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Head to head · 2 tablets

iPad (9th generation) vs iPad Air (5th generation)

Verified specs side by side. The green tick marks the better value on each measurable row.

Comparing 2 tablets
iPad (9th generation)
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iPad Air (5th generation)
iPad Air (5th generation)9.0Excellent· Top score
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The short verdict

iPad Air (5th generation) edges it on score

The iPad Air (5th generation) leads overall; pick the iPad (9th generation) if its strengths below matter more to you.

iPad (9th generation)
8.5
iPad Air (5th generation)
9.0
Choose the iPad (9th generation) if
  • Parents and budget buyers who want a cheap used iPad for video, reading and schoolwork.
Full specs →
Choose the iPad Air (5th generation) if
  • Used-market buyers who want M1 speed and Apple Pencil support at a fraction of a new Air's price.
Full specs →
At a glance

Key differences

Measured differences only. Ties and tiny gaps are left out.
Why pick theiPad (9th generation)0 wins
No measured advantages in our spec data. Check the full specs below.
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Why pick theiPad Air (5th generation)1 win
+7%Larger screen10.9 vs 10.2 in
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Display2 differences
Screen size
10.2"
10.9"
Display type
10.2-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit Multi-Touch display with IPS technology
Liquid Retina display
Performance1 difference
Chipset
A13 Bionic
Apple M1
Battery & Charging1 difference
Capacity
32.4 Wh
28.6 Wh
Camera1 difference
Camera
8MP Wide camera - ƒ/2.4 aperture - Digital zoom up to 5x - Five-element lens - Panorama (up to
12MP Wide camera, ƒ/1.8 aperture - Digital zoom up to 5x - Five-element lens - Autofocus with Focus Pixels - Panorama (up to
Connectivity3 differences
Wi‑Fi
Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) with 2x2 MIMO; speeds up to 866 Mbps
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) with 2x2 MIMO; speeds up to 1.2 Gbps
Bluetooth
4.2
5.0
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) with 2x2 MIMO · speeds up to 866 Mbps
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) with 2x2 MIMO · speeds up to 1.2 Gbps
Body2 differences
Dimensions
250.6 x 174.1 x 7.5 mm
247.6 x 178.5 x 6.1 mm
Weight
487 g
461 g
Design2 differences
Dimensions
height: 9.8 inches (250.6 mm) · width: 6.8 inches (174.1 mm) · depth: 0.29 inch (7.5 mm)
height: 9.74 inches (247.6 mm) · width: 7.02 inches (178.5 mm) · depth: 0.24 inch (6.1 mm)
Weights
1.07 pounds (487 grams), 1.09 pounds (498 grams)
1.02 pounds (461 grams), 1.02 pounds (462 grams)
Where to buy

Specs verified against manufacturer data. Prices in USD before tax; we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.

Community

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