iPad 9th Gen vs 10th Gen – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

iPad 10th Gen & iPad 9th Gen share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the iPad 10th Gen rather than the iPad 9th Gen. 

Why Do I Recommend The iPad 10th Gen

  • The iPad 10th Gen has a powerful A14 Bionic chip for faster processing, smoother multitasking, & better gaming performance, while the iPad 9th Gen has A13 chip.
  • iPad 10th Gen features a larger 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display for a more immersive viewing experience, sharper visuals, & reduced bezels, compared to the 9th Gen’s 10.2-inch Retina screen.
  • It supports 5G connectivity for faster cellular data, lower latency, & future-ready mobile performance, compared to the iPad 9th Gen’s LTE support.
  • The iPad 10th Gen has a 12MP rear camera with 4K video recording for sharper photos & professional-quality video, while the iPad 9th Gen comes with an 8MP 1080p camera.
  • iPad 10th Gen offers USB-C connectivity for faster data transfer, universal charging, & compatibility with modern accessories, unlike the iPad 9th Gen’s Lightning port.
  • It supports Magic Keyboard Folio with full-size keys & trackpad for enhanced productivity, compared to the limited Smart Keyboard support on the iPad 9th Gen.
  • The iPad 10th Gen features a modern flat-edge design with Touch ID in the top button for a sleek, refined, & more premium experience, compared to the 9th Gen’s older Home Button layout.

Maybe the iPad 9th Gen price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the iPad 10th Gen. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

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Side By Side Comparison

FeatureiPad 10th GeniPad 9th Gen
ChipsetA14 Bionic chipA13 Bionic chip
Neural Engine16-core8-core
Display Resolution2360 x 16402160 x 1620
Body DesignFlat-edge aluminum chassisRounded-edge aluminum chassis
Home ButtonNoYes
Touch ID LocationTop buttonFront
Display Brightness500 nits500 nits
Display TypeLiquid RetinaRetina
Anti-Reflective CoatingYesNo
True Tone DisplayYesYes
Front Camera12MP Ultra Wide12MP Ultra Wide
Rear Camera12MP Wide8MP Wide
Rear Video Recording4K at 24/25/30/60fps, 1080p at 25/30/60fps1080p at 30fps
USB Port TypeUSB-CLightning
Apple Pencil CompatibilityApple PencilApple Pencil
Keyboard SupportMagic Keyboard FolioSmart Keyboard
Speaker SetupLandscape stereo speakersStereo speakers
Wi-Fi StandardWi-Fi 6Wi-Fi 5
Cellular Network5G4G LTE
Bluetooth VersionBluetooth 5.2Bluetooth 4.2
ColorsSilver, Blue, Pink, YellowSilver, Space Gray
Weight (Wi-Fi model)477g487g
Weight (Cellular model)481g498g
OS at LaunchiPadOS 16iPadOS 15
PriceCheck iPad 10th Gen PriceCheck iPad 9 th Gen Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Operating System (Upgradeable): Both iPad 10th Gen and iPad 9th Gen run iPadOS and support updates to the latest iPadOS version, allowing users access to the newest features, security patches, and software compatibility.
  • Apple Pencil Support: Each model supports the 1st generation Apple Pencil, enabling users to write, draw, and annotate. While connection methods differ (Lightning vs USB-C adapter), both deliver the same stylus functionality.
  • Touch ID: Touch ID is available on both models for secure unlocking and purchases—though the 10th Gen integrates it into the top button while the 9th Gen uses the Home button.
  • True Tone Display: Both iPads include True Tone technology, which adjusts the screen’s white balance based on ambient lighting to offer a more natural and comfortable viewing experience.
  • Front Camera Resolution: Both devices have a 12MP Ultra Wide front-facing camera, supporting high-quality selfies and video calls.
  • Center Stage: Each iPad supports Center Stage, which uses the front camera’s wide field of view to keep users centered during video calls, enhancing FaceTime and virtual meetings.
  • Smart Connector: Both models have a Smart Connector that allows compatible keyboards and accessories to attach and draw power without Bluetooth pairing.
  • Stereo Speakers: Stereo audio playback is present on both devices, giving users decent sound quality for media consumption.
  • Battery Life: Each model offers up to 10 hours of battery life for web browsing or video playback on Wi‑Fi, ensuring all-day performance for typical usage.
  • Storage Options: Both iPads come in 64GB and 256GB storage variants, allowing similar flexibility in app, photo, and video storage.
  • iCloud & App Store: Users can access Apple’s ecosystem of cloud services and the App Store on both models, ensuring seamless app downloads and data sync across devices.
  • Apple Services Support: Each iPad supports Apple Arcade, Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Fitness+, iCloud, and other subscription services.
  • Environmental Efforts: Apple uses recycled aluminum in the chassis of both iPads as part of its sustainability initiatives.
  • Security Features: Both feature the Secure Enclave hardware security element, supporting encrypted data storage and biometric authentication.
  • Family Sharing & Parental Controls: Both iPads support Apple’s Family Sharing system and Screen Time settings, allowing parents to manage access and content restrictions for children.

Common Features

FeatureiPad 10th GeniPad 9th Gen
Operating System (Upgradeable)iPadOSiPadOS
Apple Pencil SupportApple PencilApple Pencil
Touch IDYesYes
True Tone DisplayYesYes
Front Camera Resolution12MP Ultra Wide12MP Ultra Wide
Center StageYesYes
Smart ConnectorYesYes
Stereo SpeakersYesYes
Battery LifeUp to 10 hoursUp to 10 hours
Storage Options64GB, 256GB64GB, 256GB
iCloud & App StoreYesYes
Apple Services SupportApple Arcade, Apple TV+, iCloud, etcApple Arcade, Apple TV+, iCloud, etc
Environmental EffortsRecycled aluminum enclosureRecycled aluminum enclosure
Security FeaturesTouch ID, Secure EnclaveTouch ID, Secure Enclave
Family Sharing & Parental ControlsYesYes
Price Check iPad 10th Gen Price Check iPad 9th Gen Price

FAQ

Does the iPad 10th Gen have better performance than the iPad 9th Gen?
Yes, the iPad 10th Gen is equipped with the A14 Bionic chip, which delivers faster CPU and GPU performance compared to the A13 Bionic in the 9th Gen, resulting in smoother multitasking and improved app performance.

Can both iPads use the Apple Pencil?
Yes, both iPads support the 1st generation Apple Pencil. However, the iPad 10th Gen requires a USB-C to Apple Pencil adapter for charging and pairing, while the iPad 9th Gen connects directly via Lightning.

Do both iPads support the same display features?
Both offer True Tone display technology and similar brightness, but the iPad 10th Gen has a larger and higher-resolution Liquid Retina display with slimmer bezels and a more immersive viewing experience.

Is the camera quality better on the iPad 10th Gen?
Yes, the iPad 10th Gen has a 12MP rear camera with support for 4K video recording, compared to the 8MP rear camera with 1080p recording on the iPad 9th Gen.

Do both iPads have Center Stage on the front camera?
Yes, both models feature a 12MP ultra-wide front camera with Center Stage, which automatically keeps users centered during video calls.

What type of port does each iPad use?
The iPad 10th Gen uses a USB-C port, offering broader compatibility with accessories and chargers. The iPad 9th Gen retains the traditional Lightning port.

Are both iPads compatible with external keyboards?
Yes, but they support different accessories. The iPad 10th Gen works with the new Magic Keyboard Folio, while the iPad 9th Gen is compatible with the older Smart Keyboard.

Do both iPads have Touch ID?
Yes, both have Touch ID. The iPad 10th Gen integrates it into the top power button, while the iPad 9th Gen includes it in the front Home Button.

Is there a price difference between the two iPads?
Yes, the iPad 10th Gen launched at a higher price of $449, while the iPad 9th Gen started at $329, reflecting their difference in design and hardware capabilities.

Which iPad is better for video editing or gaming?
The iPad 10th Gen is better suited for demanding tasks like video editing and gaming due to its more powerful A14 chip and improved graphics performance.

Can both iPads run the latest iPadOS updates?
Yes, both the iPad 10th Gen and 9th Gen are compatible with the latest versions of iPadOS, offering access to new features, security improvements, and app support.

Do both iPads support family sharing and parental controls?
Yes, both support Apple’s Family Sharing and Screen Time features, allowing for content control, app usage limits, and shared purchases within a family.

Is the battery life the same on both iPads?
Yes, both models offer up to 10 hours of battery life for browsing the web or watching video on Wi-Fi, providing all-day usage for most users.

Which iPad is better overall in terms of future-proofing?
The iPad 10th Gen is more future-proof due to its newer processor, USB-C port, improved connectivity with Wi-Fi 6 and 5G, and modern design.

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