iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series)
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iPad 9 (2021, A13 series)
Starting at
£161.78£369.00 new
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series)
Starting at
£316.24£669.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) and iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series)?
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) starts at £161.78, £154.46 less than the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series). The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) is the newer model, released in 2022.
Refurbished from
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- The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 3 GB.
- The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) has a bigger screen: 10.9 inch vs 10.2 inch.
- Screen type: Retina display on the iPad 9 (2021, A13 series), Liquid Retina display on the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series).
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) specs
The iPad 9 and iPad Air 5 differ mainly in performance, screen size, camera, and connectivity features. The iPad Air 5 has a more powerful processor and more RAM, suited to users needing speed and multitasking. Its screen is larger with a higher resolution and Liquid Retina technology, offering a roomier and sharper display. The front camera on the iPad Air 5 captures more detail and supports higher video recording quality, which benefits video calls and content creation. The iPad Air 5 also uses USB Type-C for charging and accessories, while the iPad 9 keeps the Lightning connector. The iPad 9 suits everyday use and those who prefer a simpler device with more storage options, while the iPad Air 5 fits those looking for higher performance and advanced features.
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) price
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iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) battery life and software updates
They run iPadOS and were released one year apart, providing assurance of current software support.
Software Support
This makes either choice reliable for ongoing software improvements.
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iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) performance
Performance differences are marked by processor power, RAM, and storage options. These affect how the devices handle apps, multitasking, and data storage.
Processor and RAM
The iPad 9 has an Apple A13 Bionic processor with 3 GB of RAM, suitable for everyday tasks and common apps. The iPad Air 5 features the Apple M1 processor and 8 GB of RAM, which keeps more apps open and handles demanding tasks more smoothly.
Storage Options
The iPad 9 is stocked in 64 GB and 256 GB versions, offering flexibility if you need more space for files and apps. The iPad Air 5 is also available in 64 GB and 256 GB, allowing you to choose the storage size that fits your needs.
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RAM
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) screen
Screen size, resolution, and display type differ between these iPads, influencing how much you see and the clarity of images and text.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPad 9 has a 10.2 inch screen with a resolution of 2160 x 1620. The iPad Air 5 has a slightly larger 10.9 inch screen and a higher resolution of 2360 x 1640, providing a roomier view and potentially sharper details for activities like watching videos or working on documents.
Display Type and Brightness
Both devices have 500 nits brightness and use standard display glass. The iPad 9 features a Retina display, while the iPad Air 5 uses a Liquid Retina display. Both support True Tone technology to adjust screen colour for comfortable viewing.
Pixel Density
Both iPads have the same pixel density of 264 ppi, which means text and images will appear similarly sharp on each screen despite the size difference.
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Display glass
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True tone
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) camera
Camera and video capabilities vary, which affects how you capture images and videos or take video calls.
Front Camera
The iPad 9 has an 8 megapixel front camera, suitable for video calls and casual selfies. The iPad Air 5's 12 megapixel front camera captures more detail, which benefits clearer video calls and higher quality selfies.
Rear Camera and Video Recording
Both iPads share a 12 megapixel rear camera. Video recording differs: the iPad 9 records at 1080p 30 FPS, while the iPad Air 5 supports 4K video at 60 FPS, which is better for capturing smooth, high-resolution video.
Speakers
Both devices have stereo speakers, offering good audio for media consumption and calls.
Front camera definition
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) size and design
Other differences include pen compatibility, connectors, wireless technology, and physical dimensions, all of which influence everyday convenience and accessory use.
Apple Pencil Compatibility
The iPad 9 works with the 1st generation Apple Pencil, while the iPad Air 5 supports the 2nd generation Apple Pencil and Apple Pencil with USB-C. This affects which stylus accessories you can use and how they connect.
Connector and Headphone Jack
The iPad 9 uses a Lightning connector for charging and headphones, a familiar option for many users. The iPad Air 5 uses USB Type-C for both, which can simplify charging and accessory connections if you use USB-C devices.
Wireless and Bluetooth
The iPad 9 supports Wi-Fi 6 802.11a/b/g/n/ac and Bluetooth 4.2, while the iPad Air 5 offers Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax and Bluetooth 5.0. The newer Bluetooth version allows for improved wireless accessories performance with the iPad Air 5.
Size and Weight
The iPad 9 is slightly larger in height and narrower in width, measuring 250.6 mm tall by 174.1 mm wide and weighing 498 g. The iPad Air 5 is 247.6 mm tall by 178.5 mm wide and lighter at 462 g, which may be noticeable if you often carry or hold the device for long periods.
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Minimum system requirements mac
Minimum system requirements windows
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iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) or iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series): which should you buy?
Buy the iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £161.78, £154.46 less than the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series)
Buy the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 3 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (10.9 inch vs 10.2 inch)
- you want a lighter build (462 g vs 498 g)
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) FAQs
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 3 GB. The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) has a bigger screen: 10.9 inch vs 10.2 inch.
The iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £161.78 compared with £316.24 for the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series).
The iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27. The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27.
The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) adds more RAM (8 GB vs 3 GB), a bigger screen (10.9 inch vs 10.2 inch) and a lighter build (462 g vs 498 g). Refurbished, it costs £154.46 more (from £316.24 vs £161.78).
Both come in 64GB and 256GB refurbished.
