OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Tablets Methodology v1.0
Tablets Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Tablets Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Tablets Methodology v1.0

Apple iPad 2021 WiFi (3GB + 256GB) Review | 168 Data compared

Avg. price:~£280RAM capacity:3 GBInternal storage:256 GBScreen size:10.2 inchesChipset:Apple A13

Apple iPad 2021 WiFi (3GB + 256GB) Review: Compare 168 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Tablets category and whether it is worth buying.

Apple iPad 2021 WiFi (3GB + 256GB)
7.6/10

Overall score

Score
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the smartphone's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best Tablets on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 78% of models
Score components

90%

7.3

Technical score

10%

9.7

User score

â–²Better than 78% of tablets
8.0

Value for money

Value for money
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 83% of models
Score components

70%

7.6

Overall score

30%

9.0

Price

â–²Better than 83%
7.3

Technical score

Technical score
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare Tablets based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 76% of models
Score components

22%

8.1

Performance

20%

6.4

Display

16%

7.3

Camera

14%

6.7

Battery

12%

7.0

Connectivity

8%

9.4

Software & Features

5%

7.0

Design

3%

6.8

Audio & Multimedia

â–²Better than 76%
9.7

User score

User score
9.7/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
When it matters
When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 99% of models
Score components

70%

9.6

User ratings

30%

10

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
★Better than 99%
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
Available versions:
3GB + 256GB3GB + 64GBCheck price
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Tablets model ranking

Ranked #123 of 1,145 models in Tablets (Overall score)

Technical Specifications of tablet Apple iPad 2021 WiFi (3GB + 256GB)

Technical score
Technical score
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare Tablets based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 76% of models
Score components:

22%

8.1

Performance

20%

6.4

Display

16%

7.3

Camera

14%

6.7

Battery

12%

7.0

Connectivity

8%

9.4

Software & Features

5%

7.0

Design

3%

6.8

Audio & Multimedia

7.3
User score
User score
9.7/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
When it matters
When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 99% of models
Score components

70%

9.6

User ratings

30%

10

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
9.7
Popularity
Popularity
10/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the smartphone.
When it matters
When you prefer to purchase a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 92% of models
Popularity:
Apple iPad 2021 WiFi (3GB + 256GB) has a user popularity of 10 points, which is lower than 91.8% of Tablets.
10
Value for money
Value for money
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 83% of models
Score components:

70%

7.6

Overall score

30%

9.0

Price

8.0
RAM capacity
3 GB
Market range: <2 GB – >12 GB
This tablet has a RAM capacity of 3 GB which is smaller than the RAM capacity of 52.4% of tablets and equal to that of 8.5% of tablets.
Process node
7 nm
Market range: <4 nm – >40 nm
This tablet is built on a 7 nm process node, which is smaller than the node size used in 70.2% of tablets and equal to the node used in 6.1% of tablets.
Internal storage
256 GB
Market range: <0 GB – >250 GB
This tablet has an internal storage capacity of 256 GB which is larger than the storage of 76.5% of tablets and equal to that of 15.7% of tablets.
Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score
1,737 points
Market range: <233 points – >2.3k points
This tablet scored 1,737 points in Geekbench 6 (single-core) which is higher than the score of 79.5% of tablets and equal to the score of 0.3% of tablets.
Chipset
Apple A13
This tablet uses the Apple A13 chipset, which is more advanced than the chipsets in 89.8% of tablets and equal to those in 0.3% of tablets.
Show more
Screen resolution
2160×1620
This tablet has a screen resolution of 2160×1620 which is higher than that of 74% of tablets and equal to that of 0.5% of tablets.
Refresh rate
60 Hz
Market range: <60 Hz – >120 Hz
This tablet supports a refresh rate of 60 Hz which is equal to that in 73.8% of tablets.
Display type
IPS LCD
This tablet uses a IPS LCD display type. 17% of tablets use this display technology.
Pixel density
264 ppi
Market range: <149 ppi – >291 ppi
This tablet has a pixel density of 264 ppi which is higher than that of 71% of tablets and equal to that of 5.9% of tablets.
Display glass type
?
Show more
Optical image stabilization
no
This tablet does not support optical image stabilization. 0.4% of tablets include OIS.
Main camera megapixels
8 MP
Market range: <3.15 MP – >13 MP
This tablet has a main camera resolution of 8 MP which is higher than that of 36.5% of tablets and equal to that of 31.8% of tablets.
Front camera megapixels
12 MP
Market range: <1.2 MP – >9 MP
This tablet has a front camera resolution of 12 MP which is higher than in 90% of tablets and equal to that in 6.2% of tablets.
Main camera aperture
f/2.4
This tablet has a main camera aperture of f/2.4 which is narrower than that of 69.8% of tablets and equal to that of 17.6% of tablets.
Optical zoom
1xxx
This tablet supports 1xx optical zoom which is higher than in 18.4% of tablets and equal to that in 80.7% of tablets.
Show more
Battery capacity
8,557 mAh
Market range: <4k mAh – >10.1k mAh
This tablet has a battery capacity of 8,557 mAh which is larger than the batteries in 79.5% of tablets and equal to those in 0.2% of tablets.
Charging speed
20 W
Market range: <10 W – >60 W
This tablet supports charging speeds of 20 W which is faster than in 60.4% of tablets and equal to speeds in 6.2% of tablets.
Battery life
10 hours
Market range: <6 hours – >16 hours
This tablet has a battery life of 10 hours, which is longer than that of 39.1% of tablets and equal to that of 20.5% of tablets.
Wireless charging
no
This tablet does not support wireless charging. 1.5% of tablets support wireless charging.
Fast charging
yes
This tablet supports fast charging. 50.4% of tablets support fast charging.
Show more
LTE support
yes
This tablet supports LTE. 36.8% of tablets include LTE connectivity.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This tablet supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 0.2% of tablets offer Wi-Fi support.
GPS
yes
This tablet supports GPS. 17.3% of tablets include GPS functionality.
5G connectivity
no
This tablet does not support 5G connectivity. 11.1% of tablets support 5G.
NFC
no
This tablet does not support NFC. 10.9% of tablets support NFC.
Show more
Operating system
iPadOS
This tablet uses the iPadOS operating system, which is more advanced than the one used by 94.6%.
Update support duration
long
This tablet offers long update support, which is longer than the support period of 80% of tablets and equal to that of 20% of tablets.
Direct OS updates
yes
This tablet receives direct OS updates. 20.3% of tablets receive direct updates.
On-device AI
no
This tablet does not support on-device AI. 28.3% of tablets support this capability.
App tracking protection
yes
This tablet includes app tracking protection. 71.8% of tablets include app tracking protection.
Show more
IP rating
not rated
This tablet has an IP rating of not rated which is lower than that of 16.3% of tablets and equal to that of 83.7% of tablets.
Weight
487 g
Market range: <315 g – >730 g
This tablet weighs 487 g which is lighter than 51.7% of tablets and equal to the weight of 0.2% of tablets.
Backlit keyboard
no
This tablet does not support a backlit keyboard. 9.8% of tablets support backlit keyboards.
Keyboard accessory
yes
This tablet supports a keyboard accessory. 15.8% of tablets support this option.
Pen latency
?
Show more
Number of microphones
2
Market range: <0 – >5
This tablet includes 2 microphones, which is more than in 55.1% of tablets and equal to the number in 32.7% of tablets.
aptX Adaptive
no
This tablet does not support aptX Adaptive. 6.9% of tablets offer this codec.
Dolby Atmos support
yes
This tablet supports Dolby Atmos. 68.6% of tablets support Dolby Atmos.
N. of speakers
2
Market range: <1 – >6
This tablet includes 2 speakers, which is more than in 9.8% of tablets and equal to the number in 60.9% of tablets.
FM radio
no
This tablet does not include an FM radio. 19% of tablets offer FM radio functionality.
Show more

Apple iPad 2021 WiFi (3GB + 256GB) vs the average tablet

246810TotalPerformanceDisplayCameraBatteryConnectivitySoftware & FeaturesDesignAudio & Multimedia
  • More capable chipset
    This tablet uses the Apple A13 chipset, while the average tablet uses MediaTek MT8169A.
    Apple A13 vs MediaTek MT8169A
  • Better GPU
    This tablet uses the Apple GPU GPU, while the average tablet uses Mali-G51. GPU choice is one of the main performance differences between tablets.
    Apple GPU vs Mali-G51
  • 4x more storage
    This tablet has more internal storage than the average tablet (256 GB vs 64 GB). The average tablet provides 64 GB of internal storage.
    256 GB vs 64 GB
  • 7 MP higher front camera megapixels
    This tablet has more front camera megapixels than the average tablet (12 MP vs 5 MP). The average tablet has 5 MP front camera resolution.
    12 MP vs 5 MP
  • More advanced operating system
    This tablet has a more advanced operating system than the average tablet (iPadOS vs Android). Operating system choice shapes app support, updates, and ecosystem features.
    iPadOS vs Android
  • Faster storage type
    This tablet uses SSD storage, while the average tablet uses eMMC. Storage technology still varies widely across tablets.
    SSD vs eMMC
  • 32.5% higher CPU speed
    This tablet has a higher CPU speed than the average tablet (2.7 GHz vs 2 GHz). The average tablet has CPU speed of 2 GHz.
    2.65 GHz vs 2 GHz
  • 100 nits higher typical brightness
    This tablet has a higher typical brightness than the average tablet (500 nits vs 400 nits). The average tablet reaches 400 nits typical brightness.
    500 nits vs 400 nits
  • 21.2% higher user score
    User score
    9.7/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
    When it matters
    When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Apple iPad 2021 WiFi
    the average tablet
    Apple iPad 2021 WiFi (3GB + 256GB) has a higher user score than the average tablet (9.70 vs 8.000).
    9.7 vs 8
  • 2.08x more popular
    Apple iPad 2021 WiFi (3GB + 256GB) is more popular than the average tablet (10 vs 4.8).
    10 vs 4.81
  • 12.7% better value for money
    Apple iPad 2021 WiFi (3GB + 256GB) has better value for money than the average tablet (8 vs 7.1).
    8 vs 7.1
  • More capable chipset
    This tablet uses the Apple A13 chipset, while the average tablet uses MediaTek MT8169A.
    Apple A13 vs MediaTek MT8169A
  • Better GPU
    This tablet uses the Apple GPU GPU, while the average tablet uses Mali-G51. GPU choice is one of the main performance differences between tablets.
    Apple GPU vs Mali-G51
  • 4x more storage
    This tablet has more internal storage than the average tablet (256 GB vs 64 GB). The average tablet provides 64 GB of internal storage.
    256 GB vs 64 GB
  • Faster storage type
    This tablet uses SSD storage, while the average tablet uses eMMC. Storage technology still varies widely across tablets.
    SSD vs eMMC
  • 32.5% higher CPU speed
    This tablet has a higher CPU speed than the average tablet (2.7 GHz vs 2 GHz). The average tablet has CPU speed of 2 GHz.
    2.65 GHz vs 2 GHz
  • 2.38x higher Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score
    This tablet achieves a higher Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score than the average tablet (1,737 points vs 729 points). The average tablet scores 729 points in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    1,737 points vs 729 points
  • 2.29x higher memory bandwidth
    This tablet has a higher memory bandwidth than the average tablet (34.1 GB/s vs 14.9 GB/s). The average tablet has memory bandwidth of 14.9 GB/s.
    34.1 GB/s vs 14.9 GB/s
  • Newer DDR memory version
    This tablet supports a newer DDR version than the average tablet (LPDDR4X vs LPDDR3). The average DDR version is LPDDR3.
    LPDDR4X vs LPDDR3
  • 50% smaller process node
    This tablet uses a smaller process node than the average tablet (7 nm vs 14 nm). The average tablet uses a process node of 14 nm.
    7 nm vs 14 nm
  • Includes neural engine
    This tablet includes a neural engine, the average tablet does not. 25.7% of tablets include a neural engine.
  • 100 nits higher typical brightness
    This tablet has a higher typical brightness than the average tablet (500 nits vs 400 nits). The average tablet reaches 400 nits typical brightness.
    500 nits vs 400 nits
  • Higher screen resolution
    This tablet has a higher screen resolution than the average tablet (2160×1620 vs 1920×1200). The average tablet resolution is 1920×1200.
    2160×1620 vs 1920×1200
  • 40,000 Hz higher PWM dimming frequency
    This tablet has a higher PWM dimming frequency than the average tablet (40,000 Hz vs 0 Hz). The average tablet has PWM dimming frequency of 0 Hz.
    40,000 Hz vs 0 Hz
  • 99 nits higher peak brightness
    This tablet has a higher peak brightness than the average tablet (500 nits vs 401 nits). The average tablet reaches 401 nits peak brightness.
    500 nits vs 401 nits
  • 17.9% higher pixel density
    This tablet has a higher pixel density than the average tablet (264 ppi vs 224 ppi). The average tablet has pixel density of 224 ppi.
    264 ppi vs 224 ppi
  • 43 ppi higher screen sharpness
    This tablet has a higher screen sharpness than the average tablet (264 ppi vs 221 ppi). The average tablet has screen sharpness of 221 ppi.
    264 ppi vs 221 ppi
  • 0.1 inches larger screen size
    This tablet has a higher screen size than the average tablet (10.2 inches vs 10.1 inches). The average tablet has screen size of 10.1 inches.
    10.2 inches vs 10.1 inches
  • 7 MP higher front camera megapixels
    This tablet has more front camera megapixels than the average tablet (12 MP vs 5 MP). The average tablet has 5 MP front camera resolution.
    12 MP vs 5 MP
  • Supports slow-motion recording
    This tablet supports slow-motion recording, the average tablet does not. 37.5% of tablets offer slow-mo.
  • Supports fast charging
    This tablet supports fast charging, the average tablet does not. 49.7% of tablets feature fast charging.
  • 30% larger battery capacity
    This tablet has a higher battery capacity than the average tablet (8,557 mAh vs 6,580 mAh). The average tablet battery has capacity of 6,580 mAh.
    8,557 mAh vs 6,580 mAh
  • Includes battery health monitoring
    This tablet features battery health monitoring, the average tablet does not. 37% of tablets include battery health tools.
  • Supports eSIM
    This tablet supports eSIM, the average tablet does not. 11.5% of tablets support eSIM.
  • Supports AirPlay
    This tablet supports AirPlay, the average tablet does not. 7.6% of tablets are AirPlay compatible.
  • Includes fingerprint scanner
    This tablet offers a better fingerprint scanner setup than the average tablet (yes vs no). Fingerprint scanner quality still varies a lot between tablets.
    Fingerprint scanner in the home button.
  • More advanced operating system
    This tablet has a more advanced operating system than the average tablet (iPadOS vs Android). Operating system choice shapes app support, updates, and ecosystem features.
    iPadOS vs Android
  • Longer update support
    This tablet offers longer update support than the average tablet (long vs medium). The average tablet gets medium of update support.
    long vs medium
  • Supports live text recognition
    This tablet supports live text recognition, the average tablet does not. 34.9% of tablets can recognize text from images.
  • Includes app tracking protection
    This tablet includes app tracking protection, the average tablet does not. 28.3% of tablets offer app tracking protection.
  • Allows app offloading
    This tablet allows app offloading, the average tablet does not. 26.4% of tablets support app offloading.
  • Supports extra dim mode
    This tablet features extra dim mode, the average tablet does not. 35.4% of tablets support extra diming.
    Reduce White Point accessibility dimming
  • Includes clipboard warnings
    This tablet has clipboard warnings, the average tablet does not. 39.9% of tablets include clipboard warnings.
  • Suitable for drawing
    This tablet is suitable for drawing, the average tablet is not. 41% of tablets are suitable for drawing.
  • Supports stylus tilt
    This tablet supports stylus tilt, the average tablet does not. 33.6% of tablets support stylus tilt.
  • Supports Dolby Atmos
    This tablet supports Dolby Atmos, the average tablet does not. 31.5% of tablets support Dolby Atmos.
  • 1 more microphone/s
    This tablet has more microphones than the average tablet (2 vs 1). The average tablet has 1 microphones.
    2 vs 1
  • No USB Type-C
    This tablet lacks a USB Type-C port, the average tablet includes one. 53.4% of tablets use USB Type-C.
  • Narrower front camera aperture
    This tablet has a worse front camera aperture than the average tablet (f/2.4 vs f/2.2). The average tablet uses f/2.2 front camera aperture.
    f/2.4 vs f/2.2
  • No manual white balance
    This tablet does not allow manual white balance adjustments, the average tablet does. 51.6% of tablets include white balance controls.
  • No multi-user mode
    User score
    9.7/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
    When it matters
    When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Apple iPad 2021 WiFi
    the average tablet
    Apple iPad 2021 WiFi (3GB + 256GB) does not support multi-user mode, the average tablet does. 73.6% of tablets allow multiple user profiles.
  • Narrower main camera aperture
    This tablet has a worse main camera aperture than the average tablet (f/2.4 vs f/2.2). The average tablet uses f/2.2 main camera aperture.
    f/2.4 vs f/2.2
  • 1 GB less RAM
    This tablet has less RAM capacity than the average tablet (3 GB vs 4 GB). The average tablet has 4 GB of RAM.
    3 GB vs 4 GB
  • No face recognition
    This tablet does not have face recognition, the average tablet does. 56% of tablets support face recognition.
  • 50% lower touch sampling rate
    This tablet has a lower touch sampling rate than the average tablet (60 Hz vs 120 Hz). The average tablet has touch sampling rate of 120 Hz.
    60 Hz vs 120 Hz
  • 1 GB less RAM
    This tablet has less RAM capacity than the average tablet (3 GB vs 4 GB). The average tablet has 4 GB of RAM.
    3 GB vs 4 GB
  • 50% lower touch sampling rate
    This tablet has a lower touch sampling rate than the average tablet (60 Hz vs 120 Hz). The average tablet has touch sampling rate of 120 Hz.
    60 Hz vs 120 Hz
  • Narrower front camera aperture
    This tablet has a worse front camera aperture than the average tablet (f/2.4 vs f/2.2). The average tablet uses f/2.2 front camera aperture.
    f/2.4 vs f/2.2
  • No manual white balance
    This tablet does not allow manual white balance adjustments, the average tablet does. 51.6% of tablets include white balance controls.
  • Narrower main camera aperture
    This tablet has a worse main camera aperture than the average tablet (f/2.4 vs f/2.2). The average tablet uses f/2.2 main camera aperture.
    f/2.4 vs f/2.2
  • No USB Type-C
    This tablet lacks a USB Type-C port, the average tablet includes one. 53.4% of tablets use USB Type-C.
  • No face recognition
    This tablet does not have face recognition, the average tablet does. 56% of tablets support face recognition.
  • Older Bluetooth version
    This tablet uses an older Bluetooth version than the average tablet (4.2 vs 5). The average tablet uses Bluetooth 5.0.
    4.2 vs 5.0
  • No multi-user mode
    User score
    9.7/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
    When it matters
    When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Apple iPad 2021 WiFi
    the average tablet
    Apple iPad 2021 WiFi (3GB + 256GB) does not support multi-user mode, the average tablet does. 73.6% of tablets allow multiple user profiles.
  • 50.6 mm taller
    This tablet is taller than the average tablet (250.6 mm vs 200 mm). The average tablet is 200.0 mm tall.
    250.6 mm vs 200.0 mm

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

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Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

theguardian.com
24/09/2021
Hands-on review · Best-value iPad
Verdict
The Apple iPad (2021) is still the best tablet for most people, with a strong chip and Center Stage camera, though its design and Lightning port feel old.
T
t3.com
22/09/2021
Summary of the review
Apple iPad 10.2-inch (9th Gen) review: small updates, still top value
uk.pcmag.com
30/09/2021
Lab-tested review · Everyday tablet
Verdict
The Apple iPad (2021) is powerful for most people, easily outpacing Android tablets, though its dated design, tinny speakers and Lightning port hold it back.
trustedreviews.com
12/11/2021
Hands-on review · Entry-level tablet
Verdict
The iPad (9th gen) is Apple's cheapest tablet and still enough for most people, though its upgrades over the last model are minimal.
whathifi.com
21/02/2022
Hands-on test · Media tablet
Verdict
The iPad (9th gen) is still the benchmark everyday tablet, with punchy picture and richer sound, though its dated design is overdue for a rethink.
T
techradar.com
24/08/2022
Summary of the review
iPad 10.2 (2021) review - TechRadar
T
techadvisor.com
19/10/2022
Summary of the review
iPad 10.2in (2021) review: The same, but better - Tech Advisor
expertreviews.co.uk
13/07/2023
Hands-on review · Value iPad
Verdict
The iPad (2021) is still the best-value tablet by a long way, a practical laptop stand-in with a keyboard and a far better front camera.
cnet.com
01/11/2023
Hands-on review · Basic iPad
Verdict
The iPad (9th gen) won't wow, but its safe price, keyboard case support and big-enough screen make it the sensible basic pick.
R
root-nation.com
08/12/2024
Summary of the review
Express Review of Apple iPad (2021): Is It Still Worth Buying in 2024? Would you like a comparison of the technical specifications or current pricing...
T
tomsguide.com
24/09/2021
Summary of the review
Apple iPad 10.2 (2021) review - Tom's Guide
C
creativebloq.com
14/10/2022
Summary of the review
Apple iPad 10.2-inch (9th Gen) review - Creative Bloq
wired.com
29/09/2021
Hands-on review · Budget tablet
Verdict
The iPad 2021 is a dependable, affordable tablet for browsing, streaming and notes, though it's not for heavy editing or long days out.
stuff.tv
02/04/2024
Hands-on review · Value tablet
Verdict
The ninth-gen iPad is still great value for most people, with a faster chip and double storage, though its design looks dated.
reviewed.com
13/10/2021
Full review · Versatile tablet
Verdict
The 9th-gen iPad is a value tablet for school, games and light photo editing, but its weak speakers and dated design hold it back.
switchtoipad.com
17/10/2021
Hands-on review · Light-use tablet
Verdict
The ninth-gen iPad is a great pick for light use like browsing, email and ebooks, but its design is showing its age.
L
lesnumeriques.com
08/10/2021
Summary of the review
Test Apple iPad 9 (2021): une formule qui ne change pas
(Translated)Show original
journaldugeek.com
14/10/2021
Hands-on test · Budget iPad
Verdict
The iPad 9 is the best-value Apple tablet, with strong performance and a much better front camera, though its design and Lightning port look dated.
presse-citron.net
21/10/2021
Hands-on test · Entry-level tablet
Verdict
The iPad 9 is Apple's cheapest tablet and the best in its class, with strong performance and software, though its screen is starting to show its age.
N
nextpit.fr
16/12/2021
Summary of the review
Test de l'iPad 9 2021: Dernier tour de piste avant un arrêt au stand ?
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: November 2026 · How we calculate this

What customers like about Apple iPad 2021 WiFi (3GB + 256GB)

  • Unbeatable value-for-money at its price point
  • Smooth and snappy performance for everyday apps thanks to the A13 chip
  • Reliable all-day battery life for moderate to heavy use
  • Significant front camera upgrade with Center Stage for video calls
  • Clear, bright Retina display with added True Tone technology
  • Inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack
  • Doubled base storage (64GB) compared to previous generations

What customers don't like about Apple iPad 2021 WiFi (3GB + 256GB)

  • Dated physical design with thick bezels and a physical Home button
  • Lacks a laminated display, resulting in a visible air gap and more reflections
  • Uses the proprietary Lightning port instead of the more modern USB-C
  • Compatible only with the 1st-generation Apple Pencil
  • Slow charging times compared to more modern tablets
  • Stereo speakers only work effectively in portrait mode
  • Lack of multi-user support in iPadOS

Verdict

The 2021 Apple iPad (9th Generation) features a 10.2-inch Retina display with True Tone, 3GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage, all powered by the A13 Bionic chip. It is characterized by its classic design with a Home button and Touch ID, a 12MP Ultra Wide front camera supporting Center Stage for video calls, and an 8MP rear camera. Main pros include its affordability, the inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack, and support for the 1st Gen Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard. However, it retains a dated design with thick bezels, uses a Lightning port instead of USB-C, and features a non-laminated display that is highly reflective in bright light.

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