iPad 7 (2019, A10 series) vs iPad 9 (2021, A13 series)
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iPad 7 (2019, A10 series)
Starting at
£91.58£489.00 new
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series)
Starting at
£161.78£369.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPad 7 (2019, A10 series) and iPad 9 (2021, A13 series)?
iPad 7 (2019, A10 series) vs iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) comes down to the software updates and weight. Refurbished, the iPad 7 (2019, A10 series) starts at £91.58, £70.20 less than the iPad 9 (2021, A13 series). The iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) is the newer model, released in 2021.
Refurbished from
Software updates
Weight
- The iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) has longer software support: supported, up to iPadOS 27 vs ended May 2026, last iPadOS 18.
- The iPad 7 (2019, A10 series) has a lighter build: 483 g vs 498 g.
iPad 7 (2019, A10 series) vs iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) specs
The iPad 9 offers a more powerful processor and larger storage options, making it better suited if you want more space for apps, media, or files. Its screen includes True Tone for a more natural viewing experience, and its front and rear cameras have higher megapixel counts for clearer photos and video calls. The iPad 7 is a solid choice for everyday use with a familiar performance and screen experience, while the iPad 9 is more appealing if you prioritise storage, camera quality and a display that adjusts to ambient light.
iPad 7 (2019, A10 series) vs iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) price
Colour
iPad 7 (2019, A10 series) vs iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) battery life and software updates
Durability here relates mainly to software compatibility and the basics that keep each device current.
Software Support
This means either device stays current for apps and system improvements, which is important if you want to keep your tablet working smoothly over time.
Maximum operating system supported
Software updates
Year of release
iPad 7 (2019, A10 series) vs iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) performance
Performance differences focus on the processor and storage capacity, which affect speed and how much you can store on each iPad. Both devices have the same RAM amount.
Processor Power
The iPad 7 uses the Apple A10 Fusion processor while the iPad 9 features the Apple A13 Bionic. The processor in the iPad 9 offers more computing power, making it suitable if you use demanding apps or multitask often. The iPad 7 works well for everyday tasks and keeps apps running smoothly.
Storage Options
Storage varies between the two. The iPad 7 is available with 32GB or 128GB, which suits users with basic storage needs or those who use cloud storage. The iPad 9 offers 64GB and 256GB options, making it better for users who store many apps, photos, videos, or documents locally.
Processor
RAM
iPad 7 (2019, A10 series) vs iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) screen
Screen quality is mostly similar, but the iPad 9 adds True Tone technology, which adjusts colour temperature based on ambient light for a more natural viewing experience.
Display Features
Both iPads have a 10.2 inch Retina display with the same resolution and brightness, offering clear and bright visuals. The iPad 9's True Tone feature adapts the screen's colours to the surrounding light, which can reduce eye strain and make viewing more comfortable in different environments. The iPad 7 does not include this feature, making it suitable if you prefer a consistent screen tone.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
iPad 7 (2019, A10 series) vs iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) camera
Audiovisual differences mainly concern camera resolution, affecting photography and video calls. Both iPads share stereo speakers and video recording capabilities.
Camera Resolution
The iPad 9 has an 8 megapixel front camera compared with 1.2 megapixels on the iPad 7, which means clearer and sharper video calls or selfies. On the rear, the iPad 9 offers a 12 megapixel camera, while the iPad 7 has 8 megapixels. This difference suits anyone who uses the iPad for photography or scanning documents as the iPad 9 captures more detail.
Speakers and Video
Both devices have stereo speakers and can record video at 1080p 30 frames per second. This makes them equally capable for watching media or capturing videos, so sound and video recording quality will be similar in everyday use.
Front camera definition
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
iPad 7 (2019, A10 series) vs iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) size and design
Miscellaneous features cover connectivity, physical dimensions, and accessories compatibility. Some differences here may influence how you use each iPad day to day.
Carrier and SIM Options
The iPad 9 is unlocked and supports a Nano SIM, which allows mobile data use if you want to add a SIM card. The iPad 7 does not have a SIM port, so it relies on Wi-Fi only for internet access.
Weight and Accessories
Both iPads use a Lightning connector and support the 1st generation Apple Pencil. They share the same physical dimensions but the iPad 9 weighs 498 g compared with 483 g for the iPad 7. This small difference is unlikely to affect everyday handling.
120hz
Apple pen compatible
Bluetooth version
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Double sim
Face
Generation number
Headphones connectivity
Height
Lidar scanner
Minimum system requirements mac
Minimum system requirements windows
Promotion
Sim format
Touch
Weight
Width
Wifi technology
iPad 7 (2019, A10 series) or iPad 9 (2021, A13 series): which should you buy?
Buy the iPad 7 (2019, A10 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £91.58, £70.20 less than the iPad 9 (2021, A13 series)
- you want a lighter build (483 g vs 498 g)
Buy the iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) if
- you want longer software support (supported, up to iPadOS 27 vs ended May 2026, last iPadOS 18)
- you want the newer model (2021)
iPad 7 (2019, A10 series) vs iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) FAQs
iPad 7 (2019, A10 series) vs iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) comes down to the software updates and weight. The iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) has longer software support: supported, up to iPadOS 27 vs ended May 2026, last iPadOS 18. The iPad 7 (2019, A10 series) has a lighter build: 483 g vs 498 g.
The iPad 7 (2019, A10 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £91.58 compared with £161.78 for the iPad 9 (2021, A13 series).
Updates for the iPad 7 (2019, A10 series) ended in May 2026. Its last version is iPadOS 18. The iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27.
The iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) adds longer software support (supported, up to iPadOS 27 vs ended May 2026, last iPadOS 18). Refurbished, it costs £70.20 more (from £161.78 vs £91.58).
Refurbished, the iPad 7 (2019, A10 series) comes in 32GB and 128GB, and the iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) in 64GB and 256GB.
