iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series)
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iPad 9 (2021, A13 series)
Starting at
£161.78£369.00 new
iPad Pro (2025, M5 series)
Starting at
£921.11£1,098.90 newWhat's the difference between the iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) and iPad Pro (2025, M5 series)?
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) starts at £161.78, £759.33 less than the iPad Pro (2025, M5 series). The iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
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Screen size
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- The iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) has more RAM: 12 GB vs 3 GB.
- The iPad Pro (2025, M5 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 (2025, M5 series).
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) specs
The iPad 9 and the iPad Pro offer different strengths depending on your needs. The iPad 9 suits everyday use with a manageable 10.2 inch Retina display and an Apple A13 Bionic processor. It supports touch input and uses a Lightning connector, making it familiar and straightforward. The iPad Pro features a larger 13 inch Ultra Retina XDR display with higher resolution, boosted performance from the Apple M5 chip and 12 GB of RAM, and advanced audiovisual features including 4K video recording. It also offers a Lidar scanner and Face ID for more specialised uses. Choosing between them comes down to whether you prefer a simpler, lighter device or a more powerful, feature-rich tablet with a bigger screen.
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) price
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iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) battery life and software updates
The iPad 9 and iPad Pro also differ in their release years.
Software Support
This means you can expect current software features and security improvements on either device.
Release Year Context
The iPad 9 was released in 2021 and the iPad Pro in 2025. This simply identifies their launch dates without implying any advantage in durability or software lifespan.
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Year of release
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) performance
Performance varies mainly through processor power, memory, and storage options. The iPad 9 is suitable for everyday tasks with its 3 GB RAM and Apple A13 Bionic chip. The iPad Pro is designed for more intensive use with a higher RAM capacity and a newer processor.
Processor Power
The iPad 9 runs on the Apple A13 Bionic chip, which handles daily apps and media smoothly. The iPad Pro's Apple M5 chip supports more demanding workflows and multitasking.
Memory Capacity
With 3 GB of RAM, the iPad 9 keeps everyday apps running smoothly. The iPad Pro's 12 GB of RAM allows you to keep more apps open at once and work with heavier software comfortably.
Storage Options
Both devices offer 256 GB models. The iPad 9 also comes in 64 GB, which suits basic storage needs. The iPad Pro extends up to 2 TB, fitting users who manage larger files or extensive media libraries.
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iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) screen
Screen quality affects your experience whether watching videos, editing photos, or reading. Both have True Tone displays but differ in size, resolution, and screen type, influencing clarity and workspace.
Display Size and Resolution
The iPad 9 has a 10.2 inch Retina display with a resolution of 2160 by 1620 pixels, offering a clear and bright viewing area suitable for everyday tasks. The iPad Pro's 13 inch screen provides a larger workspace with a higher resolution of 2752 by 2064 pixels, ideal for detailed work and immersive viewing.
Screen Technology
The iPad 9 uses a Retina display, great for sharp images and text. The iPad Pro features an Ultra Retina XDR display, which enhances brightness and contrast, making it well suited for viewing HDR content and professional media work.
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iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) camera
Audiovisual features influence video calls, photography, and media playback. Both iPads have capable cameras and speakers, but the iPad Pro offers enhancements for higher quality recording and richer sound.
Camera Quality
The iPad 9 has an 8 megapixel front camera and a 12 megapixel rear camera, sufficient for video calls and casual photos. The iPad Pro upgrades the front camera to 12 megapixels for more detailed selfies and video conferencing, while both share a 12 megapixel rear camera.
Video Recording
The iPad 9 records video at 1080p 30 frames per second, suitable for everyday recordings. The iPad Pro supports 4K video recording at 60 frames per second, which captures higher resolution and smoother motion for professional or creative use.
Speakers and Audio
The iPad 9 has stereo speakers that provide balanced sound for general media consumption. The iPad Pro offers four speaker audio, delivering a richer and more immersive listening experience, which benefits music and video playback.
Front camera definition
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) size and design
Additional features affect device connectivity, biometric security, and usability. Each iPad includes distinct elements that suit different user preferences and workflows.
Connectivity and Ports
The iPad 9 uses a Lightning connector for charging and headphones, compatible with many existing accessories. The iPad Pro has a USB Type-C connector for charging and headphones, which supports faster data transfer and a wider range of peripherals.
Biometric Security
The iPad Pro includes Face ID for unlocking the device using facial recognition, adding convenience and security. The iPad 9 does not have Face ID but supports touch input, which provides a familiar method to interact with the screen.
Additional Features
The iPad Pro includes a Lidar scanner, useful for apps involving depth sensing and augmented reality. The iPad 9 has a Nano SIM slot, allowing cellular connectivity through a SIM card. The iPad Pro does not have a SIM port.
Weight and Handling
The iPad 9 weighs 498 grams, making it lighter and potentially easier to hold for long periods. The iPad Pro weighs 579 grams, reflecting its larger size and additional features.
Touch and Promotion
The iPad 9 supports touch input directly on its display. The iPad Pro does not support touch but includes a promotion, which may interest some buyers.
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Lidar scanner
Minimum system requirements mac
Minimum system requirements windows
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Sim format
Touch
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iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) or iPad Pro (2025, M5 series): which should you buy?
Buy the iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £161.78, £759.33 less than the iPad Pro (2025, M5 series)
- you want a lighter build (498 g vs 579 g)
Buy the iPad Pro (2025, M5 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 Pro (2025, M5 series) FAQs
iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. The iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) has more RAM: 12 GB vs 3 GB. The iPad Pro (2025, M5 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 £921.11 for the iPad Pro (2025, M5 series).
The iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27. The iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27.
The iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) adds more RAM (12 GB vs 3 GB) and a bigger screen (13 inch vs 10.2 inch). Refurbished, it costs £759.33 more (from £921.11 vs £161.78).
Refurbished, the iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) comes in 64GB and 256GB, and the iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB.
