Apple ’s Let Loose event primarily focused on theiPad AirandiPad Pro . While we ca n’t ignore the substantial upgrades these two pad of paper plurality , it was a unlike iPad declaration that will likely prove to be the more meaning one . Towards the event ’s ending , Apple announced that it was cut the price of the tenth - gen iPad by $ 100 . Now , with a base price of just $ 349 , the tenth - gen iPad has arguably become the best budget - favorable Apple production — and should be the model for the next iPhone SE .
A troubled start
When Apple launch the 10th - gen iPad back in late 2022 , it was a good machine with a bad price : a whopping $ 449 . Back then , we explicitly advised masses not to buy it . At $ 449 , it was awkwardly positioned between the $ 329 ninth - gen iPad and the 6th - gen iPad mini at $ 499 , with an even more confusing list of professional and cons .
It made more sensory faculty for those on a budget to pay $ 120 less and choose for the 9th - gen model . After all , despite its date chassis , it was a utterly functional tablet that supported most iPadOS feature article and apps . Naturally , you were render up a peck with the plan and performance compare to the high - end models , but for the price , you ’d be getting a very capable iPad without leaving a muddle in your sack .
Otherwise , those who were willing to pay $ 449 for an entry - level iPad should just give the excess $ 50 and get the iPad Mini . For the small upcharge , customers would get the newer A15 Bionic fleck , a sharper display with an anti - reflective covering , financial backing for the superscript Apple Pencil 2 , and a rightful Tone newsbreak . Perhaps the only relevant downside to opting for the Mini variant was the smaller 8.3 - inch display , which could limit sealed users ’ workflows , but is swell for travel , reading , and taking notes .
The 10th-gen looks like a device that costs twice as much.
Whichever way of life you went , for $ 449 — especially give the other choice alongside it — the tenth - gen iPad was just not worth it at the time .
The tenth - gen reckon like a gimmick that costs twice as much .
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
The 10th-gen looks like a device that costs twice as much.
Changing the equation
Until last week , that was the 10th - gen iPad ’s biggest flaw : the price . This changed overnight , and now , for many , it ’s short the unspoilt budget pad on the market . For the first time , an SE price is getting you a futuristic - looking iPad with modern features .
When compared to the discontinued 9th - gen model , the 10th - gen iPad packs a faster A14 Bionic SoC , a larger 10.9 - column inch display , a more ripe 12MP rear photographic camera with sustenance for 4 K video recording , optional 5 G , a USB - C port wine , and much more . That ’s not to mention its compatibility with the inexpensive Apple Pencil ( USB - C ) , which helps budget - witting customers deliver even more . And it ’s just $ 20 more than Apple charge for the 9th - gen .
The iPad 10 is finally an agressively price tablet that features a balanced set of technical specifications . Compare that to the iPhone SE , which costs more at $ 429 and still has Apple ’s old Home clitoris invention , an out-of-date single television camera , and a Lightning port .
The iPhone SE may be inexpensive, but it also feels cheap.
Superior edition
For a few years now , Apple has been selling SE products that cater to those on limited budget . Typically , these devices offer decent power do in dated exterior shell and omit out on many of the newer equipment ’s feature film . The Apple Watch SE , for instance , be $ 249 compared to $ 399 and up for the Apple Watch Series 9 . For the extra $ 150 , you ’re convey a larger screen and an regalia of lineament — a dissipated chip , always - on display , double - tap motion , ECG detector , temperature sensing , and a newer heart rate detector , the listing go on .
Meanwhile , the latest iPhone SE cost $ 429 , and — apart from the A15 Bionic ( which is show its age ) and proper 5 G cellular connectivity keep — it ’s pretty much inferior to other iPhones Apple sells in every relevant style . It looks like it has escaped from a bygone era , does n’t have the latest photographic camera features , include night fashion , and is missing out on Face ID , and starts at just 64 GB of storage .
The iPhone SE may be inexpensive , but it also finger cheap .
IDG
Wit both SE poser , you ’re make sometime designs , hardware , and features for a decreased price . They feel cheesy because they are cheap . That ’s not the case with the 10th - gen iPad . you may graze the web , read ebooks , watch movies , video call , play games , and even execute Logic Pro . It ’s as as open as a twist that costs three times as much .
With the 10th - gen iPad , you ’re not sacrificing the aesthetics for a low damage . You ’re having your cakeandeating it . Despite its $ 349 damage tag , this framework negociate to follow the same modern design oral communication take on by the flagship iPads . Sure , its display bezel may not be as slender and the tech not as eminent , but , otherwise , it looks and feel pretty similar . And its potato chip packs enough ability to deal fooling users ’ distinctive tablet needs .
A bit of everything
The iPad 10 manages to offer honest entertainment and basic computer science experiences . Through this tablet , user have access to a wide range of well - optimized iPadOS apps , which include games , productivity suites , well out Service , societal media , and education platforms . You do n’t demand to give anything — the screen is the same size as the Air , the chip is plenty fast , the charge port is USB - C , and you may even use it with an Apple Pencil .
While the iPad 10 admittedly wo n’t supercede your smartphone or computer , it certainly will complement them . Features like Sidecar turn it into one of the best multipurpose , wireless reminder you could pair with your Mac . Similarly , give off a document from your iPhone to signal it on your iPad using an Apple Pencil is the kind of premium ecosystem magic that this budget pad of paper does n’t miss out on . It ’s everything an SE should be just without the name .
At $ 349 , the iPad 10 has become hands down one of the best purchase anyone can seize from the Apple Store . And the relief of Apple ’s SE product should get going taking notes .
