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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →For most people choosing between these two tablets, the iPad (10th generation) is the better all-round fit: it has a larger display, USB-C, newer cameras, Wi-Fi 6 and an optional 5G configuration. The iPad (9th generation) can still make sense if it costs substantially less when you buy, you prefer its Home button and Lightning port, or you want to keep using compatible accessories. Check current prices and stock before deciding; they vary by retailer and location.
iPad 9 vs. iPad 10 at a glance
| Feature | iPad (9th generation) | iPad (10th generation) |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 10.2-inch Retina display | 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display |
| Chip | A13 Bionic | A14 Bionic |
| Rear camera | 8MP; video recording up to 1080p | 12MP; supports 4K video recording |
| Front camera | Center Stage support | 12MP Center Stage camera on the landscape edge |
| Connector and Touch ID | Lightning; Touch ID in the Home button | USB-C; Touch ID in the top button |
| Wireless options | Wi-Fi 802.11ac; cellular models list 4G LTE | Wi-Fi 6; cellular models list 5G |
| Listed storage capacities | 64GB or 256GB | 64GB or 256GB |
| Apple keyboard listed by Apple | Smart Keyboard | Magic Keyboard Folio |
Specifications and listed accessory compatibility are from Apple’s iPad comparison page. Configurations and actual stock can differ by market and retailer.
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What the differences mean in everyday use
Display and design
The iPad 10’s 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display gives you more screen area than the iPad 9’s 10.2-inch Retina display. That can be useful for split-screen tasks, reading, video and drawing. Choose the older model if you specifically prefer its familiar Home-button layout; the iPad 10 instead uses an all-screen front design with Touch ID in the top button.
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USB-C versus Lightning
The iPad 10 uses USB-C, while the iPad 9 uses Lightning. If your other devices or accessories already use USB-C, the newer iPad may fit your setup more conveniently. If you rely on Lightning cables and accessories, the iPad 9 may involve fewer changes. The connector difference also matters for Apple Pencil pairing and charging, covered below.
#1 Best Overall
- Striking 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone - Go far with all-day battery life
- A14 Bionic chip with 6-core CPU and 4-core GPU - Wi-Fi 6 and 5G cellular models available
- 12MP Ultra Wide back camera - Landscape 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage
- iPadOS 16 makes your iPad even more capable with powerful new productivity and collab features
- USB-C connector for charging and accessories - Works with Apple Pencil (1st gen) and Magic Keyboard Folio
Camera differences and video calls
For rear-camera photos and video, the iPad 10 has a 12MP camera capable of 4K recording; the iPad 9 has an 8MP camera and records up to 1080p. Both support Center Stage on the front camera. On the iPad 10, its 12MP front camera is positioned on the landscape edge, which suits horizontal video calls better when the tablet is held in that orientation.
Chip and wireless connectivity
The iPad 9 has an A13 Bionic chip and the iPad 10 an A14 Bionic. Those are specification differences, not a quantified speed comparison: the specifications cited here do not establish benchmark results or a measured performance advantage. For wireless networking, Apple lists Wi-Fi 802.11ac on the iPad 9 and Wi-Fi 6 on the iPad 10. Cellular versions are listed with 4G LTE and 5G, respectively. Cellular service requires a compatible carrier and plan, and availability varies by market and carrier.
Rank #2
- WHY IPAD — The 11-inch iPad is now more capable than ever with the superfast A16 chip, a stunning Liquid Retina display, advanced cameras, fast Wi-Fi, USB-C connector, and four gorgeous colors.* iPad delivers a powerful way to create, stay connected, and get things done.
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The superfast A16 chip delivers a boost in performance for your favorite activities. And with all-day battery life, iPad is perfect for playing immersive games and editing photos and videos.* Storage starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB.*
- 11-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display is an amazing way to watch movies or draw your next masterpiece.* True Tone adjusts the display to the color temperature of the room to make viewing comfortable in any light.
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos.* iPad comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps designed specifically for iPad available on the App Store.
- FAST WI-FI CONNECTIVITY — Wi-Fi 6 gives you fast access to your files, uploads, and downloads, and lets you seamlessly stream your favorite shows.
Apple Pencil and keyboard compatibility
Apple Pencil
Both tablets support Apple Pencil (1st generation), but using that Pencil with the iPad 10 requires a USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter to pair and charge it. Apple also lists Apple Pencil (USB-C) as compatible with the iPad 10. Check the exact Pencil model and required adapter before buying; Apple’s compatibility details are on its Apple Pencil compatibility page, published March 10, 2026.
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Keyboards
Apple lists Smart Keyboard support for the iPad 9 and Magic Keyboard Folio support for the iPad 10. Do not assume a keyboard that fits one generation will fit the other. If you already own a keyboard or plan to buy one, confirm its exact model compatibility with the specific iPad generation.
Rank #3
Storage, price and buying checks
Apple’s comparison lists 64GB and 256GB capacities for both models. Formatted storage available to you is lower than the stated capacity and varies with software and settings. The comparison page does not establish which model is cheaper now, and retail availability can vary. Compare dated listings for the same storage capacity and condition rather than assuming the older generation is the better deal.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- WHY IPAD — The 11-inch iPad is now more capable than ever with the superfast A16 chip, a stunning Liquid Retina display, advanced cameras, fast Wi-Fi, USB-C connector, and four gorgeous colors.* iPad delivers a powerful way to create, stay connected, and get things done.
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The superfast A16 chip delivers a boost in performance for your favorite activities. And with all-day battery life, iPad is perfect for playing immersive games and editing photos and videos.* Storage starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB.*
- 11-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display is an amazing way to watch movies or draw your next masterpiece.* True Tone adjusts the display to the color temperature of the room to make viewing comfortable in any light.
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos.* iPad comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps designed specifically for iPad available on the App Store.
- FAST WI-FI CONNECTIVITY — Wi-Fi 6 gives you fast access to your files, uploads, and downloads, and lets you seamlessly stream your favorite shows.
Rank #4
- WHY IPAD — The 11-inch iPad is now more capable than ever with the superfast A16 chip, a stunning Liquid Retina display, advanced cameras, fast Wi-Fi, USB-C connector, and four gorgeous colors.* iPad delivers a powerful way to create, stay connected, and get things done.
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The superfast A16 chip delivers a boost in performance for your favorite activities. And with all-day battery life, iPad is perfect for playing immersive games and editing photos and videos.* Storage starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB.*
- 11-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display is an amazing way to watch movies or draw your next masterpiece.* True Tone adjusts the display to the color temperature of the room to make viewing comfortable in any light.
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos.* iPad comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps designed specifically for iPad available on the App Store.
- FAST WI-FI CONNECTIVITY — Wi-Fi 6 gives you fast access to your files, uploads, and downloads, and lets you seamlessly stream your favorite shows.
- Buying used: Check the individual unit’s condition and battery health; model specifications alone cannot tell you how a used tablet has been maintained.
- Buying cellular: Confirm that the model and cellular service are supported by your carrier in your location, and include the cost of a plan in your decision.
- Buying a case or keyboard: Verify the accessory’s stated compatibility with the exact generation, not just its screen size.
- Considering long-term use: Software-support duration is not established by the specifications cited here, so do not infer a support end date from the A13/A14 difference.
Which iPad should you choose?
Choose the iPad 10 if
- You want the larger 10.9-inch display and all-screen design.
- You prefer USB-C or want Wi-Fi 6, and you may need a 5G cellular configuration.
- You take more advantage of the higher-resolution rear camera or make horizontal video calls.
- You are starting fresh with accessories and can use its compatible Pencil or Magic Keyboard Folio options.
Choose the iPad 9 if
- It is meaningfully less expensive in the specific listing you are considering.
- You prefer the Home button or want to stay with Lightning.
- You already have a compatible Smart Keyboard or first-generation Apple Pencil setup and want to avoid changing it.
- Your needs are basic tablet tasks and the older display, camera and wireless specifications are sufficient for you.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
