iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Pro (2024, M4 series)
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iPad 9 (2021, A13 series)
Starting at
£161.78£369.00 new
iPad Pro (2024, M4 series)
Starting at
£929.37£1,098.90 newWhat's the difference between the iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) and iPad Pro (2024, M4 series)?
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Pro (2024, M4 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) starts at £161.78, £767.59 less than the iPad Pro (2024, M4 series). The iPad Pro (2024, M4 series) is the newer model, released in 2024.
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- The iPad Pro (2024, M4 series) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 3 GB.
- The iPad Pro (2024, M4 series) has a bigger screen: 13 inch vs 10.2 inch.
- Screen type: Retina display on the iPad 9 (2021, A13 series), Ultra Retina XDR display on the iPad Pro (2024, M4 series).
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Pro (2024, M4 series) specs
The iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) and the iPad Pro (2024, M4 series) differ in several key areas that suit different needs. The iPad 9 is designed for everyday use with a smaller 10.2 inch Retina display and features like Bluetooth 4.2 and a Lightning connector. The iPad Pro offers a larger 13 inch Ultra Retina XDR display with higher brightness and resolution, more RAM, and audiovisual capabilities including 4K video recording and four speaker audio. It supports the Apple Pencil Pro and USB-C connectivity, making it suitable for creative work and multitasking. The iPad 9 fits well for those who want a capable, straightforward tablet, while the iPad Pro suits users who want more power, screen space and enhanced media features.
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Pro (2024, M4 series) price
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iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Pro (2024, M4 series) battery life and software updates
Durability is important for keeping your device up to date and secure.
Latest Software Support
Both the iPad 9 and iPad Pro are compatible with iPadOS 18, ensuring you have access to the latest operating system features and improvements. This helps keep your device running smoothly and securely over time.
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iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Pro (2024, M4 series) performance
Performance affects how smoothly apps run and how well your device handles multitasking. These two iPads offer different processors and memory capacities that suit different kinds of users.
Processor Power
The iPad 9 runs on the Apple A13 Bionic processor, suitable for everyday apps and general use. The iPad Pro features the Apple M4 processor, designed for more demanding tasks and higher performance needs.
Memory for Multitasking
With 3 GB RAM, the iPad 9 handles standard app use well. The iPad Pro's 8 GB RAM allows you to keep more apps open simultaneously and can better support complex workflows.
Storage Options
Both models offer 256 GB storage, giving plenty of space for apps and media. The iPad 9 also comes in a 64 GB option, while the iPad Pro offers larger capacities up to 2 TB for extensive storage needs.
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iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Pro (2024, M4 series) screen
Screen quality impacts your viewing experience for reading, watching videos and working. The two iPads differ in size, resolution, brightness and display type to suit different preferences.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPad 9 has a 10.2 inch screen with a resolution of 2160 x 1620, providing sharp visuals at 264 ppi. The iPad Pro offers a larger 13 inch screen with a higher 2752 x 2064 resolution at the same pixel density, creating a roomier and more detailed display.
Display Brightness and Type
The iPad 9 delivers 500 nits brightness with a Retina display, suitable for most lighting conditions. The iPad Pro doubles the brightness to 1000 nits and features an Ultra Retina XDR display, enhancing clarity and contrast especially in bright environments.
True Tone Support
Both iPads include True Tone technology, which adjusts the screen's colour temperature to match ambient light. This creates a more natural viewing experience in different lighting.
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iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Pro (2024, M4 series) camera
Audio and camera capabilities affect video calls, photography and media playback. These iPads differ in camera resolution, video recording, and speaker setup to suit different users.
Front Camera Detail
The iPad 9 features an 8 megapixel front camera, good for video calls and selfies. The iPad Pro has a 12 megapixel front camera, capturing more detail for clearer video and photos.
Video Recording Quality
Video recording on the iPad 9 is 1080p at 30 frames per second, suitable for everyday videos. The iPad Pro supports 4K recording at 60 frames per second, offering higher resolution and smoother motion for professional or creative use.
Speaker Setup
The iPad 9 has stereo speakers that provide balanced audio for casual listening. The iPad Pro includes four speaker audio, delivering richer and more immersive sound.
Rear Camera Consistency
Both iPads have a 12 megapixel rear camera, offering similar photographic detail on the back.
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iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Pro (2024, M4 series) size and design
Other features like input methods, connectivity and dimensions influence how you use each iPad daily. These differences may matter depending on your accessories and preferences.
Apple Pencil Compatibility
The iPad 9 works with the Apple Pencil 1st generation, suitable for basic note-taking and drawing. The iPad Pro supports the Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil with USB-C, allowing for more advanced stylus features.
Connectors and Ports
The iPad 9 uses a Lightning connector for charging and accessories. The iPad Pro features a USB Type-C connector, which supports a wider range of modern peripherals and faster data transfer.
Biometric and Input Features
Face recognition is available on the iPad Pro, offering quick and secure device unlocking. The iPad 9 includes touch input but does not have Face ID.
Size and Weight
The iPad 9 is 250.6 mm tall, 174.1 mm wide and 7.5 mm deep, weighing 498 g. The iPad Pro is larger at 281 mm tall, 215 mm wide, and thinner at 5 mm, with a weight of 582 g. Choose based on your preference for portability or screen size.
Additional Features
The iPad Pro includes a Lidar scanner for depth sensing. It also has Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6E for more recent wireless standards, compared to Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi 6 on the iPad 9. The iPad 9 offers a headphone connection via the Lightning connector.
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Minimum system requirements mac
Minimum system requirements windows
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iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) or iPad Pro (2024, M4 series): which should you buy?
Buy the iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £161.78, £767.59 less than the iPad Pro (2024, M4 series)
- you want a lighter build (498 g vs 582 g)
Buy the iPad Pro (2024, M4 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 Pro (2024, M4 series) FAQs
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Pro (2024, M4 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. The iPad Pro (2024, M4 series) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 3 GB. The iPad Pro (2024, 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 £929.37 for the iPad Pro (2024, M4 series).
The iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27. The iPad Pro (2024, M4 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27.
The iPad Pro (2024, M4 series) adds more RAM (8 GB vs 3 GB) and a bigger screen (13 inch vs 10.2 inch). Refurbished, it costs £767.59 more (from £929.37 vs £161.78).
Refurbished, the iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) comes in 64GB and 256GB, and the iPad Pro (2024, M4 series) in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB.
