Compare the Apple iPad (2020) to the Apple iPad (2019)

Written by Thomas

Edited on

13 October 2025

·

14:41

Compare the Apple iPad (2020) to the Apple iPad (2019)

In 2020, Apple launched the successor of the iPad (2019), the iPad (2020). The casing of both screens is the same. The big difference is the faster processor of the iPad (2020). In this article, we'll compare the iPad (2020) to the iPad (2019) and you can read everything on the differences and similarities. Note, the Apple iPad (2019) is no longer available as new at Coolblue, just refurbished.

Apple iPad (2020)

  • Watch your favorite movies and series in good quality on the 10.2-inch Retina display.
  • Thanks to the A12 Bionic chip, apps and games run smoothly.
  • With the Smart Keyboard and Apple pencil (1st generation), you can work comfortably and in detail.
  • The Apple Pencil 1 isn't included by default, so you have to buy it separately.
Apple iPad (2020) 10.2 inches 128GB WiFi Space Gray
Apple iPad (2020) 10.2 inches 128GB WiFi Space Gray
Review is 9,5 out of 10, based on 1113 reviews.
10.2-inch screen | 128GB storage capacity | Internet via WiFi

489,-

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Refurbished iPad (2019)

  • Watch all your movies and series in high quality on the 10.2-inch Retina display.
  • The A10 Fusion chip is fast, but it's not as powerful as the A12 Bionic chip of the iPad (2020).
  • You can expand the possibilities by connecting an Apple Pencil 1 or Smart Keyboard.
  • The Apple Pencil 1 isn't included by default, so you have to buy it separately.
Refurbished iPad (2019) 128GB WiFi Space Gray
10.2-inch Retina display | 128GB storage capacity | Internet via WiFi

369,-

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Compare the Apple iPad (2020) to the Apple iPad (2019)

Apple iPad (2020)Apple iPad (2019)
ProcessorA12 Bionic chipA10 Fusion chip
Screen10.2-inch Retina display (2160x1620)10.2-inch Retina display (2160x1620)
Compatibility with accessoriesApple Pencil (1st generation), Smart KeyboardApple Pencil (1st generation), Smart Keyboard
Rear camera8 megapixels8 megapixels
FaceTime cameraWiFi, WiFi + 4G, 1.2 megapixelsWiFi, WiFi + 4G
Storage capacity32GB, 128GB32GB, 128GB
ColorsSpace Gray, Silver, GoldSpace Gray, Silver, Gold

The processor

Apple iPad (2020): apps open faster with the A12 Bionic chip

Apple iPad (2020): apps open faster with the A12 Bionic chip

The iPad (2020) has the A12 Bionic chip, just like the iPhone Xs. Thanks to this processor, this tablet is slightly more powerful than the iPad (2019). For example, apps and games boot faster and you can switch between different apps smoother. You can easily play 3D games at medium to high settings as well.

View the refurbished iPad (2020)
Apple iPad (2019): A10 Fusion chip

Apple iPad (2019): A10 Fusion chip

The Apple iPad (2019) has an A10 chip. Though this chip is a bit outdated, apps and games run smoothly. You can multitasking and switching between apps just fine, but less fast and smooth than with the iPad (2020). The tablet struggles a bit more with 3D games. You can play them without screen tearing at low settings.

The screen and the casing

Apple iPad (2020): 10.2-inch Retina display

Apple iPad (2020): 10.2-inch Retina display

The casing and the screen of the iPad (2020) hasn't changed, compared to the 2019 version. Once again, the casing has a sleek design and feels like it's of high quality. The 10.2-inch Retina display of this tablet has a good brightness of 500cd/m2, just like the display of the iPad (2019). This means that the image is also clear in situations with a lot of ambient light. Compared to its equal, this is the big advantage.

Apple iPad (2019): identical casing and screen

Apple iPad (2019): identical casing and screen

If you put the Apple iPad (2019) next to the iPad (2020), you don't see a difference. From the 10.2-inch Retina display to the high-quality finish of the casing, it's all the same. All the buttons and connectors are in the same places. There's a slight difference in weight. The WiFi version of the iPad (2019) is 7g lighter than the iPad (2020). So if you're switching to the 2020 version, you don't necessarily have to buy new accessories.

Accessories

Apple iPad (2020): Smart Keyboard and Apple Pencil 1

Apple iPad (2020): Smart Keyboard and Apple Pencil 1

If you're switching from the iPad (2019) to the iPad (2020) and already have accessories, you can use those accessories for this tablet as well. With the Apple Pencil 1, you easily write down notes and sketches. The Smart Keyboard is a useful accessory if you often type long texts, as the cover has a built-in keyboard and stand. The flap of the Smart Keyboard protects it from scratches and dirt.

Apple iPad (2019): the same compatibility

Apple iPad (2019): the same compatibility

The two tablets are identical, so you can use the same accessories. This could be the Smart Keyboard and the Apple Pencil 1. You can easily connect the Smart Keyboard via the magnetic side of the iPad (2019). This way, the physical keyboard with protective flap connects directly and you can get started right away. Since iPadOS 14, you can convert written text to typed text with the Apple Pencil 1. That's useful if you write notes often.

Conclusion

The design and the screen of the iPad (2019) and the iPad (2020) are the same. The biggest difference is the processor. Apps and games boot faster and run smoother on the iPad (2020). That's because of the A12 Bionic chip, which is more powerful than the A10 Fusion chip of the iPad (2019). Choose the iPad (2020) if you prefer playing 3D games at medium to high settings. If you're switching to an iPad (2020), you can still use the accessories of the iPad (2019).

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Article by Thomas

Apple expert

Thomas