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Apple iPad (A16) vs Apple iPad (9th generation)
Apple iPad (A16) ($449) vs Apple iPad (9th generation) ($155) — side-by-side specs, weight, pros and cons to help you pick the right budget tablet.
Spec-by-spec
| Spec | Apple iPad (A16) | Apple iPad (9th generation) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449 | $155 |
| Weight | 477g | 487g |
| Chip | A16 | A13 Bionic |
| Display | 11" Liquid Retina | 10.2" Retina |
| Security | Touch ID top button | — |
| Accessories | Apple Pencil (USB-C) | — |
| Weight | 477 g (Wi-Fi) | 487g (Apple published, Wi-Fi) |
| Camera | — | 12MP Center Stage front, 8MP rear |
| Port | — | Lightning |
| Pencil | — | 1st generation Apple Pencil |
Pros & Cons
Apple iPad (A16)
- $449 entry into a mature ecosystem
- A16 is plenty for media and notes
- Same 11-inch screen size as the Air
- Years of software support at this price
- No Pencil Pro — USB-C Pencil only
- Heavier than the 11-inch Air it undercuts
- Unlaminated display feels less premium
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 (9th generation) is the better value at $155. If weight matters most, Apple iPad (A16) carries lighter at 477g. Both are part of our curated budget tablet index — tap through to check current pricing.
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