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Apple iPad 10.2 review

8.5/10 AVG.
RATING
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Apple iPad 10.2
Apple iPad 10.2
Apple iPad 10.2
Apple iPad 10.2
Apple iPad 10.2
Apple iPad 10.2
Apple iPad 10.2
...


8.5/10
Informr score
The Apple iPad 10.2 currently has an Informr score of 8.5 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 29 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

What's good

  • Solid performance
  • Large 10.2-inch display
  • Apple Pencil (1st Gen) support
  • Smart Keyboard support
  • Good battery life

What's bad

  • Slow charger included with tablet
  • Limited storage options -- 32GB or 128GB
  • No Face ID

While Apple refreshed most of their iPad lineup last year, one tablet was left out -- the standard iPad. Their entry level option is finally seeing some much-needed love and while it looks mostly the same, there are some big differences to be found. But is the tablet worth buying? Let’s look at the details...

Design

Classic metal and glass iPad design with larger bezels and a fingerprint scanner and home button below the display. While reviewers didn’t dislike the design, many found it dated in an age of bezel-free displays and thin form factors.

The older design also means you’ll bring back Touch ID at the cost of Face ID.

Top Ten Reviews says, “This iPad is still ‘Apple’ sleek but it looks like an older revision and is no longer in line with the design of the company's most recent products.”

Display

As the model name suggests, the tablet includes a spacious 10.2-inch display -- nearly as large as Apple’s entry level iPad Pro. Reviews indicate that the screen impresses in terms of color, contrast, and brightness. The Retina display also won’t disappoint when it comes to picking up fine details in images or keeping text crisp for reading emails and texting friends.

But despite the size, the tablet lacks some of the visual tech -- including HDR and True Tone support -- that makes Apple’s 2019 iPad releases so stunning. So if you’re looking for the best visuals Apple offers, the iPad 10.2 might be a pass.

Trusted Reviews says, “... This remains a decent screen – especially for the price. It’s colourful and vibrant, offering excellent viewing angles and great responsiveness.”

Performance

Much like the tablet’s design, the tablet’s performance borrows from iPads of the past. Powered by the same processor used in the previous iPad 9.7, the tablet isn’t the fastest Apple has to offer.

But it still sits near the top of benchmarks and reviews had no problems with everything from gaming to video editing.

Trusted Reviews highlights this in their review, saying, “If you’re looking for a tablet to really get the most out of Apple Arcade then I’d suggest you consider the iPad Air.”

Connectivity

Available in both Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + mobile network models, the iPad 10.2 is compatible with gigabit LTE networks for snappy downloads and HD streaming anywhere you have a strong enough signal. Just keep in mind that those data connections will add to the cost of ownership over the life of the tablet.

Software & Storage

The iPad 10.2 runs the latest version of iPadOS. Storage options are limited, with only 32GB and 128GB models available. If you have any concern about 32GB being enough, splurging on the 128GB model is recommended as the iPad does not support memory expansion through microSD cards.

Cameras

Tablets have never been known for their stellar cameras and the iPad 10.2 is no exception. The 8MP rear camera is good enough for quick snapshots and recording, but the sheer size of the tablet makes it less than ideal for photography. The 1.2MP front-facing lens fares well in video chats and can take the occasional selfie, but don’t expect to use it for vlogs or streaming.

iMore speaks to this point, saying, “... I can't recommend you use these as your primary cameras to capture your most important memories, not unless they're absolutely the only option you have.”

Battery Life

Apple is always secretive about their battery specs, but they quote 10 hours of screen time per charge and reviewers largely agree.

The tablet also features fast charging, but unfortunately the charger included with the tablet is a lower-powered slow charging variety. So unless you plan to charge overnight, be sure to budget for an upgraded charger.

Audio

The tablet impressed reviewers in terms of audio quality with its stereo speakers. If you’re looking for more immersive audio, you can also connect your favorite cans to the tablet’s 3.5mm headphone jack.

Accessories

Even though it’s the entry level model, the iPad 10.2 offers support for two of Apple’s most popular tablet accessories:

  • 1st Generation Apple Pencil
  • Smart Keyboard

This means you can use the tablet for more than media consumption, typing up reports, drawing pictures, taking notes, and more. Just remember that none of these ship with the tablet. So, you’ll want to include them in your budget if they are essential purchase considerations.

Specs at a Glance

  • Metal and glass chassis with fingerprint scanner
  • 10.2-inch Retina IPS display running at 1620-by-2160 pixels
  • A10 Fusion processor
  • iPadOS 13
  • 32GB and 128GB models
  • Optional 3G/LTE support
  • 8MP rear camera with 1.2MP front-facing lens
  • 10 hours per charge
  • Stereo speakers
  • 3.5mm headphone jack
  • Smart Keyboard support
  • Apple Pencil (1st Generation) support

The Bottom Line

Overall, reviews for the iPad 10.2 are stellar. While it doesn’t offer the latest and greatest Apple offers, it brings performance that runs circles around most of the Android competition while keeping that premium feeling and simple usage Apple is known for.

Top Ten Reviews says, “The iPad 2019 (or 10.2 model) is still the best budget tablet on the market...”

What Hi-Fi says, “The 7th generation iPad is a joy to use, and delivers movies and music with consistent naturalism. Make no mistake, this is an excellent portable media machine.”


iOS
Operating system
Operating system
iOS
2.34 GHz
Processor
Processor
2.34 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...


T3
T3

The Apple iPad 10.2 (2019) is easily the best tablet for this money. It's great for kids, fast as a computer for the sofa, and way more capable than its price suggests.

- Robert Jones, Matthew Bolton, T3
TechRadar
TechRadar

The iPad 10.2 (2019) is Apple’s refreshed and still-reasonably-priced iPad with a marginally bigger screen, Smart Keyboard Cover compatibility, and extra RAM. Even though it’s not very different from last year’s iPad 9.7, which now also runs iPadOS, this 7th-gen iPad continues to be brilliant at the...

- Matt Swider, TechRadar
TheCanadianTechie
TheCanadianTechie

The 10.2-inch iPad is a great device that is quick, has Apple Pencil support and a cheaper alternative to the more expensive iPad Pro.

- Sachin Bahal, TheCanadianTechie
Top Ten Reviews
Top Ten Reviews

The iPad 2019 (or 10.2 model) is still the best budget tablet on the market, especially if you're locked into the Apple ecosystem. It offers excellent performance and classic styling, even if it is starting to feel a little dated.

- Jordan Oloman, Top Ten Reviews
What Hi-Fi
What Hi-Fi

The standard iPad is the most affordable model in Apple’s current tablet range, and sacrifices have had to be made to deliver a large screen at a low price. That means it doesn’t have quite the same video and audio sparkle of its siblings. But Apple’s least impressive tablet is still an impressive t...

- What Hi-Fi


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Quick view

Screen Size
10.2"

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

Processor
2.34 GHz

There is a Apple A10 Fusion APL1W24 Quad-core 2.34 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The tablet runs on the iOS iPadOS (Update Available: iPadOS 14.3) 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 1+ megapixels resolution.
Storage
32/128 GB

Internal memory is 32/128 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 Specs

Overview
Release Date September 30, 2019
Regions Available USA, Canada, United Kingdom
Operating System iOS iPadOS (Update Available: iPadOS 14.3)

Compare iOS Smartphones

Processor Apple A10 Fusion APL1W24 Quad-core 2.34 GHz
Internal Storage 32/128 GB
RAM 2 GB
Hearing Aid Compatible No
TTY/TDD No
SAR Body: 1.18 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included USB Power Adapter, Data Cable
Cellular
Networks
No
Mobile / Cellular Data
No (Option available)
Wi-Fi Calling Yes
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) Yes
SIM card size
No
variations
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB Lightning
USB OTG Support No
Infrared No
Bluetooth 4.2
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, OPP/FTP
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC, AAC
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n
Memory Expansion Slot No
NFC No
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
8+ Megapixels, f/2.4
Zoom
Yes
Flash
No
Additional Main Camera Info
Auto focus, Effects, Face detection, Geotagging, Image stabilization, Multi-shot, Panorama, Self-timer, HDR, Exposure control, 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
1+ Megapixels
Additional Front Camera Info
Face detection, Multi-shot, Self-timer, Aperture F2.2, HDR, Exposure control
Video Recording Parameters
HD (1280 x 720 pixels)
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD (IPS)
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution 1620 x 2160 pixels
Pixel density 264 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 No
Battery Charge Time 3 hours
Video Playback Time Up to 10 hours
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Up to 10 hours
Internet Use (Cellular) Up to 9 hours
Standby Time Up to 7 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Material Aluminium
Colors Silver, Space Gray, Gold
Dimensions [H x W x D] 25.06 x 17.41 x 0.75 cm (9.9 x 6.9 x 0.3 in)
Weight 483
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 No
More
Additional Information Other Names (AKA): Apple iPad 7th Generation
Related Links Apple iPad 10.2 Reviews
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