iPad 9th Generation vs iPad Air 11‑Inch M2
Verdict: The iPad Air M2 outperforms the iPad 9th Generation in virtually every measurable metric – it scores 8,704 vs 5,212 in Geekbench single‑core tests (Geekbench), its 2360×1640 display reaches 500 nits versus 400 nits on the 9th (Apple), and it supports the newer 2nd‑gen Apple Pencil (Apple). However, the 9th‑gen still delivers up to 10 h battery life at a $329 price, making it a solid budget tablet. For users who need desktop‑class performance or a brighter display, the Air’s $599 price is justified; otherwise, the 9th‑gen remains the value leader.
iPad 9th Generation lists at $329 while iPad Air 11‑Inch M2 lists at $599 — iPad 9th Generation undercuts iPad Air 11‑Inch M2 by $270 (82%).
Winner: iPad Air 11‑Inch M2
iPad 9th Generation: 6.5/10
iPad Air 11‑Inch M2: 8.5/10
Spec-by-spec comparison
| iPad 9th Generation | iPad Air 11‑Inch M2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | A13 Bionic | M2 |
| Display | 10.2" Retina 2160 × 1620 | 10.9" Liquid Retina 2360 × 1640 |
| Storage | 64 GB | 64 GB |
| Battery | Up to 10 h web browsing | Up to 10 h web browsing |
iPad 9th Generation
What works
- Low launch price
- Long battery life
- Broad app compatibility
What doesn't
- Older A13 chip limits performance
- Lightning port slower than USB‑C
- Display lacks True Tone
iPad Air 11‑Inch M2
What works
- M2 chip delivers desktop‑class speed
- Brighter 500 nits display with True Tone
- USB‑C with fast charging
What doesn't
- Higher price point
- No headphone jack (same as iPad 9th)
- Limited storage on base model
Bottom line
Our pick: iPad Air 11‑Inch M2.
View full comparison on GoodPickr
Related Comparisons
- iPad Air M4 vs iPad Mini 6th Gen
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 128GB Wi‑Fi + Cellular vs iPad Air (5th generation) 64GB Wi‑Fi + Cellular
- LG 65QNED80 65-Inch QNED MiniLED TV vs LG 75nano75 75-Inch NanoCell TV
- iPad Air (6th generation) vs iPad Air (7th generation)
- ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 2025 vs MacBook Air 13-inch M4 2025
- Apple iPad Pro M4 13 inch vs Apple MacBook Air M4 15 inch
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE vs Apple iPad (10th gen)
- LG 32GS95UE vs ASUS ROG Swift PG27AQDP
- All-Clad D3 Stainless (10-inch) vs Zwilling Madura Plus Nonstick (10-inch)
- Apple iPad Mini (A17 Pro, 2025) vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
- Away The Bigger Carry-On vs Samsonite Omni 2 Hardside 28-inch
- Blackstone 36-Inch Griddle vs Weber Slate 30-Inch Griddle
People also compared
- iPad 9th Generation vs iPad Air 11‑Inch M2 tablet
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 vs iPad 9th Generation tablet
- Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 vs iPad 9th Generation tablet
- iPad 9th Generation vs iPad Air (4th Generation) with M1 tablet
- iPad 9th Generation vs iPad Air 5th Generation tablet
- iPad 9th Generation vs iPad Air 11 Inch M3 tablet
Affiliate disclosure: GoodPickr may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through partner links on this page. Verdicts are editorially independent and never influenced by affiliate relationships.
GoodPickr · Data-backed product comparisons · Built by Golden Consulting Partners