Introduction:
Released in September 2019, the Apple iPad 7 is part of Apple’s lineup of affordable tablets, bringing the power of iPadOS to the masses at a lower price point. With variants offering both Wi-Fi and Cellular models, the iPad 7 was designed to appeal to casual users, students, and professionals on the go.
But how does this model hold up in today’s world? What alternatives were available from other brands at the time? In this post, we explore the details of the iPad 7, compare it with alternative Google, Huawei, and Samsung tablets, and discuss its accessory support to help you decide if this older iPad is still worth considering in 2024.
Historical Context and Evolution:
The iPad 7 was launched as a follow-up to the popular iPad 6, marking a minor but significant improvement in design and functionality. It introduced a slightly larger 10.2-inch Retina display compared to its predecessor’s 9.7-inch screen, while keeping the overall form factor compact and portable.
This model was a budget-friendly option, ideal for those looking for an entry-level iPad with reliable performance. Its use of the Apple A10 Fusion chip may seem outdated today, but at launch, it was still capable of handling a variety of tasks, from multitasking to basic gaming. Compared to competitors like Google and Huawei, Apple’s iOS ecosystem gave the iPad 7 an edge in app compatibility and performance consistency.
Detailed Specifications of Apple iPad 7:
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the iPad 7’s technical specs across its different variants:
| Model | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi + Cellular | Wi-Fi (128GB) | Wi-Fi + Cellular (128GB) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Price | $329 | $459 | $429 | $559 |
| Release Date | Sep 25, 2019 | Sep 25, 2019 | Sep 25, 2019 | Sep 25, 2019 |
| OS Version | iPadOS 13.1 | iPadOS 13.1 | iPadOS 13.1 | iPadOS 13.1 |
| Chipset | Apple A10 Fusion | Apple A10 Fusion | Apple A10 Fusion | Apple A10 Fusion |
| CPU Benchmark | 500 | 1300 | 500 | 1300 |
| Storage | 32GB | 32GB | 128GB | 128GB |
| Display Size | 10.2 inches | 10.2 inches | 10.2 inches | 10.2 inches |
| Camera | 8 MP wide | 8 MP wide | 8 MP wide | 8 MP wide |
| Battery | 8,827 mAh | 8,827 mAh | 8,827 mAh | 8,827 mAh |
| Weight | 483g | 493g | 483g | 493g |
| Pencil Support | 1st Gen | 1st Gen | 1st Gen | 1st Gen |
| Keyboard Support | Smart Keyboard | Smart Keyboard | Smart Keyboard | Smart Keyboard |
Use Cases in Today’s World:
Although the iPad 7 lacks the modern specs of today’s iPads, it still holds relevance for specific use cases:
- Students: The iPad 7 remains a solid choice for students due to its compatibility with the 1st Gen Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard, making it great for note-taking and light productivity tasks.
- Casual Browsing: For users looking for a tablet primarily for browsing, video streaming, and light multitasking, the iPad 7’s Retina display and solid battery life still deliver a decent experience.
- Retro Gaming: With its Apple A10 Fusion chip, the iPad 7 can run many retro and casual games from the App Store, making it a fun device for gaming on a budget.
Comparison with Alternatives:
At the time of its release, the iPad 7 faced competition from Google, Huawei, and Samsung in the tablet market. Here’s how it compared in terms of specs, pricing, and accessory support:
- Google Pixel Slate (2018):
- Chipset: Intel Core m3 vs. Apple A10 Fusion (iPad 7).
- Display: 12.3-inch Molecular Display (larger than iPad 7).
- OS: ChromeOS vs. iPadOS.
- Accessory Support: Google Pixelbook Pen, Google Keyboard.
- Verdict: The Pixel Slate offered better multitasking capabilities but came at a higher price. However, its support for Google’s ecosystem gave it versatility for productivity tasks.
- Huawei MediaPad M6 (2019):
- Chipset: Kirin 980 vs. Apple A10 Fusion (iPad 7).
- Display: 10.8-inch display, 2560 x 1600 pixels (higher resolution).
- OS: Android 9 vs. iPadOS 13.1.
- Accessory Support: Huawei M-Pen Lite, Magnetic Keyboard.
- Verdict: The MediaPad M6 had a sharper display and better performance but lacked the app ecosystem that iPad users enjoy. Accessory support was more limited outside of China.
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 (2019):
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 vs. Apple A10 Fusion (iPad 7).
- Display: 10.5-inch Super AMOLED, 1600 x 2560 pixels (higher resolution and better color reproduction).
- OS: Android 9 vs. iPadOS 13.1.
- Accessory Support: S-Pen, Samsung Book Cover Keyboard.
- Verdict: The Tab S6 outperformed the iPad 7 in almost every area, but it was priced significantly higher. For users focused on drawing or note-taking, the S-Pen provided a superior experience.
Accessory Support:
One of the standout features of the iPad 7 was its compatibility with Apple’s ecosystem of accessories. It supported:
- Apple Pencil (1st Generation): Great for note-taking, drawing, and general navigation.
- Smart Keyboard: Turn the iPad 7 into a portable productivity device, ideal for light typing tasks.
In comparison, Google, Huawei, and Samsung offered similar accessories, but Apple’s ecosystem, including iCloud integration and app compatibility, made the iPad 7 a better choice for users already invested in Apple’s ecosystem.
Common Problems and Limitations:
While the iPad 7 is still useful today, it does have its limitations:
- Outdated Chipset: The A10 Fusion chip may struggle with more demanding apps or games released in the last couple of years.
- Limited Software Updates: As new iPads receive updates, the iPad 7 will eventually be phased out, leaving users with outdated iOS features.
- No Headphone Jack: Users will need wireless headphones or a Lightning to 3.5mm adapter.
Conclusion:
The Apple iPad 7 remains a viable tablet option for casual users and students, especially when paired with accessories like the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard. While it’s outclassed by modern iPads and rival tablets from Google, Huawei, and Samsung, its lower price point and integration with Apple’s ecosystem make it a great choice for those seeking a budget-friendly device with reliable performance.
For those interested in retro gaming, media consumption, or casual productivity, the iPad 7 is still worth considering in 2024, especially at refurbished prices.