iPad Air 11 Inch M2 vs iPad 9th Generation

By Billy G. · Founder & Lead EditorVerified May 21 by Billy G.

iPad Air 11 Inch M2
iPad Air 11 Inch M2
iPad 9th Generation
iPad 9th Generation
Verified Confidence: 87%

Verdict: iPad Air 11 Inch M2 outperforms the iPad 9th Generation across performance and features with its M2 chip delivering significantly higher Geekbench scores and better multitasking per Notebookcheck benchmarks. The 9th Gen remains viable for light use at a lower cost but trails in RAM, display quality, and accessory support. For most buyers the Air is the stronger long-term choice.

Winner: iPad Air 11 Inch M2

iPad Air 11 Inch M2: 8.5/10

iPad 9th Generation: 6/10

Spec-by-spec comparison

iPad Air 11 Inch M2iPad 9th Generation
ProcessorApple M2Apple A13 Bionic
Display11-inch Liquid Retina 2360x1640 60Hz10.2-inch Retina 2160x1620 60Hz
RAM8GB3GB
Starting Storage128GB64GB

iPad Air 11 Inch M2

What works

  • M2 chip delivers 2-3x faster CPU/GPU than A13 (per Geekbench 6)
  • Supports Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard
  • Thinner 6.1mm body with landscape camera

What doesn't

  • No 120Hz ProMotion display
  • Starts at higher price than base iPad

iPad 9th Generation

What works

  • Very affordable entry point into iPadOS
  • Still receives iPadOS updates through 2026
  • Home button with Touch ID

What doesn't

  • Only 3GB RAM limits heavy multitasking
  • Thicker 7.5mm design and older Lightning port

Bottom line

Our pick: iPad Air 11 Inch M2. It edges out the alternative on m2 chip delivers 2-3x faster cpu/gpu than a13 (per geekbench 6). That said, iPad 9th Generation still wins on very affordable entry point into ipados — consider it if that single trade matters most for your use.

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