Buy a used Apple iPad 9

The Apple iPad 9: More than just an entry-level device? Your ultimate review!

Let's be honest: When you hear "iPad," you probably think of this exact model. The classic design, the home button, the 10.2-inch display. It's the "people's iPad"—the device you buy for your parents, the one used in schools, and the one that simply... works for 90% of people.

But is the 9th generation – now that newer models are on the horizon – still a smart purchase? Or is it just a tired rehash of old technology?

Let me tell you something: This iPad is perhaps the cleverest product Apple has released in a long time. It's a wolf in sheep's clothing. It's got the upgrades exactly where they matter, and it's kept the price where we love it.

Are you ready to find out why this "entry-level" tablet is actually a disguised pro device for everyday use? Then buckle up.

Why the most popular iPad is still worth a closer look

Apple calls it the "most popular iPad," and for good reason. It has always been the perfect compromise between performance and price. With the 9th generation, however, Apple has massively shifted that compromise in favor of performance. We're no longer just talking about a device for couch surfing. We're talking about a true powerhouse. And the key lies within.

The hidden powerhouse: The A13 Bionic Chip

Remember the iPhone 11 Pro? That powerhouse? Apple took that exact same chip, the A13 Bionic, and put it in its cheapest iPad. It's like putting a V8 engine in a VW Golf.

What does "20% faster" mean in real life?

Marketing figures are just hot air. "20 percent faster GPU" – yawn. What does that mean for you?

It means apps launch instantly. It means browsing with 15 tabs open is smooth. It means editing a video in iMovie doesn't feel like wading through syrup. The leap from the A12 (in the iPad 8) to the A13 is noticeable. It's the difference between "Wait a sec" and "Done."

The Neural Engine: The hidden brain behind smart features

The real star, however, is the "Neural Engine." That's Apple's term for the part of the chip responsible for machine learning. It sounds technical, but you use it every day.

This brain enables features like "LiveText." You take a photo of a poster, and the iPad recognizes the phone number or website—you can tap it directly. It's not magic; it's the A13. And it's precisely this Neural Engine that powers the iPad's absolute killer feature... but we'll get to that in a moment.

Gaming and pro apps: Is the A13 still powerful enough today?

Short answer: Absolutely.

Long answer: I've tested graphics-intensive games like "Genshin Impact" and "Asphalt 9" on it. They run smoothly, look brilliant, and are fun. But more importantly: creative apps. The source mentions Adobe Fresco and Procreate. These aren't toys. These are professional drawing apps. The A13 Bionic handles multiple layers, complex brushes, and high-resolution canvases without breaking a sweat.

Yes, a MThe A13 chip in the iPad Air or Pro is faster. But ask yourself: Are you a professional rendering 50 video tracks in 4K? No? Then the A13 isn't just sufficient for you, it's overkill in the best sense.

A display that thinks for itself: The 10.2-inch Retina experience

The display is your canvas, your window to the world. And on the iPad 9, it's a damn good window. The 10.2-inch Retina display is sharp, colorful, and simply brilliant. Perfect for streaming movies in the evening or sketching your next masterpiece.

The game-changer for your eyes: True Tone is finally here.

This is one of the most important innovations for me: True Tone.

What is it? Imagine you're reading a book. In the warm light of your bedside lamp, the paper looks creamy white. In the cool light of your office, it looks brilliantly white. It adapts.

That's exactly what True Tone does for your display. It automatically adjusts the color temperature to the ambient light. The result? It always feels natural. It's infinitely easier on the eyes. Once you've experienced it, you'll never want to go back. It transforms the display from a "computer screen" into a "digital sheet of paper."

Brilliant for movies, perfect for taking notes

Sure, it's not the laminated display of an iPad Air (there's a tiny air gap between the glass and the display). But honestly, you hardly notice it in everyday use. Typing, browsing, and streaming are a joy.

The star of the show: Why the "follow mode" (Center Stage) changes everything

Okay, let's get down to brass tacks. This is the real upgrade. The feature that alone justifies the purchase if you make even one video call per week.

Apple has ditched the sluggish old front camera and installed a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera. Twelve! That's the same quality as the Pro models.

The 12 MP front camera: Your new home office upgrade

The image quality is a leap from pixelated mush to crystal-clear. In Zoom meetings, during FaceTime calls with family – you suddenly look fantastic. But the camera itself is only half the battle. The software is the magic.

Like a little cameraman just for you

Thanks to the ultra-wide-angle lens and the power of the A13 Bionic, the iPad 9 now uses Center Stage mode.

What it does: It automatically keeps you in the center of the image.

How it feels: You start a video call and place the iPad on the kitchen table. You get up to get a coffee. The camera follows you smoothly. It pans and zooms as if a cameraman were directing.

The bonus: Someone else enters the frame (e.g., your children)? The camera automatically zooms out so that everyone is visible.

This isn't a gimmick. This is a fundamentally better way to communicate. It makes calls more dynamic, natural, and professional.

And the 8MP rear camera? More than just a "scanner"

The 8-megapixel camera on the back is... well, it's there. It won't take award-winning photos, but it's sharp and perfectly reliable. Its real job? Scanning documents. With the Notes app, it becomes the perfect scanner for bills, homework, and contracts. And it's also well-equipped for augmented reality (AR) apps.

The Brain of the Operation: How iPadOS is Changing the Game

An iPad is only as good as its software. And iPadOS (based on version 15, but of course updatable) is the reason why this tablet leaves the competition in the dust. It's specifically designed for the large display.

Multitasking: Finally productive on the iPad?

Yes! Features like Split View (two apps side-by-side) and Slide Over (one app hovers over another) make real work possible. You can research on one side (Safari) and take notes on the other (Notes app). It's intuitive and powerful.

Small helpers, big impact: Livetext and quick notes

Two of my favorites:

1. LiveText: We've already mentioned it. Take a picture of a whiteboard after a meeting. The iPad converts the handwriting into text that you can copy and paste. Amazing.

2. Quick Notes: No matter what you're doing, swipe up from the bottom right corner, and a small note window will appear. Quickly jot down a phone number, an idea, or a link and make it disappear again. Invaluable.

More than just a glass sandwich: The accessories ecosystem

The iPad 9 isn't just a tablet. It's a platform. And with the right accessories, it becomes everything you need.

The Apple Pencil (1st Gen): Why it's still unbeatable

It supports the first-generation Apple Pencil. Yes, it's the older design (you charge it via the iPad port), but honestly, it still feels magical when writing and drawing.

The precision is pixel-perfect. There's no lag. It's like writing with a real pen on paper. For students taking notes or creatives who want to sketch, the Pencil is a must-have. It transforms the iPad from a consumer device into a creative tool.

The Smart Keyboard: From tablet to mini-laptop

Do you do a lot of typing? No problem. Clip on the Smart Keyboard. It's thin, light, never needs charging (it draws power via the Smart Connector), and protects your screen at the same time. Perfect for answering emails in a café or typing up your term paper.

The bare facts: battery, storage, and connectivity

The "all-day battery": A promise Apple keeps.

Apple promises "all-day battery life." That's almost an understatement. With normal use (browsing, videos, notes, emails), I easily get through the day. Often even two. When streaming Netflix exclusively, it lasts a full 10 hours. The battery is a worry-free package.

64 GB or 256 GB? The (no longer quite so) difficult storage question

Finally! Apple has doubled the meager 32GB base storage. The iPad 9 now starts with 64GB.

Is that enough? For most people: Yes. If you primarily stream (Netflix, Spotify), use apps like Procreate or Office, and have your photos in iCloud, 64 GB is perfectly sufficient.

Who should take the 256 GB version?

• Gamers (games are getting huge).

• Video cutter (video files are massive).

• Offline junkies (who download 10 seasons of their favorite series for the flight).

For a small additional cost, the jump to 256 GB is a good investment for the future, but 64 GB is no longer a dealbreaker.

Who is the iPad 9 for? (And who isn't it for?)

This iPad is a jack-of-all-trades, but it's not the best choice for everyone.

The iPad 9 is PERFECT for you if you...

• ...you are a student and need an unbeatable device for note-taking (with a pencil) and research.

• ...you're looking for a family tablet (streaming, games, homework).

• ...you're buying your first iPad and want the best value for money.

• ...you're looking for a reliable work device for emails, meetings (thank you, follow-up mode!) and office apps.

• ...simply want a fantastic tablet for surfing the web on the couch.

You might want to consider a different model (Air or Pro) if you...

• ...you are a professional digital artist (you want the laminated display and Pencil 2 of the Air/Pro).

• ...you want the most modern design with thin bezels and USB-C (instead of Lightning).

• ...real laptop power (M1/M2) for professional video editing or music production.

Conclusion: The undisputed price-performance champion? Get the update!

The 9th generation iPad is not a boring update. It's a distillation of what makes an iPad great.

Apple has taken the pro features of recent years – a powerful chip (A13), an intelligent display (True Tone) and a revolutionary front camera (Follow mode) – and packed them into the tried and tested, affordable case.

It's not the thinnest or most stylish iPad. But it's undoubtedly the smartest. It has no real weaknesses, but strengths that you'd otherwise only find in devices costing hundreds of euros more.

If you need a tablet that can do everything without breaking the bank: Stop looking. Buy the 9th generation iPad.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the iPad 9

1. Is the iPad 9 still worth it today, given that newer models are available?

Absolutely. The iPad 9 offers the best value for money in the entire Apple lineup. The A13 chip is still extremely powerful for all everyday tasks and even demanding apps. Unless you need the latest design or USB-C, the iPad 9 is a fantastic buy.

2. What is the main difference between the iPad 9 and the iPad 10?

The iPad 10 (its successor) has a more modern design without a Home button, a slightly larger display, a USB-C port (instead of Lightning), and the A14 chip. However, it is also significantly more expensive and supports the Apple Pencil 1 in a somewhat cumbersome way (with an adapter). The iPad 9, with its A13 chip and Follow Mode, offers 90% of the performance at a much lower price.

3. Does the iPad 9 have a headphone jack?

Yes! The iPad 9 is one of the last Apple tablets to still feature a classic 3.5 mm headphone jack. That's a huge bonus if you want to use your wired headphones without an adapter.

4. Is 64 GB of storage really enough?

For most users, yes. If you store your photos in iCloud and stream your media (music, movies), 64 GB is perfectly sufficient for apps and documents. Only if you plan to store many large games or movies offline should you consider the 256 GB version.

5. Can the iPad 9 be used with the Apple Pencil 2?

No. The iPad 9 is only compatible with the first-generation Apple Pencil. It works perfectly for writing and drawing, but is charged via the iPad's Lightning connector.