iPad 9th Generation vs iPad Air 5th Generation
Verdict: The iPad Air 5 outperforms the iPad 9 in raw CPU power (1,800 vs 1,600 Geekbench points) and offers a superior 10.9" Liquid Retina panel with higher brightness (per CNET). However, the iPad 9’s $329 price makes it a far better value for casual users, delivering the same 10‑hour battery life (per Apple). For most power‑hungry tasks, the Air’s M1 and USB‑C win decisively, but budget‑conscious buyers will find the iPad 9 more than adequate.
iPad 9th Generation lists at $329 while iPad Air 5th Generation lists at $599 — iPad 9th Generation undercuts iPad Air 5th Generation by $270 (82%).
Winner: iPad Air 5th Generation
iPad 9th Generation: 6.5/10
iPad Air 5th Generation: 8.5/10
Spec-by-spec comparison
| iPad 9th Generation | iPad Air 5th Generation | |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | A13 Bionic | M1 |
| Display | 10.2" Retina 2160 × 1620 | 10.9" Liquid Retina 2360 × 1640 |
| Storage | 64 GB / 256 GB | 64 GB / 256 GB |
| Battery life | Up to 10 h web browsing | Up to 10 h web browsing |
iPad 9th Generation
What works
- Affordable entry price
- Supports 1st‑gen Apple Pencil
- Broad app ecosystem
What doesn't
- Only 3 GB RAM
- Lightning connector limits accessories
iPad Air 5th Generation
What works
- M1 performance rivals laptops
- USB‑C port for fast accessories
- Higher‑quality 120 Hz‑like display
What doesn't
- Higher price point
- Apple Pencil 2 requires separate purchase
Bottom line
Our pick: iPad Air 5th Generation.
View full comparison on GoodPickr
Related Comparisons
- iPad Air (5th generation) vs iPad Pro (4th generation 11‑inch)
- iPad 10th Generation Wi‑Fi vs iPad Pro 13‑inch M4 Wi‑Fi
- Fire HD 10 (2023) vs iPad mini (7th generation)
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE vs iPad Air (5th generation) M2
- Galaxy Watch FE vs Galaxy Watch SE (2nd Generation)
- Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) vs iPad (2025) Wi‑Fi
- iPad Air 11‑inch M2 vs iPad Pro 13‑inch M4
- iPad Air (5th generation) 64GB Wi‑Fi vs iPad Pro (6th generation) 128GB Wi‑Fi
- Apple iPad Pro 11-inch M4 vs Microsoft Surface Go 3
- Apple AirPods Pro (1st generation) vs Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation)
- iPad 9th Generation vs iPad Air 4th Generation
- iPad Air 11‑inch M3 vs iPad Mini 6
People also compared
- iPad 9th Generation vs iPad Air 4th Generation Tablet
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 vs iPad 9th Generation tablet
- Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 vs iPad 9th Generation tablet
- iPad Air 5th Generation 128GB Space Gray vs iPad Pro 13‑inch M4 128GB Space Gray
- iPad Air 5th Generation vs iPad Pro 13-inch 6th Generation Tablet
- iPad 9th Generation vs iPad Mini 6 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