The iPad Air 5 and the 9th generation iPad are two really different devices in many of the points that a user has to assess when choosing which iPad is going to accompany them in their daily tasks. For this reason, in this post we are going to talk about all of them, so that you can make the best possible choice.
Most important features
As we mentioned, the differences between these two iPad models are clear and, depending on the needs that each user has, one device or another would be more appropriate. However, before we get into it and the similarities, we want you to know the features that both the iPad Air 5 and the 9th generation iPad have. All of them can be found in the following table.
| Characteristic | iPad Air 5 | iPad 2021 (9th gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Colors | -Space Gray -star white -Pink -Purple -Blue |
-Silver -Space Gray |
| Dimensions | -Height: 24.76 cm – Width: 17.85cm -Thickness: 0.61cm |
-Height: 25.06 cm – Width: 17.41cm -Thickness: 0.75cm |
| Weight | -WiFi version: 461 grams -WiFi + Cellular version: 462 grams |
-WiFi version: 487 grams -WiFi + Cellular version: 498 grams |
| Screen | 10.9-inch Liquid Retina (IPS) | 10.2-inch IPS Retina display with anti-fingerprint coating and True Tone technology |
| Resolution | 2,360 x 1,640 at 264 pixels per inch | 2,160 x 1,620 at 264 pixels per inch and 500 nits brightness |
| Brightness | Up to 500 nits (typical) | Up to 500 nits (typical) |
| refresh rate | 60Hz | 60Hz |
| Speakers | 2 stereo speakers | two |
| Processor | M1 | A13 Bionic with 2nd gen Neural Engine. |
| Storage capacity | -64GB -256GB |
-64GB -256GB |
| RAM | 8GB | 3GB |
| Frontal camera | 12 Mpx lens with ultra wide angle and f / 2.4 aperture | 12 MP ultra wide angle lens with f / 2.4 aperture |
| rear cameras | -Wide angle of 12 Mpx with aperture of f / 1.8 | 8 Mpx wide angle with f / 2.4 aperture |
| connectors | -USB-C -Smart Connector |
Lightning |
| biometric systems | Touch ID | Touch ID |
| SIM card | In WiFi + Cellular version: Nano SIM and eSIM | In WiFi + Cellular version: -Nano SIM -eSIM |
| Connectivity in all versions | -Wifi (802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax); 2.4 and 5GHz; simultaneous dual band; speeds up to 1.2Gb/s -MIME -Bluetooth 5.0 -GSM/EDGE -UMTS/HSPA/HSPA+/DC‑HSDPA -5G (sub-6GHz) -Gigabit LTE (up to 32 bands) -Integrated GPS/GNSS -Calls via Wi-Fi |
-Bluetooth 4.2 -WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac; 2.4 and 5 GHz with speeds up to 866 Mb/s -WiFi + Cellular versions with Gigabit class LTE of up to 27 bands. |
| Official Accessory Compatibility | -Smart Keyboard Folio -Magic Keyboard -Apple Pencil (2nd gen.) |
-Apple Pencil (1st gen.) -Smart Keyboard |
In addition, in an introductory way we also want to tell you what are, from our point of view, the most differential aspects and in which a user has to pay attention when comparing these two models, since they are the ones that will clearly mark the experience that each person will have with these teams.
- The design is clearly the most differentiating factor at first, since the iPad Air 5 is a full screen while the 9th generation iPad maintains the classic iPad design. This not only affects the aesthetic section, but also at a functional level.
- The screen is essential in an iPad, and in this case the iPad Air is the one that takes the prize, both for its size and for the technology and features it integrates.
- Depending on the use that you are going to make of this equipment, the power may have a greater or lesser degree of importance, since the difference that exists between the chips that mount both models is not really fully usable in a device like the iPad, at least for now.
- Compatible accessories definitely mark both the experience and the potential of the iPad, and here again, there is a very big difference between the iPad Air and the iPad.
Differences between both models
Now yes, once you know what the technical specifications that both iPad models have and also the points in which you have to pay more attention when opting for one or the other, it is time to get fully into talking about the most important differences that exist between two teams that are really good, very usable, but that are clearly focused on different audiences.
Design and display
At first, the design is something that unconsciously affects all users and the reality is that in these two iPad models it is more evident than ever. The iPad Air 5 has the all-screen design that the iPad Pro introduced in 2018, while the 9th generation iPad is the only one that still maintains the traditional iPad design . Aesthetically, I think we will all agree that the full screen is really beautiful, not to mention all the advantages that it implies at a functional level.
The main one is that in a body of practically traced dimensions, the size of the screen is larger in one model than in another, since the use of the front is considerably greater. The result of this is a 10.9-inch screen on the iPad Air and a 10.2-inch screen on the iPad . Obviously it is a point that all users have to take into account when choosing between one model and another, but be careful, that is not the only difference between these two screens.
The resolution of both screens is also slightly different, in addition to the fact that the iPad Air has integral lamination, an anti-reflective film and the P3 color gamut , on the iPad it stays in sRGB. For all those users who want to use their iPad for photo editing or tasks in which color is important, the iPad Air is undoubtedly the choice between these two models. Even so, it must be said that both teams, in this sense, offer a great user experience, since both the brightness and the color balance are quite good.
Power
The inclusion of the M1 chip in the 5th generation iPad Air is one of the highlights of this equipment, since with it it becomes a device with which you can do practically anything you want in terms of power and performance. Now, you have to take into account the limitations of the iPad, or rather, iPadOS. On the other hand, the 9th generation iPad has the A13 Bionic chip, a processor that gives this device all the power needed by the users for whom this model is intended.
The reflection that is usually made regarding the power that iPads have, is undoubtedly emphasized even more with the iPad Air 5, since it is a completely limited true beast . Now, it is true that between these two models you will notice a big difference in those tasks that require more power, since the speed and fluidity when doing them will be much greater on the iPad Air than on the iPad. However, we again place special emphasis on taking into account the use that is going to be made of the equipment.
Compatible Accessories
Surely, one of the most important points and where we find a major difference between the iPad Air and the iPad is in the accessories that you will be able to use and enjoy with each of these models. First of all we have to look at the port that each of them has. Lightning is still present in the 9th generation iPad, something that really limits it when it comes to being able to connect other accessories through a Hub, which can be done with the iPad Air since its port is USB-C .
The inclusion of USB-C in iPads has been vital in order to provide these devices with greater versatility, since with it you can connect practically any device through an adapter that you can easily find in many stores. However, the Lightning of the iPad is infinitely more limited, in fact there are not many adapters available and therefore, it is not capable of giving the users of this iPad that possibility of squeezing the most out of the possibilities of a team that shines just for this, due to the versatility it offers its users.
In addition, you also have to keep in mind Apple‘s own accessories. The two stars in this area, such as the Magic Keyboard and the 2nd generation Apple Pencil, are only compatible, in this case, with the iPad Air. Unfortunately, all users of the 9th generation iPad are left without being able to use these two products that offer such good performance. In their case, they will have to use the 1st generation Apple Pencil and the Smart Keyboard , two well-known products that also offer a fantastic user experience, but not at the level of their older brothers.
In this they do look alike
Obviously, not everything is the difference between these iPad models, after all, they are two devices that are within the same type, therefore there are aspects in which they are quite similar and that, of course, is also It is important that you keep in mind when finding the equipment that can best meet your needs.
cameras
We are all very clear that the iPad cameras are really one of the least relevant points when choosing between one model or another. But at the end of the day, it is something that must also be kept in mind for those occasions when you need to use them. In the case of the rear cameras, there is a small difference, since the iPad Air has a 12 Mpx lens and f / 1.8 aperture, while the iPad remains at 8 Mpx with f / 2 aperture, Four. Obviously the iPad Air in this case is capable of taking better photos, as well as recording 4K video, something the iPad can’t do.
However, the most important lens in this case is not the rear one, but the front one, and in this case both teams offer the same benefits. In fact, it is curious how in the 9th generation iPad the front camera has more megapixels than the rear, reaching up to 12 Mpx , just like in the iPad Air. In addition, both lenses are ultra wide angle , allowing users to enjoy the centered framing function, which comes in handy for all those video calls that potential users of these two teams will make with them.
unlock method
Another aspect that these two iPad models share is the way in which users can unlock the device. Despite the fact that Apple has changed the design of the iPad and initially all these all-screen devices enjoyed Face ID, one of the ways to differentiate the Pro model from the Air model was to keep the Touch ID technology in the latter.
However, having an all-screen front, the fingerprint sensor had no place, so the Cupertino company decided to move it to the iPad frames, specifically insert it into the on and off button. In this way, two completely different devices in design maintain and share the Touch ID, the iPad Air in the unlock button and the 9th generation iPad in the traditional front button.
Price
Undoubtedly one of the most determining points of this comparison is the price it costs to buy an iPad and another. Obviously this point will be more or less relevant depending on the needs that each user has of these devices. Both can be purchased through the Apple website, the 9th generation iPad starts at 379 euros in its 64 GB version, a really competitive price that makes it a tremendously interesting option for the general public.
On the other hand, and at a much higher price, is the iPad Air 5 at a price of 679 euros , also in its 64 GB version. Obviously, as you can see, both for performance and price, these two teams are focused on completely different audiences. It will be depending on the use that is going to be given to it, the fact that one or the other is more worthwhile, and just talking about this is how we are going to end the post.
Which one is better for you?
We have reached the end of this comparison and, how could it be otherwise, we have to end it by reflecting on which of the two iPads is better for one type of user and another. Obviously, for those people who want to have a device to consume content, perform some type of occasional office task or simply as a digital notebook without caring about having an old design and without compatibility with the best accessories, the 9th iPad generation is the ideal option , in fact, the quality / price ratio of this equipment is one of the best you can find in the Apple catalog.
However, for all those who want to go a step further with the iPad, that is, who really want to use their computer to be more productive and carry out heavier and more demanding tasks with it, both in terms of power and screen specifications , the iPad Air is fantastic . Its compatibility thanks to USB-C and with the best Apple accessories makes it one of the best iPads that currently exist.
