who is this iPad for?

The entry-level iPad is by far the most popular tablet on the market, but the high price tag of the 10th generation iPad could change that. You can read all about it in this iPad 2022 review!

iPad 2022 review

Last October, Apple announced the 10th generation of the entry-level iPad: the iPad 2022. Presale started that same day, and it has been in stores since October 26. We have been able to test it for a while, but guess what? This beloved model has become quite controversial. You can read why in this iPad 2022 review.

Design: just like an iPad Air!

The entry-level iPad has finally said goodbye to the old-fashioned design of its predecessors. Instead, Apple has given it a modern twist, with a design almost identical to that of the iPad Air. The corners are rounder and the thick screen edges are nowhere to be seen.

Even the home button is gone. That must take some getting used to, because for many this is exactly what makes the regular iPad so attractive. Fortunately, you don’t have to miss out on Touch ID. You will now find this on top of the device, in the on/off button. You can set up to five different fingers that can perform tasks such as unlocking, making it ideal as a family iPad.

Furthermore, the iPad 2022 has something that we see more and more at Apple: a cheerful color palette, with something for everyone. If you want your iPad to stand out a bit, you can choose between a yellow, blue or pink lick of paint. But do you still want a calm, stylish color that goes with everything? Then silver is your best option.

More screen

The iPad 2022 has the same size as its predecessor, although the screen is no less than 0.7 inches larger. With a total of: a screen size of 10.9 inches. The largest screen an entry-level iPad has ever had. On its predecessor, we already enjoyed reading books or binging series, but we can now keep that up for hours.

Updates for the camera (and another spot)

There’s also a first for the iPad. The 10th generation of the entry-level model is Apple’s first tablet where the selfie camera has been moved to the right edge of the screen. Sounds weird, but it does solve an annoying problem.

You usually use this camera for video calling, and you usually put the iPad in landscape mode. Previously, the camera placed you at a rather awkward angle. Not anymore: because of the new place you are right in the middle of the image.

Unfortunately, while writing this iPad 2022 review, we found out that it is not a watertight solution. If you hold the iPad vertically, you will end up in that corner again. So it depends on your own preferences which place you like better. But during video calls for study or work, you usually put the iPad in landscape mode, and then the new place makes you look a lot more professional. It is clear what we prefer.

Internally, nothing has changed on the selfie camera, but the camera on the back has improved. For example, it now has 12 megapixels instead of 8 and the aperture has become larger (from f/2.4 to f/1.8). Furthermore, for the first time it is possible to record 4K videos, as well as slow-motion videos at 240 frames per second.

Specifications iPad 2022

A new iPad usually comes with a new chip. This is no different with the iPad 2022. Behold: the A14 Bionic chip. We already know it from the iPhone 12 and is therefore already two years old. Although you won’t notice that in practice, because it’s still super fast in starting apps, games and other programs. At least, the ones we tested.

Speaking of fast: that’s internet on this iPad too. The entry-level iPad is compatible for the first time with the faster WiFi 6. The Cellular model even with 5G, so you can surf the internet effortlessly even when you’re away from home.

So far the positives, because the battery capacity has just deteriorated. That is now 28.6 watt hours, which is 3.8 watt hours less than before. And that while charging takes just as long: about 2.5 hours.

Incidentally, it is a pity that the headphone jack has disappeared. In fact, Apple has now completely banned this connection. The entry-level model was the only one that still had one. If you want to buy this iPad and use it to listen to audio, you will also need a set of AirPods, USB-C earphones or adapters. Inconvenient, especially for families or in education.

Goodbye Lightning, hello USB-C

Good news: the iPad 2022 has a USB-C connection! Earlier this year, the European Union already mandated that this become the universal standard when it comes to charging ports for small devices. USB-C is compatible with almost all cables and accessories, so you don’t have to buy a different version for every device. Not even for this iPad.

Normally USB-C makes us overjoyed, but during this iPad 2022 review we found out that the new charging port isn’t everything we hoped for. The iPad 2022 has a standard that is already twenty years old, with a speed of only 0.48 Gbit/s. For comparison: the USB-C port in the iPad Air has a speed of 10 Gbit/s, that of the iPad Pro even 40 Gbit/s.

Incidentally, this USB-C standard is not only slow: it can even cause problems for your iPad’s USB-C dock. In that respect, we could have lasted another year with a Lightning port.

Apple Pencil problems

By far the low point in this iPad 2022 review is the compatibility with the 1st generation Apple Pencil. This stylus still has a Lightning connector, so it doesn’t fit in the USB-C charging port of the iPad. And that clashes: you have to connect and charge this Pencil by connecting it to the iPad. But isn’t that impossible?

Apple’s solution: the so-called ‘USB-C to Apple Pencil adapter’. This is an extension piece where you put the Pencil in one side and the charging cable of your iPad in the other side. After charging and pairing you can unplug that cable, but a Pencil that needs both a cable and an adapter is still a step backwards. Both in terms of design and ease of use.

The 2nd generation Apple Pencil would therefore have been a more logical option. You connect and charge it by clicking it on the side, and you don’t need any other accessories for that. It is incomprehensible that Apple had a simple solution in hand, and then did not use it.

Perfect accessory: Magic Keyboard Folio

Fortunately, the Magic Keyboard Folio is a saving grace. This accessory consists of two parts: a protective back that you also use as a stand to put the iPad upright, and a detachable keyboard. It is a nice addition to the iPad 2022, but you have to buy it separately for 299 euros.

When not in use, you can simply leave the keyboard and the back on your iPad, because they don’t take up much space. Your iPad will be quite thick, so if you don’t like this, you can easily click them off.

The keyboard is specially made for the iPad 2022 and can be clicked onto the Smart Connector. Thanks to the magnets, this is always firmly attached, so it will never just disconnect. In addition, the Folio is Apple’s only keyboard with function keys, for example to adjust the sound or screen brightness of your iPad. They work exactly as they should.

One small disappointment: the keyboard and stand are only available in white. As a result, the colorful iPad is completely wrapped up. Too bad, because that was actually a reason to be happy.

iPad 2022 review: conclusion

At first glance, the iPad 2022 seems like a step in the right direction, but internally it still feels very old-fashioned. It is therefore unclear exactly which target group Apple had in mind. Especially with this price tag, because with an increase of up to € 200, the name ‘entry-level iPad’ no longer feels very appropriate.

If you still want to buy an iPad after reading this review, we recommend that you first look at the cheaper iPad 2021. It may have an older design, but you hardly sacrifice anything in terms of performance. And the price tag is significantly lower. Unless you prefer extra functions and a more modern design. In that case, the iPad mini or iPad Air is a better alternative.

Buy iPad 2022

Do you want to buy the iPad 2022 after reading this review? Then think about how much storage space you want. You have two options for this: 64 GB or 256 GB. The former has a suggested retail price of € 589, but is usually not enough to use the iPad for years. So we recommend the model with 256 GB, with a suggested retail price of € 789. Don’t forget to choose a nice color!

Incidentally, these prices can change quite often, especially with other providers. So take a look at our iPad 2022 price comparison. This way you are always aware of the best deals!