Apple iPad (6th generation) vs Apple iPad (9th generation)

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

iPad (6th generation) compared with iPad (9th generation)
AppleiPad (6th generation)AppleiPad (9th generation)
Overview
ReleasedMarch 2018September 2021
Display
Screen size9.7″10.2″
Resolution2048 × 15362160 × 1620 (better)
Sharpness264 pixels per inch265 pixels per inch (better)
PanelLCDLCD
Brightness–500 nits
Display typeRetina; LED-backlit IPS LCDRetina; LED-backlit IPS LCD
Pixel density264 ppi264 ppi
Display featuresOleophobic coating; non-laminated panel (Notebookcheck)True Tone; oleophobic coating; non-laminated panel (Notebookcheck)
Performance
ChipA10 FusionA13 Bionic
Memory2 GB3 GB (better)
Storage32 GB, 128 GB64 GB, 256 GB (better)
CPU64-bit A10 Fusion with embedded M10 coprocessor; 2 GB RAM confirmed by iFixitA13 Bionic; 3 GB RAM reported by Notebookcheck
AI engine–Neural Engine
Cameras
Rear camera8 MP8 MP
Ultra wide cameraNoneNone
Front camera1.2 MP12 MP (better)
Rear cameraf/2.4 five-element lens; hybrid IR filter; autofocus; Live Photos; HDR; 43MP panorama; burst; timer; backside illuminationWide; f/2.4 five-element lens; 5x digital zoom; HDR; 43MP panorama; automatic image stabilisation; burst
Front cameraFaceTime HD; f/2.2; Retina Flash; Live Photos; HDR; burst; timerUltra Wide; f/2.4; 122-degree field of view; Centre Stage; HDR; Retina Flash; lens correction
Video recordingRear 1080p; 240 fps slow motion; 3x video zoom; stabilised time-lapse; front 720pRear 1080p at 25 or 30 fps; 720p slow motion at 120 fps; 3x video zoom; front 1080p at 25, 30 or 60 fps; stabilised time-lapse; HEVC and H.264
Battery and connections
Battery life (maker's claim)Up to 10 hoursUp to 10 hours
Battery capacity32.4 Wh32.4 Wh
Mobile data optionYesYes
StylusSupported, sold separatelySupported, sold separately
Keyboard made for itNoYes
Battery life detailUp to 10 hours Wi-Fi browsing, video or music; nine hours cellular browsingUp to 10 hours Wi-Fi browsing or video; nine hours cellular browsing
ChargingUSB Power Adapter included; USB computer charging supported20 W USB-C Power Adapter included; USB computer charging supported
USB-CLightning; 3.5 mm headphone jack; optional adapters support 1080p external videoLightning; 3.5 mm headphone jack; optional adapters support 1080p external video
Wi-FiDual-band 802.11a/b/g/n/ac; HT80 with MIMOWi-Fi 5 (802.11ac); 2x2 MIMO; up to 866 Mb/s
BluetoothBluetooth 4.2Bluetooth 4.2
Mobile networkLTE, UMTS/HSPA/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA, GSM/EDGE and CDMA EV-DO; nano-SIM with Apple SIM support; cellular model weighs 478 gGigabit-class LTE and UMTS/HSPA/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA; nano-SIM and eSIM; cellular model weighs 498 g
Stylus supportApple Pencil (1st generation); pressure and tilt sensing; palm rejectionApple Pencil (1st generation), sold separately
KeyboardsNo Smart Connector (Engadget)Smart Keyboard through Smart Connector, sold separately
Design
Weight469 g (better)487 g
Thickness7.5 mm7.5 mm
Height × width240 × 169.5 mm250.6 × 174.1 mm
Operating systemiPadOSiPadOS
BiometricsTouch ID in Home buttonTouch ID in Home button
SpeakersStereo speakersStereo speakers
Microphones–Dual microphones
SensorsGyroscope; accelerometer; barometer; ambient light; compass; iBeacon; GPS and GLONASS on cellular modelGyroscope; accelerometer; barometer; ambient light; compass; iBeacon; GPS/GNSS on cellular model
MaterialsAluminium unibodyEnclosure made from 100% recycled aluminium
ColoursSilver, Gold, Space GreySilver, Space Grey
Software at launchiOS 11; orders opened 27 March 2018, with deliveries and store availability later that weekiPadOS 15
In the boxiPad; Lightning to USB Cable; USB Power AdapteriPad; Lightning to USB-C Cable; 20 W USB-C Power Adapter

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