iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series)
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iPad 9 (2021, A13 series)
Starting at
£161.78£369.00 new
iPad Pro (2020, A12 series)
Starting at
£390.20£769.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) and iPad Pro (2020, A12 series)?
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) starts at £161.78, £228.42 less than the iPad Pro (2020, A12 series). The iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) is the newer model, released in 2021.
Refurbished from
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- The iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) has more RAM: 6 GB vs 3 GB.
- The iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) has a bigger screen: 12.9 inch vs 10.2 inch.
- Screen type: Retina display on the iPad 9 (2021, A13 series), Liquid Retina display on the iPad Pro (2020, A12 series).
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) specs
The iPad 9 (2021) and the iPad Pro (2020) each offer distinct advantages suited to different needs. The iPad 9 is tailored for everyday use with a 10.2 inch screen, support for the first generation Apple Pencil, and a 60 Hz Retina display. It features a lighter design and a Lightning connector. The iPad Pro has a larger 12.9 inch Liquid Retina display with a 120 Hz refresh rate, double the RAM, up to 1TB storage options, and audiovisual features including four speakers and 4K video recording. It also supports the second generation Apple Pencil and includes Face ID and a lidar scanner, appealing to users who want a more immersive and powerful experience. Both run iPadOS 18 and share software support.
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) price
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iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) battery life and software updates
Both iPads support iPadOS 18, ensuring they stay current with software updates. This means they remain secure and compatible with new apps over time.
Operating System Support
This shared support means you can expect ongoing software improvements and app compatibility on either device.
Release Year Context
The iPad 9 was released in 2021, while the iPad Pro came out in 2020. Both remain supported with the latest operating system.
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iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) performance
Performance varies between the iPad 9 and iPad Pro, with differences in processor, RAM, and storage that influence multitasking, app responsiveness, and how much content you can keep locally.
Processor Differences
The iPad 9 features the Apple A13 Bionic processor, suitable for everyday apps and general use. The iPad Pro uses the Apple A12Z Bionic, which supports more demanding tasks. This makes the iPad Pro a better fit if you run graphics-heavy apps or multitask extensively.
Memory Capacity
With 3 GB of RAM, the iPad 9 handles common tasks and casual multitasking well. The iPad Pro offers 6 GB of RAM, keeping more apps open and running smoothly when switching between them. This benefits users who work with multiple apps at once.
Storage Options
The iPad 9 comes in up to 256 GB, enough for documents, media, and apps for most users. The iPad Pro offers larger options up to 1 TB, ideal if you store large files, videos, or apps requiring more space.
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iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) screen
Screen quality is a key difference, affecting how you view content, play games, or work. The iPad 9 and iPad Pro offer different sizes, resolutions, and refresh rates that shape your experience.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPad 9 has a 10.2 inch Retina display with a resolution of 2160 x 1620. The iPad Pro features a larger 12.9 inch Liquid Retina display with 2732 x 2048 resolution. The bigger screen on the iPad Pro provides more room for video viewing, drawing, or multitasking.
Refresh Rate Impact
The iPad 9 supports a 60 Hz refresh rate, which is standard for smooth scrolling and video playback. The iPad Pro doubles this to 120 Hz, delivering smoother animations and more responsive touch input, benefiting users who draw or play fast-paced games.
Brightness and Display Type
The iPad Pro reaches up to 600 nits brightness, offering clearer visibility in bright environments. The iPad 9 has 500 nits brightness. Both support True Tone, adjusting screen colours to ambient light for comfortable viewing.
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iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) camera
Audio and camera features differ between these iPads, influencing video calls, recording, and media playback quality.
Camera Resolution
The iPad 9 has an 8 megapixel front camera, slightly higher in resolution than the iPad Pro's 7 megapixels. Both share a 12 megapixel rear camera, suitable for photos and scanning documents.
Video Recording Quality
Video recording on the iPad 9 is at 1080p 30 frames per second, ideal for everyday videos and calls. The iPad Pro records in 4K at 60 frames per second, offering sharper and smoother video capture for content creators.
Speaker Setup
The iPad 9 has stereo speakers, which deliver balanced sound for casual listening. The iPad Pro features four speaker audio, providing richer and more immersive sound, suited for watching films or playing music.
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iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) size and design
Several other features affect usability, from stylus support to connections and biometric options, tailoring each iPad to different preferences.
Apple Pencil Compatibility
The iPad 9 works with the Apple Pencil 1st generation, which is great for note-taking and basic drawing. The iPad Pro supports the Apple Pencil 2nd generation and Apple Pencil (USB-C), offering more advanced features and charging methods preferred by creative users.
Biometric and Face Features
The iPad Pro includes Face ID for facial recognition, allowing secure and quick unlocking. The iPad 9 does not have Face ID but uses touch input instead, providing a familiar unlocking method.
Connectivity and Ports
The iPad 9 uses a Lightning connector and Bluetooth 4.2, while the iPad Pro offers a USB Type-C connector and Bluetooth 5.0. This means the iPad Pro supports faster wireless connections and more versatile wired accessories.
Dimensions and Weight
The iPad 9 is lighter at 498 g and measures 250.6 mm by 174.1 mm with a depth of 7.5 mm. The iPad Pro is larger and heavier at 641 g, measuring 280.6 mm by 214.9 mm with a thinner profile of 5.9 mm. Choose the iPad 9 for easier portability and the iPad Pro for a bigger screen experience.
Lidar Scanner and SIM Options
The iPad Pro includes a lidar scanner, beneficial for apps using augmented reality. It does not have a SIM port, while the iPad 9 supports Nano SIM with unlocked carrier compatibility, allowing mobile data use on the go.
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Minimum system requirements mac
Minimum system requirements windows
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iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) or iPad Pro (2020, A12 series): which should you buy?
Buy the iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £161.78, £228.42 less than the iPad Pro (2020, A12 series)
- you want a lighter build (498 g vs 641 g)
Buy the iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) if
- you want more RAM (6 GB vs 3 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (12.9 inch vs 10.2 inch)
- you want a smoother screen (120 Hz vs 60 Hz)
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) FAQs
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. The iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) has more RAM: 6 GB vs 3 GB. The iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) has a bigger screen: 12.9 inch vs 10.2 inch.
The iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £161.78 compared with £390.20 for the iPad Pro (2020, A12 series).
The iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27. The iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27.
The iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) adds a lighter build (498 g vs 641 g). Refurbished, it costs £228.42 less (from £161.78 vs £390.20).
Refurbished, the iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) comes in 64GB and 256GB, and the iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
