iPad 9th Gen vs 10th Gen: Which Renewed iPad to Buy

Quick Answer

If you want the most affordable iPad for everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and video calls, choose the renewed iPad 9th generation. If you prefer a modern all-screen design, faster performance, and better connectivity, the renewed iPad 10th generation is worth the extra cost.

Display and Design Differences

The iPad 9th generation keeps the classic home button and thick bezels with a 10.2-inch Retina display. The iPad 10th generation moves to an all-screen design with a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, which gives you more screen area in a similar footprint. If you watch a lot of video or use split-screen multitasking, the larger, modern display feels more immersive. But if you prefer a physical home button and Touch ID, the 9th generation is more familiar.

Both models support the first-generation Apple Pencil, but the 10th generation uses a USB-C port for charging and accessories, while the 9th generation uses Lightning. This matters if you already own USB-C cables or plan to connect to modern peripherals.

Performance and Connectivity

The iPad 10th generation packs the A14 Bionic chip, which is a step up from the A13 Bionic in the 9th generation. For everyday use like email, web browsing, and streaming, you won't notice a big difference. But for more demanding apps, light video editing, or multitasking, the A14 handles it more smoothly.

The 10th generation also includes Wi-Fi 6 and an optional 5G cellular model, while the 9th generation supports Wi-Fi 5 and 4G LTE. If you travel often and rely on cellular data, the 5G option gives you faster downloads and better future-proofing. If you mostly use Wi-Fi at home or work, the 9th generation is still perfectly capable.

Both models have Touch ID, but on the 10th generation it's integrated into the top button. The 9th generation keeps it in the home button. Both are reliable, but the 10th generation's placement feels more modern.

Camera and Battery Life

Both iPads have a 12MP front camera, but the 10th generation places it on the landscape edge, which is better for video calls because you look at the camera directly. The 9th generation has the front camera on the portrait edge, which can make you look off to the side during FaceTime or Zoom.

The rear camera is also different: the 9th generation has an 8MP camera, while the 10th generation has a 12MP camera. If you scan documents or take occasional photos, the higher resolution on the 10th generation gives sharper results. But for most people, the rear camera is rarely used, so this may not be a deciding factor.

Both models promise all-day battery life, but real-world usage varies. The A14 chip in the 10th generation is more efficient, so you might get slightly longer runtime under similar use. However, the larger display can offset that, so expect similar endurance.

Which Renewed iPad Should You Choose?

• Budget-conscious buyer: Choose the iPad 9th generation if you want the lowest price and mainly use your iPad for browsing, email, streaming, and video calls. The A13 chip is still fast enough for these tasks. If you find a renewed 9th generation at a good price, it's a great value.
• Performance and future-proofing: Choose the iPad 10th generation if you plan to keep your iPad for several years, use more demanding apps, or want 5G cellular connectivity. The A14 chip and Wi-Fi 6 offer better longevity. Consider the 10th generation if you want a more modern experience and can stretch your budget.
• Design and camera preference: If you value an all-screen design and a front camera that's positioned for video calls, the 10th generation is the better choice. The 9th generation is fine if you don't mind the home button and portrait camera placement. Test the front camera angle if you do lots of video conferencing.

Product Facts

• Apple iPad (9th Generation): with A13 Bionic chip, 10.2-inch Retina Display, 64GB, Wi-Fi, 12MP front/8MP Back Camera, Touch ID, All-Day Battery Life – Space Gray (factory renewed): The iPad 9th generation features a 10.2-inch Retina display, A13 Bionic chip, and an Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage. This makes it a solid budget pick for video calls and everyday tasks, with a familiar home button and Touch ID.

  

• Apple iPad (10th Generation): with A14 Bionic chip, 10.9-inch Liquid Retina Display, 64GB, Wi-Fi 6 + 5G Cellular, 12MP front/12MP Back Camera, Touch ID, All-Day Battery Life – Blue (factory renewed): The iPad 10th generation has an all-screen 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, A14 Bionic chip, and 12MP front and back cameras. You get a more modern design, better performance, and improved cameras, which justify the higher price if you use your iPad more intensively.

  

Who Should Buy Which?

Best for

• Students or first-time tablet buyers on a strict budget
• Users who prefer a physical home button and don't need cutting-edge performance

Not for

• Users who want a modern all-screen design and the latest connectivity options
• Those who plan to do heavy multitasking or use processor-intensive apps