iPad 11th Gen vs 10th Gen: Which One Should You Buy?
Apple has once again stirred up the tablet market with the release of the iPad 11th Generation. But if you’re considering an upgrade or buying a new iPad, you might be wondering: iPad 11th Gen vs 10th Gen: Which One Should You Buy? Both models are similar in many ways but also have key differences that can influence your decision. Let’s break it down and find out which one is the best choice for you.

iPad 11th Gen vs 10th Gen: What’s New and What’s the Same?
When comparing the iPad 11th Gen vs 10th Gen, it’s essential to see what’s changed and what remains the same.
What’s New:
- Processor Upgrade: The iPad 11th Gen comes with the A16 Bionic chip, offering improved speed and efficiency over the A14 Bionic in the iPad 10th Gen.
- Better Display Brightness: The new model features a brighter Liquid Retina display, making it better for outdoor use and media consumption.
- Improved Camera Processing: While the 12MP rear and front cameras remain the same, the new model has enhanced HDR processing, making photos and video calls clearer.
- Accessory Compatibility: The iPad 11th Gen only supports the Apple Pencil 2nd Gen, eliminating support for the 1st Gen Pencil.
- New Storage Option: The iPad 11th Gen now comes with a 128GB storage variant, giving users more flexibility compared to the 64GB base model of the iPad 10th Gen.
What’s the Same:
- Same USB-C charging.
- Same Apple Pencil support (except for 1st Gen Pencil compatibility being removed in the new model).
While these changes might seem minor, they can make a difference depending on your use case.
Performance, Display, and Battery: iPad 11th Gen vs 10th Gen
Performance:
The biggest upgrade in the iPad 11th Gen is the A16 Bionic chip, which delivers:
- Faster multitasking and app switching.
- Better performance in graphics-heavy tasks like video editing and gaming.
- Improved power efficiency, making it last longer on a single charge.
The iPad 10th Gen isn’t slow by any means, but if you run demanding apps, you’ll notice the 11th Gen is smoother and more responsive.
Display:
Both models have a Liquid Retina display, but the iPad 11th Gen offers higher brightness and better color accuracy. If you often work outdoors or consume a lot of media, the improved brightness might be a game-changer for you.
Battery Life:
Battery life remains roughly the same, with both iPads offering up to 10 hours of web browsing or video playback. However, the A16 chip in the 11th Gen is more power-efficient, meaning it could last slightly longer under heavy workloads.
iPad 11th Gen vs 10th Gen: Which One is Better for Students?
If you’re a student, choosing between the iPad 11th Gen vs 10th Gen: Which One Should You Buy? depends on how you plan to use it.
- For Note-Taking & Studying: Both iPads support the Apple Pencil 2nd Gen, but the iPad 11th Gen has a slightly better display, making writing feel more natural.
- For Online Classes & Video Calls: Both models have a 12MP ultra-wide front camera with Center Stage, keeping you in the frame during calls.
- For Multitasking & Research: The A16 chip in the iPad 11th Gen makes it better for handling multiple apps at once.
If budget isn’t a concern, the iPad 11th Gen is the better pick for students due to its performance boost and better display.
Gaming, Productivity, or Creativity? iPad 11th vs 10th Gen
Gaming: 🎮
If gaming is your main focus, the iPad 11th Gen is the obvious choice thanks to:
- Better GPU performance with the A16 Bionic chip.
- Smoother gameplay in demanding games like Call of Duty, Genshin Impact, and PUBG.
- Improved thermal efficiency, reducing overheating during long gaming sessions.
Productivity & Work: 📝
For professionals or remote workers, both models are solid choices, but the iPad 11th Gen has an edge with:
- Better multitasking performance.
- More efficiency when handling large files or presentations.
- Smoother video conferencing and faster app switching.
Creativity (Drawing & Video Editing): 🎨
Artists and content creators will appreciate:
- Apple Pencil 2nd Gen support on both models.
- Better display and HDR processing on the iPad 11th Gen, making artwork and video editing look more vibrant.
The iPad 11th Gen takes the lead thanks to its better graphics performance, improved display, and faster processing speed.
iPad 11th Gen vs 10th Gen: Key Differences You Need to Know
Feature | iPad 10th Gen | iPad 11th Gen |
Processor | A14 Bionic | A16 Bionic |
Display | 10.9″ Liquid Retina | 11″ Liquid Retina (Brighter) |
Apple Pencil Support | 1st & 2nd Gen | 2nd Gen only |
Camera | 12MP Rear & Front | 12MP Rear & Front (Better HDR) |
Battery Life | Up to 10 hours | Up to 10 hours (More efficient) |
Storage Options | 64GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB |
Starting Price | ₹29,000 | ₹34,900 |
Customer FAQs
- Is the iPad 11th Gen worth the upgrade from the 10th Gen?
If you need better performance, improved display brightness, and smoother multitasking, yes, it’s worth upgrading. - Can I use the Apple Pencil 1st Gen on the iPad 11th Gen?
No, the iPad 11th Gen only supports the Apple Pencil 2nd Gen. - Is there a big difference in gaming performance?
Yes, the iPad 11th Gen offers better graphics and smoother gameplay thanks to the A15 chip. - Which iPad is better for students?
Both are good, but the iPad 11th Gen is the better option for long-term use due to its improved performance.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
If you already own an iPad 10th Gen, the iPad 11th Gen doesn’t offer drastic changes, so upgrading may not be necessary. However, if you’re buying a new iPad and want the best value for long-term use, better performance, and improved display, the iPad 11th Gen is the better choice.
Hopefully, this breakdown of iPad 11th Gen vs 10th Gen: Which One Should You Buy? helps you make an informed decision! Let me know which one you’re choosing in the comments. 🚀