Apple iPad 10.2 (2021)
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.
Key specs
Critic consensus
“Apple's 2021 base model iPad delivers strong performance and an excellent front-facing camera at a very palatable price, making it the best tablet for most people.”
“The 9th-generation iPad is great for streaming video, mobile gaming, educational apps, and people who just want a functional pleasant-to-use screen for reading or browsing. Those have always been the iPad's core strengths, and you don't need to spend $1,000 or more on an iPad Pro if that's all you want to do. The 9th-generation iPad is also a surprisingly functional sub-$500 computer, especially when compared to the kind of Windows PCs and Chromebooks you can get for the same price.”
“The iPad was the first tablet of the type that we know today, and while our review unit is only Apple's most affordable entry-level product in this segment, it gets a lot right and is, in the end, a very good tablet. It provides a first-class feel, high performance, and a long life cycle. Some manufacturers could take a page out of Apple's book. The additional storage for the entry-level variant was overdue, and the new SoC is a logical consequence. We find the camera upgrade to be very positive, especially since the iPad is a popular tablet at schools and is therefore ideally equipped for future video conferences.”
“The value proposition is still very much there, even more so now with the new additions. We have no doubt that the iPad 10.2 (2021) will sell well. It definitely has a target audience of its own. Honestly, it is pretty much impossible to beat as an affordable entry into the Apple ecosystem or just a no-frills, little-friction supplementary device to just pick up occasionally so you can enjoy iOS apps on the bigger screen. The things that kind of rub us the wrong way about it mostly have to do with the well-overdue total redesign to finally elevate the vanilla iPad to the level of its siblings. The non-laminated display is one aspect that stings, particularly from a 2021 device.”
In Depth
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.”
What people actually want to know
When was the Apple iPad 10.2 (2021) released?
The Apple iPad 10.2 (2021) was released on September 24, 2021.
How long does the battery last on the Apple iPad 10.2 (2021)?
The Apple iPad 10.2 (2021) has a 32 mAh battery.
Does the Apple iPad 10.2 (2021) have a headphone jack?
Yes, the Apple iPad 10.2 (2021) has a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Does the Apple iPad 10.2 (2021) support 5G?
Yes, cellular models of the Apple iPad 10.2 (2021) support 5G. Wi-Fi-only configurations do not include cellular connectivity or 5G.
Does the Apple iPad 10.2 (2021) have NFC?
No, the Apple iPad 10.2 (2021) does not have NFC. Contactless payments and tap-to-pair will not be available.
Where can I get support for the Apple iPad 10.2 (2021)?
Visit Apple's official support page for warranty info, repairs, and troubleshooting.
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