iPad (9th generation) vs iPad Air 11-inch (M3)

iPad Air 11-inch (M3) wins — iPad Air 11-inch (M3) outperforms the iPad (9th generation) with its M3 chip versus A13 Bionic, 11-inch Liquid Retina ve…

Scores: iPad (9th generation) 4.5/10 · iPad Air 11-inch (M3) 8.5/10

iPad Air 11-inch (M3) outperforms the iPad (9th generation) with its M3 chip versus A13 Bionic, 11-inch Liquid Retina versus 10.2-inch Retina, and current status versus discontinued per provided specs. The Air model also adds Wi-Fi 6E and 12MP rear camera. The 9th Gen only competes on price for the most basic tasks.

iPad (9th generation) lists at $329 while iPad Air 11-inch (M3) lists at $599 — iPad (9th generation) undercuts iPad Air 11-inch (M3) by $270 (82%).

Spec-by-spec comparison

iPad (9th generation)iPad Air 11-inch (M3)
display10.2-inch Retina11-inch Liquid Retina
chipA13 BionicApple M3
storage64GB or 256GB128GB
camera8MP rear, 12MP front with Center Stage12MP front and rear

iPad (9th generation)

What works

  • Lowest entry price at $329 MSRP
  • Still supports Center Stage on front camera
  • Lightweight for basic media consumption

What doesn't

  • A13 Bionic chip from 2021 offers limited performance
  • Discontinued status means no new stock or updates

iPad Air 11-inch (M3)

What works

  • Apple M3 chip with 8-core CPU and 9-core GPU for demanding apps
  • Wi-Fi 6E and 8GB RAM for smoother multitasking
  • Current model with ongoing software support

What doesn't

  • Higher starting price of $599 MSRP
  • Only 128GB base storage without microSD option

Bottom line

Our pick: iPad Air 11-inch (M3).

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