Apple's entry-level 2021 10.2-inch iPad is a capable device that will last for many years to come. The ninth-generation iPad significantly improved the front-facing camera and a True Tone LCD display.
The iPad's 12MP ultra-wide front-facing camera with Center Stage makes it better than ever for FaceTime and video calls, which most of us are doing more than ever these days. Center Stage uses machine learning and the ultra-wide camera to focus on the user or users and keep them in the frame. It's rather eerie to use, but it's very cool and quite useful, especially if you're multitasking and moving around when you're on a video call.
The True Tone display will automatically adjust to match the warmth or coolness of the light around you, giving you the most lifelike screen display. In other words, the iPad display always looks "right," regardless of the ambient lighting.
The 10.2-inch iPad is an excellent first iPad to own, whether it's for an older person who is just learning the new technology, or a kid who is learning online or ready for their own leisure device. It's also great for anyone looking to save some money, as it's far cheaper than the iPad Air, iPad Pro, and even the iPad mini. While it lacks some of the advanced "pro" features of the other models, it has plenty for most users who aren't looking for all the bells and whistles.
Apple's latest base model iPad adds a True Tone display and a 12MP front-facing camera with Center Stage to its impressive list of features. The 10.2-inch iPad (Wi-Fi, 64GB) retails for $329, but you can get $30 off of the Space Gray model right now.
Note that the iPad comes in both Silver and Space Gray, but only the Space Gray model is on sale at this time. Don't forget to keep your new iPad protected with one of the best iPad cases and a good iPad screen protector.
Karen is a contributor to iMore.com as a writer, social media manager, and co-host of the iMore Show. She’s been writing about Apple since 2010 with a year-long break to work at an Apple Store as a product specialist. Before joining iMore in 2018, Karen wrote for AppAdvice and WatchAware. She’s an early adopter who used to wait in long lines on release days before pre-ordering made things much easier. Karen is a wife and mom (and dog mom) who is also a part-time teacher and occasional movie extra. She loves to travel the world and is always looking for portable tech and accessories so she can work from anywhere.
