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Apple iPad (9th generation) vs Apple iPad (10th generation)
Apple iPad (9th generation) ($155) vs Apple iPad (10th generation) ($272) — side-by-side specs, weight, pros and cons to help you pick the right budget tablet.
Spec-by-spec
| Spec | Apple iPad (9th generation) | Apple iPad (10th generation) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $155 | $272 |
| Weight | 487g | 477g |
| Chip | A13 Bionic | A14 Bionic |
| Display | 10.2" Retina | 10.9" Liquid Retina, edge-to-edge |
| Camera | 12MP Center Stage front, 8MP rear | — |
| Port | Lightning | USB-C |
| Pencil | 1st generation Apple Pencil | 1st generation Apple Pencil, via adapter |
| Weight | 487g (Apple published, Wi-Fi) | 477g (Apple published, Wi-Fi) |
| TouchID | — | Moved to top button |
Pros & Cons
Apple iPad (9th generation)
- Cheapest working iPad with a modern-enough chip for everyday apps
- Home button and Touch ID, familiar to anyone coming from an older iPhone
- Center Stage front camera for video calls
- Compatible with the 1st-gen Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard
- Lightning port, not USB-C
- Thick bezels around a smaller 10.2-inch display
- 487g is heavier than every iPad Air or Pro on this list
- No longer sold new, so accessories will thin out over time
Apple iPad (10th generation)
- USB-C, first base iPad to drop Lightning
- Edge-to-edge display matches the iPad Air's modern look
- A14 chip is a real step up from the 9th gen's A13
- Landscape stereo speakers, better for video and games
- Still only supports the 1st-gen Apple Pencil, and needs a USB-C adapter to charge it
- No ProMotion or laminated display like the Air/Pro
- 477g, barely lighter than the 9th gen despite the redesign
- Costs meaningfully more than the 9th gen used for a smaller feature gap than the redesign suggests
Apple iPad (9th generation) is the better value at $155. If weight matters most, Apple iPad (10th generation) carries lighter at 477g. Both are part of our curated budget tablet index — tap through to check current pricing.
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