Compare the Apple iPad (2021) to the Apple iPad (2020)

With the introduction of the iPad (2021), Apple brings the True Tone screen technology to the Apple iPad starter model for the first time. True Tone provides a better color representation. The Apple iPad automatically adjusts the color to the environment light. As a result, colors always look natural. The Apple iPad (2021) has the same 10.2-inch screen size as its predecessor. That means you have enough space on your screen to comfortably watch movies or use multiple apps side by side.

The Apple iPad (2020) has the same appearance and an equally large 10.2-inch screen as the iPad (2021). The 2020 model doesn't have True Tone screen technology though. That means the screen isn't as good as the iPad (2021). Despite the fact that it doesn't have True Tone, the Apple iPad (2020) displays images sharply. You can work on creative projects very accurately and watch your favorite series in high quality on the Retina display with a 2160x1620 screen resolution.

There's a powerful A13 Bionic chip with a Neural Engine under the hood of the Apple iPad (2021). This chip, which is also in the Apple iPhone 11 models, is 20% faster then the A12 chip from the iPad (2020). Thanks to the extra processing power, the Apple iPad (2021) is suitable for demanding tasks such as gaming at high settings. On top of that, you can smoothly switch between apps while you multitask with multiple apps. The Neural Engine technology of the A13 chip works seamlessly with the iPadOS operating system. As a result, the iPad (2021) recognizes handwritten text written with the Apple Pencil in the Live Text app better than its predecessor.

The Apple iPad (2020) has the A12 Bionic chip. This hexa-core processor is slightly dated, as it first appeared in the Apple iPhone Xs models from 2018. Still, the iPad (2020) delivers good performance for everyday use. The iPad (2020) may slow down during demanding tasks such as photo editing or gaming at the highest settings. That means fanatic users are better off with a tablet with more processing power such as the Apple iPad (2021) or the Apple iPad Pro.

The selfie camera is a welcome upgrade on the Apple iPad (2021). There's a 12-megapixel ultra wide-angle lens camera at the front of the tablet. This ensures high-quality selfies and group photos, but also provides a razor-sharp image during FaceTime calls. On top of that, the camera uses the Center Stage camera technology which was introduced previously on the Apple iPad Pro (2021). That means your video calls are smoother, as the camera automatically zooms and moves the video frame. This way, the camera of the Apple iPad always keeps you in focus.

The front of the Apple iPad (2020) has a 1.2-megapixel camera. The iPad (2021) has a selfie camera with ultra wide-angle lens, whereas its predecessor only has a standard camera lens. This camera is fine if you occasionally make a selfie or FaceTime call, but it's of a lot lesser quality. On top of that, the camera of the iPad (2020) doesn't use the Center Stage camera technology.

With the introduction of the iPad (2021), Apple has increased the minimum storage capacity to 64GB. That's a nice upgrade, as the 32GB storage turned out to be insufficient for many users in the past. The Apple iPad (2021) is also available with 256GB storage. If you use your Apple iPad intensively, the 256GB model is a good choice. You won't have to worry about a lack of storage space on your iPad. Apple has decided not to release a golden version of the iPad (2021). That means the Apple iPad (2021) is available in Silver and Space Gray and with WiFi support only or WiFi and 4G support.

Apple has released 2 storage versions of the iPad (2020), 32GB and 128GB. If you only use a limited number of apps, files, and games, the 32GB model is enough. To make sure you have enough storage space, it's worth considering the 128GB model. The Apple iPad (2020) is available in the colors Silver, Gold, and Space Gray and with WiFi support only or WiFi and 4G support.