iPad 10.2 (2021) FAQs – here are answers to everything you asked

Basic Apple iPad 10.2 model 2021 specs
Basic Apple iPad 10.2 model 2021 specs
Apple iPad 10.2, 2021 model / Image: Geek Updated

• iPad 10.2 doesn’t feature Face ID.
• The device is 20% faster thanks to A13 Bionic chip.
• The storage is now twice as large.
• iPad comes with Center Stage for video calls.

The new basic iPad model released in September 2021 comes with a few improvements, but is definitely not a major upgrade. Is it worth buying it?

iPad 10.2 2021 – table of content

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Apple iPad 10.2 2021 – everything you wanted to know

iPad 2021 Apple Pencil 1 support
Apple iPad 10.2-inch, released in 2021 / Image: Apple

What are the major improvement in iPad 10.2?

A13 Bionic processor – it provides 20% better performance than the 2020 model.

New 12MP Ultra Wide front camera and Center Stage – you will always be in the center during video calls.

64 and 256 GB storage variants – memory is twice as big, compared to the 2020 model. The price for Wi-Fi variants is the same.

Is iPad 10.2 2021 any faster?

Yes, it is, and it applies to both the earlier generation iPad 10.2 and tablets from competitors.

iPad 10.2 2021 is 20% faster than 2020 model

The new model is equipped with the new-generation A13 Bionic processor. As a result, the new iPad guarantees 20% better performance than the 2020 model.

Apple iPad 10.2 is faster than tablets offered by competitors

Apple claims that:

  • The 2021 basic iPad is 3 times faster than the best-selling Chromebook.
  • The 2021 basic iPad is 6 times faster than the best-selling tablet powered by the Android operating system.

Is storage bigger than in a previous model?

Yes, iPad 10.2 released in 2021 comes with larger storage options than before.

Instead of 32 and 128 GB, you can choose between 64 and 256 GB – twice the storage compared to the 2020 model.

Most importantly, the prices of the Wi-Fi variants are the same as the earlier generation. It means that you can get twice the storage for the same amount of money:

  • $329 for 64 GB variant
  • $479 for 256 GB variant

Is there an iPad 10.2 version with 128 GB?

No, there is no iPad 10.2 variant with that memory size.

You can pick up either 64 GB version ($329) or 256 GB version ($479).

Does iPad 10.2 have microSD card slot?

No, just like any other iPad model, the 10.2 iPad doesn’t support microSD cards.

Is 64 GB version not enough for your needs, but the 256 GB too expensive? You can buy one of iPad-compatible USB flash drives. On one end they sport a standard USB port, and on the other there is a Lightning connector that’s used in the iPad 10.2.

Is iPad 10.2 compatible with the newest iPadOS 15?

Yes, The basic iPad 2021 runs on iPadOS 15. Improved performance and bigger memory are there for a purpose: to handle iPadOS 15.

The new operating system comes with more powerful multitasking, allowing you to work even easier with multiple apps at the same time.

There are new widgets, App Library (just like on the iPhone), or Live Text which unlocks useful information in images.

The best thing about iPadOS 15 is Quick Note. You can now start jotting down information over any app. You can start a note with a keyboard shortcut or from Control Center, and you can include handwriting, links, tags, or mentions.

Does iPad 10.2 has Face ID?

No, the tablet doesn’t sport Face ID. To unlock it, you will be using the Touch ID sensor, integrated into the Home button located below the display.

Face ID is available only in top-shelf iPad Pro models, and it’s enabled by TrueDepth front camera.

iPad 10.2 or iPad mini – which is cheaper?

iPad 10.2 is the cheapest iPad model you can get.

If you are about to switch to Apple, you may assume that the cheapest model is the smallest one – iPad mini.

This rule doesn’t apply to Apple. The smallest iPad mini, equipped with the 8.3-inch screen, costs almost $200 more than the basic iPad.

The basic iPad, often referred to as iPad 10.2, costs a bit over $300 – and it’s the cheapest iPad you can get.

Which Black Friday deals to expect on iPad 10.2?

Don’t count on price cuts during Black Friday 2021. If there will be any discounts, they will be rather symbolic.

The 2021 iPad is too new to be offered for slashed prices during the pre-Christmas season.

This year, you shouldn’t expect two-digit price cuts for the most affordable iPad 10.2 variants. You may, however, see a discount between 10 and 20% for the highest-priced variants.

The best place to grab the price discount is Apple Reseller Store on Amazon.

Is it safe to buy a refurbished iPad 10.2?

Yes, it’s safe. And it’s actually a way to buy an iPad at a reduced price.

A good place to shop for refurbished iPads is Amazon Warehouse – the home of refurbished electronics sitting inside the Amazon online store. Find “Computers & Tablets” category, and then click on “Apple” in “Featured brands” on the left.

What you have to keep in mind is that the refurbished iPad 10.2 models will appear in the Amazon Warehouse in a few months, no earlier. The model is simply too fresh. ⇢ Read more about refurbished iPads.

Does iPad 10.2 have a USB-C port?

Unfortunately, there is still no USB-C port.

USB-C connection guarantees faster data transfer and quicker charging.

iPad Pro, iPad Air 4, and iPad mini 6 all feature USB-C ports. The 10.2-inch iPad is the only Apple tablet that doesn’t. The device comes with an old Lightning connector.

However, the 20W power adapter that’s included in the iPad 2021 box comes with a USB-C port. You will be able to charge your iPad via Lightning to USB-C cable that’s also included in the box.

Can I use Apple Pencil 2 with iPad 10.2?

Basic iPad 2021 with Apple Pencil 1
iPad 10.2 2021 is only compatible with 1st-generation Apple Pencil / Image: Apple

You still can’t use iPad 10.2 with Apple Pencil 2.

iPad 10.2 is only compatible with the 1st-generation Apple Pencil. You can check out the current price on Amazon – it’s usually up to 5% cheaper than in Apple stores.

Unfortunately, the updated model still can’t work with the 2nd-generation Apple Pencil.

Can I use third-party pens with iPad 10.2 2021?

Yes, you can use third-party pens with iPad 2021.

Most pens offer palm rejection and come with replaceable tips. They are usually a few times cheaper than Apple Pencil 2. Check out the most popular iPad compatible pens on Amazon.

What you have to keep in mind is that third-party pens can’t be recharged wirelessly by attaching them to the side of the iPad. You will need to charge them via the cable.

Is iPad 10.2 2021 compatible with Magic Keyboard?

Unfortunately not. iPad 10.2 2021 is still incompatible with Magic Keyboard.

The 10.2-inch iPad is compatible with the Smart Keyboard, but it can’t work with the Magic Keyboard.

Can I use third-party keyboards with iPad 10.2 2021?

Yes, you can use with your iPad Pro the keyboards and keyboard cases from other producers, not only Apple.

Third-party iPad keyboards are a few times cheaper than the Magic Keyboard or Smart Keyboard Folio. However, only a few can connect via the Smart Connector.

Most keyboards and keyboard cases connect with the iPad Pro via Bluetooth module. They have to be recharged separately. Some keyboards come with a touchpad that is compatible with iPadOS.

The best source of affordable iPad compatible keyboards is Amazon.

What is Center Stage in iPad 10.2?

Center Stage, borrowed from 2021 iPads Pro models, is a new feature that comes extremely handy when you make many video calls.

The front ultra-wide camera combined with machine learning uses the much larger field of view to recognize and keep you centered in the frame all the time.

Basic iPad 2021 with Center Stage
Center Stage is available in iPad 10.2 released in 2021 / Image: Apple

Will my old case fit iPad 10.2 released in 2021?

The case you bought for your 2019 or 2020 iPad will 100% fit iPad 10.2, 2021 model. It’s because the dimensions, as well as location of ports and buttons, are the same. ⇢ Read the full explanation.

The dimensions of iPad 10.2 2021 are (height × width × depth):

  • 9.8 × 6.8 × 0.29 inches
  • 250.6 × 174.1 × 7.5 millimeters

There are already plenty of awesome cases for iPad 10.2, not only boring folio stands or far too popular tri-fold covers.

What are iPad 10.2 2021 dimensions?

Below, you will find a list of dimensions of all generations of the basic iPad model. The latest 2021 model is on the top of the list.

Basic iPad dimensions – all generations

Name – a common name used to describe the iPad model, Generation – official generation number in the iPad model series, Year – a year the model was released, Screen – screen size in inches, H/W/D – height / width / depth
Name Generation Year Screen Inches H/W/D Millimeters H/W/D
iPad 10.2 9th 2021 10.2″ 9.8 × 6.8 × 0.29 250.6 × 174.1 × 7.5
iPad 10.2 8th 2020 10.2″ 9.8 × 6.8 × 0.29 250.6 × 174.1 × 7.5
iPad 10.2 7th 2019 10.2″ 9.8 × 6.8 × 0.29 250.6 × 174.1 × 7.5
iPad 2018 6th 2018 9.7″ 9.4 × 6.67 × 0.29 240 × 169.5 × 7.5
iPad 2017 5th 2017 9.7″ 9.4 × 6.67 × 0.29 240 × 169.5 × 7.5
iPad 4 4th 2012 9.7″ 9.5 × 7.31 × 0.37 241 × 186 × 9.4
iPad 3 3rd 2012 9.7″ 9.5 × 7.31 × 0.37 241 × 186 × 9.4
iPad 2 2nd 2011 9.7″ 9.5 × 7.31 × 0.35 241 × 186 × 8.8
iPad 1 1st 2010 9.7″ 9.56 × 7.47 × 0.50 243 × 190 × 13
Apple iPad 10.2 2021 dimensions screen size
Apple iPad 10.2 (2021) dimensions and screen size / Image: Ebook Friendly

Is iPad 10.2 good for reading?

Apple iPad 10.2 2021 is great for reading ebooks of all kinds!

Its display is large and crisp enough to read not only novels but also digital magazines, comic books, or textbooks.

You can use the iPad to get access to almost any reading ecosystem, be it Amazon Kindle, Scribd, or library books powered by OverDrive.

Does iPad 10.2 2021 have a headphone jack?

Yes, the 2021 iPad 10.2 comes with a 3.5 mm jack port. There is no need to buy another cable or use Bluetooth earphones.

Is iPad 10.2 available in white?

If you are asking about the color of the front bezel, the 10.2-inch iPad 2021 is not available in white.

iPad 10.2 released in 2021 comes in two colors: Silver and Space Gray. Each variant comes with a black front. Opposite to the 2020 iPad 10.2, no white front is available.

What are iPad 10.2 2021 tech specs?

The specs are shown below, together with launch dates, compatibility, and prices.

Apple iPad 10.2 2021 release – tech spec chart

Screen10.2-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit Multi-Touch display with IPS technology
Screen resolution2160 × 1620 px
Pixel density264 ppi
Storage capacity • 64 GB
• 256 GB
microSD cardNo
Processor • A13 Bionic chip with 64-bit architecture
• Neural Engine
Rear camera8MP, 5-elements lens, f/2.4 aperture, 1080p HD video recording
Front camera12MP Ultra Wide camera, 122° field of view, f/2.4 aperture, 1080p HD video recording, Retina Flash, cinematic video stabilization
Body colors • Silver with Black front
• Space Gray with Black front
BatteryBuilt‐in 32.4‐watt‐hour rechargeable lithium‑polymer battery, non-removable
Battery lifeUp to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi‐Fi or watching video
ChargingVia power adapter or USB to computer
Weight • 17.18 oz / 487 g (Wi-Fi models)
• 17.57 oz / 498 g (Wi-Fi + Cellular models)
Dimensions • 9.8 × 6.8 × 0.29 in
• 250.6 × 174.1 × 7.5 mm
Wi-FiWi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n/ac); dual band (2.4GHz and 5GHz); HT80 with MIMO
BluetoothYes, 4.2 technology
Ports and connectors • Lightning connector
• Smart Connector
• 3.5 mm headphone jack
Operating SystemiPadOS
SoundTwo speakers at the bottom edge
Touch IDYes, integrated into Home button
Face IDNo
Other sensors • Three‐axis gyro
• Accelerometer
• Barometer
• Ambient light sensor
In the box • Basic iPad 10.2-inch (2021 release)
• Lightning to USB-C cable
• 20W USB-C Power Adapter
Apple Pencil • Compatible with Apple Pencil 1 (sold separately)
• Not compatible with Apple Pencil 2
Smart KeyboardCompatible, Smart Keyboard sold separately
Smart Keyboard FolioNot compatible
Magic KeyboardNot compatible
Launch dates • Announcement: September 14, 2021
• Pre-orders: September 14, 2021
• Release: September 24, 2021
Prices • 64 GB / Wi-Fi – $329
• 64 GB / Wi-Fi + Cellular – $459
• 256 GB / Wi-Fi – $479
• 256 GB / Wi-Fi + Cellular – $609
Basic Apple iPad 10.2 model 2021 specs
Apple iPad 10.2, 2021 model / Image: Geek Updated

Can I buy iPad 10.2 on Amazon?

Yes, you can, and it is 100% safe to do so.

iPad models are sold not only through Apple’s website, but also in leading online stores, naming only Amazon.

In late 2018, Amazon signed a deal with Apple to set up a dedicated Authorized Apple Reseller store. It means you can use your Amazon account to buy all things Apple in the most reliable way.

Even better, some devices with the Apple logo on it, are offered on Amazon at reduced prices – something you can hardly see in the Apple online store.

⇢ iPad on Amazon


Keep exploring. Here are other posts and tips for iPad users:

[gu-archive number=5 tag=”ipad”]

Published by Piotr Kowalczyk

Geek and book lover who has been recently updated to the latest beta operating system which is still full of bugs. Blogger by day, designer by night. Founder of Ebook Friendly and Geek Updated.

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