Apple iPad 9th Gen vs Apple iPad Pro 11" (M5, 2025)
The Verdict
The Apple iPad 9th Gen and Apple iPad Pro 11" (M5, 2025) sit in the same category and end up appealing to slightly different buyers. The Apple iPad 9th Gen is the cheaper of the two at $329 versus $999, a difference of about $670. The Apple iPad Pro 11" (M5, 2025) is the newer release, which usually means a faster chipset and longer software support. Apple iPad 9th Gen stands out for best budget ipad — unbeatable value at $329, while Apple iPad Pro 11" (M5, 2025) is praised for m5 chip with 3.5x ai performance vs m4. Use the side-by-side spec table below to compare cameras, displays, battery life and connectivity in detail and decide which one fits your priorities.
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" (M5, 2025) if…
- →M5 chip with 3.5x AI performance vs M4
- →Ultra Retina XDR tandem OLED display
- →Wi-Fi 7 via N1 chip, C1X modem for cellular
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- Thick bezels and Home button design feels outdated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" (M5, 2025)
Pros
- M5 chip with 3.5x AI performance vs M4
- Ultra Retina XDR tandem OLED display
- Wi-Fi 7 via N1 chip, C1X modem for cellular
- Apple Pencil Pro support
- Thunderbolt / USB 4 connectivity
Cons
- Starting at $999 is expensive
- Still 5.1mm thin limits thermal headroom
- No headphone jack
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPad 9th Gen | Apple iPad Pro 11" (M5, 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iPadOS 15 (upgradable to iPadOS 17+) | iPadOS 19 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 487 g (Wi-Fi) | 444 g |
| Dimensions | 250.6 x 174.1 x 7.5 mm | 249.7 x 177.5 x 5.1 mm |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 10 hours web browsing on Wi-Fi | Up to 10 hours |
| Capacity | 8557 mAh (32.4 Wh) | — |
| Display | ||
| Size | 10.2 inches | 11.0 inches |
| Type | Retina IPS LCD | Ultra Retina XDR tandem OLED |
| Resolution | 2160 x 1620 | 2420 x 1668 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz ProMotion |
| Storage | ||
| Storage options | 64 GB, 256 GB | 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB |
| Expandable storage | ||
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 3 GB | 16 GB |
| Chipset | Apple A13 Bionic (6-core CPU, 4-core GPU) | Apple M5 (10-core CPU) |
| Connectivity | ||
| USB | Lightning | Thunderbolt / USB 4 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 7 (N1 chip) |
| Cellular | ||
| Stylus Support | ||
| Cameras | ||
| Rear | — | 12 MP wide, 12 MP ultrawide, LiDAR |
| Front camera | — | 12 MP TrueDepth, Center Stage |
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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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