The Apple iPad’s 9th generation was released in September 2021 and offers great performance and value with its 10.2-inch Retina display featuring True Tone for enhanced viewing. The A13 Bionic chip delivers a 20% performance boost, ensuring smooth multitasking and gaming.
Supporting the first-generation Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard enhances productivity and creativity. Available in 64GB and 256GB storage options, the iPad (9th Generation) is an excellent choice for students and professionals. It is an affordable, powerful tablet.
Table of Contents
Key Highlights of the Apple iPad 10.2 (2021)
- Release Date: September 24, 2021
- Chipset: Apple A13 Bionic
- Display: 10.2-inch Retina IPS LCD
- Cameras: 8MP rear, 12MP front
- Battery Life: 8557 mAh (32.4 Wh)
- Storage Options: 64GB and 256GB
- Operating System: iPadOS 15 (upgradable to iPadOS 18.2.1)
- Price: Approximately €430
Release date and price
The iPad (9th Generation) was officially released on September 24, 2021, and quickly became a popular choice for budget-conscious consumers. Starting at $329 with 64 GB of storage, it offers one of the most affordable entry points into Apple’s iPad lineup. For those needing more storage or cellular.
Design and Build
The Apple iPad 10.2 (2021), also known as the 9th generation iPad, continues Apple’s legacy of offering a versatile, reliable, and budget-friendly tablet. Whether you need a device for entertainment, education, or productivity, this iPad is designed to meet a variety of needs. With its upgraded chipset, larger storage options, and advanced features, the 2021 model strikes an excellent balance between performance and affordability. In this detailed review, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Apple iPad 10.2 (2021), including its design, display, performance, camera, and more.
The iPad 10.2 (2021) sports a timeless and minimalist design that Apple is known for. With a 250.6 x 174.1 x 7.5 mm aluminum body, the device feels sturdy yet lightweight, weighing 487 g for the Wi-Fi model and 498 g for the LTE model. The thin profile makes it highly portable, whether you’re using it at home or on the go. It features a glass front, an aluminum back, and an aluminum frame, which adds to its durability. The cellular model offers Nano-SIM and eSIM support, while the device is also compatible with the 1st-generation Apple Pencil for added versatility. The design retains a physical home button with Touch ID, which many users still appreciate for its simplicity and reliability.
Display Quality
The 10.2-inch Retina IPS LCD screen offers vibrant colors and sharp details, making it ideal for streaming videos, browsing the web, or working on documents. With a resolution of 1620 x 2160 pixels and a pixel density of ~265 PPI, the display ensures crisp and clear visuals. It offers a brightness of 500 nits (typical) and features scratch-resistant glass with an oleophobic coating. The 4:3 aspect ratio enhances the viewing experience for reading and web browsing, while the Retina technology ensures text and images appear sharp. Whether indoors or outdoors, the display performs well, although it might struggle slightly under direct sunlight.
Performance
A13 Bionic chip, the same processor found in the iPhone 11 series, powers the iPad (9th generation). This chip, coupled with the 4-core GPU and 8-core neural engine, ensures smooth performance for everyday tasks like web browsing, video streaming, and running apps.
The A13 Bionic chip also supports advanced machine learning capabilities, which enhance the tablet’s efficiency and responsiveness.
Standard tests show that the iPad (9th Gen) scores around 1,325 in single-core and 3,240 in multi-core tests on Geek Benchmark 5. This performance is more than sufficient for casual users, students, and professionals who require a reliable device for light-to-moderate use.
Camera and Audio
The iPad (9th Gen) features an 8 MP rear camera with an f/2.4 aperture, capable of capturing 1080p video at 30 fps. While it may not rival the cameras on more premium devices, it is adequate for scanning documents and casual photography.
One of the outstanding features of the iPad 9th generation is an upgraded 12 MP Ultra Wide Front Camera with Centre Stage. Centre Stage automatically keeps you in the frame during video calls, adjusting the camera’s view as you move.
This feature is particularly useful for remote learning, virtual meetings, and FaceTime calls. The stereo speakers on the iPad (9th Gen) deliver clear and balanced audio, making it a great device for media consumption.
Battery Life
Apple claims that the iPad (9th Generation) offers up to 10 hours of battery life on a single charge for web browsing or watching videos over Wi-Fi. In real-world usage, this estimate holds, making it a reliable device for a full day of use.
The device charges via the Lightning port, and while it supports 20W fast charging, it comes with a 10W charger in the box, which takes about 3.5 hours for a full charge.
Software and Ecosystem
The Apple iPad (9th Gen) runs on iPad OS 15, bringing features like Split View, Slide Over, and the new App Library to the table. These features enhance multitasking and productivity, making the iPad a versatile tool for both work and play.
The device also supports the first-generation Apple Pencil and the Smart Keyboard, offering additional functionality for note-taking, drawing, and typing. Being part of the Apple ecosystem, the iPad (9th Generation) seamlessly integrates with other Apple devices and services, such as iCloud, Airdrop, and Handoff.
This integration is a significant advantage for users who already own other Apple products. This integration is a significant advantage for users who already own other Apple products.
Comparison: iPad (9th Generation) vs iPad Air 2 vs iPad Pro 9.7-inch
| Feature | iPad (9th Generation) | iPad Air 2 | iPad Pro 9.7-inch |
| Release Year | 2021 | 2014 | 2016 |
| Finish Options | Space Gray, Silver | Space Gray, Silver, Gold | Space Gray, Silver, Gold, Rose Gold |
| Display | 10.2-inch Retina display, sRGB color, 500 nits SDR brightness | 9.7-inch Retina display, sRGB color, fully laminated, antireflective coating, 400 nits brightness | 9.7-inch Retina display, P3 wide color, True Tone, 500 nits brightness, anti-reflective coating |
| Processor | A13 Bionic chip (6-core CPU, 4-core GPU, 8-core Neural Engine) | A8X chip | A9X chip |
| Camera (Rear) | 8MP Wide, ƒ/2.4 aperture, 1080p video, HDR for photos | 8MP Wide, ƒ/2.4 aperture, 1080p video | 12MP Wide, ƒ/2.2 aperture, 4K video, True Tone flash, HDR for photos |
| Camera (Front) | 12MP Ultra Wide, Center Stage, 1080p video, extended dynamic range | 1.2MP FaceTime HD camera, 720p video | 5MP FaceTime HD camera, Retina Flash, 1080p video |
| Audio | Stereo speakers | Stereo speakers | Four-speaker audio |
| Battery Life | Up to 10 hours (Wi-Fi), 9 hours (cellular) | Up to 10 hours (Wi-Fi), 9 hours (cellular) | Up to 10 hours (Wi-Fi), 9 hours (cellular) |
| Apple Pencil Support | Supports Apple Pencil (1st generation) | Not supported | Supports Apple Pencil (1st generation) |
| Keyboard Support | Smart Keyboard support | Bluetooth keyboards only | Smart Keyboard support |
| Storage Options | 64GB, 256GB | 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB | 32GB, 128GB, 256GB |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.2, optional LTE | Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.0, optional LTE | Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.2, optional LTE |
| Dimensions (HxWxD) | 250.6 x 174.1 x 7.5 mm | 240 x 169.5 x 6.1 cm | 240 x 169.5 x 6.1 cm |
| Weight (Wi-Fi) | 487 grams | 437 grams | 437 grams |
| Special Features | Center Stage for video calls, improved performance | Fully laminated display, antireflective coating | P3 wide color, True Tone, four-speaker audio |
| Price (Approx.) | Starting at $329 | Discontinued | Discontinued |
The Apple iPad (9th generation), iPad Air 2, and iPad Pro 9.7-inch offer unique features catering to different needs. The iPad (9th generation) is the most modern and powerful with its A13 Bionic chip and enhanced front camera. The iPad Air 2 is lightweight and compact but falls behind in terms of performance and features. Meanwhile, the iPad Pro 9.7-inch excels in display quality and camera capabilities, making it a great choice for professionals at the time of its release. For those seeking an affordable, versatile, and current option, the iPad (9th generation) is the best pick.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable price point
- Solid performance with the A13 Bionic chip
- Upgradable software support
- Excellent front camera with Center Stage
- Long-lasting battery life
Cons:
- Limited storage options (no expandable storage)
- Outdated Bluetooth version (4.2)
- Average display brightness under direct sunlight
Conclusion: Is the iPad (9th Generation) Worth It?
The Apple iPad (9th Generation) is a great choice for those looking for a budget-friendly tablet with good performance. Its A13 Bionic chip ensures smooth multitasking, and the Retina display with True Tone provides a nice viewing experience.
While the design is a bit old-fashioned, the iPad’s long battery life, solid cameras, and seamless integration with other Apple devices make it a reliable and affordable option for students, professionals, and informal users alike.
FAQs: iPad (9th Generation) Review: Performance and Affordability
Are iPads 9th Generation Good?
Yes, the iPad (9th generation) is an excellent device, especially for its price. Powered by the A13 Bionic chip, it delivers fast performance, making it ideal for multitasking, streaming, gaming, and educational purposes. The 10.2-inch retina display provides vibrant visuals, and features like True Tone enhance the viewing experience.
How Long Will an iPad 9th Gen Be Good For?
The iPad (9th generation) is expected to remain relevant for 5–7 years, thanks to Apple's consistent software updates. With the A13 Bionic chip, it handles iPadOS updates and apps efficiently, ensuring longevity. Its robust build quality and performance make it a reliable device for years of usage, whether for work, school, or entertainment.
Which is Better, the 9th Gen or the 10th Gen?
While the iPad 10th generation offers a newer design with a larger 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display and USB-C connectivity, the iPad 9th generation remains a strong contender due to its affordability and similar functionality. The iPad 10th generation has a faster A14 Bionic chip and supports the 1st generation Apple Pencil via an adapter, while the iPad 9th generation uses the A13 Bionic chip and directly supports the 1st generation Apple Pencil. If budget is a priority, the 9th gen is an excellent choice; for those seeking a modern design and faster performance, the 10th gen is worth considering.
Which is Better, 8th or 9th Generation iPad?
The iPad (9th generation) is better than the 8th generation in several key areas. It features the A13 Bionic chip, which is 20% faster than the A12 Bionic chip in the 8th generation, ensuring smoother multitasking and better app performance. The 9th generation also comes with a significantly improved 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage, ideal for video calls and content creation, compared to the 1.2MP camera in the 8th generation. For users seeking a better camera and more powerful performance, the 9th generation is the better choice.
Can You Use Apple Pencil on iPad 9th Generation?
Yes, the iPad (9th generation) supports the 1st generation Apple Pencil. This makes it a fantastic device for taking notes, sketching, designing, and annotating documents. The Apple Pencil connects seamlessly via Lightning and offers precision and low-latency performance, enhancing productivity and creativity.
