Apple iPad 9th Gen vs Apple iPad Pro 11" (2022, M2)
The Verdict
Apple's iPad 9th Gen delivers solid everyday performance at an exceptional price point, featuring a capable A13 Bionic chip, 10-hour battery life, and Apple Pencil support. Its 10.2-inch Retina display handles web browsing, media consumption, and basic productivity with competence. However, the iPad Pro 11" (2022) with M2 represents a quantum leap in capability,its 120Hz ProMotion display is dramatically smoother, the M2 processor dominates performance-intensive tasks and creative work, and it includes Face ID, LiDAR scanning, and Stage Manager multitasking. Storage expansion reaches 2TB versus 256GB maximum. Connectivity features Wi-Fi 6E and Thunderbolt versus Wi-Fi 5 and Lightning. For casual users and students, the 9th Gen offers remarkable value. Creative professionals, video editors, and power users requiring superior processing speed and advanced features should invest in the Pro model despite its $470 premium.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple iPad 9th Gen if…
- →Best budget iPad — unbeatable value at $329
- →A13 Bionic still handles everyday tasks and light gaming well
- →10.2" Retina display is sharp and color-accurate for the price
Buy the Apple iPad Pro 11" (2022, M2) if…
- →Same M2 power as the 12.9" in a more portable form factor
- →120Hz ProMotion display is buttery smooth for drawing and scrolling
- →Thunderbolt connectivity for pro workflows and external displays
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple iPad 9th Gen
Pros
- Best budget iPad — unbeatable value at $329
- A13 Bionic still handles everyday tasks and light gaming well
- 10.2" Retina display is sharp and color-accurate for the price
- Center Stage camera keeps you centered in video calls
- Strong iPadOS app ecosystem with years of software updates
Cons
- Thick bezels and Home button design feels outdated
- Lightning port instead of USB-C
- Only supports 1st gen Apple Pencil (charges via Lightning)
- 3 GB RAM struggles with demanding multitasking
- Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2 are behind modern standards
Apple iPad Pro 11" (2022, M2)
Pros
- Same M2 power as the 12.9" in a more portable form factor
- 120Hz ProMotion display is buttery smooth for drawing and scrolling
- Thunderbolt connectivity for pro workflows and external displays
- Face ID is fast and reliable for secure unlocking
- Lighter at 466 g — comfortable for extended handheld use
Cons
- LCD panel lacks the mini-LED contrast of the 12.9" model
- Still $799 before keyboard and pencil accessories
- iPadOS multitasking remains limited compared to macOS
- 128 GB base storage fills quickly with pro apps and media
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPad 9th Gen | Apple iPad Pro 11" (2022, M2) |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iPadOS 15 (upgradable to iPadOS 17+) | iPadOS 16 (upgradable to iPadOS 17+) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 487 g (Wi-Fi) | 466 g (Wi-Fi) |
| Dimensions | 250.6 x 174.1 x 7.5 mm | 247.6 x 178.5 x 5.9 mm |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 10 hours web browsing on Wi-Fi | Up to 10 hours web browsing on Wi-Fi |
| Capacity | 8557 mAh (32.4 Wh) | 7538 mAh (28.65 Wh) |
| Display | ||
| Size | 10.2 inches | 11 inches |
| Type | Retina IPS LCD | Liquid Retina IPS LCD |
| Resolution | 2160 x 1620 | 2388 x 1668 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz ProMotion |
| Storage | ||
| Storage options | 64 GB, 256 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB |
| Expandable storage | ||
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 3 GB | 8 GB (16 GB on 1 TB/2 TB) |
| Chipset | Apple A13 Bionic (6-core CPU, 4-core GPU) | Apple M2 (8-core CPU, 10-core GPU) |
| Connectivity | ||
| USB | Lightning | Thunderbolt / USB 4 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Cellular | ||
| Stylus Support | ||
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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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