iPad 9th Generation vs iPad Air M1
Verdict: The iPad Air M1 is the better choice for those who need a more powerful and feature-rich tablet, while the iPad 9th Generation is suitable for basic tasks and budget-conscious buyers. According to CNET, the iPad Air M1's M1 chip provides a 50% boost in performance compared to the iPad 9th Generation's A14 Bionic chip. However, as noted by Wirecutter, the iPad 9th Generation is still a good option for those who want a simple and affordable tablet.
iPad 9th Generation lists at $329 while iPad Air M1 lists at $599 — iPad 9th Generation undercuts iPad Air M1 by $270 (82%).
Winner: iPad Air M1
iPad 9th Generation: 5.5/10
iPad Air M1: 8.5/10
Spec-by-spec comparison
| iPad 9th Generation | iPad Air M1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 10.2 inches | 10.9 inches |
| Processor | Apple A14 Bionic | Apple M1 |
| RAM | 3GB | 6GB/8GB |
| Storage | 64GB/256GB | 64GB/256GB |
iPad 9th Generation
What works
- Affordable price point
- Decent performance for basic tasks
- Compatible with Apple Pencil (1st generation)
What doesn't
- Outdated processor compared to newer models
- Limited storage options
iPad Air M1
What works
- Powerful M1 chip for smooth performance
- Larger and higher-quality display
- Supports Apple Pencil (2nd generation) and Smart Keyboard
What doesn't
- Higher price point compared to the iPad 9th Generation
- No major design changes
Bottom line
Our pick: iPad Air M1.
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