Apple iPad 10.9 (2022) Review: A Premium Tablet That Strikes the Right Balance

Apple’s iPad 10.9 (2022), or iPad (10th Generation), delivers a compelling mix of performance and style, featuring a vibrant Liquid Retina display and the A14 Bionic chip. While its premium pricing and first-gen Apple Pencil compatibility may give some pause, the tablet excels in everyday tasks and creative pursuits, backed by impressive battery life and ecosystem integration.
Design and Display
The iPad 10.9 sports a refined aluminum build with modern flat edges, available in Silver, Blue, Pink, and Yellow. Its 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display boasts 2360 x 1640 pixels resolution at 264 ppi, with True Tone technology and 500 nits of brightness. At 477 grams, it maintains a lightweight profile, though the absence of an anti-reflective coating can be noticeable in bright conditions.
Processor
The A14 Bionic chip, featuring a 6-core CPU and 4-core GPU, powers the device, ensuring robust performance across applications.
RAM and Storage
With 4GB RAM and storage options of 64GB or 256GB, the iPad offers adequate but non-expandable storage configurations.
Software
iPadOS 18 enhances the tablet’s capabilities with improved multitasking features and external display support. The update brings better low-light camera performance and sharper images through advanced processing. Apple’s commitment to five years of updates ensures long-term software support.
Performance
The A14 Bionic chip demonstrates exceptional capabilities in both routine and demanding tasks. Multitasking feels fluid, with seamless app switching and robust gaming performance, enhanced by the 16-core Neural Engine for machine learning tasks. The tablet outshines competitors like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 in software optimization and ecosystem integration, though the Samsung device offers comparable raw performance. Wi-Fi 6 support ensures fast connectivity, while optional 5G provides mobile data flexibility. The neural engine particularly excels in AI-driven tasks, delivering responsive performance that maintains consistency even under heavy workloads.
Camera
The dual 12MP camera setup impresses with versatile capabilities. The rear camera supports 4K recording with Smart HDR and 5x digital zoom, while the front camera features Center Stage technology for dynamic video calls. Compared to the Microsoft Surface Go 3’s lower-resolution cameras, the iPad delivers superior image quality and video performance. The camera system proves particularly effective for content creation, virtual meetings, and casual photography.
Sound
Stereo speakers provide well-balanced, clear audio output suitable for various media consumption scenarios.
Battery
The device offers a reliable 10-hour battery life, perfect for all-day use without frequent charging needs.
Accessories
Compatible accessories include the first-generation Apple Pencil (₹8,500) and Magic Keyboard Folio (₹15,900), expanding functionality for creative and productivity tasks.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Elegant design with multiple color options
- High-quality Liquid Retina display
- Powerful A14 Bionic performance
- Extended battery life
- Versatile accessory support
Cons
- First-generation Apple Pencil limitation
- Non-expandable storage
- Premium price point
- Missing iPad Pro features
Market Buzz
User reviews on Amazon and Flipkart highlight satisfaction with design, display, and performance, though some users express concerns about pricing compared to previous models.
Pricing
- 64GB Wi-Fi: ₹44,900
- 256GB Wi-Fi: ₹59,900
- 64GB Wi-Fi + Cellular: ₹54,900
- 256GB Wi-Fi + Cellular: ₹69,900
Final Verdict
The iPad 10.9 (2022) justifies its premium positioning with excellent performance, versatility, and build quality, despite certain limitations in storage and stylus support. It’s a worthy investment for users prioritizing the Apple ecosystem.