When you’re buying one of the best iPads, it can be tempting to just splurge on whatever the latest and greatest option is. However, as time goes on and discounts ramp up, the decision becomes a little muddier when comparing the best tablets. Because while the 10th-generation model is obviously newer, the lower price on the iPad 9th-Gen might be worth sticking with an older product at a lower cost. Luckily, with the launch of the iPad Air 2024 and iPad Pro 2024, Apple has lowered the price on the 10th-generation iPad to $329.
Price
The latest iPad, the 10th-generation model, is going to set you back $329 to start, while the 9th-generation option is much cheaper at $249. The latest model does have some notable upgrades over the 9th-gen model, but is it worth more than a hundred bucks more?
Splurging on the new hotness gets you an updated (and larger) display, a newer chipset, and compatability with the latest Apple Pencil. However, with so many Apple Pencil alternatives out there, this is less of a big deal than it’s been in the past.
And let’s be real: Moving from the A13 Bionic to the A14 Bionic does improve performance, but not so much that you’re really going to notice it in your day-to-day work. It’s not like either of them is using Apple’s M-class processors (at least not yet).
Apple iPad (10th Generation)
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Specs and Features
The 9th-generation iPad has a 10.2-inch display, which had been the standard size for a while. But, with the release of the 10th-gen model, Apple removed Touch ID and added Face ID, just like it did with its phones and the more expensive iPad Pro. This didn’t just affect the biometric login feature, but made more room for a screen, bumping up the display size to 10.9 inches on the iPad 10th-Gen.
Apple was able to do this without changing the actual size of the tablet. So in the same footprint as the 9th-generation iPad, you’re getting a bigger and higher resolution display (though just barely for the latter).
The 10th-generation iPad also has a slightly more powerful processor in the A14 Bionic. This is one of the few remaining current-generation product that hasn’t included an M-class chip, but it’s actually built on the same microarchitecture as the Apple M1, just with 6 CPU cores instead of 8. This makes the 10th-generation iPad nearly as fast as the iPad Pro, just slightly worse at multitasking, which is fine.
On the other hand, the iPad 9th-generation is built on the A13 Bionic chip, which is also found in the iPhone 11. For most people, this is still going to be plenty powerful enough to run apps and browse the web, it might just slow down a bit under heavy use.
At the end of the day, if specs are the most important thing, you’re probably going to want to go with the iPad 10th-Generation.
Display
Because the 10th-Generation iPad eschews Touch ID in favor of Face ID, there’s much more space in the frame for the display. So, while the 9th-generation iPad as a 10.2-inch display with a resolution of 2,160 x 1,620, the 10th-Generation model has a 10.9-inch display with a resolution of 2,360 x 1,640. This resolution difference was likely done just to retain the same 264 ppi that classifies it as “Retina”.
The size is the only real difference between the two, though. Both displays are True Tone displays, with up to 500 nits of brightness. So, you’re getting the same, bright colorful display either way. It’s just a bit bigger on the 10th-Generation model.
Honestly, while the iPad 10th-Generation is the winner here, it’s only by a hair. If all you care about is having a pretty display, both iPads are going to supply. And, don’t forget that the one that’s just 0.7 inches smaller is much cheaper.
Which iPad Should You Buy
You’re saving about the same amount of money either way, but it’s hard to ignore the value of the iPad 9th-Generation at $249. It doesn’t have the new silicon inside but it doesn’t really matter when you’re spending this little for it. Simply put, if you’re on the market for a 10-inch tablet, the 9th-Generation is the clear winner in terms of value.
That’s not to say the 10th-Generation isn’t a good value – it is. If you were on the fence about picking up Apple’s latest mainstream tablet now’s about the best time to do it, even though it has been this cheap before.
If you are hesitant to pull the trigger on either iPad so early in the year, you can also wait until Black Friday 2024 where we will likely see similar or better prices.
Once you’ve picked up an iPad, make sure to check out our guide to the best iPad games to play on your Apple tablet.
