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Apple iPad (9th generation) vs Apple iPad Air (4th generation)
Apple iPad (9th generation) ($155) vs Apple iPad Air (4th generation) ($206) — side-by-side specs, weight, pros and cons to help you pick the right budget tablet.
Spec-by-spec
| Spec | Apple iPad (9th generation) | Apple iPad Air (4th generation) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $155 | $206 |
| Weight | 487g | 458g |
| Chip | A13 Bionic | A14 Bionic |
| Display | 10.2" Retina | 10.9" Liquid Retina |
| Camera | 12MP Center Stage front, 8MP rear | — |
| Port | Lightning | USB-C |
| Pencil | 1st generation Apple Pencil | 2nd generation Apple Pencil |
| Weight | 487g (Apple published, Wi-Fi) | 458g (Apple published, Wi-Fi) |
| TouchID | — | Top button |
Pros & Cons
Apple iPad (9th generation)
- Cheapest working iPad with a modern-enough chip for everyday apps
- Home button and Touch ID, familiar to anyone coming from an older iPhone
- Center Stage front camera for video calls
- Compatible with the 1st-gen Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard
- Lightning port, not USB-C
- Thick bezels around a smaller 10.2-inch display
- 487g is heavier than every iPad Air or Pro on this list
- No longer sold new, so accessories will thin out over time
Apple iPad Air (4th generation)
- First iPad Air with the edge-to-edge design later iPads copied
- 2nd-gen Apple Pencil, magnetic attach and wireless charge
- USB-C port for a design that finally caught up
- A14 chip still handles current iPadOS comfortably
- No ProMotion, 60Hz display like the base iPad
- Single rear camera, no Ultra Wide
- 458g, heavier than the mini for a similarly-aged chip
- Costs close to the newer base iPad used, worth comparing both
Apple iPad (9th generation) is the better value at $155. If weight matters most, Apple iPad Air (4th generation) carries lighter at 458g. Both are part of our curated budget tablet index — tap through to check current pricing.
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