Our detailed management
True, tablets do not yet replace laptops in use, but they tend to get closer! And this 10th generation iPad is probably the best demonstration of the evolutions that have marked the short history of tablets digital over the past decade.
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Getting started on a wifi + 4G iPad loaned by the manufacturer. The 10th generation iPad is already available starting at € 589.99.
Design and ergonomics
It was time for the iPad to evolve. We ended up losing hope, as Apple recycled the same somewhat outdated design year after year. It is now done with this 10th generation model which has been modernized in the most beautiful way.
First, let’s say goodbye to the Home button. Like the iPad Pro and the iPad Air before, the “classic” model of Apple tablets adopts gesture navigation that iPhone owners are familiar with. This also allows the tablet to sport a larger screen, with smooth edges, which we will describe in detail below.
The new iPad is a bit wider (179.5mm) than its predecessor (174.1mm), but above all thinner (7mm) and lighter (477g in wifi, 481g in wifi + 4G). It is still very suitable for mobile use and offers an almost perfect reading surface. The ideal compromise, in our opinion, between comfort and size.
In addition to this redesigned design, the iPad 10 also adopts – finally! – a USB-C port. Either way, Apple no longer has a choice. On the other hand, the 3.5mm jack disappears on the run. Enough to make audiophiles cringe.
In addition, there are still two stereo speakers on the side edges which, as usual, deliver quality sound at a powerful volume. A single camera also finds its place on the back of the board, which we will return to in more detail below.
The left edge of the iPad shows the Smart Connector which allows in particular to insert the new Magic Keyboard, specially designed for this model. In this regard, we must say that we particularly appreciate the possibility of dissociating the two parts (doing without the keyboard and keeping only the back protection, or the other way around).
No Face ID on the iPad 10, but this good old Touch ID which, like on the iPad Air, is integrated directly into the device’s power button on the top edge.
Finally, let’s talk about Apple Pencil. You’ve probably followed the case, the iPad 10 is compatible with the first generation Apple Pencil … which is paired via a Lightning port. However, the 10th generation iPad switched to USB-C, how to do it? Apple now sells a Lightning to USB-C adapter for $ 10 to remedy the situation (it’s slated for every new Apple Pencil 1 purchase). However, we are left with an installation that borders on the ridiculous: the stylus must be connected to the adapter, which in turn must be connected via the USB-C cable to the tablet. Why not opt for a male USB-C plug adapter? The mystery remains intact.
screen
The new design of the iPad 10 allows it to increase the diagonal of its Liquid Retina display (IPS LCD) to 10.9 “compared to 10.2” of the previous model. The definition is limited to 2,360 × 1,640 pixels for a resolution of 261 dpi. No change on the side of the scan rate, which remains at 60Hz like on the iPad Air M1. ProMotion (120 Hz) is a resource that, at Apple, is reserved for example for iPad Pro or iPhone 14 Pro.
That said, there is nothing to regret on the side of the reactivity of the plate. Whether on the finger or with the Apple Pencil, the iPad 10 responds instantly to our requests. We will therefore have great pleasure in drawing, coloring or simply taking notes on the various applications available.
On the brightness side, if the screen doesn’t reach the bright peak of an iPad Pro 12 mini-LED, it appears to match the manufacturer’s promises of 500 nits. Clearly, the screen is perfectly readable on the inside, but it will show some difficulties outside, especially if the sun is at its peak.
Shows and interface
The iPad 10 adopts the A14 Bionic chip that was found two years ago in the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro. chipset which, unfortunately for those who opt for a cellular version, does not allow a 5G connection, but which still offers peak performance. Especially if we limit ourselves to web browsing and video playback.
Anything, even for fun, the A14 defends itself very well. On a colossus like Genshin Impactwe were able to choose high graphics settings while maintaining very comfortable fluidity.
Paradoxically, the iPad 10 doesn’t ship iPadOS 16.1 out of the box. But just install it through the settings to discover, in particular, the widgets on the lock screen.
Note that Stage Manager, one of the new flagship features of iPadOS 16, is only available on iPads equipped with the M1 chip. This new model is therefore effectively excluded. Finally, when it comes to updates, Apple is still a good student and promises at least five or even six years of updates. Enough to consider a long-term investment, then.
Photo
Of course, the iPad is not a device for photographers or videographers. That said, the single wide-angle sensor on the back of the tablet improves from 8 to 12 megapixels this year.
No miracle though, the shots remain quite rough around the corners, even in broad daylight. The iPad doesn’t take advantage of Apple’s latest refinements in computational photography; the HDR is not great and the level of detail is rather poor. Also, there is no Portrait mode or Night mode for versatility.
© Pierre Crochart / L’Éclaireur
© Pierre Crochart / L’Éclaireur
© Pierre Crochart / L’Éclaireur
At the front, we keep the same 12-megapixel sensor from previous models. Except the sensor is now housed on the longer side of the iPad and no longer at the top of the tablet (when held vertically). So when the tablet is placed in front of you horizontally, the camera faces you and holds you in the center of the image. A good point.
Autonomy
If we have to wait for a full test from the Lab for objective measurements, our observations allow us a priori to confirm the manufacturer’s announcements. The iPad 10 is actually able to offer around 10 hours of battery life in mixed use (browsing and video playback).
According to what some experts have found, the on-board battery would, however, have a lower capacity (28.6 Wh) than the iPad 9 (32.4 Wh). However, the A14 Bionic chip would offer better energy efficiency, allowing for roughly equivalent lifespan.
Finally, as regards the refill, no changes to report. Supplied with a 20W power supply, the iPad 10 takes approximately 3 hours to return from 0 to 100% battery life.
