Apple iPad Air 5 (2022) vs. Apple iPad 9 (2021): What Should You Buy?

iPads are great devices for mobile gaming, studying, reading, media consumption, and more. Apple sells a variety of these versatile tablets that cater to different needs and budgets. There are high-end models for those who want the best performance and the latest technology. There are also low-cost models for those who want to spend a minimum. Finally, there are mid-range models that balance budget and performance by closing the mid-range gap. This is the iPad Air 5 (2022) vs. the iPad 9 (2021) – the battle between the mid-range and Apple’s affordable tablet. If you buy an iPad Air 5, it’s a good idea to buy a cover and charger for it. Likewise, if you go for the iPad 9, get a case to keep it protected.

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Apple iPad Air 5 vs Apple iPad 9: Specifications

build and design

Build and design are two important aspects to consider before buying a new tablet. After all, build material/quality and aesthetics really matter – especially on larger machines. You won’t want to carry around a fragile or unsightly pane of glass. The affordable iPad Air 5 and iPad 9 have similar designs, featuring an aluminum body and a glass front. However, their designs are completely different, especially on the front side.

iPad Air 5 features a futuristic edge-to-edge display with slim bezels. The iPad 9, on the other hand, sticks to the classic iPad design, featuring a thicker bezel and home button. Both devices rely on Touch ID for security and authentication though. It’s also worth noting that the Air model comes with five colorful trims to choose from. Its affordable counterpart comes in only two segments. If design is a key factor in your overall evaluation process, the iPad Air 5 wins this round by a wide margin.

Show

Tablets are typically used in consideration for visual media consumption and other immersive experiences, i.e. viewing truly issues. In this fight, we also have a clear winner, although the two iPads share some relevant specs. The iPad Air 5 has a larger screen of 2360 x 1640 pixels at a size of 10.9 inches. The iPad 9, on the other hand, measures 2160 x 1620 pixels at 10.2 inches. Both have the same pixel density of 264ppi.

In addition to the superior edge-to-edge design, the Air model’s screen is fully laminated and has an anti-reflective coating. In addition, the affordable iPad 9 supports the Apple Pencil 1, while the mid-range tablet supports the second-generation model. In general, there are no differences in width very Important, especially since neither of them support 120Hz refresh rates.

performance

Performance is a top priority on a versatile computing device. After all, Apple advertises the iPad as a replacement for the PC. Average or below average performance will make multitasking a nightmare that hinders productivity. In this fight, one iPad runs on a Mac processor, and the other has what powers the iPhone 11. Plus, the former has 8GB of RAM — more than double the 3GB included in the latter model. Without a doubt, the iPad Air 5 beats the iPad 9 here.

You can expect the iPad Air 5 to run without any lag — even if you’re heavily multitasking. On the other hand, iPad 9 can kill background apps due to slower SoC and less RAM. In the end, all (and all) Apple tablets are limited by the limitations of iPadOS. Yes, you can create and publish iOS apps on it, but it’s still very limiting from many angles.

cameras

For many users, the rear cameras are not very important on a tablet. This is because we tend to use the front end for online meetings and video calls. For mobile photography, we tend to use our smartphones instead. We have to admit, however, that the iPad Air 5’s rear camera wins over the iPad 9’s. It has a 12MP sensor with a better ƒ/1.8 aperture – which beats the 8MP sensor with an ƒ/2.4 aperture. When it comes to the front, both cameras share the same resolution, aperture, and wide field of view that enables Center Stage mode. However, the iPad Air 5 has some extra perks, like Smart HDR 3 support. In the end, the mid-range tablet wins this round.

Battery life and charging

When it comes to battery life, these two devices have a lot in common. Both include rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that last up to 10 hours when watching videos — according to Apple. So the iPad Air 5 and iPad 9 should last you all day on a single charge with light to moderate use. However, it’s worth noting that the mid-range has a USB Type-C port, while the affordable port settles on the old Lightning port. As a result, the iPad Air 5 wins this round.

iPad Air 5 vs iPad 9: Which Apple Tablet Should You Buy?

In the battle of iPad Air 5 (2022) vs. iPad 9 (2021), the first wins in each round. The only advantage of the latter is its price. If your budget is low or you don’t want to spend a lot on a tablet, this makes it a good way to consume media. iPad Air 5 and iPad 9 prices start at $599 and $329 in the US, respectively. So for an extra $270, you get pretty much all the specs. What is the right choice depends on your needs and personal criteria. We just helped you make the decision by breaking down their details. Are you looking for Just iPad, or do you want something more strong?

Which of the two Apple tablets would you buy, and why? Let us know in the comments section below.