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iPad Q&A
Published November 22, 2021
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What are all the differences between the iPad 9th Gen (2021) and the iPad 8th Gen (2020) replaced?
There are four iPad 8th Gen models and four iPad 9th Gen models. For simplicity, this EveryiPad.com Q&A refers to these tablets as the iPad 8 and iPad 9, which is what readers commonly call them.
The iPad 8 models, released in 2020, consist of the iPad 10.2" 8th Gen (Wi-Fi Only), iPad 10.2" 8th Gen (Wi-Fi/Cellular, US/CA), iPad 10.2" 8th Gen (Wi-Fi/Cellular, Global), and iPad 10.2" 8th Gen (Wi-Fi/Cellular, China).
The iPad 9 models, released in 2021, consist of the iPad 10.2" 9th Gen (Wi-Fi Only), iPad 10.2" 9th Gen (Wi-Fi/Cellular, US/CA), iPad 10.2" 9th Gen (Wi-Fi/Cellular, Global), and iPad 10.2" 9th Gen (Wi-Fi/Cellular, China).
These two lines are quite similar -- the iPad 9 basically is an iPad 8 with a faster processor, a better display, a better camera, and more storage -- but they have different identifiers, iPadOS support differences, and price points, as well. There are a wide variety of similarities, too.
External Design & Functionality Differences
There are a variety of external differences between the iPad 8 and iPad 9, although they are easy to overlook.
There were three color options for the iPad 8 -- a white front and silver colored back, a white front and gold colored back, or a black front and "Space Gray" back -- whereas the iPad 9 only is available in white and silver or black and "Space Gray." Both have a bezel around the displays and gently rounded edges.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (iPad 7 & 8 Colors - Silver, Gold & Space Gray)
The iPad 8 and iPad 9 models use a display with the same dimensions -- a 10.2" IPS LED-backlit 2160x1620 (264 ppi) display with an "oleophobic" (oil repellent) coating -- but the iPad 9 display is higher quality and adds "True Tone" support which automatically adjusts the display color and brightness based on ambient lighting for a generally better viewing experience.
Both the iPad 8 and iPad 9 support the original Apple Pencil (MK0C2AM/A) as well as a size-specific Apple Smart Keyboard (MPTL2LL/A) that connects via "Smart Connector" to the iPad.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (iPad 9 with Apple Smart Keyboard and Pencil)
The iPad 8 and iPad 9 have the same rear camera -- with an 8 megapixel camera capable of shooting stills and 1080p 30 fps video -- but the front cameras are quite different. The iPad 8 has a meager front-mounted 1.2 megapixel camera capable of shooting stills and 720p video whereas the iPad 9 has a much better 12 megapixel camera that is capable of shooting HDR photos and 1080p 60 fps video. The front camera supports the "Center Stage" feature that automatically tracks and zooms to keep subjects in frame, too.
Other external features that both lines share include the same "Touch ID" fingerprint sensor embedded in the home button, "Lightning" port for power and connectivity, and headphone jack.
Internal Differences
The iPad 8 and iPad 9 both have 3 GB of RAM, the same accelerometer, three-axis gyroscope, ambient light sensor, digital compass and barometer and the same support for dual band 802.11ac Wi-Fi with MIMO and Bluetooth 4.2. Cellular-capable models support the same 27 LTE bands, as well.
However, the iPad 8 uses a 2.49 GHz six-core Apple A12 Bionic processor whereas the iPad 9 uses a 2.6 GHz six-core Apple A13 Bionic processor, which is about 20% faster overall. The iPad 8 also could be configured with either 32 GB or 128 GB of storage whereas the iPad 9 can be configured with either 64 GB or 256 GB of storage.
Significant technical details include:
 iPad 8 |
 iPad 9 |
|
| Clockspeed: | 2.49 GHz | 2.6 GHz |
| Processor Cores: | 6 | 6 |
| Processor: | Apple A12 Bionic | Apple A13 Bionic |
| Co-Processor: | Neural Engine | Neural Engine |
| RAM: | 3 GB | 3 GB |
| Storage: | 32, 128 GB | 64, 256 GB |
| LTE Options (US): | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 29, 30, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 71 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 29, 30, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 71 |
Remember that you can compare side-by-side technical details and benchmarks for all iPad models with EveryiPad.com's Ultimate iComparison feature.
Identification Differences
It is not easy to visually differentiate between the iPad 8 and iPad 9. Additionally, because many iPad models look nearly identical, visual identification is not a good method regardless.
Instead, one of the best ways to externally identify these models is by Model Number. Model numbers are provided in tiny type toward the bottom of the back of each iPad.
As the site has for decades now, EveryiPad.com has meticulously hand documented these identifiers for your convenience:
iPad |
Model Number |
These iPad models can be differentiated by other identifiers as well, such as the Order Number, which can be located by selecting the Settings app and pressing General > About and scrolling down to what is specified as "Model" within the iOS. For example, the Wi-Fi + Cellular configuration of the iPad 9 in silver with 256 GB of storage is MK6A3LL/A when sold in the United States.
To track down an exact iPad by a variety of different identifiers -- including its Serial Number -- please refer to EveryiPad.com's Ultimate iLookup feature.
iOS Support Differences
The iPad 8 models first shipped with iPadOS 14 whereas the iPad 9 first shipped with iPadOS 15, the current version of the iPadOS, but both models fully support the latest operating system.
Pricing Differences
For the iPad 9, Apple held the entry-level price point the same as its predecessor, but increased the price of the higher-end storage option:
| iPad 8: | 32 GB | 128 GB |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Only Price: | US$329 | US$429 |
| Wi-Fi/Cellular & A-GPS Price: | US$459 | US$559 | iPad 9: | 64 GB | 256 GB |
| Wi-Fi Only Price: | US$329 | US$479 |
| Wi-Fi/Cellular & A-GPS Price: | US$459 | US$609 |
Of course, on the used market, the iPad 8 now costs less.
For original pricing details in dozens of other countries, please refer to the iPad specs page for the device of interest as well as EveryiPad.com's Global Original Prices section.
So, should I buy an iPad 8 or an iPad 9?
Just compared to one another, the iPad 9 is a modest upgrade from the iPad 8, most likely not enough to upgrade from the iPad 8 if you already have one. However, just comparing the two models, the iPad 9 offers (1) about 20% more performance, (2) a better display, (3) a significantly better front camera, and (4) twice as much storage.
For most users, one or more of those improvements probably make the iPad 9 the better choice, however, for those on a tight budget, the iPad 8 remains well worth consideration, particularly given discount prices on the used market.
iPad Purchase & Sale Options
There are many places to buy a new or used iPad. However, purchasing your tablet from a quality company with good knowledge of the market -- and after sales support -- will provide the best experience and save you money and time, too.
In the US, site sponsor Adorama sells new iPad models with free shipping. Other World Computing sells used and refurb iPad models at bargain prices with free shipping, as well. Finally, if you need to sell an iPad, A+ BBB-rated Cash for Your Mac and GoRoostr will buy your older iPad with an instant quote and prompt payment.
In the UK, site sponsor Hoxton Macs has a large number of used and refurbished iPad models with a one-year warranty and free next day delivery throughout the UK. Delivery across Europe also is available starting at just £9.99 for two-day delivery to France and Germany.
Please also see EveryiPad.com's Ultimate iComparison feature to dynamically compare any iPad to any other iPod, iPhone, or iPad (new or old alike).
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