Apple iPad 10.9-Inch 10th Generation Review

The Apple iPad 10.9 10th Gen is among the most versatile in our lineup. This is a standard iPad, so it doesn't come preloaded with kid-specific content. However, the App Store has plenty of options for children of all ages. It's great for any kiddo, but we specifically like it for the older ones. This tablet is a great tool for educational purposes and will grow alongside your child.

Performance Comparison

Ready to Go Content

The Apple iPad doesn't come with any kid-specific preloaded content, as it is not primarily designed for children. However, it does come loaded with general Apple apps, such as the App Store, Camera, and Weather. The App Store is where you'll find a wide variety of child-friendly apps, games, TV shows, and movies. It's important to set up parental controls before allowing access to the App Store, as without restrictions, children will have access to all content. Once parental controls are in place, only age-appropriate options will be shown.

Because the iPad lacks preloaded content, it didn't score too well in this metric. But it's worth noting it can still be an action-packed option. We specifically like this for older kids and teenagers. This powerful tablet can do quite a bit on its own. Add a keyboard, and it replaces the need for a laptop. Though a hefty investment, it's still quite a bit cheaper than most laptops, and many teens are now required to be virtually connected for school. With iMessage and internet access, messages can be sent back and forth between Apple products. For parents with iPhones, this could be an easy way to reach your kid.

Durability

The Apple iPad 10.9-Inch 10th Gen is not as durable as some dedicated kids' tablets. It doesn't come with a case, and its large screen feels rather delicate, especially when considering young hands. To ensure its protection, we recommend purchasing a case right away to minimize the risk of accidental damage. Plenty of options are available, including kid-specific cases and screen protectors.

We didn't feel too comfortable dropping this tablet from waist-high or really any distance at all. Should any damage occur, Apple offers a limited 1-year warranty, and additional coverage can be obtained through Apple Care for added peace of mind.

Battery

To test the device's battery life, we streamed a 4K video of sea creatures that lasted 11 hours. We set a camera on the tablet to note exactly when it died. Then, we plugged the tablet in to charge, noting when it powered back on. Then, we timed it to see how long it took to achieve a full charge.

During our testing, the iPad lasted for 5 hours and 44 minutes when streaming a video continuously. It automatically turned on at 1% battery, doing so rather quickly. Recharging the iPad to full battery capacity took approximately 2 hours and 21 minutes. Keep in mind that battery life may vary depending on usage, and it may be possible to achieve longer battery life for tasks other than continuous 4K video streaming. While the battery performance may be enough for day-to-day use, it falls slightly short compared to other tablets on the market.

Parental Controls

Once you become familiar with using parental controls, they offer a vast selection of customization options. You can set “downtime” periods when the iPad cannot be used, along with specific time restrictions for certain app categories. The controls allow for duration limits, age restrictions, and content filters suitable for different age groups, ranging from under 5 to 18 years old. Additionally, you can manage browser restrictions or opt for an unrestricted browser. Schedules can be created along with daily time limits for specific categories of apps. When the time limit is reached, a notification pops up on the screen, and the child can request an additional 1-15 minutes or choose to ignore the limit altogether. However, a PIN is required to grant additional time. The parental controls cover a wide range of aspects, including apps, books, TV shows, movies, music videos, web content, Siri searches, and more. It's worth noting that since the iPad is a regular tablet, the parental controls can be turned off for adult usage as well, offering flexibility for the entire family.

We particularly like this tablet for older kids and teens. However, there is plenty available for younger kids too. Simply set specified age restrictions to whoever is using the tablet. This also includes web browsing. When trying to access 18+ sites like gambling pages, we weren't successful.

Display

The Apple iPad 10.9-Inch 10th Gen boasts an excellent display with a resolution of 2360 x 1640 pixels. The screen measures 10.7 inches, providing ample space for gaming or TV watching. The retina display delivers clear, crisp images and vibrant colors. The tablet runs smoothly without lag or processing issues, making it an excellent option for schoolwork, games, and reading.

Among the most impressive features is the compatibility with the Apple Pencil, which is sold separately. Paired with the iPad, this magic pencil glides effortlessly across the screen for writing and drawing. Plenty of apps are available to let your kids' creativity run wild. The bright, interactive screen will clearly show off the artist's work. It should be noted the 10th Gen iPad is only compatible with the 1st Generation Apple Pencil and requires an adapter.

Camera

When testing the tablet's cameras, we thought like a kid, taking photos of whatever seemed fun. Specifically, we aimed at backlit bowls of fruit, took shots in the near dark, and posed for plenty of selfies. The 10th Gen iPad blew us away with its performance.

The iPad features a 12MP ultra-wide front camera and a 12MP wide rear camera, both of which deliver impressive performance for a tablet. The cameras excel in capturing crisp and bright photos, even in challenging lighting conditions such as low-light and backlit situations. The camera is easily accessible and user-friendly, allowing kids to explore their creativity through photography. With the addition of the 1st Gen Apple Pencil and Markup, kids can get creative by drawing on top of them.

Should You Buy the Apple iPad 10.9-Inch 10th Gen?

It's no secret the Apple iPad 10.9-Inch 10th Gen is pricey. However, we think the investment is worth the years of use. It's versatile enough for the whole family to use. So, when the kid's time limit is up, use it to watch your own favorite shows or browse the web. For younger children, we recommend an option that is more user-friendly and durable. We are afraid to let the iPad go tumbling, which is a frequent occurrence in young hands.

What Other Tablets Should You Consider?