Apple iPad 10.2 (2021) vs iPad Air (2022): The Ultimate Tablet Showdown
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The iPad Air (2022) is the clear winner for performance and features thanks to the M1 chip. However, the iPad 10.2 (2021) offers excellent value for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize affordability over raw power. It's a fantastic entry-level tablet.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Apple iPad 10.2 (2021) | Apple iPad Air (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 |
| 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 - A2589 |
| 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 - A2589, A2591 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| 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 - A2591 | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 14 | 2022, March 08 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 24 | Available. Released 2022, March 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) | 247.6 x 178.5 x 6.1 mm (9.75 x 7.03 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) | 461 g (Wi-Fi) / 462 g (5G) (1.02 lb) |
| Stylus support (1st gen only) | Stylus support (2nd gen) | |
| 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 (~81.3% 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) | Octa-core (4x3.2 GHz & 4xX.X GHz) |
| Chipset | Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+) | Apple M1 |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Apple GPU (8-core graphics) |
| OS | iPadOS 15, upgradable to iPadOS 26.1 | iPadOS 15.4, upgradable to iPadOS 26.1 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM, 256GB 3GB RAM | 64GB, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.4, 31mm (standard), 1.12µm, AF | 12 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF |
| Video | 1080p@25/30fps, 720p@120fps; gyro-EIS | 4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS |
| 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@30/60fps |
| 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 | 5.0, A2DP, EDR |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS - cellular model only | GPS, GLONASS (5G model only) |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | Lightning, USB 2.0; magnetic connector | USB Type-C 3.1 Gen2, 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-Ion 7600 mAh (28.6 Wh) |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Silver, Space Gray | Space Gray, Starlight, Pink, Purple, Blue |
| Models | A2603, A2604, iPad12,1, iPad12,2 | A2588, A2589, A2591, iPad13,16, iPad13,17 |
| Price | About 430 EUR | About 550 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
- Good for everyday tasks
- Reliable performance
- Large screen size (10.2 inches)
- Older chipset (A13 Bionic)
- Less premium design
- Lower resolution display
- No laminated display
Apple iPad Air (2022)
- Powerful M1 chip
- Premium design
- Liquid Retina display
- Laminated display
- Wider color gamut (P3)
- More expensive
- Smaller screen size (10.9 inches)
Display Comparison
The iPad Air (2022) boasts a Liquid Retina display with a wider color gamut (P3) and a laminated display for improved viewing angles and reduced reflections. While the iPad 10.2 (2021) has a respectable display with a 1123:1 contrast ratio and 513 nits brightness, it lacks the Air's advanced features and slightly higher resolution. The Air's smaller size (10.9 inches vs 10.2 inches) also contributes to a higher pixel density.
Camera Comparison
Both iPads offer basic photo and video capabilities. While both are adequate for casual snapshots, neither is a standout performer. The iPad Air (2022) may offer slightly improved image processing due to the M1 chip, but the difference is not substantial. Both lack advanced camera features like optical image stabilization.
Performance
This is where the iPad Air (2022) truly shines. The M1 chip provides a massive performance leap over the A13 Bionic in the iPad 10.2 (2021). Expect significantly faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved graphics performance for gaming and creative tasks. The M1's efficiency also contributes to excellent battery life.
Battery Life
Both iPads offer all-day battery life under typical usage. The iPad Air (2022) benefits from the M1 chip's efficiency, potentially providing slightly longer battery life, especially during demanding tasks. Both support USB-C charging.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Apple iPad 10.2 (2021)? Students, casual users, and those on a budget will appreciate the iPad 10.2's affordability and reliable performance for everyday tasks. Who should buy the Apple iPad Air (2022)? Creative professionals, gamers, and users who demand top-tier performance and a more premium experience will benefit from the iPad Air's M1 chip and advanced features.