iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series)
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iPad 9 (2021, A13 series)
Starting at
£161.78£369.00 new
iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series)
Starting at
£496.00£749.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) and iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series)?
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) starts at £161.78, £334.22 less than the iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series). The iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
RAM
Screen size
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- The iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 3 GB.
- The iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) has a bigger screen: 11 inch vs 10.2 inch.
- Screen type: Retina display on the iPad 9 (2021, A13 series), Liquid Retina display on the iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series).
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) specs
The iPad Air 7 offers a more powerful Apple M3 processor and 8 GB of RAM, ideal if you need strong performance for multitasking or demanding apps. The iPad 9 has more storage in the 256 GB model, suited to those who prioritise space. The iPad Air 7's larger 11 inch Liquid Retina display provides roomier viewing with a higher resolution. Its front camera and video recording capabilities are sharper, making it better for video calls and content creation. The iPad 9 has compatibility with Apple Pencil 1st generation and uses a Lightning connector, while the iPad Air 7 supports the Apple Pencil Pro and USB Type-C. Each device fits different priorities from everyday use to higher performance and screen quality.
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) price
Colour
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) battery life and software updates
Their operating systems keep them current and secure, which is important for long-term use.
Operating System Support
This keeps apps running smoothly and maintains security, so you get a consistent experience on either device.
Maximum operating system supported
Software updates
Year of release
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) performance
Performance varies notably between these devices, especially in processing power, RAM, and storage options. These differences affect how smoothly you can run apps and store files.
Processor Power
The iPad Air 7 uses the Apple M3 chip, which provides higher processing capabilities compared to the iPad 9's Apple A13 Bionic. This suits users who run more demanding apps or multitask frequently.
Memory Capacity
With 8 GB of RAM, the iPad Air 7 keeps more apps active in the background without reloading. The iPad 9 has 3 GB of RAM, which is well suited for everyday tasks and simple app use.
Storage Choices
The iPad 9 is stocked with up to 256 GB of storage, offering ample space for apps, photos, and media. The iPad Air 7 starts at 128 GB and goes up to 1 TB, providing more flexibility if you need extra storage.
Processor
Processor speed ghz
RAM
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) screen
Screen differences affect how much you see and how clear it looks. The iPad Air 7 offers a larger and higher resolution display, which benefits viewing and creative work.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPad Air 7 has an 11 inch screen with a resolution of 2360 by 1640 pixels, giving you more space and finer detail. The iPad 9 has a 10.2 inch screen at 2160 by 1620 pixels, which is still good for comfortable daily use.
Screen Type and Brightness
Both devices have 500 nits brightness and standard display glass, making them suitable for use in a variety of lighting conditions. The iPad 9 features a Retina display, while the iPad Air 7 has a Liquid Retina display, which offers subtle improvements in colour and clarity.
True Tone Support
Both iPads include True Tone technology, which adjusts screen colour to match ambient light. This reduces eye strain and makes the display easier to view in different environments.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) camera
Audio and camera features differ between these iPads. The iPad Air 7 offers higher resolution front camera and video recording, which is useful for video calls and content creation.
Front Camera Resolution
The iPad Air 7 has a 12 megapixel front camera, which captures more detail than the iPad 9's 8 megapixels. This is beneficial for clearer video calls and selfies.
Rear Camera Similarity
Both devices have a 12 megapixel rear camera, providing similar quality for photos and videos from the back camera.
Video Recording Quality
The iPad Air 7 supports 4K video recording at 60 frames per second, which is ideal for high-definition video capture. The iPad 9 records at 1080p with 30 frames per second, suitable for standard video use.
Speaker Setup
Both iPads feature stereo speakers. The iPad Air 7's speakers are optimised for landscape mode, enhancing audio when watching videos or playing games horizontally.
Front camera definition
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) size and design
Additional features like Apple Pencil compatibility, connectors, and wireless technology vary and influence how you use accessories and connect to networks or other devices.
Apple Pencil Compatibility
The iPad 9 works with the Apple Pencil 1st generation, which is popular for note-taking and drawing. The iPad Air 7 supports Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil via USB-C, offering more advanced stylus options.
Connector Type
The iPad 9 uses a Lightning connector, common in many Apple devices, for charging and accessories. The iPad Air 7 uses USB Type-C, which supports a wider range of modern accessories and faster data transfer.
Wireless and SIM Features
The iPad 9 supports Bluetooth 4.2 and has a Nano SIM slot for cellular connectivity. The iPad Air 7 features Bluetooth 5.3 and uses eSIM technology but does not have a SIM port, which suits users preferring digital SIM management.
Weight and Dimensions
The iPad Air 7 weighs 460 g, making it lighter and easier to handle than the iPad 9 at 498 g. Both have touchscreens and no Face ID, focusing on touch interaction.
Wi-Fi Technology
The iPad Air 7 supports Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax, which provides faster and more reliable wireless connections compared to the iPad 9's Wi-Fi 6 802.11a/b/g/n/ac. This benefits streaming and downloading.
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Apple pen compatible
Bluetooth version
Carrier compatibility
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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 9 (2021, A13 series) or iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series): which should you buy?
Buy the iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £161.78, £334.22 less than the iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series)
Buy the iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 3 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (11 inch vs 10.2 inch)
- you want a lighter build (460 g vs 498 g)
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) FAQs
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. The iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 3 GB. The iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) has a bigger screen: 11 inch vs 10.2 inch.
The iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £161.78 compared with £496 for the iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series).
The iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27. The iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27.
The iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) adds more RAM (8 GB vs 3 GB), a bigger screen (11 inch vs 10.2 inch) and a lighter build (460 g vs 498 g). Refurbished, it costs £334.22 more (from £496 vs £161.78).
Refurbished, the iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) comes in 64GB and 256GB, and the iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
