Apple’s iPad 10th generation brought a fresh design, better cameras, and a USB-C port, making it a big step up from the older base models.
It’s aimed at students, families, and casual users who want a dependable tablet without spending as much as an iPad Air or Pro.
Over time, its lower price and reliable performance have made it one of Apple’s most talked-about tablets
In this iPad 10th generation review, you will go through its real-world performance, design, value, what it does well, and where it falls short.
What’s New in the iPad 10th Generation
The iPad 10th Generation introduces a few meaningful updates over the 9th Gen. It now has a wider 10.9-inch display with slimmer bezels, replacing the old 10.2-inch screen.
The front camera has moved to the longer edge, making video calls more natural in landscape mode.
The Lightning port is gone, replaced by USB-C for faster charging and better accessory support. Inside, the A14 Bionic chip delivers a clear jump in speed and efficiency.
Together, these upgrades make it a more modern and practical tablet for everyday use.
iPad 10th Generation Review: Key Features and Real-World Use
This is about what the iPad 10th generation actually feels like to use. From how it looks to how it performs in daily life, and what matters most if you’re thinking of buying it:
1. Design and Build Quality
The iPad 10th Gen has a flat-edge look inspired by the iPad Air, giving it a modern and clean style. It comes in fun colors and feels solid in your hand.
Though it’s a bit thicker than the Air, it’s sturdy and easy to carry. The aluminum frame makes it feel premium, even at a mid-range price.
2. Software and Longevity
The iPad 10th Gen runs on iPadOS, giving you smooth access to multitasking tools like Split View. It doesn’t support advanced features like Stage Manager, but that’s fine for casual use.
Apple usually supports iPads for 7–8 years, so updates should last until around 2030. We can expect this tablet to stay relevant and fast for years.
3. Display Experience
The 10.9-inch Liquid Retina screen is large and bright, perfect for streaming, reading, or browsing. It’s not laminated, meaning there’s a slight gap between the glass and the screen, but most users won’t mind.
Colors look lively, and brightness holds up well in daylight. It’s a comfortable display for everyday entertainment and light creative work.
4. Performance and Everyday Use
Powered by the A14 Bionic chip, the iPad 10th Gen handles daily tasks with ease. It’s fast enough for multitasking, photo editing, and light gaming.
While not as powerful as M1 or M2 models, it’s stable, efficient, and reliable. Apps open quickly, and performance stays smooth even after long sessions of study or streaming.
5. Camera and Video Calls
The 12MP front camera sits on the longer edge, so you’re centered during calls. It works great for Zoom and FaceTime, especially with Center Stage keeping you in view.
The rear camera captures clear photos and scans documents easily. For online classes, work meetings, or family chats, this setup feels natural and easy to use.
6. Apple Pencil and Accessory Support
This iPad supports the first-generation Apple Pencil, but charging it requires an adapter due to the USB-C port.
It also works with the Magic Keyboard Folio, turning it into a light laptop.
Third-party accessories like stands and cases fit well. While the setup feels a bit dated, it still offers flexibility for note-taking and typing on the go.
Pros and Cons of iPad
The iPad 10th Generation offers a lot for its price, but like any device, it comes with trade-offs.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Modern, colorful design similar to the iPad Air. | Non-laminated display looks less premium. |
| Smooth performance for daily use and multitasking. | Doesn’t support the Apple Pencil 2. |
| Landscape front camera is great for video calls. | 64GB base model runs out of space fast. |
| USB-C port for easy charging and accessories. | Not ideal for heavy creative or professional use. |
| Good battery life for streaming or work. | The keyboard and Pencil setup feels outdated. |
| Strong software support for years ahead. | Lacks advanced iPadOS features like Stage Manager. |
| Affordable pricing makes it a great value. | Thicker design compared to newer iPad models. |
Overall, the iPad 10th Generation strikes a balance between affordability and everyday performance, making it a practical choice for most casual users.
Price, Value, and Best Alternatives
The iPad 10th Generation sits between Apple’s basic and high-end tablets, offering solid value for everyday users. It’s a big upgrade from the 9th Gen and a more affordable pick than the Air 5.
| Model | Chip | Approx. Price Range (USD) | Key Strengths | Limitations | Best Alternatives |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPad 9th Gen | A13 Bionic | $300–$400 | Reliable and budget-friendly | Older design, Lightning port | iPad 10th Gen |
| iPad 10th Gen | A14 Bionic | $380–$460 | Balanced performance, modern design, USB-C port | Limited accessory support | iPad Air 5, iPad 9th Gen |
| iPad Air 5 | M1 | $500–$700 | Premium build and pro-level speed | Higher price | iPad 10th Gen, iPad Pro |
The iPad 10th Generation remains the best middle-ground choice – offering the right mix of price, performance, and future support for most users.
Why You Should Choose the iPad 10th Generation
The iPad 10th Generation stands out because it gives you reliable performance, modern design, and long-term value without a big price tag:
- Perfect balance of price and performance: Faster than the iPad 9th Gen and cheaper than the iPad Air.
- Everyday usability: Great for web browsing, video streaming, note-taking, and light editing.
- Student-friendly: Ideal for homework, Zoom classes, and creative handwriting apps.
- Family use: Works well for entertainment, parental controls, and shared activities.
- Future-proof: Apple’s iPadOS support lasts several years, keeping it reliable until around 2030.
- Better value: With prices under $300, it’s one of the most affordable full-size iPads you can buy.
Who Should Skip It?
Skip this model if you need the extra power of M1 or M2 chips for pro-level tasks like heavy video editing, advanced art, or multitasking across demanding apps. In that case, the iPad Air or iPad Pro would be a better long-term investment
Expert Reviews
Professional reviews and real voices from Reddit users give you the full picture of how the iPad 10th generation performs in the real world.
- Macworld praises the flat-edge design, large display, and modern features, while noting it uses an older A14 chip and lacks a laminated screen.
- CNET highlights improvements in cameras and USB-C but criticizes the higher price and accessory limitations.
- The Verge sees it as a capable tablet for moderate use, a reliable battery, and broad app support, but points out that it sits between base and pro classes.
Final Verdict: Is the iPad 10th Generation Still Worth It?
The iPad 10th Generation continues to deliver steady performance and reliability for daily use.
Its an A14 chip that manages tasks like browsing, note-taking, and streaming with ease, and the overall build quality feels solid over time.
iPadOS remains smooth, with regular updates that keep the device running efficiently. Looking ahead, this iPad should stay useful for years as new software and technologies arrive.
It still fits perfectly for professionals who need a dependable tablet without the premium cost.
Buy it if you want a modern, budget-friendly iPad for everyday work and play. Skip it if you need M1-level performance or advanced creative tools.
Conclusion
After seeing how it performs in real-world use, the iPad 10th Generation proves to be a balanced mix of performance, design, and practicality.
It handles daily tasks smoothly, offers reliable battery life, and remains a dependable tablet for those who want Apple quality at a reasonable cost.
Its combination of software stability and lasting support makes it a secure investment for the long term.
While it’s not built for heavy creative work, it delivers more than enough power for study, communication, and entertainment.
Ready to buy? Check the latest prices and deals on the iPad 10th Generation and other Apple tablets to find the one that fits your needs best.
