On Tuesday, Apple unveiled a new edition of its tablet devices, the new iPad 2022 features a number of substantial upgrades. These include a larger display, faster processing, better cameras, and a USB-C port. All of that innovation, though, comes at a cost, with prices now beginning at $449.
A Bigger Display
The new Apple iPad 2022 features the same size display as the existing iPad Air, at 10.9 inches. It’s the most significant upgrade Apple ever made for its entry-level iPad, with a screen size 0.7 inches larger than the previous 10.2-inch version. Generations 7–9 come in at 10.2 inches, while the prior iPads averaged 9.7 inches.
Removing the Home button and Touch ID integration into the power switch allows Apple to raise the display without increasing the frame’s dimensions, which is quite an achievement. The new iPad is somewhat longer and thicker than its forerunner (179.5mm vs. 174.1mm) yet slimmer and lighter (10g/17g, based on the cellular edition).
It’s important to note that Apple is promoting the panel in a new way for its latest models, calling it Liquid Retina instead of simply Retina to indicate that the edges have been rounded. Nonetheless, this is the industry-leading LED technology, and although the resolution is better, it is stretched out across a bigger space. Therefore the pixel count is similar to that of the 9th-generation iPad. Not being completely fused means the glass is thicker and sits further away from the display.
An Incremental Upgrade to the Processor
The A14 Bionic chipset has replaced the A13, and its doubled core count in the Neural Engine should result in a noticeable speed increase compared to the previous 8th generation version. In contrast to Apple’s more expensive tablets, this one falls short in every way. As of late September, the iPad mini was already using the A15 chip, while M-class Mac processors also power the iPad Air and Pro.
Improved Cameras
The cameras have also been upgraded. The back camera’s resolution and aperture have been improved, jumping from 8 to 12 megapixels and from f/2.4 to f/1.8, respectively. Apple’s Smart HDR 3 software combines parts of numerous shots employing artificial intelligence to deal with tricky lighting and is now available on the iPad 2022.
Taking a photo of a rich object in shadow against a bright background is a game-changer with the help of Smart HDR, which has pleased us in our assessment. However, it’s important to note that this isn’t the cutting edge of technology; by 2021, iPhones will have Smart HDR 4 incorporated. iPads have never been able to record video in 4K resolution, but the latest models can do it for now.
Numerous Tweaks
Beyond that, what’s more? The tenth-generation iPad is available in various colors, including silver, bright pink, blue, and yellow. Compared to the more subdued purple and pink of the most recent iPad Air and iPad mini, these tones are positively neon. Interestingly, these are the first iPads that aren’t coming in black or gray. Apple has gone all-in on the rainbow design aesthetic for their latest iPads.
With the addition of 5G cellular capabilities in place of LTE, Apple has finalized the transfer of the iPad lineup to USB-C. The 9th-generation entry-level iPad was the final survivor before Apple finally updated it to work with Lightning. It arguably remains, given Apple has maintained its $329 pricing point in the United States.
One drawback is that it requires the older, less reliable Apple Pencil. The new iPad charges over USB-C, while the first-generation Apple Pencil connects through Lightning. That necessitates using a USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter whenever charging is required. Whenever you buy an Apple Pencil, Apple generously includes a spare in the packaging, though if you lose it, you’ll have to shell out $9. For an additional $249, you can get the brand-new Magic Keyboard Folio, which features a full-size keyboard and a trackpad.
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