iPad 6 (2018, A10 series) vs iPad 9 (2021, A13 series)

The longevity of a tablet is significantly influenced by its release date and subsequent software support. The iPad 2018, released in March 2018, is an older device compared to the iPad 2021, which launched in September 2021. This difference in age directly impacts their remaining software support timeline.

• Software Longevity: The iPad 2018 shipped with iOS 11.3 and received major iPadOS updates up to iPadOS 17. While it may receive security updates for some time, it is not officially supported for iPadOS 18, meaning it will miss out on newer features and optimizations. The iPad 2021, on the other hand, launched with iPadOS 15 and is expected to receive major iPadOS updates for several more years, offering a longer period of access to the latest software features and security enhancements.
• Repairability: Both models received low repairability scores from iFixit, indicating challenges in internal repairs due to the extensive use of adhesive to secure components. However, the iPad 2018's non-laminated display can make screen repairs potentially less costly compared to models with laminated displays.
• Expected Practical Lifespan: Users prioritizing the latest software features and a longer period of official support will find the iPad 2021 to have a more extended practical lifespan. The iPad 2018 remains functional for many everyday tasks but is nearing the end of its major software update cycle.

Performance is a key differentiator between these two iPad models, primarily driven by their internal processing capabilities and available memory.

• Processing Power: The iPad 2018 features a processor that provides sufficient power for everyday activities such as web browsing, streaming video, and light gaming. It handles common applications smoothly, making it suitable for general use. The iPad 2021 is equipped with a newer, more advanced processor, offering a noticeable improvement in speed and responsiveness. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother transitions, and more efficient handling of demanding applications and multitasking.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: The iPad 2018 comes with 2GB of RAM, which allows for basic multitasking, such as switching between a few open applications. The iPad 2021 includes 3GB of RAM, providing more headroom for running multiple applications simultaneously and handling more complex workflows without experiencing significant slowdowns. This additional memory contributes to an overall more fluid and responsive user experience, especially for users who frequently switch between apps or work with larger files.
• Storage Options: The iPad 2018 was available with 32GB or 128GB of internal storage. The iPad 2021 offers doubled base storage options of 64GB or 256GB, providing more space for apps, photos, videos, and documents. Both models offer comparable battery life, typically providing around 10 hours of web browsing or video playback on a single charge.

The display is a central component of any tablet, and while both iPads offer a quality viewing experience, there are notable differences in their screen technology and features.

• Display Technology and Size: Both the iPad 2018 and iPad 2021 feature Retina IPS LCD displays, known for their clear visuals and good color reproduction. The iPad 2018 has a 9.7-inch display with a resolution of 2048x1536 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 264 pixels per inch (ppi). The iPad 2021 offers a slightly larger 10.2-inch display with a resolution of 2160x1620 pixels, maintaining the same 264 ppi, ensuring sharp images and text.
• Viewing Experience and Features: A key difference lies in the display construction. The iPad 2018 features a non-laminated display, which means there is a small air gap between the display panel and the cover glass. This can sometimes create a noticeable effect when using the Apple Pencil, making it feel as though you are writing slightly above the screen, and can also affect the depth of black levels. The iPad 2021, while also not fully laminated like some Pro models, introduces True Tone technology. True Tone automatically adjusts the display's color temperature to match the ambient lighting in your environment, providing a more natural and comfortable viewing experience, especially during extended use. Both models offer a peak brightness of 500 nits, providing adequate visibility in various indoor and outdoor conditions.
• Refresh Rate: Both iPads feature a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which is suitable for most everyday tasks, including web browsing, video playback, and casual gaming.

The camera systems on both iPads are designed for general use, with the iPad 2021 offering significant enhancements, particularly for video communication.

• Rear Camera Performance: Both the iPad 2018 and iPad 2021 are equipped with an 8-megapixel wide rear camera, capable of capturing photos and recording 1080p HD video. This camera is suitable for general photography, document scanning, and casual video recording in well-lit environments. Its performance in low-light conditions is limited, and it does not match the capabilities of dedicated smartphone cameras.
• Front Camera and Video Calls: The iPad 2018 features a 1.2-megapixel front camera, which is adequate for basic video calls and selfies. The iPad 2021 significantly upgrades this to a 12-megapixel Ultra Wide front camera. This improvement results in much clearer and more detailed video calls and selfies. Furthermore, the iPad 2021's front camera includes Center Stage technology, which automatically pans and zooms to keep subjects centered in the frame during video calls, enhancing the experience for remote meetings and family chats.
• Audio Experience: Both models feature stereo speakers, providing a decent audio experience for media consumption. However, the iPad 2018's speakers are positioned on one side, which can lead to a less balanced sound experience when holding the tablet in landscape orientation. Both also include dual microphones for clearer audio input during calls and recordings.

Beyond core performance and display, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience of these tablets.

• Connectivity Standards: Both the iPad 2018 and iPad 2021 support Wi-Fi 802.11ac (also known as Wi-Fi 5) for wireless internet connectivity and Bluetooth 4.2 for connecting accessories. While Wi-Fi 5 offers reliable performance for most tasks, the iPad 2021 does not include the newer Wi-Fi 6 standard found in some contemporary devices.
• Physical Ports and Sensors: Both models retain the traditional Lightning connector for charging and data transfer, along with a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is a convenient feature for many users. For security, both iPads feature a Touch ID fingerprint sensor integrated into the home button. The iPad 2018 uses an older generation of Touch ID, which some users reported as being less responsive than newer iterations.
• Dimensions and Handling: The iPad 2018, with its 9.7-inch display, measures 240 x 169.5 x 7.5 mm and weighs approximately 469 grams for the Wi-Fi model. The iPad 2021, featuring a slightly larger 10.2-inch display, measures 250.6 x 174.1 x 7.5 mm and weighs around 487 grams for the Wi-Fi model. The increase in screen size on the iPad 2021 results in a marginally larger and heavier device, though both remain comfortable for portable use. Both devices support the first-generation Apple Pencil, making them suitable for note-taking, drawing, and annotation.