iPad A10 Fusion 2019

Introduced in 2019, the 10.2-Inch iPad (7th Gen) is primarily notable for being the first entry-level iPad to support the "Smart Connector" and an Apple Smart Keyboard. Like its predecessor, the iPad (6th Gen), it also supports the original Apple Pencil (A1603, MK0C2AM/A).

All iPad (7th Gen) devices, including this Wi-Fi only model, are housed in white and gold, white and silver, or black and "Space Gray" cases and feature a 10.2" 2160x1620 (264 ppi) LED-backlit IPS touch-sensitive "Retina" display. It includes a "Touch ID" fingerprint sensor. Each is powered by a four-core 2.33 GHz Apple A10 Fusion processor, has 3 GB of RAM, and comes with either 32 GB or 128 GB of flash storage.

Other significant features include dual cameras—a rear 8-megapixel "iSight" camera for stills, Live Photos, and 1080p 30 fps video, and a front 1.2-megapixel "FaceTime HD" camera for stills, Live Photos, and 720p video. It also supports dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi with HT80 with MIMO and Bluetooth 4.2, along with stereo speakers. A Lightning port provides power and computer connectivity.

The battery life for this iPad (7th Gen) model is rated at 10 hours of "surfing the web on Wi-Fi, watching video, or listening to music."

This Wi-Fi Only model does not support 4G LTE connectivity or A-GPS.

The 7th generation iPad was a notable, if safe, update that brought welcome enhancements to Apple's most popular tablet. The most significant changes were the increase in screen size to 10.2 inches and, for the first time on the entry-level model, the addition of a Smart Connector for Apple's Smart Keyboard. This, combined with continued support for the first-generation Apple Pencil, made the base iPad a much more viable productivity tool and a low-cost laptop alternative. However, it was criticized for retaining the older A10 Fusion processor, which was two generations behind the chips in the contemporary Pro models. The display, while larger, was not laminated, which meant there was a noticeable air gap between the glass and the panel. Despite these compromises, its affordability, larger screen, and new keyboard support made it an excellent value and a joy to use for media consumption, education, and light productivity.