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Apple iPad (A16) vs Apple iPad (10th generation)
Apple iPad (A16) ($449) 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 (A16) | Apple iPad (10th generation) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449 | $272 |
| Weight | 477g | 477g |
| Chip | A16 | A14 Bionic |
| Display | 11" Liquid Retina | 10.9" Liquid Retina, edge-to-edge |
| Security | Touch ID top button | — |
| Accessories | Apple Pencil (USB-C) | — |
| Weight | 477 g (Wi-Fi) | 477g (Apple published, Wi-Fi) |
| Port | — | USB-C |
| TouchID | — | Moved to top button |
| Pencil | — | 1st generation Apple Pencil, via adapter |
Pros & Cons
Apple iPad (A16)
- $449 entry into a mature ecosystem
- A16 is plenty for media and notes
- Same 11-inch screen size as the Air
- Years of software support at this price
- No Pencil Pro — USB-C Pencil only
- Heavier than the 11-inch Air it undercuts
- Unlaminated display feels less premium
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 (10th generation) is the better value at $272. If weight matters most, Apple iPad (A16) carries lighter at 477g. Both are part of our curated budget tablet index — tap through to check current pricing.
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