While both iPads are impressive in their own right, the latest model brings a few notable upgrades that could make all the difference depending on your needs. Let’s take a closer look.
Processor: Power and Speed
One of the most significant upgrades to iPad (A16) is the new A16 chip. This powerful processor brings up to 30% faster performance compared to the 10th-generation iPad's A14 chip. The A16's improved CPU and GPU offer better handling of multitasking, gaming, and demanding apps. Whether you’re editing photos, watching 4K videos, or playing graphic-heavy games, the A16 chip ensures smoother and more responsive performance.
On the other hand, the 10th generation iPad, while still powerful with the A14 chip, isn’t quite as fast or efficient as the A16. If you're upgrading from the 10th generation, you'll notice a difference in speed, especially for tasks that require processing power.
Display: Color and Clarity
iPad (A16)’s screen is slightly bigger at 11 inches vs. 10.9 inches, but that’s where the differences end. Both iPads feature a Liquid Retina display with 2360 x 1640 resolution for vibrant colors and sharp images, both deliver a peak SDR brightness of 500 nits, and both have True Tone and sRGB color support.
Camera System: Upgraded Imaging
When it comes to capturing memories, both iPads boast a 12MP Ultra Wide front camera, and a Landscape 12MP camera with Center Stage, which automatically keeps you in the frame during video calls, adjusting the camera as you move around. The only difference between the 10th gen iPad vs. 11 gen iPad (A16) is that the latter has Smart HDR 4, a step up from the Smart HDR 3 offered on its predecessor. This version of High Dynamic Range lets you take better photos, adjusting for things like color, contrast, and low lighting, making sure faces are well-lit in difficult lighting situations and ensuring true-to-life skin tones and colors.
Storage: More Space for Your Stuff
One big improvement with iPad (A16) is its storage options. The new model starts with 128GB of storage, with optional upgrades to 256GB or 512GB. This is a notable jump from the 10th generation’s standard 64GB of storage with the option to upgrade to 256GB, which may feel limiting if you store large files, photos, or videos. The additional storage options in the 11th generation provide more flexibility, whether you're a student, content creator, or professional who needs more space.
Battery Life: The Same All-Day Power
Both iPads deliver up to 10 hours of battery life, whether you're browsing the web or watching videos. Apple’s impressive battery optimization ensures that you can get through a full workday or long flight without worrying about charging. So, when it comes to battery life, there’s no significant difference between the two models.
Connectivity: 5G and Wi-Fi 6
Both iPads offer 5G support and Wi-Fi 6, ensuring fast download speeds and performance, whether you’re streaming, browsing, or working remotely, both will keep you happily connected on the go.
Design: A Familiar Look and Colors
Both iPads boast the same sleek design, as well as the same color options: Silver, Blue, Pink, and Yellow.
Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard: Enhanced Versatility
Both iPads support Apple Pencil (1st generation), allowing for precise sketching, note-taking, and other creative tasks. Additionally, both models are compatible with the Magic Keyboard Folio, making it easy to type, navigate, and use the trackpad. However, it's worth noting that the 11th generation iPad (A16) has better performance thanks to the new chip, making tasks like using the Pencil for graphic design or editing even more responsive and efficient.
What About Apple Intelligence?
While the A16 processor on the new iPad is a definite upgrade, it’s still not powerful enough to handle all the complex processing required by advanced AI. That means neither device gives you access to popular AI features like Genmoji, Image Playground, Writing Tools, Priority messages, the latest Siri enhancements, and so on.
iPad (A16) vs. iPad (10th Gen): The Breakdown
Here’s a quick overview of both iPads, so you can get a better idea of the similarities and differences:
- Processor:
- iPad (A16): A16 chip with 30% faster performance, better multitasking, gaming, and processing power.
- iPad (10th Gen): A14 chip, still powerful but less efficient than the A16.
- Display:
- iPad (A16): 11-inch Liquid Retina display, 2360 x 1640 resolution, 500 nits peak brightness, True Tone, and sRGB color support.
- iPad (10th Gen): 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, same resolution, brightness, and color features.
- Camera System:
- iPad (A16): 12MP Ultra Wide front camera, 12MP Landscape Center Stage camera with Smart HDR 4 for improved low-light performance.
- iPad (10th Gen): Same front camera setup, but with Smart HDR 3 (slightly less advanced).
- Storage Options:
- iPad (A16): Starts at 128GB, upgradeable to 256GB or 512GB.
- iPad (10th Gen): Starts at 64GB, with an upgrade option to 256GB.
- Battery Life:
- Both: Up to 10 hours of battery life for web browsing or video watching.
- Connectivity:
- Both: 5G support and Wi-Fi 6 for fast download speeds and reliable performance.
- Design and Colors:
- Both: Sleek design with color options in Silver, Blue, Pink, and Yellow.
- Apple Pencil & Magic Keyboard Compatibility:
- Both: Support for Apple Pencil (1st generation) and Magic Keyboard Folio for versatile use.
- Apple Intelligence:
- Neither: Neither model supports advanced AI features like Genmoji, Image Playground, or enhanced Siri due to processor limitations.
As you can see, iPad (A16) offers faster performance, more storage, and a slightly better camera system. If those features matter most to you, it could be worth the upgrade. However, the 10th generation iPad remains a solid choice to stick with if the latest improvements aren’t worth it to you. If Apple Intelligence is a must have right now, you may want to consider the new iPad Air, iPad Pro or iPad mini.
Still can’t decide?
You might also be interested in:
The New iPad (A16) Is Here: Everything You Need to Know
A Guide to Choosing the Best iPad Case
*Please note that product availability may vary, and some items mentioned may no longer be in stock or available at the time of reading. Browse all of our latest phones, devices and accessories here.
Sources:
https://www.apple.com/ipad/compare/?modelList=ipad-11th-a16,ipad-10th-gen,ipad-pro-11-m4
https://www.apple.com/ipad-11/specs