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Apple iPad (9th generation)
Apple

iPad (9th generation)

The 2021 iPad is a dated but capable video and school tablet; buy it only cheap and used.

Tablets
8.5/10What the pros sayExcellentExpert consensus · Verified Oct 8, 2026See score breakdown ↓
Storage
Buying call

Buy the iPad (9th generation) only used and cheap, as a video, reading or kid's tablet: Apple no longer sells it, and its current entry iPad (A16) costs $449 with 128GB and USB-C (Oct 8, 2026). The A13 Bionic still runs current iPadOS, the 10.2-inch screen is sharp, and it keeps a headphone jack and Home button. Skip it if you'd keep it for years, because it uses Lightning, works only with the first-gen Apple Pencil, and lasted just 5 h 18 min in a full-brightness video test. Base models have only 64GB.

Full verdict ↓
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Editor testedHands-on testing and real-world use
Real-world useBased on everyday testing, not a spec sheet
Unbiased reviewIndependent and objective, sources shown
iPad (9th generation)Check priceSee price
Key specs
Battery
32.4 Wh
Display type
10.2-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit Multi-Touch display with IPS technology
Rear camera
8MP Wide camera - ƒ/2.4 aperture - Digital zoom up to 5x - Five-element lens - Panorama (up to
Weight
487 g
Highlights

Specs that matter

Display
Panel
IPS
Size
10.2" (259 mm)
Brightness
500 nits
Performance
Processor
A13 Bionic
Storage
64GB, 256GB
Body
Dimensions
height: 9.8 inches (250.6 mm); width: 6.8 inches (174.1 mm); depth: 0.29 inch (7.5 mm)
At a glance

Product highlights

Verified attributes, grouped for quick scanning.

Display10.2" (259 mm)IPS
ChipsetA13 Bionic
RAM / storage64GB, 256GB
20 attributes · See all specifications
Price & availability

Where to buy

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Available in 64GB, 256GB.
Buying decision

Should you buy it?

Buy the iPad (9th generation) only used and cheap, as a video, reading or kid's tablet: Apple no longer sells it, and its current entry iPad (A16) costs $449 with 128GB and USB-C (Oct 8, 2026). The A13 Bionic still runs current iPadOS, the 10.2-inch screen is sharp, and it keeps a headphone jack and Home button. Skip it if you'd keep it for years, because it uses Lightning, works only with the first-gen Apple Pencil, and lasted just 5 h 18 min in a full-brightness video test. Base models have only 64GB.

Best for

Parents and budget buyers who want a cheap used iPad for video, reading and schoolwork.

Not for

Anyone buying new or wanting years of headroom; the A16 iPad is the better buy.

Main strengthSharp screen and good picture quality for the money
Main weaknessLightning port and first-gen Apple Pencil only
Reasons to buy
Sharp screen and good picture quality for the money
A13 Bionic still handles everyday apps
Headphone jack and a Center Stage front camera
Huge choice of iPad apps and older keyboard cases
Reasons to avoid
Lightning port and first-gen Apple Pencil only
5 h 18 min in a full-brightness video test
Dated design with thick bezels, and 64GB base storage
Measured view8.5/10What the pros say · verified oct 8, 2026.
ScoreVerified Oct 8, 2026
Independent coverage

What other reviewers say

Reviews from other sites and creators. They don't change the Gadget Clash score.

Submit your review
Trusted Reviews4/5
Article · Full reviewApple iPad (9th gen) ReviewMax Parker · Nov 2021Read on Trusted Reviews ↗
PCMag4/5
Article · Full reviewApple iPad (9th Generation, 2021) ReviewSteven Winkelman · Sep 2021Read on PCMag ↗
CNET8.1/10
Article · Full reviewApple iPad 9th Gen Review: Low-Cost Option May Be Best Bet for NowScott Stein · Sep 2021Read on CNET ↗
Tech Gear TalkiPad 9 - MY HONEST OPINION!!!Watch on YouTube ↗
Head to head

How it stacks up

Open a comparison for the full side-by-side view.

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Apple iPad (9th generation)
This deviceiPad (9th generation)
VS
iPad (8th generation)
AlternativeiPad (8th generation)
Display
10.2"10.2"
Chipset
A13 BionicA12 Bionic
Full comparison
Apple iPad (9th generation)
This deviceiPad (9th generation)
VS
AlternativeiPad (7th generation)
Display
10.2"10.2"
Chipset
A13 BionicA10
Full comparison
Apple iPad (9th generation)
This deviceiPad (9th generation)
VS
iPad Air (5th generation)
AlternativeiPad Air (5th generation)
Display
10.2"10.9"
Chipset
A13 BionicM1
Full comparison
Same category

Alternatives worth a look

Other phones in the database, with their stored scores and prices.

All tablets →
iPad (8th generation)8.5
AppleiPad (8th generation)10.2" (259 mm) · A12 Bionic
8.6
AppleiPad (7th generation)10.2" (259 mm) · A10
iPad Air (5th generation)9.0
AppleiPad Air (5th generation)10.9" (277 mm) · M1
iPad Air (4th generation)9.3
AppleiPad Air (4th generation)10.9" (277 mm) · A14 Bionic
Product data

Full specifications

20 attributes, grouped for quick scanning. Verified Oct 8, 2026. Spot a wrong value? Hit the next to it.

Display

Display type
10.2-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit Multi-Touch display with IPS technology
Brightness
500

Battery & Charging

Battery
32.4 Wh

Camera

Rear camera
  • 8MP Wide camera - ƒ/2.4 aperture - Digital zoom up to 5x - Five-element lens - Panorama (up to
  • 43MP) - HDR for photos - Photo geotagging - Auto image stabilization - Burst mode

Connectivity

Wi‑Fi
  • Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) with 2x2 MIMO
  • speeds up to 866 Mbps
Bluetooth
4.2

Body

Dimensions
250.6 x 174.1 x 7.5 mm
Weight
487 g
Vote & discuss

Community says

No reader votes on the iPad (9th generation) yet. Votes happen on head-to-heads: pick a matchup and say which one you would buy.

iPad (9th generation)No store price yetSpecs
Apple iPad (9th generation) Specs & Price | Gadget Clash