The 10th generation iPad has been out for only a few weeks and its significant improvements have excited Apple fans. Besides its “fresh” design and additional color options, the new iPad has interior improvements. However, are these changes worth the extra money or is the noticeably better price of last year’s model a better choice?

Let’s make a price comparison then! The 10th generation iPad starts at 629€, while the 9th generation model starts at 469€, for the 64GB versions in both cases. This increase is prohibitive for many.

Larger screen

The screen constitutes one of the most important features of a tablet. This year’s iPad has some noteworthy upgrades. The biggest change is that Apple removed the thick bezels on the top and bottom of the screen. The screen now extends almost from edge to edge, just like the iPad Air and iPad Pro. As a result, the tablet’s design is more modern.

The 10th generation iPad’s screen is slightly larger than that of the previous model, with a 10.9-inch diagonal, as opposed to the 10.2 inches of its predecessor. It also has a higher resolution, at 2,360 by 1,640 pixels, but the pixel density remains at 264ppi. The other features are the same, with 500 nits brightness, LED backlights, an oleophobic coating, and True Tone technology.

At the same time, Apple changed the dimensions to accommodate the larger screen. The new iPad measures 24.87 by 18 by 0.71 centimeters (height by width by thickness), while the corresponding numbers on last year’s model were 24.89 by 12.27 by 0.74. Finally, the new design forced Apple to remove the button with the Touch ID. The fingerprint sensor is now located on the power button, on the longer side.

Faster processor

Apple has also upgraded the iPad to next year’s chip compared to its predecessor, specifically from the 2019 A13 Bionic to the 2020 A14 Bionic. The A14 has twice as many Neural Engine cores, with 16, compared to the eight on the previous model, giving the new iPad additional functionality.

Significant improvement in cameras

The new iPad offers a significant improvement over the previous generation model regarding the cameras. Apple has added a 12MP main camera with an aperture of f/1.8 on the back, while last year’s model has an 8MP camera with an aperture of f/2.4. This implies high-resolution shots and better low-light performance for the new iPad.

Beyond photos, videos will have a higher resolution too. The new iPad can shoot 4K video at 60fps, while the older model can go up to 1080p at 40fps.

Which model should I choose?

While the new iPad may be improved compared to the previous model, its price is considerably higher. The 9th generation iPad is available and its price may possibly be reduced further. If high performance interests you, the new chip will be useful, but it won’t change the way you use the iPad. The choice is yours!