The tablet market continues to evolve, but Apple’s iPad lineup remains the gold standard for many consumers. I recently got my hands on the Apple iPad (10th Gen, 2024 Model) from Sam’s Club, and I’m impressed by its refreshed design approach. With its vibrant color options and uniform bezels, this iPad marks a significant aesthetic departure from previous generations. What caught my attention immediately was the 500-nit brightness of the Liquid Retina display—perfect for both indoor use and those sunny outdoor coffee shop sessions. But does this latest iteration deliver enough improvements to justify its higher price point? Let’s break down everything you need to know before making your purchase decision.

Design and Build Quality

The 10th generation iPad represents a significant evolution in Apple’s entry-level tablet design philosophy. The uniform bezels and flat edges mirror the aesthetic language established in the iPad Air and Pro lines, creating a coherent family resemblance across the iPad portfolio. This strategic redesign positions the entry-level iPad as a more premium device.

The aluminum unibody construction maintains Apple’s reputation for precision manufacturing while keeping the weight to a manageable 477g for the Wi-Fi model (481g for cellular versions). The dimensions of 248.6 x 179.5 x 7 mm strike an effective balance between screen real estate and portability.

Perhaps the most noteworthy design innovation is the repositioned front camera, now located on the landscape edge. This thoughtful change dramatically improves the video calling experience, placing users at eye level during conferences rather than appearing to look off to the side—a practical solution for an increasingly video-call-centric world.

The color palette offers four distinct options: Silver, Blue, Pink, and Yellow. These vibrant finishes allow for personal expression while maintaining a professional aesthetic.

The transition to USB-C from Lightning represents a forward-thinking move toward universal connectivity standards. This port enables broader compatibility with peripherals and aligns with global standardization efforts in the technology sector.

Display Features and Performance

Resolution and Clarity

The 10.9-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD display offers a sharp 2360 × 1640 pixel resolution with 264 pixels per inch. Text appears crisp, images render with good detail, and the screen provides sufficient space for productivity tasks and media consumption.

Brightness and Color

With 500 nits of typical brightness, the display performs adequately in most indoor settings and can remain usable outdoors in shaded areas. The True Tone technology automatically adjusts white balance based on ambient lighting conditions, reducing eye strain during extended use sessions.

Display Limitations

A critical consideration is the non-laminated display construction. Unlike higher-tier iPad models, this display has a small gap between the glass and display panel, creating a slight parallax effect when using touch or Apple Pencil input. The absence of an anti-reflective coating also means more visible reflections in bright environments, potentially impacting outdoor usability.

Despite these limitations, the display delivers good color accuracy and viewing angles suitable for content consumption, web browsing, and casual creative work. The improvement in screen size from previous generations (10.9″ vs 10.2″) provides a meaningful increase in usable area without significantly affecting the device’s physical footprint.

Processing Power and Performance

A14 Bionic Architecture

The A14 Bionic chip at the heart of the 10th generation iPad delivers reliable computational power for everyday tasks. Its 6-core CPU configuration (2 performance cores, 4 efficiency cores) balances processing capability with power efficiency. The 4-core GPU handles graphical tasks competently, from UI animations to casual gaming.

Neural Engine and Machine Learning

The 16-core Neural Engine significantly enhances machine learning capabilities, powering features like photo enhancement, voice recognition, and predictive text. This component processes up to 11 trillion operations per second, enabling responsive AI-driven experiences throughout the operating system.

Real-World Performance

With 4GB of RAM, the iPad manages multitasking efficiently for typical use cases. Performance remains smooth when switching between multiple everyday applications like Safari, Notes, Mail, and social media apps. The system handles 4K video playback without issue and maintains responsive performance during video calls with background processes running.

For context, the A14 Bionic significantly outperforms the A13 in the previous generation iPad while consuming less power. Users can expect approximately 20% better CPU performance and 10% improved graphics capabilities compared to the 9th generation model.

The performance ceiling becomes evident only when pushing the device with resource-intensive applications like advanced video editing, complex 3D modeling, or the latest graphically demanding games. In these scenarios, the performance gap between this model and the iPad Pro or newer iPad Air becomes apparent.

Storage Options and Connectivity

Storage Configurations

The 10th generation iPad offers two storage tiers: 64GB and 256GB. The base 64GB configuration suits users primarily streaming content, browsing the web, and using cloud-based services. However, this capacity may prove restrictive for those who download numerous apps, store large media libraries, or work with large files.

The 256GB option provides substantial breathing room for diverse use cases, including significant media libraries, extensive app collections, and local document storage. This configuration eliminates most storage anxiety but comes at a price premium.

Wireless Connectivity

Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) support delivers faster wireless throughput, reduced latency, and improved performance in congested networks compared to previous standards. Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity ensures stable connections to wireless headphones, keyboards, and other peripherals with improved range and reliability.

Cellular models include 5G compatibility, providing high-speed connectivity when Wi-Fi is unavailable. This feature particularly benefits mobile professionals, travelers, and users in areas with unreliable broadband access.

USB-C Versatility

The transition to USB-C substantially expands connectivity options. This port supports external storage devices, displays (up to 4K resolution), cameras, and various USB peripherals. The USB-C connection also enables faster data transfer rates than Lightning, streamlining the process of moving large files to and from the device.

Camera System and Video Capabilities

Rear Camera Performance

The 12MP wide rear camera with ƒ/1.8 aperture captures detailed photos and videos in well-lit environments. The sensor size and optical characteristics produce results comparable to recent iPhone models, though without advanced features like Night Mode. The camera records 4K video at up to 60fps with solid stabilization, making it suitable for casual filmmaking and content creation.

Front Camera Innovations

The 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with ƒ/2.4 aperture represents a significant upgrade for video calling. Its landscape orientation placement aligns naturally with how users typically hold the iPad during video conferences. The wider field of view accommodates multiple people in frame when needed.

Center Stage Technology

Center Stage leverages the Ultra Wide front camera and machine learning to automatically keep subjects centered during video calls. The feature intelligently pans and zooms as people move around or as additional participants join the frame. This functionality works across popular video conferencing apps including FaceTime, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams.

The camera system also excels at document scanning, allowing users to quickly capture paperwork with automatic perspective correction. The Neural Engine assists with subject recognition and scene optimization to improve overall image quality across various lighting conditions.

Is This iPad Right For You?

The Apple iPad (10th Gen, 2024 Model) hits a sweet spot for many users with its modern design and capable performance. It’s ideal for students, casual users, and families who want a reliable tablet for entertainment, browsing, and light productivity. The USB-C port future-proofs your investment, while the improved cameras enhance video calling experiences. However, creative professionals might find the storage limitations and display characteristics restrictive compared to iPad Air or Pro models. Before purchasing from Sam’s Club, consider your specific needs, budget constraints, and how this iPad fits into your existing technology ecosystem. With the right expectations, this refreshed iPad delivers an excellent tablet experience that will remain capable for years to come.