:format(jpeg):background_color(fff)/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.onemorething.nl%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F09%2FiPad-negende-generatie-tablet.png "iPad (2021) Review: very very easy, but still very good")
The ninth generation is here
(Image: Mark Hofman / WANT)
The iPad (2021) was arguably the least exciting product of the entire California Streaming event. Still, this is the tablet that most consumers will probably go for. But isn’t this year’s upgrade very easy or is this target group catered to?
In order to be able to give you that answer, I started working with the iPad (2021) last week. In this review I tell you what it has to offer you, what exactly is new and whether you should buy it.
iPad (2021): what does the tablet have to offer you?
The entry-level iPad is still one of the best-selling tablets in the entire tablet market. In that respect, the iPad (2021) was not the most exciting product from California Streaming, since we now know what to expect from it. But if you’re not quite sure yet, I’ll list the most important specifications for you:
- Display: 10.2-inch Retina IPS LCD
- Processor: Apple A13 Bionic
- Storage capacity: 64GB or 256GB
- Battery: 32.4 watt-hour battery
- To upload: 20W
- Camera system: 8 megapixel main camera (f/2.4)
- selfie camera: 12 megapixel ultra-wide (122 degrees & f/2.4).
- Software: iPad OS 15
- Weight: 487 grams (Wi-Fi) / 498 grams (cellular)
- Size: 250.6mm x 174.1mm x 7.5mm
- Color options: Silver and Space Gray
The entry-level iPad is of course not only popular because of its specifications, but mainly because of its accessible price. The 64GB model of the iPad (2021) will cost you at least €389. If you want 256GB storage capacity, you can tap the tablet from €559.
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With the 64GB model of the iPad (2021), the Wi-Fi variant will cost you €389, but if you also want to put in a SIM card, the tablet will cost you €529. For that other model you pay €559 for the Wi-Fi and €699 for LTE.
iPad (2021): 4 things that are new
Since a new iPad appeared last year, I can imagine that people have question marks about the iPad (2021). For example, it is normally good to assess a product purely on its own ability, but it is nice to focus on the things that have improved.
What exactly makes the iPad (2021) different from the iPad (2020)?
#1 A13 Bionic chip
It is certainly not the latest processor from Apple, but the A13 Bionic chip does bring improvements. For example, the company of CEO Tim Cook announces that the iPad (2021) performs twenty percent better than its predecessor.
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#2 Selfie camera is a step forward
The biggest improvement of the iPad (2021) is without a doubt the selfie camera. This time, the tablet is equipped with a 12 megapixel ultra-wide camera with a viewing angle of 122 degrees. That may not tell you very much, but it ensures that the entry-level iPad can also use Center Stage. In addition, this model is also better to use for things such as video calling, live streaming and other purposes.
#3 More storage capacity
The iPad (2021) gives consumers more choice in terms of storage capacity. Where the previous model did the standard with 32GB, the consumer will receive 64GB this year. The most extensive option offers 256GB, where that was 128GB last year.
#4 True Tone in the display
Apple has also equipped the iPad (2021) with a well-known display technology. The new model has True Tone, with which the temperature of the colors is adjusted to your environment. So when you are outside your screen shows more blue light and when you are inside the image becomes more orange.
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iPad (2021): very easy, but is that bad?
The entry-level iPad not only feels very easy, it just is. Apple has clearly made as little effort as possible to once again provide consumers with an affordable model. The design is outdated, the tablet is the only one that still uses the Lightning Port and support for accessories remains minimal. For example, only the first generation Apple Pencil can still be used, where all other models can do with the second generation.
However, we must seriously ask ourselves whether this is a bad thing. The design could undoubtedly be a bit more stylish, but it makes sense that Apple wouldn’t opt for it. You can not give the entry-level model the same design as the other models, since you then get into trouble with your own iPad Air.
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In addition, the entry-level iPad is still one of the best-selling tablets in the entire tablet market. That has nothing to do with the specifications of the device, but purely with the price tag. This year, consumers will receive four brand new functionalities and more storage capacity, without having to pay a cent more for it. So the question is actually: is it so bad that this upgrade is very easy. The answer is: no.
iPad (2021): still very good
The iPad (2021) is still a very impressive tablet. You hardly get more value for money with Apple. For €389 you have an extremely powerful tablet that you can control at your fingertips. Streaming content, playing games and even performing graphical tasks is doable. The display is excellent, the battery life is just good and the camera system meets expectations.
The iPad (2021) is still a very good tablet and, thanks to this year’s upgrades, is even more impressive than it was last year. Consumers will therefore probably take the outdated design for granted and that is completely justified in my opinion.