IPad 9th Gen (2021) Review: Still Worth It?
So, you're thinking about getting an iPad, huh? Specifically, the iPad 9th Generation from 2021? Well, you've come to the right place! In this review, we're diving deep into whether this tablet is still a worthy contender in today's crowded market. We'll explore everything from its performance and display to its design and overall value. Let's get started!
Design and Display: A Familiar Face
Okay, let's be real, the design of the iPad 9th generation isn't going to win any awards for innovation. It sticks to the classic iPad look that we've seen for years. We're talking about those thick bezels around the screen and the iconic home button with Touch ID. Some might call it dated, while others appreciate the familiarity and ease of use. The build quality is solid, as you'd expect from Apple, and it feels sturdy in your hands. It's not the thinnest or lightest tablet out there, but it's still perfectly portable for carrying around in a bag or backpack.
The display is a 10.2-inch Retina display with a resolution of 2160 x 1620 pixels. It's not the most pixel-dense display on the market, but it's sharp enough for most tasks, like browsing the web, watching videos, and playing games. Color accuracy is decent, making it suitable for casual photo editing and creative work. One of the standout features of the display is its brightness. It gets surprisingly bright, making it easy to use outdoors, even in direct sunlight. Plus, it supports Apple's True Tone technology, which automatically adjusts the color temperature of the display to match the ambient lighting in your environment. This can make a big difference in reducing eye strain, especially when using the iPad for extended periods.
However, it's worth noting that the display is not fully laminated, meaning there's a small gap between the glass and the actual display panel. This can sometimes result in reflections and a slightly less immersive viewing experience compared to iPads with fully laminated displays. The screen also lacks the ProMotion technology found on the higher-end iPad Pro models, so you won't get the smooth 120Hz refresh rate. But honestly, for most users, the difference isn't that noticeable. You still will be having a great experience consuming content. The only time you might miss the 120Hz display is if you're used to using devices with it, or are a really heavy user of apps where refresh rate affects performance.
Performance: Still Kicking with the A13 Bionic
Under the hood, the iPad 9th generation is powered by Apple's A13 Bionic chip. This is the same chip that was in the iPhone 11 lineup, and it's still a very capable processor. It's fast and responsive, handling everyday tasks like browsing the web, checking email, and streaming videos with ease. You can also run more demanding apps, such as photo and video editing software, without any significant slowdowns. Multitasking is a breeze, and you can easily switch between multiple apps without any lag.
Gaming performance is also surprisingly good. The A13 Bionic chip can handle most mobile games at high settings without any noticeable frame rate drops. Even graphically intensive games run smoothly and look great on the Retina display. While it might not be as powerful as the chips in the latest iPad Pro models, the A13 Bionic is more than enough for most users. The A13 Bionic chip is more than capable of running the latest iPadOS software and features. It's optimized for tasks like machine learning and augmented reality, so you can take advantage of the latest apps and features. It ensures a fluid user experience, and it handles multitasking efficiently. The iPad 9th generation also comes with either 64GB or 256GB of storage, so you have plenty of space for your apps, photos, and videos.
Of course, it's worth noting that the A13 Bionic chip is a few years old at this point, so it's not the absolute fastest processor on the market. But for the price, it offers excellent performance. You won't notice any significant difference in performance between the iPad 9th generation and more expensive tablets unless you're doing very demanding tasks. So, in short, the performance of the iPad 9th generation is still great and will satisfy the vast majority of users.
Battery Life: All-Day Endurance
One of the biggest strengths of the iPad 9th generation is its battery life. Apple claims that it can last for up to 10 hours of web surfing on Wi-Fi or watching video. In real-world use, that claim holds up pretty well. You can easily get a full day of use out of the iPad on a single charge, even with moderate to heavy use. This makes it perfect for students, travelers, and anyone who needs a tablet that can last all day long. The battery life is truly impressive, and it's one of the main reasons why the iPad 9th generation is such a great value.
Even if you're doing more demanding tasks, like gaming or video editing, you can still expect to get several hours of battery life. The A13 Bionic chip is very efficient, and it doesn't consume a lot of power. Plus, iPadOS is optimized for battery life, so it helps to conserve power when you're not actively using the tablet. When it's time to recharge, the iPad 9th generation comes with a 20W USB-C power adapter. It's not the fastest charger on the market, but it's still relatively quick, and it can fully charge the iPad in a few hours. You can also use other USB-C chargers, such as the ones that come with MacBooks, to charge the iPad even faster.
It's important to note that battery life can vary depending on how you use the iPad. If you're constantly streaming videos or playing games at high brightness, you'll obviously drain the battery faster. But overall, the battery life of the iPad 9th generation is excellent, and it's one of the best in its class.
iPadOS: The Tablet Experience
The iPad 9th generation runs on iPadOS, Apple's tablet-specific operating system. iPadOS is designed to take full advantage of the iPad's large display and powerful processor. It offers a range of features that are not available on iPhones, such as Split View multitasking, Slide Over, and the Files app. iPadOS is intuitive and easy to use, even for people who are new to the Apple ecosystem. It's also very stable and reliable, and it gets regular software updates from Apple.
One of the best things about iPadOS is its support for the Apple Pencil. The iPad 9th generation is compatible with the first-generation Apple Pencil, which allows you to take notes, draw, and create art with precision. The Apple Pencil integrates seamlessly with iPadOS, and it's a joy to use. It's perfect for students who need to take notes in class, artists who want to create digital art, and anyone who wants to add a personal touch to their documents.
iPadOS also offers a wide range of accessibility features, such as VoiceOver, Switch Control, and AssistiveTouch. These features make the iPad accessible to people with disabilities. Apple is committed to making its products accessible to everyone, and it shows in the design of iPadOS. Also, the iPad 9th Gen supports keyboard and trackpad, which enhances productivity when you need to type documents, work with spreadsheets, or engage in other tasks that require extensive typing. This feature transforms the iPad into a convenient alternative to a laptop, providing a comfortable and efficient typing experience for users who prefer physical keyboards.
Camera: Basic but Functional
The iPad 9th generation features an 8MP Wide camera on the rear and a 12MP Ultra Wide front camera. The rear camera is decent for taking photos and videos in good lighting conditions, but it's not going to replace your smartphone camera. The front camera is excellent for video calls, and it supports Center Stage, which automatically keeps you in the frame as you move around. The camera capabilities are adequate for basic photography and video recording needs. The image quality is acceptable in well-lit environments, making it suitable for capturing quick snapshots and videos. However, the camera performance may suffer in low-light conditions, with noticeable noise and reduced detail.
The camera system on the iPad 9th Gen is suitable for casual use, such as video calls, capturing memories, and scanning documents. While it may not offer advanced features like optical zoom or image stabilization, it provides a reliable and convenient option for users who need a basic camera on their tablet.
Value: Bang for Your Buck
Okay, let's talk about value. The iPad 9th generation is one of the most affordable iPads on the market, and it offers incredible value for the price. You get a powerful processor, a great display, excellent battery life, and the latest version of iPadOS. It's perfect for students, families, and anyone who wants a versatile tablet without breaking the bank. For those looking for an entry-level iPad that offers solid performance and features, the 9th Gen iPad is a top choice. It provides a balance of affordability and functionality, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers.
When you consider all of the features and capabilities of the iPad 9th generation, it's hard to argue with its value. It's a great all-around tablet that can handle just about anything you throw at it. Whether you're browsing the web, watching videos, playing games, or working on documents, the iPad 9th generation is up to the task. The 9th Gen iPad is particularly well-suited for students, as it offers a range of features that enhance learning and productivity. From note-taking and research to accessing educational apps and resources, the iPad provides a versatile platform for academic pursuits.
Final Verdict: Still a Solid Choice
So, is the iPad 9th generation (2021) still worth it? Absolutely! It might not be the newest or most glamorous iPad on the market, but it offers an unbeatable combination of performance, features, and value. If you're looking for an affordable tablet that can handle just about anything, the iPad 9th generation is an excellent choice. It's a solid all-around performer that will satisfy most users. It's a great option for anyone who wants a reliable and versatile tablet without spending a fortune. The iPad 9th generation is a winner!