iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series)
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iPad 9 (2021, A13 series)
Starting at
£161.78£369.00 new
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series)
Starting at
£481.05£749.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) and iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series)?
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) starts at £161.78, £319.27 less than the iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series). The iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) is the newer model, released in 2024.
Refurbished from
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Screen size
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- The iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 3 GB.
- The iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) has a bigger screen: 13 inch vs 10.2 inch.
- Screen type: Retina display on the iPad 9 (2021, A13 series), Liquid Retina display on the iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series).
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) specs
The iPad 9 and iPad Air 6 both support iPadOS 18, but they differ significantly in performance, screen size, and features. The iPad Air 6 offers a more powerful M2 processor and 8 GB of RAM, suited for demanding tasks and multitasking. It also has a larger 13 inch Liquid Retina display with higher resolution and brightness, ideal for watching videos or creative work. The iPad 9 has more storage available in our stock at 256 GB and uses a Lightning connector, which may suit those preferring familiar accessories. The Air 6 supports Apple Pencil Pro and USB-C, plus 4K video recording for multimedia capture. Choose the iPad 9 for everyday use with sufficient speed and storage, or the iPad Air 6 if you want a larger screen and stronger performance for more intensive apps.
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) price
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iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) battery life and software updates
Both iPads support iPadOS 18, ensuring up to date software features and security. The iPad 9 was released in 2021 and the iPad Air 6 in 2024.
Operating System Support
This ensures a comparable experience in terms of app compatibility and system improvements over time.
Maximum operating system supported
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Year of release
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) performance
Performance varies between the two iPads, with differences in processor, RAM, and storage options that affect speed, multitasking, and capacity.
Processor Power
The iPad 9 uses the Apple A13 Bionic processor, suitable for everyday tasks and apps. The iPad Air 6 features the Apple M2 processor, which provides stronger performance for more demanding apps like video editing or multitasking.
Memory Capacity
The iPad 9 has 3 GB of RAM, which handles general app use well. The iPad Air 6 includes 8 GB of RAM, allowing more apps to stay open and run smoothly when multitasking or using memory-intensive applications.
Storage Options
In our stock, the iPad 9 is available with 64 GB and 256 GB of storage, offering more space in the higher capacity. The iPad Air 6 comes in 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, and 1 TB, providing a wider range of choices for storing large files, apps, or media.
Processor
RAM
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) screen
Screen size, resolution, and brightness differ notably, impacting how much you see on screen and the quality of visuals for work or entertainment.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPad 9 has a 10.2 inch Retina display with a resolution of 2160 by 1620 pixels. The iPad Air 6 features a larger 13 inch Liquid Retina display with a higher resolution of 2732 by 2048 pixels. A larger, sharper screen suits users who want more space for viewing documents, videos, or creative work.
Brightness and Display Type
The iPad Air 6 offers 600 nits brightness compared to 500 nits on the iPad 9. This extra brightness helps with visibility in bright environments. Both have standard display glass and support True Tone, which adjusts colour temperature to ambient light for a natural viewing experience.
Refresh Rate
Both iPads have a 60 Hz refresh rate, delivering smooth visuals for general use, scrolling, and video playback.
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iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) camera
Camera and video recording capabilities differ, alongside speaker setups, affecting how you capture and enjoy media.
Front and Rear Cameras
The iPad 9 has an 8 megapixel front camera and a 12 megapixel rear camera. The iPad Air 6 upgrades the front camera to 12 megapixels, better for detailed video calls or selfies, while sharing the same 12 megapixel rear camera for photos.
Video Recording Quality
Video recording on the iPad 9 is 1080p at 30 frames per second, suitable for standard videos. The iPad Air 6 records in 4K at 60 frames per second, delivering higher resolution and smoother video for capturing action or professional content.
Speakers
Both models have stereo speakers, with the iPad Air 6 specifying stereo speakers in landscape orientation, which benefits media viewing in that mode.
Front camera definition
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) size and design
Several practical differences affect connectivity, accessories, size, and weight, which may influence your choice depending on your needs.
Connectors and Compatibility
The iPad 9 uses a Lightning connector for charging and headphones, while the iPad Air 6 employs USB Type-C for these functions. This affects what cables and accessories you use.
Apple Pencil Support
The iPad 9 is compatible with the Apple Pencil 1st generation, suitable for basic note-taking and drawing. The iPad Air 6 supports Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil with USB-C, offering more advanced stylus options.
Wireless Technology
The iPad 9 supports Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi 6 802.11a/b/g/n/ac. The iPad Air 6 has Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6E 802.11ax, providing improved wireless performance and connectivity.
SIM and Network
The iPad 9 uses a Nano SIM while the iPad Air 6 uses an eSIM, which may suit different preferences for mobile connectivity.
Size and Weight
The iPad 9 measures 250.6 mm by 174.1 mm and weighs 498 g with a thickness of 7.5 mm. The iPad Air 6 is larger at 280 mm by 214.9 mm and heavier at 617 g, with a slimmer profile of 6.1 mm. This affects portability and screen space.
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Apple pen compatible
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Lidar scanner
Minimum system requirements mac
Minimum system requirements windows
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Touch
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Wifi technology
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) or iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series): which should you buy?
Buy the iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £161.78, £319.27 less than the iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series)
- you want a lighter build (498 g vs 617 g)
Buy the iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 3 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (13 inch vs 10.2 inch)
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) FAQs
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. The iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 3 GB. The iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) has a bigger screen: 13 inch vs 10.2 inch.
The iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £161.78 compared with £481.05 for the iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series).
The iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27. The iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27.
The iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) adds more RAM (8 GB vs 3 GB) and a bigger screen (13 inch vs 10.2 inch). Refurbished, it costs £319.27 more (from £481.05 vs £161.78).
Refurbished, the iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) comes in 64GB and 256GB, and the iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
