Is the iPad 10th Gen Still Worth It in 2025? A Detailed Review

The 10th Gen iPad may appear as a potential option when searching for a reasonably priced tablet in 2025. Nevertheless, does it still sustain its value nearly three years post-launch? The 10th Gen iPad offers a modern aesthetic and seamless operation as a multipurpose gadget, while boasting an intuitive system; yet, it comes with a few shortcomings as well. This article outlines all aspects of the device, right from the design to the software experience, covering performance, camera quality, and everything else important for you to evaluate whether the 10th Generation iPad will fit your needs.

Design and Build: A Modern Look That’s Still Fresh

The iPad 10th Gen marked a significant step forward in terms of design when it was released in 2022. Compared to its predecessor, the iPad 9th Gen, it offers a more modern, slim profile that brings it in line with Apple’s more premium devices like the iPad Air and iPad Pro.

Here’s what you need to know about its design:

• Slim and Lightweight: The iPad 10th Gen has an aluminum body that feels premium yet remains lightweight. You won’t feel weighed down, whether you’re using it at home or on the go.
• Vibrant Color Options: The iPad 10th Gen comes in a variety of colors, including classic silver, blue, pink, and yellow. If you’re looking for something with a bit more personality, the iPad 10th Gen has got you covered.
• USB Type-C: Unlike the previous generation, which used the Lightning port, the iPad 10th Gen features the USB Type-C port for faster data transfer and charging. This move aligns it with newer Apple devices, making it more future-proof.
• Front Camera Placement: Apple moved the front-facing camera to the horizontal bezel, making it more suitable for video calls. No more awkward, off-angle shots during Zoom meetings!

Verdict: If you love a modern, sleek design with a lightweight feel, the iPad 10th Gen will impress. It feels just as premium as the iPad Air, while offering a more affordable price.

Display: A Comfortable Midpoint for Media and Productivity

The 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display on the iPad 10th Gen strikes a perfect balance between size and portability. If you’re used to the massive 12.9-inch iPad Pro, you’ll notice how much more manageable the 10.9-inch screen is. While it’s not as large as its Pro counterpart, it provides ample space for video streaming, productivity tasks, and light editing.

Key Display Features:

• Liquid Retina Display: The color accuracy and sharpness are fantastic, especially for watching Netflix, YouTube videos, or editing photos. The display remains clear and vibrant even at different viewing angles.
• 60Hz Refresh Rate: While the iPad Pro boasts a 120Hz refresh rate, the iPad 10th Gen sticks with 60Hz. This refresh rate is fine for most users, but if you’re used to smoother animations and transitions, you might feel the difference.
• Size vs. Portability: If you’re someone who wants an iPad that’s comfortable for travel, the 10.9-inch size is ideal. It’s not too small, yet it’s easy to carry in your bag without feeling too bulky.

Verdict: The display is one of the iPad 10th Gen’s strongest points, offering great color accuracy and a manageable size. While the 60Hz refresh rate could be a letdown for some, the display quality is still top-notch for most tasks.

Performance: Still Reliable with the A14 Bionic Chip

The iPad 10th Gen is powered by the A14 Bionic chip, which was once the powerhouse behind the iPhone 12 series. While it’s no longer the latest chip in Apple’s lineup, the A14 still offers solid performance for most day-to-day tasks. From web browsing to media consumption, light gaming, and multitasking, the A14 Bionic handles it all with ease.

Here’s a deeper look into the performance:

• Geekbench Scores: For those interested in benchmarks, the A14 Bionic scores well enough to handle most non-graphics-heavy tasks. Don’t expect it to perform like the M1 or M2 chips, but it’s still more than capable for casual use.
• Casual Gaming: The A14 Bionic chip can handle games like Asphalt, Brawl Stars, and BGMI at medium settings. However, maxing out graphics or playing for extended periods can cause the device to heat up. If gaming is a primary concern for you, this iPad will work, but you may run into limitations with more demanding titles.
• Photo Editing and Creative Work: Whether you’re editing photos with Lightroom or working in Procreate, the A14 chip can handle creative tasks well, though heavy 4K video editing will likely cause some slowdown.

Verdict: For most people, the iPad 10th Gen offers more than enough power to handle everyday tasks and creative apps. However, it’s not a powerhouse for heavy gaming or professional-grade video editing.

Storage: A Major Limitation for Some Users

The iPad 10th Gen offers two storage options: 64GB and 256GB. While this may seem like enough for basic users, it falls short in a few key areas.

• 64GB Storage: This base model is fine if you don’t store a lot of media or use high-demand apps. However, it fills up quickly, especially if you plan to use the iPad for anything other than browsing or note-taking.
• 256GB Storage: The larger storage option provides ample space, but at a significantly higher price point. In fact, it’s close to the price of the iPad Air, which offers better overall performance.

Verdict: Storage is one of the biggest drawbacks of the iPad 10th Gen. While 64GB might suffice for light users, power users will quickly run into space issues. If you plan on keeping a lot of media or using demanding apps, 256GB may be worth considering, but it might push the price into iPad Air territory.

Software: iPadOS Shines with Multitasking and Productivity Features

One of the standout features of the iPad 10th Gen is its software: iPadOS. The operating system is intuitive, smooth, and packed with features that make the device ideal for productivity.

Key Software Highlights:

• Multitasking: iPadOS shines with its multitasking features like Split View and Slide Over. You can work in apps like Notion and GoodNotes simultaneously, which makes it perfect for students or professionals who need to juggle multiple tasks.
• Note-Taking: Apple’s native Notes app is excellent for quick text-based notes, and apps like GoodNotes and Notability are fantastic for handwritten notes. The iPad 10th Gen supports Apple Pencil, which makes it great for annotating documents, sketching, or jotting down ideas.
• App Ecosystem: Unlike Android tablets, iPadOS has an enormous range of apps available. From Procreate to DaVinci Resolve, you’ll find professional-grade apps that allow you to get serious work done.

Verdict: iPadOS makes the iPad 10th Gen an incredibly productive device. The multitasking features and extensive app ecosystem are perfect for those who need a portable productivity tool.

Cameras: Decent for Video Calls and Photography

The camera setup on the iPad 10th Gen features a 12MP front and rear camera. While it’s not as good as the camera systems on the iPad Pro or iPhone, it still gets the job done for video calls, document scanning, and casual photography.

• Front Camera: The 12MP front-facing camera is perfect for video calls. The horizontal placement ensures you’re always framed properly, and the camera performs well even in low light.
• Rear Camera: While the rear camera won’t replace your phone’s camera for serious photography, it’s adequate for casual shots, scanning documents, or even capturing photos for work.

Verdict: The camera quality is good enough for everyday use, especially if video calls or document scanning are important to you.

Battery Life: Enough to Get Through Your Day

The iPad 10th Gen packs a 7606 mAh battery, which delivers a solid six to seven hours of screen-on time with moderate use. Casual use will see the iPad through an entire day of work or play.

• Battery Life: If you’re just browsing the web or streaming videos, you can easily get through the day without charging. However, if you’re doing more demanding tasks like gaming or video editing, you might find yourself needing a charge sooner.

Verdict: The battery life is solid for a day of casual use. If you’re using your device more intensively, you’ll likely need to charge it sooner.

Apple Pencil: An Important Consideration

The iPad 10th Gen supports the first-generation Apple Pencil, which is great for note-taking and drawing. However, it uses a clunky Type-C to Lightning adapter for charging, which can be frustrating.

Verdict: If you plan to use the Apple Pencil frequently, you may want to invest in the second-generation Apple Pencil for a better charging experience. The iPad 10th Gen’s Apple Pencil experience is solid, but the charging method can be annoying.

Conclusion: Is the iPad 10th Gen Still Worth It in 2025?

Performance-wise, the iPad 10th Gen has proven to still be reliable in 2025, alongside its impeccable design and software. For students, casual users, and even creatives, the iPad 10th Gen serves its purpose incredibly well. However, users seeking more advanced features such as higher refresh rates and increased storage capacity may find the 10th Gen’s limitations to be unappealing.

Final Thoughts:

• Great for: Media consumption, note-taking, productivity, casual gaming, and light creative work.
• Not ideal for: Power users who need more storage, pro-level video editing, or those who want a top-tier display with a higher refresh rate.
• Storage issues: 64GB might feel cramped, and the 256GB model is quite expensive for what you get.

In conclusion, ifor an economical iPod that covers basic tasks, the iPad 10th Gen is a great option even in 2025. However, for those who are ready to spend a bit more for enhanced performance or other features, it’s best to look at the iPad Air. If found at a good deal, the iPad 10th Gen remains a good choice for many, considering it is a bit dated.