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Apple iPad 10.2 (2021)
Apple iPad 10.2 (2021)
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8.5/10
Informr score
The Apple iPad 10.2 (2021) currently has an Informr score of 8.5 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 41 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

The "1-Minute" Review

Verdict

The iPad 10.2 (2021) is one of the best entry-level iPads to date. But unless it's your first iPad or you're replacing one more than a couple of years old, it doesn't bring much new to the table.

What's good

  • Upgraded front-facing camera
  • Smooth performance
  • Decent battery life

What's bad

  • Design feels dated
  • It does not support newer accessories
  • Weaker speakers

Whether you're getting your first iPad or replacing an older model, the new 2021 iPad 10.2 is lovely. Is this latest release worth picking up? Let's see what reviewers think!

Design

The design is identical to the previous iPad 10.2 (and the one before it), with thick bezels on the top and bottom. The upper bezel houses the front-facing camera, while the bottom has the home button and fingerprint scanner combo.

It's not the most stunning presentation, but it works, and the materials feel good in the hands.

Display

Sadly there's no sign of Apple's Super Retina display technology or 120Hz refresh rates with the iPad 10.2.

However, they have added TrueTone that allows the screen to adapt lighting to your surroundings for easier viewing.

While it's not the best screen Apple offers, it's more than enough for extended reading, viewing photos or videos, and even playing games.

Performance

The new iPad 10.2 has an A13 Bionic chipset. While it's not the latest chipset available, it is slightly snappier than the previous iPad base model.

Still, the only competition you'll find in the tablet benchmarks is from other higher-end iPads.

Reviewers stated that they could efficiently multitask while using the tablet without lagging or trouble switching between tasks.

Software & Storage

Apple has increased the base storage option this year, starting at 64GB. If you need more space, there is also a 256GB option.

But as with previous iPads, there's no microSD slot. So choose wisely!

The iPad ships with iOS15 and should receive updates for years to come.

Cameras

The most significant change in the new iPad is its 12MP front-facing camera.

In a world full of Zoom meetings and video chats, it's a welcomed change for reviewers.

It also supports Center Stage to make panning and zooming while in conferences simple and ensure you're always on screen for your meetings.

Battery Life

Reviewers reported getting the same reliable 10 hours of use with this iPad that you'll get with their previous baseline models.

Audio

Speaker quality was one area where reviews were surprisingly harsh. Where everything Apple releases are typically dialled in and made the best possible, the speakers on this model fell short for many reviewers.

Most reviewers said they were tinny, uneven, and lacking recalibration.

Accessories

Another issue faced by reviewers was that the Apple iPad 10.2 was not compatible with the newer generations of accessories.

You're stuck using the first-generation Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard. On the one hand, this keeps prices more affordable. But you do miss out on some new features by not being able to use the latest accessories.

Specs at a Glance

  • Aluminum design
  • 10.2-inch display
  • Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+) Hexa-core 2.65 GHz processor
  • RAM N/A
  • Apple iOS 15
  • 64GB/256GB of storage
  • 12MP cameras
  • Battery N/A

The Bottom Line

If you have a limited budget, haven't upgraded your iPad in a few years, or don't plan to do much creative work using your iPad, the iPad 10.2 (2021) is fantastic.

However, those who already have an iPad from the last couple of years won't notice huge improvements outside of the camera.

Tom's Guide says, "The Apple iPad 2021 is a well-made tablet with a dated design that offers a great screen, smooth performance, and good battery life for a reasonable price."

Engadget states, "If you've bought an iPad in the last two years, there's no need to upgrade — but people with one older than the fall 2019 iPad will find some significant improvements here. If you've never bought one before, the new iPad delivers a surprisingly deep experience, despite its aging design."


iOS
Operating system
Operating system
iOS
2.65 GHz
Processor
Processor
2.65 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...


Pocket Tactics
Pocket Tactics

The ninth-generation iPad may be the bottom end of the line-up, but for a no-nonsense, get-the-job-done tablet, this is the best value. It’s competent enough for everyday tasks. If you need a powerhouse, look elsewhere. But, if you need a supersized iPhone, this is the best-value way to do it.

- Ben Johnson, Pocket Tactics
Business Insider
Business Insider

For $330, you get a truly excellent tablet that comes with a decent screen and effective performance. If you're planning to browse the web, stream videos, run common popular apps, and play even graphics-heavy games, there's little reason to spend more on the iPad Air, let alone the iPad Pro series....

- Antonio Villas-Boas, Business Insider
What Hi-Fi
What Hi-Fi

The ninth-generation iPad cements its status as the benchmark for everyday tablets, though a more thoroughly revamped design is overdue

- What Hi-Fi
Digital Trends
Digital Trends

Put simply, the iPad 10.2 from any of the last three years is the best value tablet you can buy. Apple supports the heck out of these things from a software standpoint, and they have the power to spare. The only issues I have with the iPad 10.2 (2021) are the same issues I had with previous generati...

- Adam Doud, Digital Trends
TechPP
TechPP

The new iPad is the only one of the latest iPad range to come with a home button, a lightning port, and a 3.5 mm audio jack. At its price, it can prove to be a headache for Chromebooks and Windows budget laptops.

- Nimish Dubey, TechPP


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Quick view

Screen Size
10.2"

The Apple iPad 10.2 (2021)'s screen size is 10.2 inches with 1620 x 2160 pixels resolution.

Processor
2.65 GHz

There is a Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+) Hexa-core 2.65 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The tablet runs on the iOS iPadOS 15 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 12+ megapixels resolution.
Storage
64/256 GB

Internal memory is 64/256 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 (2021) Specs

Overview
Release Date September 24, 2021
Regions Available USA, Canada, United Kingdom
Operating System iOS iPadOS 15

Compare iOS Smartphones

Processor Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+) Hexa-core 2.65 GHz
Internal Storage 64/256 GB
RAM Unknown
Hearing Aid Compatible Yes
TTY/TDD Yes
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 Lightning
USB OTG Support No
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth 4.2
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP
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
5x digital
Flash
No
Additional Main Camera Info
Effects, Geotagging, Image stabilization, Multi-shot, 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
12+ Megapixels
Additional Front Camera Info
Aperture F2.4
Video Recording Parameters
Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels), 60 fps
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD (IPS)
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution 1620 x 2160 pixels
Pixel density 265 pixels
Size 10.2 inches
Sensors Ambient Light, 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 No
Physical Characteristics
Material Aluminium
Colors Silver, Space Gray
Dimensions [H x W x D] 25.06 x 17.42 x 0.75 cm (9.9 x 6.9 x 0.3 in)
Weight 498 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof No
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack 3.5mm
External Speakers Stereo
Input / Navigation
Touchscreen Yes
Sleep / Wake Key Yes
Home Key Yes
Physical keyboard No
Text-to-Speech Yes
Screen Reader Yes
Keypad/Screen Lock Yes
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor Yes
More
Additional Information Other Names (AKA): Apple iPad 9th Generation
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