Apple iPad (2022) vs. iPad 10.2 (2021): The Ultimate Tablet Showdown
| Phones Images | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
🏆 Quick Verdict
The iPad (2022) edges out the iPad 10.2 (2021) thanks to its faster A14 Bionic chip, modern design, and improved display. However, the iPad 10.2 remains a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers seeking a reliable and capable tablet.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Apple iPad (2022) | Apple iPad 10.2 (2021) |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - A2757 | 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, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71 - A2757 | 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 |
| 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, 5G - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| 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 | 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 | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2022, October 18 | 2021, September 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, October 26 | Available. Released 2021, September 24 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 248.6 x 179.5 x 7 mm (9.79 x 7.07 x 0.28 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 (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 477 g (Wi-Fi) / 481 g (LTE) (1.05 lb) | 487 g (Wi-Fi) / 498 g (LTE) (1.07 lb) |
| Stylus support (1st gen only) | Stylus support (1st gen only) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating | Scratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating |
| Resolution | 1640 x 2360 pixels (~264 ppi density) | 1620 x 2160 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~265 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.9 inches, 359.2 cm2 (~80.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.2 inches, 322.2 cm2 (~73.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Liquid Retina IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) | Retina IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Hexa-core (2x3.0 GHz Firestorm + 4x1.8 GHz Icestorm) | Hexa-core (2x2.65 GHz Lightning + 4x1.8 GHz Thunder) |
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+) |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) |
| OS | iPadOS 16.1, upgradable to iPadOS 26.1 | iPadOS 15, upgradable to iPadOS 26.1 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM, 256GB 3GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 12 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF | 8 MP, f/2.4, 31mm (standard), 1.12µm, AF |
| Video | 4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120/240fps | 1080p@25/30fps, 720p@120fps; 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@25/30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, EDR, LE | 4.2, A2DP, EDR, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS (Wi‑Fi + Cellular model only) | GPS, GLONASS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, DisplayPort; magnetic connector | Lightning, USB 2.0; magnetic connector |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, hotspot |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (top-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Type | Li-Po 7606 mAh (28.6 Wh) | Li-Ion 8557 mAh (32.4 Wh) |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Silver, Blue, Pink, Yellow | Silver, Space Gray |
| Models | A3162, A2757, A2777, A2696, iPad13,18, iPad13,19 | A2603, A2604, iPad12,1, iPad12,2 |
| 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 (2022)
- Faster A14 Bionic chip
- Larger, brighter display
- Modern design
- Improved performance for demanding tasks
- Higher price point
- No headphone jack
Apple iPad 10.2 (2021)
- More affordable
- Reliable performance for everyday tasks
- Compact and portable
- Headphone jack
- Slower A13 Bionic chip
- Smaller display
- Older design
Display Comparison
The iPad (2022) features a larger 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with a 2360 x 1640 resolution, offering a slightly sharper image and more screen real estate. While both have a nominal contrast ratio of 1123:1, the iPad (2022) boasts a measured brightness of 513 nits, making it easier to view outdoors. The iPad 10.2 (2021) has a 10.2-inch Retina display with a 2160 x 1620 resolution.
Camera Comparison
Both iPads feature standard photo and video capabilities. While the image quality is decent for a tablet, neither is a standout performer. The iPad (2022) may offer slightly improved image processing due to the newer chip, but the difference is minimal.
Performance
The A14 Bionic chip in the iPad (2022) provides a noticeable performance boost over the A13 Bionic in the iPad 10.2 (2021). Expect faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance. Both tablets handle everyday tasks with ease, but the A14 shines under heavier workloads.
Battery Life
Both iPads offer all-day battery life, typically lasting around 10 hours of mixed usage. Battery performance is comparable between the two models.
Buying Guide
The iPad (2022) is ideal for users who prioritize performance, a modern design, and a brighter display. It's great for multitasking, gaming, and creative tasks. The iPad 10.2 (2021) is a fantastic choice for students, casual users, and those on a tighter budget who still want the Apple iPad experience.