iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series)
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iPad 9 (2021, A13 series)
Starting at
£161.78£369.00 new
iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series)
Starting at
£755.45£899.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) and iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series)?
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) starts at £161.78, £593.67 less than the iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series). The iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) is the newer model, released in 2026.
Refurbished from
RAM
Screen size
Screen type
Weight
Connector
- The iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) has more RAM: 12 GB vs 3 GB.
- The iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 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 8 (2026, M4 series).
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) specs
The iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) and the iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) offer distinct strengths suited to different needs. The iPad 9 suits those who want more storage options and a lighter device, with a 10.2 inch screen that balances portability and usability. The iPad Air 8 suits users who prioritise performance and screen size, offering significantly more RAM and a larger 13 inch display with higher resolution and brightness. It also supports faster Wi-Fi and uses a USB Type-C connector.
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) price
Colour
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) battery life and software updates
Durability covers how long the devices remain supported and their release timing.
Release Year
The iPad 9 was released in 2021, while the iPad Air 8 came out in 2026. The release year provides context for their generation but does not affect their current software compatibility.
Maximum operating system supported
Software updates
Year of release
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) performance
Performance differences affect multitasking, app usage, and storage needs. The iPad Air 8 offers significantly more RAM, which benefits users who run many apps or demanding software simultaneously. Storage varies between models and affects how much content you can keep locally.
Memory Capacity
The iPad 9 has 3 GB of RAM, which is suitable for everyday apps and typical multitasking. The iPad Air 8 has 12 GB of RAM, keeping many apps open and handling intensive tasks more comfortably.
Storage Options
The iPad 9 offers 64 GB and 256 GB storage options, with the 256 GB model providing ample space for apps, media, and documents. The iPad Air 8 stocks 128 GB and 512 GB options, giving you room for larger files and more extensive app libraries.
Processor
RAM
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) screen
Screen quality influences how comfortable and clear the display looks for reading, watching videos, and creative tasks. The iPad Air 8 features a bigger, sharper screen and higher brightness, suited to users wanting more viewing space and vivid visuals.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPad 9 has a 10.2 inch Retina display at 2160 by 1620 resolution, which offers clear visuals on a compact screen. The iPad Air 8 has a larger 13 inch Liquid Retina display with a higher resolution of 2732 by 2048, providing more room for multitasking, detailed images, and immersive video.
Brightness
The iPad 9 reaches 500 nits brightness, enough for most indoor and moderate outdoor use. The iPad Air 8 goes up to 600 nits max brightness, which can improve visibility in brighter environments and enhance HDR content.
Pixel Density and Refresh Rate
Both devices share the same pixel density of 264 ppi and a 60 Hz refresh rate, delivering sharp images and smooth motion suitable for everyday tasks and media consumption.
True Tone and Display Glass
Both iPad 9 and iPad Air 8 include True Tone technology, which adjusts the display colour to ambient lighting for more natural viewing. Both use standard display glass, providing reliable screen protection.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) camera
Front camera definition
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) size and design
Additional features impact connectivity, portability, and compatibility with accessories. These details help decide which iPad fits your daily habits and setup best.
Connectivity and Ports
The iPad 9 uses a Lightning connector, while the iPad Air 8 features USB Type-C. USB Type-C supports a wider range of accessories and faster data transfer, which suits users who connect to external devices frequently.
Wireless Technology
The iPad 9 supports Wi-Fi 6 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, sufficient for fast wireless connections. The iPad Air 8 supports Wi-Fi 7 802.11be, offering potential improvements in speed and network efficiency where available.
Weight and Portability
Weighing 498 g, the iPad 9 is lighter and easier to hold for extended periods, ideal if you use your tablet on the move. The iPad Air 8 weighs 616 g, reflecting its larger screen size and additional hardware.
Camera and SIM
The iPad 9 has an 8 megapixel front camera and a Nano SIM slot, suitable for video calls and cellular connectivity. The iPad Air 8 offers a 12 megapixel front camera, capturing more detail for video chats. It does not have a SIM slot.
Touch and Face Recognition
Both iPad 9 and iPad Air 8 support touch input. Neither device includes Face recognition.
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
Network
Promotion
Sim format
Touch
Weight
Width
Wifi technology
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) or iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series): which should you buy?
Buy the iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £161.78, £593.67 less than the iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series)
- you want a lighter build (498 g vs 616 g)
Buy the iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 3 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (13 inch vs 10.2 inch)
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) FAQs
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. The iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) has more RAM: 12 GB vs 3 GB. The iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 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 £755.45 for the iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series).
The iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27. The iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27.
The iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) adds more RAM (12 GB vs 3 GB) and a bigger screen (13 inch vs 10.2 inch). Refurbished, it costs £593.67 more (from £755.45 vs £161.78).
Refurbished, the iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) comes in 64GB and 256GB, and the iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) in 128GB and 512GB.
