Apple Ipad 2021 Review

The 2021 Apple iPad 9th generation proved to be a solid, incremental upgrade for many users, particularly those seeking a reliable and affordable entry into the iPad ecosystem.

It wasn’t a revolutionary leap, but rather a refinement of an already successful formula, offering enhanced performance, a better display, and improved camera capabilities while maintaining its competitive price point.

For students, casual users, and anyone needing a dependable tablet for everyday tasks, content consumption, and light productivity, the 9th-gen iPad hit a sweet spot, balancing features and cost effectively.

Here’s a comparison of some relevant products to consider alongside or instead of the 2021 iPad:

• Apple iPad Air 5th Gen 2022:
  • Key Features: M1 chip, 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, USB-C, Touch ID in power button, 5G cellular.
  • Average Price: $599 – $749
  • Pros: Significantly more powerful, better display, modern design, USB-C versatility.
  • Cons: Higher price, battery life similar to base iPad, M1 power might be overkill for many users.
• Apple iPad Pro 11-inch 3rd Gen, 2021:
  • Key Features: M1 chip, Liquid Retina XDR display 12.9-inch model only, 11-inch has standard Liquid Retina, Thunderbolt/USB 4, ProMotion, Face ID, advanced cameras.
  • Average Price: $799 – $1099
  • Pros: Top-tier performance, best display tech 12.9-inch, versatile connectivity, ideal for professionals.
  • Cons: Very expensive, M1 power often unused by average user, larger and heavier.
• Apple iPad Mini 6th Gen 2021:
  • Key Features: A15 Bionic chip, 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, USB-C, Touch ID in power button, compact design.
  • Average Price: $499 – $649
  • Pros: Extremely portable, powerful for its size, USB-C, great for reading and on-the-go use.
  • Cons: Small screen limits productivity for some, higher price than base iPad, no Smart Connector.
• Microsoft Surface Go 3:
  • Key Features: Windows 11 Home S Mode, Intel Pentium Gold or Core i3, 10.5-inch PixelSense display, USB-C, kickstand, optional Type Cover.
  • Average Price: $399 – $629 tablet only
  • Pros: Runs full Windows 11, versatile as a laptop and tablet, good for light office work.
  • Cons: Weaker performance compared to iPads, shorter battery life, accessories sold separately.
• Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE:
  • Key Features: Snapdragon 750G/778G, 12.4-inch LCD, included S Pen, DeX mode, large display.
  • Average Price: $429 – $549
  • Pros: Large screen for the price, S Pen included, good for drawing and media, Android ecosystem flexibility.
  • Cons: LCD display not AMOLED, performance can be inconsistent, software updates less timely than Apple.
• Amazon Fire HD 10 2021:
  • Key Features: MediaTek Helio P60T, 10.1-inch 1080p display, Fire OS, Alexa integration.
  • Average Price: $149 – $189
  • Pros: Extremely affordable, great for Amazon content, durable build, good for casual media consumption.
  • Cons: Limited app selection no Google Play Store by default, lower performance, primarily a media consumption device.
• Logitech Combo Touch Keyboard Case for iPad:
  • Key Features: Full-size keyboard, trackpad, Smart Connector power, adjustable kickstand, protective case.
  • Average Price: $149 – $199
  • Pros: Transforms iPad into a laptop-like experience, excellent typing, trackpad is a must for productivity, protects the device.
  • Cons: Adds significant bulk and weight, expensive, Smart Connector can sometimes be finicky. This is an accessory, but crucial for enhancing the iPad’s productivity.

Diving Deep: The 2021 Apple iPad 9th Generation Experience

The 2021 Apple iPad, or the 9th generation, isn’t about flashy new designs or groundbreaking features.

Instead, it’s a masterclass in refining the essentials, offering a compelling package that still makes it the go-to tablet for a vast majority of users.

Think of it like a perfectly tuned daily driver – it gets you where you need to go reliably, comfortably, and without breaking the bank, even if it doesn’t have the supercar aesthetics of its Pro siblings.

Apple focused on improving core performance and addressing previous pain points without hiking the price, making it a truly smart buy for students, families, and anyone who wants a solid tablet without the “Pro” cost. Forza Horizon 5 For Xbox Series S Review

Performance Boost: The A13 Bionic Chip

One of the most significant upgrades to the 2021 iPad is the inclusion of the A13 Bionic chip. This isn’t just a minor tweak. it’s the same chip found in the iPhone 11 series, bringing substantial performance improvements over the A12 Bionic in the previous 8th-gen model.

• Faster Processing: Apple claimed a 20% increase in CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine performance. In real-world usage, this translates to snappier app launches, smoother multitasking, and more fluid gameplay.
• Gaming Prowess: For casual gamers and even those who dabble in more graphically intensive titles like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile, the A13 Bionic delivers a consistent and enjoyable experience. Frame rates are more stable, and loading times are reduced.
• Enhanced Multitasking: With iPadOS becoming more capable, the A13 Bionic ensures that features like Split View and Slide Over run without a hitch. You can confidently run two demanding apps side-by-side.
• Machine Learning Capabilities: The upgraded Neural Engine significantly improves performance for machine learning tasks, which are increasingly integrated into apps for things like photo editing, augmented reality AR experiences, and intelligent suggestions.

For context, the A13 Bionic, while not as powerful as the M1 chip in the higher-end iPads, still outperforms many laptops in its price bracket.

It provides more than enough horsepower for web browsing, video streaming, note-taking, light photo and video editing, and educational applications.

Display Refinement: True Tone Technology

While the 2021 iPad retained the familiar 10.2-inch Retina display with a resolution of 2160 x 1620 pixels, the big win here was the addition of True Tone technology. This might seem like a subtle enhancement, but it makes a noticeable difference in daily use.

• Dynamic White Balance: True Tone automatically adjusts the display’s white balance to match the color temperature of the ambient light in your environment. If you’re in a warm, incandescent-lit room, the screen will appear slightly warmer, and if you’re under cool fluorescent lights, it will appear cooler.
• Reduced Eye Strain: This dynamic adjustment creates a more natural and comfortable viewing experience, especially when reading for extended periods. Your eyes don’t have to work as hard to adapt to the screen’s color temperature, leading to less eye strain.
• Consistent Viewing Experience: Whether you’re in direct sunlight or a dimly lit room, True Tone ensures that colors appear more consistent and accurate. This is particularly beneficial for artists or designers who need color fidelity, even if the base display isn’t ProMotion or Liquid Retina XDR.
• Brightness and Clarity: The display still offers a respectable 500 nits of brightness, making it perfectly usable outdoors, though direct sunlight can still cause reflections. Text remains crisp, and images are vibrant, characteristic of Apple’s Retina displays.

The absence of a laminated display where the glass and LCD are fused means there’s still a slight air gap, which can be noticeable when using the Apple Pencil 1st Gen for drawing.

However, for casual use and content consumption, this is a minor quibble.

Enhanced Camera System: The Ultra-Wide Front Camera

Apple made a significant upgrade to the 2021 iPad’s camera system, particularly on the front.

While tablets aren’t typically primary photography devices, their cameras are crucial for video calls and augmented reality.

• 12MP Ultra-Wide Front Camera: This is the star of the show. Upgraded from an 8MP wide lens, this new 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera boasts a 122-degree field of view. This massive increase in field of view is a must for video conferencing.
• Center Stage Feature: Leveraging the ultra-wide lens and the A13 Bionic’s Neural Engine, Center Stage automatically pans and zooms to keep you centered in the frame during video calls. If others join you, it intelligently widens the view to include them. It works seamlessly with popular apps like FaceTime, Zoom, Google Meet, and even TikTok.
• Improved Video Calls: For remote work, online learning, or staying connected with family, Center Stage elevates the video call experience dramatically. It allows you to move around naturally without constantly adjusting the iPad’s position.
• Rear Camera: The rear camera remains an 8MP wide camera, capable of decent photos and 1080p video recording. It’s perfectly adequate for scanning documents, taking quick reference photos, or engaging in AR applications. While not on par with iPhone cameras, it serves its purpose well for a tablet.

The focus on the front camera highlights Apple’s understanding of how tablets are increasingly used for communication and collaboration, especially in a post-pandemic world.

Storage and Connectivity: More Room, Same Essentials

The 2021 iPad brought a welcome increase in base storage, a move that pleased many users. Tp Link Archer Ax73 Ax5400 Dual Band Gigabit Wi Fi 6 Router Review

• Doubled Base Storage: The entry-level model now starts at 64GB of storage, up from 32GB in previous generations. This is a crucial upgrade, as 32GB quickly becomes restrictive with app installations, photos, videos, and operating system updates. For most users, 64GB offers a much more comfortable starting point.
• 256GB Option: For those who need more space for large apps, extensive photo libraries, or downloaded media, a 256GB model is also available. While it adds to the cost, it provides ample room for power users who don’t want to rely solely on cloud storage.
• Wi-Fi and LTE Options: The iPad continues to offer both Wi-Fi only and Wi-Fi + Cellular LTE models. The cellular models provide GPS capabilities and allow you to stay connected on the go without relying on Wi-Fi hotspots, though they come at a premium.
• Lightning Port: One area where the 2021 iPad stuck to its roots was the Lightning port for charging and accessories. While newer iPads Air, Mini, Pro have transitioned to USB-C for greater versatility, the Lightning port is still widely used and compatible with a vast ecosystem of accessories. This can be a pro for those already invested in Lightning cables and peripherals, but a con for those looking for a unified charging standard.
• Bluetooth 4.2: It features Bluetooth 4.2, which is sufficient for connecting accessories like wireless headphones and keyboards, though not the latest standard.

For many users, the 64GB base storage is a significant relief, making the entry-level iPad much more viable for everyday use without constant storage management.

Battery Life and Accessories: All-Day Power, First-Gen Pencil

Battery life and accessory compatibility remain key factors for any tablet, and the 2021 iPad delivers on both fronts.

• All-Day Battery Life: Apple rates the 2021 iPad for up to 10 hours of web surfing or video playback over Wi-Fi, and up to 9 hours over cellular. In real-world testing, these figures hold up very well. For a typical day of mixed use – browsing, streaming, light productivity, and some gaming – you can expect to get a full day’s use out of it without needing to reach for the charger. This is critical for students or anyone who uses their iPad on the go.
• 1st Generation Apple Pencil Support: The 2021 iPad continues to support the Apple Pencil 1st Gen. While not as technologically advanced as the 2nd Gen Pencil which charges magnetically, the 1st Gen Pencil still offers excellent pressure sensitivity and tilt support, making it great for note-taking, drawing, and marking up documents. The charging method plugging it into the Lightning port remains a bit awkward, but it gets the job done.
• Smart Keyboard Support: The iPad also supports the Apple Smart Keyboard, connecting via the Smart Connector on the side of the device. This provides a direct, driver-free connection for a comfortable typing experience, transforming the iPad into a capable laptop-like device for tasks like writing emails, essays, or reports.
• Third-Party Accessories: Thanks to its widespread popularity, there’s a vast ecosystem of third-party accessories, including cases, keyboards like the aforementioned Logitech Combo Touch Keyboard Case for iPad, and styluses, offering plenty of choices to customize your experience.

The excellent battery life ensures the iPad is a reliable companion throughout the day, and the continued support for the 1st Gen Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard makes it a strong contender for productivity and creative tasks.

iPadOS and Ecosystem Integration: A Seamless Experience

The true power of any Apple device lies in its software and seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem. The 2021 iPad benefits immensely from iPadOS.

• iPadOS Capabilities: At its release, the iPad shipped with iPadOS 15, bringing features like improved multitasking controls Shelf, Split View, Slide Over, Quick Note for jotting down ideas instantly, and enhanced widgets. Subsequent updates have only broadened its capabilities, making it more desktop-like while retaining its touch-first intuition.
• App Ecosystem: The App Store for iPad offers over a million apps specifically designed for the tablet form factor, ensuring that whatever you need – from professional creative tools to educational apps, games, and entertainment – there’s likely a high-quality app available.
• Continuity Features: Seamlessly switch tasks between your iPad, iPhone, and Mac with Continuity features like Handoff, Universal Clipboard, and AirDrop. Start an email on your iPhone and finish it on your iPad, or copy text on your Mac and paste it on your iPad.
• iCloud Integration: Your photos, documents, and settings are automatically synced across your devices via iCloud, providing peace of mind and easy access to your data from anywhere.
• Family Sharing: For households, Family Sharing allows up to six family members to share App Store purchases, Apple Podcast subscriptions, iCloud storage, and more, making the iPad a truly shared device for families.

The strength of iPadOS and the Apple ecosystem is a significant differentiator, providing a smooth, intuitive, and secure user experience that is hard to match.

Value Proposition: The Sweet Spot for Many

When you look at the 2021 Apple iPad from a value perspective, it truly occupies a unique position in the tablet market.

It’s not the cheapest tablet out there, but it offers an unparalleled balance of performance, features, and long-term support for its price.

• Competitive Pricing: Positioned as Apple’s most affordable iPad, it makes the premium Apple tablet experience accessible to a wider audience. This is crucial for students, schools, and budget-conscious consumers.
• Long-Term Software Support: One of Apple’s biggest advantages is its commitment to long-term software updates. The 2021 iPad can expect to receive iPadOS updates for many years, ensuring it remains secure, feature-rich, and compatible with new apps well into the future, providing excellent longevity for your investment.
• Strong Resale Value: Apple products are known for retaining their value, and the iPad is no exception. Should you decide to upgrade in the future, you can expect a decent resale value, offsetting some of the initial cost.
• Durability and Build Quality: While the design is familiar, the build quality is robust. The aluminum unibody feels premium and durable, capable of standing up to daily wear and tear.

For anyone who doesn’t need the cutting-edge power of an M1 chip or the ProMotion display of the iPad Pro, the 2021 iPad 9th Gen presents itself as the most sensible choice.

It’s capable, reliable, and provides an excellent entry point into the Apple ecosystem without forcing you to empty your wallet.

It’s a testament to Apple’s strategy of offering a “good enough” product that still feels premium and delivers a great user experience. Roku Streaming Stick 4K Review

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between the 2021 iPad 9th Gen and the 2020 iPad 8th Gen?

The main differences are the upgraded A13 Bionic chip from A12 Bionic for better performance, the addition of True Tone display technology, and a significantly improved 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage feature.

Does the 2021 iPad 9th Gen support the Apple Pencil?

Yes, the 2021 iPad 9th Gen supports the Apple Pencil 1st Gen.

What kind of display does the 2021 iPad have?

It features a 10.2-inch Retina display with LED backlighting, IPS technology, and True Tone.

It has a resolution of 2160×1620 pixels at 264 ppi.

Is the 2021 iPad good for gaming?

Yes, thanks to the A13 Bionic chip, the 2021 iPad is very capable for gaming, handling most modern mobile games smoothly and with good graphics performance.

How much storage does the 2021 iPad come with?

The 2021 iPad 9th Gen starts with 64GB of internal storage, and there is also a 256GB option available.

Does the 2021 iPad have Face ID or Touch ID?

It has Touch ID, integrated into the Home button for secure authentication and Apple Pay.

What is Center Stage and how does it work on the 2021 iPad?

Center Stage is a feature that uses the 12MP Ultra Wide front camera and machine learning to automatically pan and zoom during video calls to keep you centered in the frame.

If other people join, it widens the view to include them.

Can I connect a keyboard to the 2021 iPad?

Yes, the 2021 iPad supports the Apple Smart Keyboard via the Smart Connector, and it can also connect to various Bluetooth keyboards. Rackspace Email Plus Review

What is the battery life of the 2021 iPad?

Apple claims up to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi-Fi or watching video, and up to 9 hours of surfing the web using cellular data.

Does the 2021 iPad use USB-C or Lightning for charging?

The 2021 iPad 9th Gen uses a Lightning port for charging and data transfer.

Is the 2021 iPad good for students?

Yes, it’s an excellent option for students due to its affordable price, strong performance for school tasks, compatibility with Apple Pencil for note-taking, and support for a wide range of educational apps.

Can the 2021 iPad run professional apps like Photoshop or video editing software?

It can run iPad-optimized versions of apps like Adobe Photoshop Express, Lightroom, and iMovie for photo and video editing.

For more intensive professional work, an iPad Pro might be more suitable, but the 9th Gen is capable for many tasks.

What version of iPadOS does the 2021 iPad run?

Upon release, it shipped with iPadOS 15. It continues to receive the latest iPadOS updates from Apple, ensuring continued feature access and security.

Is the screen on the 2021 iPad laminated?

No, the 2021 iPad 9th Gen does not have a fully laminated display, meaning there is a slight air gap between the glass and the LCD panel.

Can I make phone calls on the 2021 iPad?

While it supports cellular data, you cannot make traditional phone calls directly from the cellular model of the iPad.

You can, however, make FaceTime audio/video calls or use Wi-Fi Calling if linked to an iPhone.

Is the 2021 iPad waterproof?

No, the 2021 iPad is not waterproof or water-resistant. Xpg Xenia 14 Review

How much does the 2021 iPad weigh?

The Wi-Fi model weighs approximately 1.07 pounds 487 grams, and the Wi-Fi + Cellular model weighs about 1.09 pounds 498 grams.

Does the 2021 iPad support external monitors?

Yes, the 2021 iPad can output to an external monitor via an adapter connected to its Lightning port, but it will mirror the iPad’s display with black bars on the side.

It does not support Stage Manager for extended desktop functionality like M1/M2 iPads.

Is the 2021 iPad still a good purchase in 2023 or 2024?

Yes, the 2021 iPad remains a very capable and cost-effective tablet for most users.

Its A13 Bionic chip and consistent software updates ensure it will continue to perform well for several years.

What accessories are compatible with the 2021 iPad?

It is compatible with the Apple Pencil 1st Gen, the Apple Smart Keyboard, and a wide range of third-party cases, keyboard cases like Logitech Combo Touch Keyboard Case for iPad, and Bluetooth peripherals.

Can I use the 2021 iPad for video editing?

Yes, for casual video editing and projects using apps like iMovie or LumaFusion, the A13 Bionic chip provides sufficient power.

What is True Tone display technology?

True Tone automatically adjusts the white balance and intensity of the display to match the color temperature of the light in your environment, providing a more natural and comfortable viewing experience.

Does the 2021 iPad come with a charger in the box?

Yes, the 2021 iPad typically includes a 20W USB-C power adapter and a USB-C to Lightning cable in the box.

What is the maximum resolution for video recording on the 2021 iPad?

The rear 8MP wide camera can record 1080p HD video at 25 fps and 30 fps. Sugarsync Review

The front 12MP Ultra Wide camera also records 1080p HD video at 25 fps, 30 fps, or 60 fps.

Is the 2021 iPad compatible with the latest Wi-Fi standards?

It supports Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac with dual band 2.4GHz and 5GHz, which is Wi-Fi 5. It does not support the newer Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax or Wi-Fi 6E.

Can the 2021 iPad be used for augmented reality AR applications?

Yes, the A13 Bionic chip and the cameras are well-suited for augmented reality experiences and apps, offering smooth performance for AR content.

What are the main differences between the 2021 iPad and the iPad Air models?

The iPad Air models like the Apple iPad Air 5th Gen 2022 feature a more modern design, better displays liquid retina, anti-reflective coating, P3 wide color, more powerful M-series chips, USB-C ports, and support the Apple Pencil 2nd Gen, but at a higher price point.

Does the 2021 iPad have stereo speakers?

Yes, it has stereo speakers, located on the bottom edge when held in portrait orientation.

How does the 2021 iPad compare to Android tablets in its price range?

The 2021 iPad generally offers superior performance, a more robust app ecosystem, and longer software support compared to most Android tablets in a similar price bracket, making it a strong competitor.

What kind of security features does the 2021 iPad offer?

It offers Touch ID for biometric authentication, robust encryption of user data, and Apple’s secure software updates, ensuring a high level of security.