So, you’ve decided it’s time for an iPad. Great choice. But now you’re stuck between the iPad 9th Gen and the iPad 10th Gen, and Apple isn’t exactly making it easy. They look similar (but not really), they both support the Apple Pencil (kinda), and they both run iPadOS (for now). So which one should you get? Let’s break it down in excruciating detail because that’s what we do here.
Table of Contents
iPad 9th Gen vs 10th Gen: The Verdict
If you’re just looking for a solid, budget-friendly iPad, the 9th Gen is still a great deal. If you want a more modern design, USB-C, and a bigger display, the 10th Gen is the way to go. But let’s make this even clearer by breaking it down into key categories:
Best for Budget Buyers
- The iPad 9th Gen is significantly cheaper, often available for around $250-$280 on sale, compared to the $449 starting price of the 10th Gen.
- It still handles basic tasks like web browsing, streaming, and note-taking without breaking a sweat.
Winner: iPad 9th Gen – The best value option, hands down.
Best for Future-Proofing
- The iPad 10th Gen has a more modern design, a USB-C port, and a slightly better A14 Bionic chip, which means it will last longer in terms of software updates.
- If you plan to keep your iPad for more than a few years, this one makes more sense.
Winner: iPad 10th Gen – More power and longevity for the future.
Best for Creatives & Apple Pencil Users
- Both support the 1st-gen Apple Pencil, but the 10th Gen requires a USB-C adapter to charge it because Apple loves making things unnecessarily complicated.
- The larger, edge-to-edge display on the 10th Gen is better for drawing and note-taking.
Winner: iPad 10th Gen – But Apple Pencil support is still a mess.
Best for Video Calls & Camera Use
- The 10th Gen moves the front camera to the landscape orientation, making it way more natural for FaceTime and Zoom calls.
- The rear camera also gets a small upgrade, but let’s be honest, who is really taking photos with their iPad?
Winner: iPad 10th Gen – Because good video call angles matter.
Now, let’s dive deeper into the details.
iPad 9th Gen vs 10th Gen: Detailed Comparison
Design & Display
- iPad 9th Gen: It still has the home button, thick bezels, and that classic “I’ve been around since 2010” look. It features a 10.2-inch Retina display (2160×1620 resolution), which is fine, but nothing fancy.
- iPad 10th Gen: Finally, Apple ditched the home button and gave us an edge-to-edge 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display (2360×1640 resolution). It looks way more modern and gives you more screen real estate without making the device feel much bigger.
Winner: iPad 10th Gen – It actually looks like a tablet from this decade.
Performance & Chipset
- iPad 9th Gen: Runs on the A13 Bionic chip, which is still decent but starting to show its age. It handles basic tasks well but might start gasping if you push it too hard.
- iPad 10th Gen: Gets an upgrade with the A14 Bionic chip, offering about 20% better performance. Apps launch faster, multitasking is smoother, and it’s more future-proof.
Winner: iPad 10th Gen – A little extra speed never hurt anybody.
Apple Pencil & Accessories
- iPad 9th Gen: Supports the 1st-gen Apple Pencil, which charges via Lightning (ugh).
- iPad 10th Gen: Also supports the 1st-gen Apple Pencil, but now you need a USB-C adapter to charge it because logic has left the chat.
Winner: Honestly? Neither.
Why neither? Apple dropped the ball on Pencil support for the 10th Gen, making it unnecessarily complicated.
Camera & Video Calls
- iPad 9th Gen: Has an 8MP rear camera, which exists, and a 12MP front camera that sits in the worst possible place for landscape FaceTime calls.
- iPad 10th Gen: Upgrades to a 12MP rear camera, but more importantly, moves the front camera to the landscape orientation—finally making video calls feel normal.
Winner: iPad 10th Gen – No more awkward side-angled Zoom calls.
Ports & Charging
- iPad 9th Gen: Uses the Lightning port, because Apple loves making us suffer.
- iPad 10th Gen: Upgraded to USB-C, meaning you can use the same charger as your MacBook, Nintendo Switch, and basically every modern device.
Winner: iPad 10th Gen – USB-C supremacy.
Software & Longevity
Both iPads run iPadOS and will get updates for several years, but the 10th Gen’s A14 chip will last longer in the update cycle.
Winner: iPad 10th Gen – More future-proof.
Price & Value
- iPad 9th Gen: $329 (but often on sale for $250-$280).
- iPad 10th Gen: $449, because Apple tax.
If you’re on a tight budget, the 9th Gen is still a fantastic deal. If you can spare the extra cash, the 10th Gen’s improvements are worth it.
Winner: iPad 9th Gen – Best value for money.
Alternatives to iPad 9th Gen and 10th Gen That Might Fit Better to Your Needs
iPad Air (5th Gen) – A More Powerful Alternative
If you love drawing and creative work, the iPad Air (5th Gen) is a better investment. It supports the Apple Pencil 2, has an M1 chip, and a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display.
Samsung Galaxy S25 – A Solid iPad Competitor
The Samsung Galaxy S25 is more than just a phone—it’s a powerful productivity and creative tool. With a stunning AMOLED display, lightning-fast Snapdragon processor, and S Pen support (on the Ultra model), it can handle multitasking, note-taking, and even digital art like a pro. Plus, Samsung DeX turns it into a desktop-like workstation, making it a serious rival to the iPad.
iPad Mini (6th Gen) – Compact Powerhouse
If portability is key, the iPad Mini (6th Gen) packs an A15 Bionic chip, Apple Pencil 2 support, and an 8.3-inch screen into a tiny form factor.
Conclusion
If you’re on a budget, get the iPad 9th Gen. If you want modern design, better performance, and USB-C, get the 10th Gen. If you need serious power, look at the iPad Air 5. And if you want to switch things up, the Galaxy Tab S9 is worth a look.
At the end of the day, the best iPad is the one that fits your needs (and, let’s be real, your wallet). Happy shopping!
Yours truly,
S, XOXO
