Apple iPad (9th generation) vs Apple iPad Air (4th generation)

By Billy G. · Founder & Lead EditorVerified Oct 26 by Billy G.

Apple iPad (9th generation)
Apple iPad Air (4th generation)

Decision sheet: the facts that decide it

Apple iPad (9th generation): 7 of 8 decision facts sourced.

Apple iPad Air (4th generation): 7 of 8 decision facts sourced.

Apple iPad (9th generation)Apple iPad Air (4th generation)
Price todayPrice not yet checkedPrice not yet checked
Screen size10.2 inches bestbuy.com10.9 inches bestbuy.com
Resolution2160 x 1620 bestbuy.com2360 x 1640 bestbuy.com
ChipA13 Bionic chip with 64-bit architecture, Neural Engine bestbuy.comA14 Bionic chip with Neural Engine bestbuy.com
Storage64 gigabytes bestbuy.com64 gigabytes bestbuy.com
Battery life10 hours bestbuy.com10 hours bestbuy.com
Weight17.1 ounces bestbuy.com16 ounces bestbuy.com
Starting MSRP$329.99 bestbuy.com$599.99 bestbuy.com

Not yet sourced — Apple iPad (9th generation): Refresh rate. Apple iPad Air (4th generation): Refresh rate. No manufacturer, official or retailer source we read publishes these yet; we don't estimate them.

Pick Apple iPad (9th generation) if

Pick Apple iPad Air (4th generation) if

Skip both if

  • Neither publishes refresh rate yet.
Verified Confidence: 86%

Verdict: The Apple iPad offers lower starting price ($329.99 vs $599.99); the iPad Air counters with lighter (16 ounces vs 17.1 ounces). Neither publishes refresh rate yet.

Winner: Apple iPad Air (4th generation)

Apple iPad (9th generation): 6.2/10

Apple iPad Air (4th generation): 7.6/10

Spec-by-spec comparison

Apple iPad (9th generation)Apple iPad Air (4th generation)
Screen size10.2 inches10.9 inches
Resolution2160 x 16202360 x 1640
ChipA13 Bionic chip with 64-bit architecture, Neural EngineA14 Bionic chip with Neural Engine
RAM3 gigabytes4 gigabytes
Storage64 gigabytes64 gigabytes
Battery life10 hours10 hours

Apple iPad (9th generation)

What works

  • 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage, which the Air 4 does not have
  • Physical Home button with Touch ID, plus stereo speakers and a Smart Connector for the Smart Keyboard
  • Works with the 1st-generation Apple Pencil if you already own one

What doesn't

  • Non-laminated 10.2-inch panel has an air gap and lacks True Tone, P3 wide color, and an anti-reflective coating
  • Lightning port and 1st-generation Pencil (cap-plug charging) instead of USB-C and a magnetically charging Pencil

Apple iPad Air (4th generation)

What works

  • Leads the Apple iPad on weight — 16 ounces vs 17.1 ounces

What doesn't

  • Trails the Apple iPad on starting MSRP — $599.99 vs $329.99

Bottom line

Our pick: Apple iPad Air (4th generation).

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