Apple iPad Apple 2022 iPad (10.9-inch, Wi-Fi, 64GB) - Yellow Review

So you're looking at the 2022 iPad 10.9-inch, the one in the bright yellow. It's Apple's entry-level tablet, and it's trying to do a lot. You get that modern, all-screen 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, the solid A14 Bionic chip, and it finally switched to USB-C. It's positioned as the iPad for everyone, especially if you're coming from an older model. But at a price that can dip under $300, it's also competing with a ton of Android tablets and even some older iPad models. People often ask if this is the best iPad for students or for just watching videos, and the answer is a bit more complicated than a simple yes.

Performance is where this iPad feels a bit split. The A14 Bionic chip is no slouch, landing in the 79th percentile for both CPU and GPU. For everyday stuff like browsing, streaming, and light gaming, it's perfectly smooth. You won't feel it lag. The problem shows up when you try to do more. With only 4GB of RAM, which is in the 31st percentile, multitasking can get choppy. Switching between a few apps or trying to use Stage Manager? That's where you'll notice the limits. It scored a 43.5 out of 100 in our productivity tests, which tells you exactly what it's not great at. It's fine for entertainment, but don't expect it to be a laptop replacement.

At around $289, the value proposition is tricky. On one hand, you're getting a well-built tablet with a great screen and a proven chip from Apple's ecosystem. For someone who just wants a reliable device for media and light web use, it's a fair deal. But that 4GB of RAM is a big red flag for anyone thinking about keeping it for years. You're also paying a premium for the Apple logo, because at this price, Android competitors offer more RAM and storage. You're really buying into iPadOS here.

Let's talk competitors. The most obvious one is the iPad Air. It costs more, but you get an M1 chip, double the RAM, and support for the much better 2nd-gen Apple Pencil. If you can stretch your budget, it's a vastly better long-term buy. On the Android side, something like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE offers more RAM, an included S Pen, and often a lower price for similar media performance. And then there's the previous generation iPad 9th Gen. It has a home button and an older design, but it often goes for much less money and still has the A13 chip. For pure media consumption, that older model can be a smarter buy.

Should you buy the 2022 iPad 10.9-inch? Only in a very specific scenario. If you are deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem and you need a simple, portable screen for watching shows, reading, and very basic web tasks, and you found it on a steep sale, it's okay. But for almost anyone else, I'd say look elsewhere. The 4GB of RAM is a deal-breaker for productivity or future software updates. Students should save a bit more for an iPad Air or look at a Chromebook. If your main goal is entertainment, an older iPad or a good Android tablet will give you more for your money. This iPad feels caught between generations, and its limitations are too big to ignore.