iPad 10.2
Apple’s cheapest iPad gets a minor spec bump
From $329 From Apple, apple.com
Features A10 Fusion chip, 32 or 128GB storage, 10.2–inch display, 264ppi, Smart Connector
Apple’s previous generation 9.7–inch
iPad was its best value model, and this
year’s entry–level iPad continues the
trend, but it’s now a bit bigger and better.
At the fore of its minor upgrades is a
marginally larger 10.2–inch screen. It
might not sound like much of an increase,
but it will make using Split View on
iPadOS more comfortable, or allow you to
take greater advantage of the Sidecar
feature in macOS Catalina that turns your
iPad into a second Mac display.
To keep things looking clear, Apple has
also increased the pixel count to match
the stretch in the screen, so although the
pixel density hasn’t raised, it retains the
visual quality of the older, smaller model.
Visually, the exterior is unchanged
from the 9.7, but the exterior casing is
now made with 100% recycled aluminium.
The new iPad 10.2 is now compatible
with Apple’s Smart Keyboard Cover, so
you can easily snap one onto the Smart
Connector and start typing — no fussing
with a Bluetooth connection or charging.
Of course, this doesn’t come in the box,
so though the iPad is cheap to buy, you’re
going to have to spend a lot more to take
advantage of Apple’s fangled keyboard.
The iPad 10.2 shares the same A10
Fusion processor as the iPad 9.7, but
according to an iFixit teardown, you get
an extra 1GB of RAM, making it 3GB in
total. That makes the new iPad a little
more potent, and we did see higher
results in a Geekbench test. Battery life
remains the same, which is very good
— you’ll easily get three days on a charge.
THE BOTTOM LINE. The entry–level iPad
is now more appealing. MATT SWIDERiPAD 10.2
Bigger screen
Smart Connector
Great price
Minor upgrade
GREATmaclife.com DEC 2019 47Tough testing, trusted ratings