Looking for an honest Apple 2021 iPad 9th Gen vs Apple iPad Pro M4 (13-inch) comparison in 2026? We scored both tablets on the same six-dimension framework — performance, battery, display, camera, design and value — using identical methodology, so the numbers below are directly comparable. In our overall scoring the Apple 2021 iPad 9th Gen comes out ahead 50/100 to 38/100 — a 12-point gap. The widest gap is in design and build, where the Apple 2021 iPad 9th Gen pulls noticeably ahead. On price the Apple 2021 iPad 9th Gen undercuts the Apple iPad Pro M4 (13-inch) by 622% ($179.99 vs $1,299), which materially changes the value calculus for budget-conscious buyers.
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Apple 2021 iPad 9th Gen edges out the Apple iPad Pro M4 (13-inch) in the tablets category, especially in value ($179.99 vs $1299), scoring 50 vs 38. If you want the better overall tablets, Apple 2021 iPad 9th Gen is the recommended choice.
Picking Apple 2021 iPad 9th Gen over Apple iPad Pro M4 (13-inch) means trading these off.
Apple
$180
Scores are relative within the tabletscategory. Percentages show each dimension's weight in the overall score. A difference of less than 0.5 points is considered a tie.
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
| Spec | Apple 2021 iPad 9th GenW | Apple iPad Pro M4 (13-inch) |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 10.2" | — |
| Display Type | Retina IPS | — |
| Resolution | 2160 x 1620 pixels | — |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | — |
| Chipset | Apple A13 Bionic | — |
| RAM | 3GB | 8GB✓ |
| Storage | 64GB | 256GB✓ |
| Camera | 12MP | — |
| Front Camera | 12MP | — |
| Battery | 8557mAh | 10290mAh✓ |
| OS | iPadOS 15 | — |
| Stylus | Apple Pencil (1st generation) | — |
| Keyboard Support | Smart Keyboard | — |
| Cellular | Wi-Fi only | — |
| Weight | 487g✓ | 579g |
| Price | 179.99$✓ | 1299$ |
Buy Apple 2021 iPad 9th Gen if…
Buy the Apple 2021 iPad 9th Gen if you want the best overall value in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Buy Apple iPad Pro M4 (13-inch) if…
The Apple iPad Pro M4 (13-inch) is worth considering if you prefer its specific design, ecosystem, or brand — though it scores lower overall in our comparison.
Apple 2021 iPad 9th Gen edges out the Apple iPad Pro M4 (13-inch) in the tablets category, especially in value ($179.99 vs $1299), scoring 50 vs 38. If you want the better overall tablets, Apple 2021 iPad 9th Gen is the recommended choice.
Yes, Apple 2021 iPad 9th Gen scores higher overall (75 vs 94).
Apple 2021 iPad 9th Gen is cheaper at $179.99 vs $1299 for the Apple iPad Pro M4 (13-inch).
Buy the Apple 2021 iPad 9th Gen if you want the best overall value in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
The Apple iPad Pro M4 (13-inch) is worth considering if you prefer its specific design, ecosystem, or brand — though it scores lower overall in our comparison.
Apple iPad Pro M4 (13-inch) has a larger battery (10,290mAh vs 8,557mAh for the Apple 2021 iPad 9th Gen), which generally means longer use between charges.
Apple 2021 iPad 9th Gen is lighter at 487g vs 579g.
Apple iPad Pro M4 (13-inch) has more RAM (8GB vs 3GB), which helps with multitasking.
Reviewed by VersusMatrix Editorial Team
Last updated: May 21, 2026
Methodology: AI-powered analysis of technical specifications from manufacturer data. Scores are calculated by comparing products across multiple dimensions and normalized relative to the full category database. Our editorial process is independent and not influenced by affiliate partnerships.