) / 478 g (LTE) (1.03 lb) |
| 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) | 1536 x 2048 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~264 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.2 inches, 322.2 cm2 (~73.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 9.7 inches, 291.4 cm2 (~71.6% 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) | Dual-core 1.84 GHz (Twister) |
| Chipset | Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+) | Apple A9 (14 nm) |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | PowerVR GT7600 (six-core graphics) |
| OS | iPadOS 15, upgradable to iPadOS 26.1 | iOS 10.3, upgradable to iPadOS 16.7.12 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM, 256GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 128GB 2GB RAM |
| 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, stereo sound rec. |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | Face detection, HDR, panorama |
| 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 |
| 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 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 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 | A1822, A1823, iPad6,11, iPad6,12 |
| Price | About 430 EUR | About 390 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.18 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.99 W/kg (body) |
| 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 and Laminated Display
- Modern Design
- Improved Compatibility with Accessories
- Supports Apple Pencil (1st Gen)
- Higher Price
- Basic Camera System
Apple iPad 9.7 (2017)
- Lower Price
- Compact and Lightweight
- Decent Battery Life
- Slower A9 Chip
- Dimmer Display
- Outdated Design
- Limited Accessory Support
Display Comparison
The iPad 10.2 (2021) boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching 513 nits compared to the 9.7's likely lower brightness. While both offer a 2048 x 1536 resolution, the 10.2's improved brightness makes for a more enjoyable viewing experience, especially outdoors. The 10.2 also features a more modern laminated display, reducing glare and improving clarity.
Camera Comparison
Both iPads feature basic photo and video capabilities. While the image quality is adequate for casual snapshots, neither tablet excels in this area. The 10.2's newer chip may offer slightly improved image processing, but the difference is minimal.
Performance
The A13 Bionic chip in the iPad 10.2 (2021) is a massive upgrade over the A9 in the iPad 9.7 (2017). Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better overall responsiveness. The A13 handles demanding games and applications with ease, while the A9 can struggle with more modern software.
Battery Life
Both iPads offer all-day battery life under typical usage. While specific battery capacities differ, real-world performance is comparable. Expect around 9-10 hours of web browsing or video playback on both devices.
Buying Guide
The iPad 10.2 (2021) is ideal for students, casual users, and anyone wanting a modern tablet experience with good performance and a vibrant display. The iPad 9.7 (2017) is a good choice for those on a very tight budget who primarily need a basic tablet for web browsing and light tasks.