Apple iPad 102 2020 Unveiled Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview of the Apple iPad 10.2 (2020)

The Apple iPad 10.2 (2020) is an impressive addition to Apple's lineup of tablets, balancing performance, affordability, and functionality. Released in September 2020, this device targets users who are looking for a reliable tablet experience without the high price tag of premium devices such as the iPad Pro. The device is available in several appealing colors, including Silver, Gold, and Space Gray.

Design and Build

The iPad 10.2 (2020) maintains a familiar design with a sturdy build. It features an aluminum back and frame, contributing to its lightweight and robust nature. Weighing about 490g for the Wi-Fi version and 495g for the LTE model, it's portable and easy to carry around. The dimensions of 250.6 x 174.1 x 7.5 mm make it comfortable to hold, enhancing the user experience for reading, browsing, and entertainment.

Display

The device boasts a 10.2-inch Retina IPS LCD display, which is a hallmark of Apple products. With a resolution of 1620 x 2160 pixels and a pixel density of around 264 ppi, the screen delivers crisp and vibrant visuals. It also features scratch-resistant glass and an oleophobic coating to protect against fingerprints and minor scuffs, providing durability for everyday use.

Performance and Software

At the heart of the iPad 10.2 (2020) lies the Apple A12 Bionic chip, a testament to Apple's engineering prowess. This chipset is built on a 7nm process and features a hexa-core CPU composed of 2 high-performance cores and 4 efficiency cores, as well as a 4-core GPU. This combination ensures smooth performance for multitasking, gaming, and media consumption.

The tablet runs iPadOS 14 out of the box, but it's upgradeable to iPadOS 17.5.1. This operating system is tailored specifically for the iPad, offering features like improved multitasking, hand-off capabilities, and Apple Pencil support, thus enhancing productivity and creativity.

Camera

For photography, the iPad 10.2 (2020) includes an 8 MP rear camera with f/2.4 aperture and autofocus capability, suitable for casual photography needs, document scanning, and augmented reality experiences. It supports HDR and panorama modes, and can record videos at 1080p at 30fps and 720p at 120fps. On the front, there's a 1.2 MP selfie camera, capable of 720p video recording at 30fps and HDR support, adequate for video calls and FaceTime.

Audio and Connectivity

The iPad features stereo speakers that deliver adequate sound quality for enjoying videos and music. There's also a 3.5mm headphone jack for users who prefer wired audio connections, which is a rare feature in modern tablets.

Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.2, and GPS/GLONASS in models with cellular capability. The use of a Lightning connector for charging and data transfer supports Apple's ecosystem but might be a limitation for those wishing for a shift to USB-C.

Battery Life

The device comes with a non-removable Lithium-Ion battery with a capacity of 32.4 Wh. It provides a robust battery life, capable of lasting up to 10 hours for web surfing on Wi-Fi or watching videos. This endurance makes it suitable for all-day use without requiring frequent charging, ideal for students and professionals on the go.

Storage and RAM

The iPad 10.2 (2020) offers two storage options: 32GB and 128GB, paired with 3GB of RAM. While the lack of a microSD card slot for expandable storage might be a downside, the available options cater well to different usage needs. The RAM is sufficient for the device's multitasking capabilities, yet users with extensive app libraries might prefer the 128GB variant.

Sensors and Other Features

This iPad includes a range of sensors like a front-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, compass, and barometer. The Touch ID provides a secure and easy way to unlock the device and authenticate purchases.

As for the models, you can choose between several based on network connectivity and usage needs, including A2428, A2429, A2270, A2430, iPad11,6, and iPad11,7.

Pricing and Availability

Since its launch, the iPad 10.2 (2020) has been competitively priced. With a starting price of approximately 370 EUR, it's an attractive option for those seeking quality at a moderate cost. Its availability through various retailers and online platforms makes it easily accessible to a broad audience.

Conclusion

The Apple iPad 10.2 (2020) serves as an excellent entry-point into the world of iPads. Offering a balanced set of features and performance, it's well-suited for students, casual users, and even professionals looking for a secondary device. Its combination of a vivid display, solid battery life, and reliable performance makes it a valuable tool for both productivity and entertainment.