Apple iPad 10th Generation - An Impressive Upgrade with Minor Compromises

After several weeks of intensive use of the 10th generation iPad, I can provide a comprehensive review of this remarkable tablet. As a long-time Apple user and product tester, I'm impressed by the evolution Apple has achieved with this generation.

The first thing that immediately stands out is the completely redesigned form factor. Apple has finally abandoned the outdated Home button design and presents a modern, angular chassis that strongly resembles the iPad Air and Pro models. The build quality is, as expected from Apple, impeccable. The aluminum housing feels premium and sits comfortably in hand despite the larger display area.

The 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display is an absolute highlight. With a resolution of 2360 x 1640 pixels at 264 ppi, it delivers razor-sharp images and brilliant colors. The True Tone technology automatically adjusts color temperature to ambient lighting, which is significantly more comfortable for the eyes during extended usage sessions. The display quality truly excels, especially when streaming content or editing photos.

The A14 Bionic chip delivers impressive performance. Even demanding apps like Procreate, Adobe Lightroom, or complex games run smoothly without delays. Multitasking works seamlessly, and even when switching between numerous open apps, there are no stutters. The 6-core processor with 4GB RAM handles all daily tasks effortlessly.

The battery life is phenomenal. Apple promises up to 10 hours of usage, and in my tests, I sometimes lasted even longer. With mixed usage - browsing, watching videos, handling emails, and occasional gaming - I easily get through an entire workday. The USB-C charging cable is a welcome innovation that significantly simplifies charging and connecting external devices.

The camera setup has improved considerably. The 12MP main camera on the back takes surprisingly good photos for a tablet, although you certainly wouldn't replace your iPhone with it. The new positioning of the front camera on the long side is brilliant for video conferences in landscape mode - finally, you look directly into the camera instead of sideways.

Support for Wi-Fi 6 ensures lightning-fast internet connections, provided your router supports the standard. The connection is stable and the range convinces even in larger apartments.

However, compatibility with the Apple Pencil (1st generation) is a disappointment. While the functionality is basically there, charging is cumbersome as the Pencil must be charged via an adapter at the USB-C port. Support for the 2nd generation Apple Pencil would have been desirable here.

The new Magic Keyboard Folio is an interesting addition, although it's quite pricey. The typing experience is good, but doesn't quite reach the level of the Magic Keyboard for Pro models.

Overall, the iPad 10th generation offers excellent value for money for anyone looking for a reliable, powerful tablet for everyday life, study, or work. It's the perfect choice for iPad newcomers or anyone wanting to upgrade from an older model.