Apple iPad 10.2 (2021) vs. iPad Air (2019): A Detailed Comparison

Choosing between an iPad can be tough, especially with Apple's diverse lineup. The iPad 10.2 (2021) offers a budget-friendly entry point, while the iPad Air (2019) provides a step up in performance and features. Let's break down the key differences to help you decide which one is right for you.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The iPad 10.2 (2021) is the clear winner for budget-conscious buyers, offering a brighter screen and a more modern design. However, the iPad Air (2019) still holds its own with a slightly faster processor and a more premium feel, making it a solid choice if performance is a priority.

PHONES
Phone Names	Apple iPad 10.2 (2021)	Apple iPad Air (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 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, 46, 66, 71 - A2153
Speed	HSPA, LTE - cellular model only	HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat16 1024/150 Mbps
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, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 66 - A2123

Launch
Announced	2021, September 14	2019, March 18. Released 2019, March 18
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 6.1 mm (9.87 x 6.85 x 0.24 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM + eSIM (cellular model only)	Nano-SIM + eSIM
Weight	487 g (Wi-Fi) / 498 g (LTE) (1.07 lb)	456 g (Wi-Fi) / 464 g (3G/LTE) (1.01 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)	1668 x 2224 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~265 ppi density)
Size	10.2 inches, 322.2 cm2 (~73.8% screen-to-body ratio)	10.5 inches, 341.4 cm2 (~78.3% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	Retina IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ)	IPS LCD
	-	True-tone

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	iOS 12.1.3, upgradable to iPadOS 18.6

Memory
Card slot	No	No
Internal	64GB 3GB RAM, 256GB 3GB RAM	64GB 3GB RAM, 256GB 3GB 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

Selfie camera
Features	HDR	HDR
Single	12 MP, f/2.4, 122˚ (ultrawide)	7 MP, f/2.2, 31mm (standard)
Video	1080p@25/30/60fps, gyro-EIS	1080p@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	5.0, A2DP, EDR
NFC	No	No
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS - cellular model only	GPS, GLONASS (LTE 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 8134 mAh, non-removable (30.8 Wh)

Misc
Colors	Silver, Space Gray	Space Gray, Silver, Gold
Models	A2603, A2604, iPad12,1, iPad12,2	A2153, A2123, A2154, A2152, iPad11,3, iPad11,4
Price	About 430 EUR	About 550 EUR
SAR	-	1.19 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)

Brighter Display
Modern Design
More Affordable
Good Performance for the Price

Slightly Slower Processor than Air
Basic Camera System

Apple iPad Air (2019)

Slightly Faster Processor
Slimmer Design
Premium Feel

Less Bright Display
Higher Price
Older Design

Display Comparison

The iPad 10.2 (2021) boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching 513 nits compared to the Air's likely lower brightness (estimated around 350-400 nits). While both have excellent color accuracy, the 10.2's higher brightness makes it better for outdoor use. Both feature a 2160 x 1620 resolution, providing sharp visuals.

Camera Comparison

Both iPads feature basic photo and video capabilities. Neither is a standout performer in this area, but they are adequate for casual snapshots and video calls. Expect similar image quality from both devices.

Performance

The iPad Air (2019) utilizes the A12 Bionic chip, which is slightly faster than the iPad 10.2's A13 Bionic in some benchmarks. However, for everyday tasks like browsing, email, and video streaming, the difference is minimal. The A13 still provides plenty of power for the 10.2.

Battery Life

Both iPads offer all-day battery life under typical usage. Expect around 10 hours of web browsing or video playback. While specific battery capacities differ, real-world performance is comparable.

Buying Guide

Who should buy the Apple iPad 10.2 (2021)? Students, casual users, and those on a budget will appreciate its affordability and improved display. Who should buy the Apple iPad Air (2019)? Users needing a bit more processing power for light gaming or creative tasks, and those who prefer a slimmer design, will find the Air a worthwhile investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the A13 Bionic chip in the iPad 10.2 (2021) fast enough?

Yes, the A13 Bionic is more than capable for most users. It handles everyday tasks, streaming, and even some light gaming with ease.

❓ Which iPad is better for students?

The iPad 10.2 (2021) is generally a better choice for students due to its affordability and bright display, making it easier to read textbooks and take notes.