iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series)
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iPad 9 (2021, A13 series)
Starting at
£161.78£369.00 new
iPad Pro (2021, M1 series)
Starting at
£476.53£749.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) and iPad Pro (2021, M1 series)?
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) starts at £161.78, £314.75 less than the iPad Pro (2021, M1 series).
Refurbished from
RAM
Screen size
Screen type
Refresh rate
Weight
- The iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 3 GB.
- The iPad Pro (2021, M1 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 Pro (2021, M1 series).
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) specs
The iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) and the iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) both run iPadOS 18 and offer strong performance for everyday and professional use. The iPad 9 suits those who want a straightforward, capable device with a 10.2 inch Retina display and compatibility with the 1st generation Apple Pencil. The iPad Pro offers a larger 11 inch Liquid Retina display with faster 120 Hz refresh, more RAM, and a more powerful M1 processor for demanding apps. It also has advanced camera and audio features, Face ID, and USB Type-C connectivity. Choose the iPad 9 for simplicity and ease of use or the iPad Pro for enhanced speed, graphics, and creative tools.
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) price
Colour
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) battery life and software updates
Their durability in terms of software compatibility is equal, making either a reliable choice for ongoing use.
Operating System Support
This means you can expect either device to stay current with Apple's software improvements.
Battery
Maximum operating system supported
Software updates
Year of release
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) performance
Performance differences are significant between the two iPads. While both offer ample storage options, the iPad Pro has greater RAM and a more powerful processor, suited to users running demanding apps or multitasking extensively.
Processor Power
The iPad 9 runs on the Apple A13 Bionic processor, which handles everyday tasks smoothly. The iPad Pro uses the Apple M1 processor, designed for more complex workflows and intensive applications.
Memory Capacity
With 3 GB RAM, the iPad 9 keeps common apps running well. The iPad Pro has 8 GB RAM, which helps keep many apps open and supports higher performance for creative or professional tasks.
Storage Options
The iPad 9 is available in 64 GB and 256 GB versions, sufficient for general use and moderate media storage. The iPad Pro offers more extensive storage choices from 128 GB up to 2 TB, suitable for users with large files or heavy app libraries.
Processor
RAM
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) screen
Screen quality varies between these iPads in size, brightness, refresh rate, and display type. These factors influence how content looks and feels when you use each device for media, drawing, or general navigation.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPad 9 has a 10.2 inch Retina display with 2160 x 1620 resolution, offering clear visuals in a slightly smaller size. The iPad Pro features a larger 11 inch Liquid Retina display with 2388 x 1668 resolution, providing more screen space and sharper images.
Brightness and Refresh Rate
The iPad 9 has 500 nits of brightness and a 60 Hz refresh rate, suitable for everyday viewing. The iPad Pro reaches up to 600 nits brightness and doubles the refresh rate to 120 Hz, delivering smoother motion and better visibility in bright environments.
Display Type and True Tone
Both iPads include True Tone technology for natural colour adjustment. The iPad 9 uses a Retina display, while the iPad Pro offers a Liquid Retina display, which enhances colour accuracy and overall visual quality.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) camera
Audio and camera features differ notably, affecting video calls, photography, and media playback. The iPad Pro offers higher resolution cameras and more advanced audio for immersive experiences.
Front and Rear Cameras
The iPad 9 has an 8 megapixel front camera and a 12 megapixel rear camera, suitable for clear video calls and photos. The iPad Pro upgrades the front camera to 12 megapixels with the same 12 megapixel rear camera, providing more detail especially for selfies and video conferencing.
Speakers and Video Recording
The iPad 9 features stereo speakers and records video at 1080p 30 FPS. The iPad Pro includes four speaker audio for richer sound and supports 4K video recording at 60 FPS, ideal for higher quality video capture and playback.
Front camera
Front camera definition
Main camera
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) size and design
Additional features cover input methods, connectivity, biometric options, and physical dimensions. These impact daily convenience, accessories compatibility, and how the device fits your usage style.
Apple Pencil Compatibility
The iPad 9 supports Apple Pencil 1st generation, perfect for note-taking and basic drawing. The iPad Pro works with Apple Pencil 2nd generation and Apple Pencil (USB-C), offering more advanced stylus features and charging options.
Biometrics and Connectivity
Face ID is available on the iPad Pro for facial recognition logins, while the iPad 9 does not have this feature. Bluetooth 5.0 on the iPad Pro enables faster and more stable wireless connections compared to Bluetooth 4.2 on the iPad 9.
Ports and Charging
The iPad 9 uses a Lightning connector for charging and headphones. The iPad Pro uses USB Type-C, which supports wider compatibility with accessories and faster data transfer.
Physical Dimensions and Weight
The iPad Pro is slimmer at 5.9 mm depth and lighter at 470 g, with a slightly smaller height but wider width than the iPad 9, which measures 7.5 mm depth and weighs 498 g. These differences affect portability and handling.
Additional Features
The iPad Pro includes a Lidar scanner for depth sensing and augmented reality applications, and has a Promotion display with a 120 Hz refresh rate. The iPad 9 supports touch input, whereas the iPad Pro does not.
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
Promotion
Sim format
Touch
Weight
Width
Wifi technology
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) or iPad Pro (2021, M1 series): which should you buy?
Buy the iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £161.78, £314.75 less than the iPad Pro (2021, M1 series)
Buy the iPad Pro (2021, M1 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 smoother screen (120 Hz vs 60 Hz)
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) FAQs
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. The iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 3 GB. The iPad Pro (2021, M1 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 £476.53 for the iPad Pro (2021, M1 series).
The iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27. The iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27.
Refurbished, the iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) comes in 64GB and 256GB, and the iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB.
