Looking for an honest Apple 2021 iPad 9th Gen vs Apple iPad Air 11" M2 Wi-Fi – Space 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 iPad Air 11" M2 Wi-Fi – Space comes out ahead 50/100 to 57/100 — a 7-point gap. The widest gap is in display, where the Apple iPad Air 11" M2 Wi-Fi – Space pulls noticeably ahead. On price the Apple 2021 iPad 9th Gen undercuts the Apple iPad Air 11" M2 Wi-Fi – Space by 261% ($179.99 vs $650), which materially changes the value calculus for budget-conscious buyers.
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Apple iPad Air 11" M2 Wi-Fi – Space narrowly beats the Apple 2021 iPad 9th Gen in the tablets category, especially in display quality, scoring 57 vs 50. If you want the better overall tablets, Apple iPad Air 11" M2 Wi-Fi – Space is the recommended choice.
Picking Apple iPad Air 11" M2 Wi-Fi – Space over Apple 2021 iPad 9th Gen means trading these off.
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
✓ Pros
| Spec | Apple 2021 iPad 9th Gen | Apple iPad Air 11" M2 Wi-Fi – SpaceW |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 10.2" | 13"✓ |
| Display Type | Retina IPS | Liquid Retina IPS |
| Resolution | 2160 x 1620 pixels | 2360 x 1640 pixels |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz |
| Chipset | Apple A13 Bionic | Apple M2 |
| RAM |
Buy Apple 2021 iPad 9th Gen if…
Choose the Apple 2021 iPad 9th Gen if budget is your top priority — it offers competitive specs at a lower price point.
Buy Apple iPad Air 11" M2 Wi-Fi – Space if…
Buy the Apple iPad Air 11" M2 Wi-Fi – Space if you want the best performance in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Apple iPad Air 11" M2 Wi-Fi – Space narrowly beats the Apple 2021 iPad 9th Gen in the tablets category, especially in display quality, scoring 57 vs 50. If you want the better overall tablets, Apple iPad Air 11" M2 Wi-Fi – Space is the recommended choice.
No, Apple iPad Air 11" M2 Wi-Fi – Space scores higher (57 vs 50).
Apple 2021 iPad 9th Gen is cheaper at $179.99 vs $650 for the Apple iPad Air 11" M2 Wi-Fi – Space.
Choose the Apple 2021 iPad 9th Gen if budget is your top priority — it offers competitive specs at a lower price point.
Buy the Apple iPad Air 11" M2 Wi-Fi – Space if you want the best performance in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Apple iPad Air 11" M2 Wi-Fi – Space has a larger battery (9,990mAh vs 8,557mAh for the Apple 2021 iPad 9th Gen), which generally means longer use between charges.
Both offer 10 hours of battery life.
Reviewed by VersusMatrix Editorial Team
Last updated: May 10, 2026
Methodology: AI-powered analysis of technical specifications from manufacturer data. Scores are calculated by comparing products across multiple dimensions and normalized relative to the full category database. Our editorial process is independent and not influenced by affiliate partnerships.
Scores are relative within the tabletscategory. Percentages show each dimension's weight in the overall score. A difference of less than 0.5 points is considered a tie.
✗ Cons
| 3GB |
| 8GB✓ |
| Storage | 64GB | 128GB✓ |
| Camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Front Camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Battery | 8557mAh | 9990mAh✓ |
| OS | iPadOS 15 | iPadOS 17 |
| Stylus | Apple Pencil (1st generation) | Apple Pencil Pro |
| Keyboard Support | Smart Keyboard | Magic Keyboard, Smart Keyboard Folio |
| Cellular | Wi-Fi only | Wi-Fi only |
| Weight | 487g✓ | 617g |
| Price | 179.99$✓ | 650$ |
Apple iPad Air 11" M2 Wi-Fi – Space has the larger display (13" vs 10.2").
Apple 2021 iPad 9th Gen is lighter at 487g vs 617g.
Apple iPad Air 11" M2 Wi-Fi – Space has more RAM (8GB vs 3GB), which helps with multitasking.