Unboxing a new gadget is always a thrill – especially when it’s shiny, sleek, and brings a refreshing twist to the table. The iPad 10th generation perfectly encapsulates this excitement. With its bold colours and modern design, it’s Apple’s venture into contemporary territory for their base iPad model. But the pressing question is: does this new model justify its price increase?
What’s New? Quite A Lot, Actually
At first glance, the iPad 10th generation feels distinctly different from its predecessors. It ditches the home button and embraces a flat-edge frame, signaling that it’s ready to play with the more premium iPads.
Design Refresh That Feels Like a Makeover
The most striking change is undoubtedly the design. The iPad 10th generation now aligns with the iPad Air’s aesthetic, swapping out rounded edges for a flat look. The home button is a thing of the past, replaced with Touch ID integrated into the power button – making it sleek and functional. The device is available in four vibrant colours: silver, pink, blue, and a standout yellow that recalls highlighters from your school days.
Not just about looks, the repositioning of the front camera – now on the longer edge – creates a more natural video call experience. Gone are the days of awkwardly angled stares during Zoom meetings; this redesign addresses one of the most common user annoyances.
Bigger Screen, Could Be Better
A 10.9-inch Liquid Retina Display That’s… Almost Premium
Apple has enlarged the display to 10.9 inches—matching the iPad Air—and while it’s sharp and vibrant, there’s a slight catch: the screen isn’t laminated. This creates a minuscule gap between the glass and pixels. While most users might overlook this during casual activities, artists aiming for that authentic “pencil-on-paper” feel could be left wanting.
Apple Pencil Situation: Useful, but a Bit of a Head-Scratcher
Yes, the iPad 10th generation supports both the 1st-gen Apple Pencil and the newer USB-C pencil. However, here’s where the inconvenience kicks in. If you’re utilizing the original Apple Pencil (which many users do), you’ll need a USB-C to Lightning adapter—a little clunky for a brand known for elegance in design.
Additionally, the absence of support for the 2nd-gen Apple Pencil may frustrate digital artists and students who rely on advanced stylus features.
Under the Hood: Not Lightning Fast, But Definitely Zippy
A14 Bionic Chip for Casual Power Users
The iPad 10th generation is powered by the A14 chip – familiar to those who have experienced the iPhone 12 lineup. While it isn’t the latest offering from Apple, it packs enough punch for multitasking, casual gaming, and basic creative work, handling 4K video edits and side-by-side app usage without breaking a sweat.
For everyday users – students, casual creators, and professionals on the go – the A14 chip delivers adequate speed and efficiency. Games like Genshin Impact and Call of Duty Mobile run seamless, though it isn’t meant to compete with gaming laptops.
Hello USB-C, Goodbye Lightning
In a long-anticipated move, Apple has introduced USB-C support, enhancing device compatibility with everything from external storage to HDMI dongles. For classrooms and workplaces transitioning to universal connectors, this change is a small win packed with big convenience.
But for die-hard fans of the headphone jack, it’s a bittersweet farewell. Users will need to either go wireless – with AirPods or other Bluetooth options – or procure a USB-C audio adapter to keep their wired headphones operational.
Purpose-Built for the Young, Lean, and On-the-Go
Students, Teachers, and Casual Workflows
Apple has tailored this iPad not for professional creators but for students, educators, and casual users. It perfectly fits into classroom settings, homework sessions, and late-night YouTube binges. While it can help you stay productive, it lacks the muscle of an iPad Pro.
Pair it with a Magic Keyboard Folio and the USB-C Apple Pencil, and you have a workable substitute for a basic laptop. With iPadOS 18 designed to enhance multitasking and integrate software options, it caters excellently to research, document editing, and collaborative projects.
For families or educators seeking a mid-tier solution, this iPad captures the ideal balance between affordability and capability.
The Price Point Puzzle
Here’s where things get tricky.
Starting at approximately ₹39,900 in India for the 64GB Wi-Fi model, it doesn’t fall into the “budget-friendly” category. The price increase from the 9th generation is noticeable, leading some to question whether the value holds – especially when considering accessory costs.
However, in bundled deals or educational offers, you might land the iPad together with a folio keyboard or Apple Pencil, enhancing value for those entering Apple’s ecosystem.
Quick Hits: What Works and What Doesn’t
What You’ll Like
- Modern, premium design
- Improved landscape camera positioning for video calls
- USB-C simplifies charging and transferring data
- Satisfyingly fast performance due to the A14 chip
- Four vibrant colour options
What Might Grind Your Gears
- Display lacks lamination
- Incompatibility with Apple Pencil 2
- Pricey compared to the 9th gen iPad
- Absence of headphone jack
- Clunky adapter requirement for the 1st-gen Pencil
Should You Go for It?
Ultimately, the decision hinges on your needs.
If you seek a sleek, versatile device fit for school, casual content creation, or light productivity – and don’t mind investing in a modern design – it’s a worthy choice. On the flip side, if high-end performance or intensive creative tasks are what you crave, consider stretching for the iPad Air or remaining with the affordably powerful 9th gen model.
Keep in mind this iPad will receive software updates for at least four more years – providing good longevity for a mid-range tablet.
Final Thoughts: The Everyday Hero with a Fancy Jacket
The iPad 10th generation may not be groundbreaking, but it was never intended to be. It embodies the essence of a stylish overachiever in an educational setting – well-dressed and sometimes misunderstood, but capable of so much more with the right tools. It’s an upgrade worth considering for those desiring both style and practicality without splurging on flagship options.
Though it might not entice spec enthusiasts, it strikes a balance that resonates well with the everyday user—achieving an appealing mix of power, design, and that classic Apple polish.
FAQs
Q: Can I use my old Apple Pencil with the iPad 10th generation?
A: Yes, you can use the 1st-gen Apple Pencil, but remember to get a USB-C to Lightning adapter to use it.
Q: Does the iPad 10th generation screen feel premium?
A: The display is sharp and colourful; however, it lacks lamination, which may be noticeable for some users—especially while drawing.
Q: Is it good for gaming?
A: Yes! The A14 chip performs smoothly with casual and medium-heavy gaming, running popular games like Apex Legends Mobile and PUBG with ease.
Q: What colours are available?
A: Choose from silver, blue, pink, or yellow.
Q: Can I connect it to monitors?
A: Absolutely! It supports USB-C connections, capping out at 1080p at 60Hz or 4K at 30Hz for display output.
Q: Is the iPad 10th generation still a better value than Android tablets?
A: Given its longevity, iPadOS updates, and app ecosystem, it maintains an edge over many Android tablets—despite some Android options offering better specs for lower prices.
That’s the complete picture! The iPad 10th generation may not be flawless, but it knows its purpose, caters to its audience, and for most users, it offers just the right mix of features, design, and reliability.
Get ready to turn heads with your vibrant tablet, and see if you can explain why yours is yellow—while secretly enjoying the envy!
