 - is it worth buying a 9th generation tablet? Features, display, cameras, where and how to use, impressions.){kind=link}
The iPad (2021) is a classic offering from Apple that has remained on the market for several years. While it’s no longer the latest in the lineup, its balance of price, performance, and user-friendly design continues to attract many buyers. But does this tablet still hold its relevance today? Let’s take a closer look.
Specifications
The Apple iPad (2021) is a 9th generation device designed for learning, basic work, and multimedia entertainment. The technical specifications are as follows:
- Display: Retina 10.2″, 2160×1620 pixels, True Tone support
- Body material: aluminum
- Operating system: iPadOS
- Chipset: A13 Bionic
- Graphics: Apple GPU (4 cores)
- RAM: 3 GB
- ROM: 64 or 256 GB
- Support for memory cards: no
- Main camera: 8 megapixels, automatic image stabilization, 1080p video recording
- Front camera: 12 megapixels, automatic image stabilization
- Bluetooth: 4.2
- Wireless networks: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) with MIMO 2×2 technology; speeds up to 866 Mbps, Gigabit Class LTE (in the model with mobile support)
- Navigation: GPS/GLONASS
- Connector for charging: Lighting
- Battery: up to 9 hours of operation
- Dimensions: 250.6 × 174.1 × 7.5 mm
- Weight: 487 g Wi-Fi model, 498 g model with Wi-Fi + Cellular
- Colors: Silver, Space Gray.
Read also: Huawei MatePad 11.5 S PaperMatte Tablet Review
Apple iPad (2021) positioning and price
If you’re in the market for a tablet for everyday use, studying, or work, the 9th-generation iPad remains one of the best options. Its current price starts at around $260/€247 for the 64GB version, making it an excellent choice for those who don’t want to pay a premium for higher-end models. It strikes a solid balance between functionality and affordability.
Package contents
The Apple iPad (2021) comes in Apple’s signature minimalist packaging. Inside the box, you’ll find:
- Apple iPad
- Lightning to USB-C cable for charging and data transfer
- 20W USB-C power adapter
A straightforward setup, typical of Apple’s approach to simplicity.
As expected, the included accessories are minimal. Extras like a case, the Apple Pencil, or the Smart Keyboard are not included and must be purchased separately. While this adds to the overall cost, these accessories significantly enhance the iPad’s functionality, particularly for those looking to use it for drawing or as a laptop alternative.
Read also: Apple AirPods Pro 2 vs Huawei FreeBuds Pro 2: which headphones to choose?
Design and layout of Apple iPad elements (2021)
Apple sticks to its tried-and-true design with the iPad (2021): an aluminum body, rounded corners, and relatively wide bezels around the display. While this look might feel a bit dated to some, it provides a secure grip when holding the device. Users accustomed to more compact gadgets might find the bezels less appealing, but for me, they didn’t pose any issues.
The front of the iPad (2021) features a Home button with an integrated fingerprint scanner at the bottom and a centrally positioned front camera at the top. Controls are placed along the edges: the power button is located at the top, volume controls on the right, and the speakers along with the Lightning charging port on the bottom edge. The left edge is entirely blank.
On the back, there’s a small rear camera alongside Apple’s iconic mirrored logo. The device is available in Silver and Space Gray, offering a clean and familiar aesthetic.
Display
The 10.2-inch Retina display with a resolution of 2160×1620 pixels delivers sharp and vibrant visuals. The True Tone technology adjusts the display’s color temperature to match the surrounding lighting, making prolonged use more comfortable for the eyes.
For those who plan to write or draw using a stylus, applying a matte screen protector for a “paper-like feel” can be a game-changer. This is particularly useful for artists and students. However, keep in mind that matte protectors slightly reduce the brightness and sharpness of the display. If you’re a fan of watching videos or playing games, you might prefer to stick with the glossy finish for optimal visual quality.
Apple iPad (2021) cameras and sound
The 12 MP rear camera is suitable for quick snapshots or document scanning, but don’t expect exceptional quality. However, the 8 MP front camera is a pleasant surprise, offering solid performance for video calls.
The two speakers provide decent stereo sound, but if you are a music lover, the sound depth will definitely not be enough. For me, this is not critical, but it’s worth paying attention to.
Battery life
The 9th-generation iPad holds its charge well, providing up to 9 hours of use. This is enough for a day of studying or working with documents, watching shows, or casual gaming. It’s worth noting that the iPad still uses a Lightning port, which feels a bit outdated, as newer models have switched to USB-C. However, the iPad (2021) charges relatively quickly.
Conclusions
The Apple iPad (2021) is a solid choice for those looking for a convenient and affordable device for everyday use. While it doesn’t offer standout technical specifications or advanced features, it provides everything necessary for comfortable use. It’s particularly well-suited for tasks like text and document editing, watching videos in high quality, light photo and video editing, and playing moderate games. Additionally, iPadOS supports multitasking, allowing users to work with multiple apps simultaneously.
What I particularly appreciate about the iPad (2021) is its ease of use and simplicity. If you don’t need many advanced features and just want a reliable tablet for work, entertainment, or studying, this iPad is an excellent choice for the price.
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