Apple iPad (2022) review: Puzzling pencil

The latest Apple iPad (2022) may be Apple's base tablet, but it's still leagues above mid-range Android offerings. This 10th-gen iPad offers faster performance than Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 devices, and sports a fresh modern redesign. However, it's strangely still using the first-gen Apple Pencil, and a clumsy charging solution. More on this later.

Quick specs

Apple A14 Bionic (6-core CPU, 4-core graphics)
12MP front and rear camera
64GB or 256GB
Landscape stereo speakers

Like its last redesign, the Apple iPad again takes its design cues from the iPad Air. It's slightly thicker, and lacks the three magnetic dots (the Apple smart connector for its cases) at the back. These are found at the bottom edge instead. Gone too is the home button — TouchID is now on the power button, much like the current crop of iPads (including the Mini). The bezels are also a miniscule 1mm thicker than the Air's 10mm bezels. The iPad's 10.9-inch display is bright and vibrant. I also like that it comes in lively and colourful new shades: Blue, pink, silver, and my favourite, yellow.

Let's talk about the elephant in the room. Unlike other iPads using a wireless-charging Pencil, the 10th-gen iPad sticks with the first Apple Pencil. This stylus connects via Lightning, but the 2022 iPad comes with a USB-C port. This means you have to use an adapter, which now comes with new first-gen Pencils. Otherwise, it's sold separately for S$15. You'll have to connect the braided USB-C cable — that comes with the iPad — to the adapter to the Pencil. Clunky. The new, two-part S$379 Magic Keyboard Folio is nice, allowing you to detach the keyboard as needed to save space. I like the larger trackpad, too. However, it doesn't quite sit well on your lap for typing, and feels shaky, like it could detach at any moment (though it hasn't yet).

Most of us use our tablets in landscape mode, but this iPad is the first to sport a landscape-oriented camera. It makes a lot of sense, and I'm surprised Apple didn't also do the same thing for its latest iPad Pro. Anyway, the performance of the two-year-old A14 chip is rock solid. Geekbench 5 tests show it has better scores than most Android tablets. Games such as Marvel Snap run smoothly. If you want to do more, the iPad Air is a good upgrade with its M1 chip for video editing — for S$200 more. Storage is a bit limited at 64GB for the base iPad, though. 256GB is the next step up, but's that's an extra S$230. Battery life is good, even better than the Air with 5hr 55mins in our video-loop test.

At S$679 for the base 64GB Wi-Fi model, the 10th-gen Apple iPad (2022) is an easy pickup if you want a no-frills, yet capable tablet. Note that Apple is still selling the 9th-gen iPad (from S$499), which is still its most affordable tablet. As for the new iPad, I'm not a fan of the clunky Apple Pencil charging solution, though this may not matter for everyone. Last we checked, Amazon had a S$50 discount for just S$629. Get it from Shopee, Lazada, Amazon, or Apple.

Note: Review unit provided by Apple.

Any purchase you make through our links may generate a commission. It supports our work, but does not dictate our editorial reviews. See our FAQ here.