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Apple iPad 10.2 (2020)
Apple iPad 10.2 (2020)
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8.4/10
Informr score
The Apple iPad 10.2 (2020) currently has an Informr score of 8.4 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 35 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

What's good

  • Fast performance
  • Battery life
  • Good display quality
  • Supports Apple accessories

What's bad

  • Not enough storage at base level
  • Does not support USB-C
  • Outdated design

The price tag on the Apple iPad 10.2 is a beautiful thing but does it uphold the same standards as the rest of the iPad line? More importantly, is the lower price worth the somewhat dated design?

Design

The design of the Apple iPad 10.2 is the same as the 7th Generation Apple iPad 10.2. Thick bezels and the same Retina display make it far less streamlined than the rest of the lineup. They even come in the same colors. However, while the design is nothing new, reviewers gave it high marks for build quality, durability, and how comfortable the tablet was to hold for extended periods.

Display

Speaking of more of the same, the 10.2-inch display is of less quality than the iPad Air (2020). It also has a gap between the screen and the glass that is visible from certain angles just like the previous iPad 10.2 display. The picture doesn’t seem to suffer too much though and reviewers said that the bezels were more upsetting than the quality of the display.

Performance

Speed and capability are the areas where this iPad shines. It’s fast and capable of running demanding apps and games without stuttering or jitter.

Tom’s Guide says, “While Windows laptops under [the price of the iPad 10.2] can struggle with basic tasks because of their Celeron processors, the new iPad 2020 is silky smooth.”

Software & Storage

In conjunction with its snappy new processor, the Apple iPad 10.2 also runs iPadOS 14. Reviewers found this newest version of the software aids in making the tablet even more enjoyable.

Storage, however, is a different matter. The bottom end of the Apple iPad 10.2 versions offers only 32GB of onboard storage space. To get to the more recommended 128GB, you need to go up to a higher variant which will cost you.

Cameras

The Apple iPad 10.2 has the same camera equipped as the 7th-gen iPad, but don’t let that fool you. The new processor comes with the ability to improve imaging and with that comes a surprising boost in image quality.

Battery Life

Across the board, battery life impressed reviewers the most. The tablet boasts the usual 10-hour promise from Apple. But, depending on what you use it for, it can go far beyond that. In some cases, reviewers said that they used the device for almost an entire week doing light activities like email, web surfing, and watching video.

Audio

The speaker on the Apple iPad 10.2 leaves a lot to be desired. That’s simply a limitation of smaller tablet speakers. Stick to Bluetooth headphones when audio quality is important.

Specs at a Glance

  • Aluminum chassis
  • 10.2-inch LCD retina display
  • A12 Bionic chip processor
  • 3GB of RAM
  • iPadOS 14
  • 32/128GB of storage
  • 8MP front-facing lens, 1.5 selfie camera
  • 32.4WHr battery

Bottom Line

If you’re interested in jumping on the iPad train but don’t have a lot of money to spare this tablet is one to consider. While a lot of the features and designs are carried over from the 7th-gen model, it still has the new processor to add a bit of pep and the newest software available. If you’re already accustomed to the iPad and are drawn in by the price you might want to evaluate what you already have first.

Pocket-Lint states, "It lacks some of the speed and design points of the higher-end models, but that's why this is the perfect iPad option for many – as there's still no better entry-level tablet around."

Wired-UK says, "Let’s be honest, Apple’s entry-level 2020 iPad is a bit of a lazy upgrade, with the only change of note being the new A12 Bionic processor. However, this in no way means that the 8th-gen iPad is bad. Far from it."

The Verge comments, "The new 2020 edition of the iPad, now in its eighth generation, continues to be an iPad. It is very good at iPad things: watching movies, reading, browsing the web, editing photos, and so on. Starting at [a low price] for a 32GB version, it is a remarkable deal."


iOS
Operating system
Operating system
iOS
2.5 GHz
Processor
Processor
2.5 GHz
10.2"
Screen Size
Screen Size
10.2"
8+ MP, f/2.4
Camera
Camera
8+ MP, f/2.4
32.4 WHr
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


The Wirecutter
The Wirecutter

With a large screen, a fast-enough processor, and Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard support, the 8th-gen iPad offers the features most tablet users need.

- Andrew Cunningham, Nick Guy, The Wirecutter
Tom's Guide
Tom's Guide

The iPad 8th generation should really be called the iPad SE. Just like the iPhone SE and Apple Watch SE, the goal with this iPad is simple: give users all of the key features they need at an attractive price. And based on my iPad 8th generation impressions, I'd say Apple delivers on that promise. Th...

- Mark Spoonauer, Tom's Guide
iMore
iMore

If you've never had an iPad before, are upgrading from a much older model, or don't want to spend a lot of money on your iPad experience, the iPad (2020) is the iPad you should be buying.

- Luke Filipowicz, iMore
T3
T3

The iPad 10.2-inch (2020) is our favourite cheap tablet because it matches excellent software and apps with great build quality. There are areas for improvement, but it's just a no-nonsense top tablet.

- Matthew Bolton, T3
Business Insider
Business Insider

The $329 iPad may seem basic compared to the other tablets in Apple's lineup. But, it remains the best choice for Apple fans that want an affordable way to indulge in smartphone-like activities, such as reading and watching Netflix, on a larger and more suitable screen. It has a fairly recent Apple...

- Lisa Eadicicco, Business Insider


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Quick view

Screen Size
10.2"

The Apple iPad 10.2 (2020)'s screen size is 10.2 inches with 1620 x 2160 pixels resolution.

Processor
2.5 GHz

There is a Apple A12 Bionic (7 nm) Hexa-core 2.5 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The tablet runs on the iOS iPadOS 14 (Update Available: iPadOS 14.3) operating system (OS).

Camera
8+ MP
You can take photos or capture video with the tablet's onboard 8+ MP, f/2.4 camera. There is also a secondary front facing camera with 1+ megapixels resolution.
Storage
32/128 GB

Internal memory is 32/128 GB. No external card slot is available for expansion.

Battery
32.4WHr

The tablet is powered by a Lithium Polymer (Li-Pol), 32.4 WHr battery. Apple's performance ratings are 10 hours Wi-Fi surfing.

iPad 10.2 (2020) Specs

Overview
Release Date September 18, 2020
Regions Available USA, Canada, United Kingdom
Operating System iOS iPadOS 14 (Update Available: iPadOS 14.3)

Compare iOS Smartphones

Processor Apple A12 Bionic (7 nm) Hexa-core 2.5 GHz
Internal Storage 32/128 GB
RAM 3 GB
Hearing Aid Compatible No
TTY/TDD No
SAR Unknown
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included USB Power Adapter, Manual, Data Cable
Cellular
Networks
HSUPA, HSPA+, LTE
Mobile / Cellular Data
4G/LTE
Wi-Fi Calling Yes
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) Unknown
SIM card size
Nano-SIM
variations
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB USB Type-C
USB OTG Support Yes
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth 4.2
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Memory Expansion Slot No
NFC No
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
8+ Megapixels, f/2.4
Zoom
Yes
Flash
No
Additional Main Camera Info
Auto focus, Effects, Geotagging, Image stabilization, Panorama, Self-timer, HDR, Slow motion recording, Time lapse mode
Video Recording Formats
MPEG-4
Video Recording Parameters
Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels), 30 fps
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
1+ Megapixels
Additional Front Camera Info
Aperture F2.4, HDR
Video Recording Parameters
HD (1280 x 720 pixels)
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD (IPS)
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution 1620 x 2160 pixels
Pixel density 264 pixels
Size 10.2 inches
Sensors Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Gyroscope
Backlit Illumination Yes
Zoom / Magnification Yes
Screen Orientation Lock Yes
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating Yes
Additional Display Features Capacitive touchscreen
Power & Battery
Type Lithium Polymer (Li-Pol)
Battery Capacity 32.4 WHr
Removable Battery No
Wireless Charging No
Fast Charging Yes
Battery Charge Time Unknown
Video Playback Time Up to 10 hours
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Up to 10 hours
Internet Use (Cellular) Up to 9 hours
Standby Time Unknown
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Material Aluminium
Colors Silver, Space Gray, Gold
Dimensions [H x W x D] 25.06 x 17.41 x 0.75 cm (9.9 x 6.9 x 0.3 in)
Weight 495 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof No
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack No
External Speakers Stereo
Input / Navigation
Touchscreen Yes
Sleep / Wake Key Yes
Home Key No
Physical keyboard No
Text-to-Speech Unknown
Screen Reader Unknown
Keypad/Screen Lock Yes
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
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Additional Information Other Names (AKA): Apple iPad 8th Generation
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