Every iteration of the Apple iPad reveals slight updates to justify the advancement of model number. But the iPad 10th generation tablet takes those updates a bit further with some major changes that set it apart from previous models and the competition.
Some of the most noticeable changes to the iPad are no more large bezels, the disappearance of the Home button, and the retirement of the Lightning port. The 10.9-inch display can shine without making room for the Home button, instead sporting Touch ID.
While the $449 base price is higher than previous models, we can break down the justification for a bit higher price tag when looking at the specific features of the Apple iPad 10th Gen.
Bigger display
When holding the Apple iPad 10th Gen the first thing you'll notice is the display. While this seems obvious, since tablets are basically a screen slapped over a motherboard, this screen extends from edge-to-edge. That is, it doesn't have to make space for an annoyingly archaic Home button. That's gone, replaced by Touch ID.
The display delivers crisp images at around Apple's claim of 500 nits, so it's fairly bright. Not as bright as an iPad pro, but certainly bright enough for the money. It has a 12MP front camera, matched with the 12MP rear camera. You can also spice up your display by purchasing the iPad in a new selection of colors including blue, yellow, pink, or silver.
More power
The Apple iPad 10th Gen contains the A14 Bionic chip (the same processor found in the iPhone 12). While this processor isn't as speedy as the M1 chip found in the iPad Air, it still delivers fluid animations and a bump in frame rate over the iPad 9th Gen. This is still mighty powerful for a tablet, allowing for video editing on the go or seamless gaming sessions.
Additionally, the iPad 10th Gen base model offers 64GB internal storage, which you can increase to 256GB (at an additional cost of course). It handles Wi-Fi 6, with an option for 5G.
The iPad 10th Gen is also the first iPad to utilize the USB-C charging port instead of a Lightning port. The only downside here is that it's USB 2.0 instead of 3.0, which can slow down data transfers depending on your connected device. If you have lived in the Apple ecosystem for some time, adding USB-C may seem daunting. But if you want to save some money on dongles and cables and make that transition to USB-C a smooth one, be sure to pick up a charging base that has variable ports and reverse charging.
Magic keyboard
Like most tablets, the Apple iPad 10th Gen doesn't explicitly come with a keyboard. You'll have to purchase one separately. But if, like many people, you use your tablet as your go-to computing device, then purchasing the Magic Keyboard Folio for the iPad is a no-brainer. Some of the keys are obviously a bit smaller than a traditional keyboard, but this is a sturdy keyboard with tactile feedback and a 14-key function row.
While the keyboard is purchased separately (for $249), the 10th Gen kind of drops the ball on Apple Pencil support. Instead of supporting the latest iteration of the Pencil (2nd Gen), it supports the 1st generation Apple Pencil ($99). The thing is, there's nowhere on the iPad to store the Apple Pencil, the 1st gen pencil still uses Lightning port charging, and you have to use a separate dongle to pair it in the first place. Until an iPadOS update includes support for the 2nd Gen Apple Pencil, you may as well use your finger.
Better battery life
If you are a hardcore tablet user who keeps that screen bright as long as the battery holds out, then the roughly 11 hours of screen time without battery death is good news. It takes about 30 minutes to go from 0 to 26% battery, just in case you push it a bit too far. This is a bit faster than previous models, and you can thank USB-C for that.
iPad Protection
The only area that is severely lacking for the Apple iPad 10th Gen is its included protection, which is nothing. This is a tablet created of glass, aluminum and rare Earth minerals. It's packed with sensitive features like a three‐axis gyro, accelerometer, barometer, and ambient light sensor. It's a fragile thing, and you're paying a lot for it, so you'll want to protect it.
WingoCase is not only designed to fully protect your iPad from bumps, drops, and bangs, it creates an ergonomic tablet experience while offering the highest level of protection. Sure, you can purchase some soft leather case with a stand, but that's a boat made of cardboard. It'll work for a minute, but you'll surely need something stronger if you want to float. The WingoCase for iPad 10th Gen is built to last, offers portrait and landscape modes and eliminates hand strain when holding your iPad on the move.
Protecting your iPad with WingoCase isn't just about physical sturdiness, it's about enhancing your digital interactions with ergonomic solutions. It's about removing one point of stress and anxiety so you can watch movies, write a novel, or just scan social media without the worry of keeping your fragile new iPad out of the repair shop and in your hands.
