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 Cellular (3GB + 64GB) Review | 168 Data compared

Avg. price:~£490RAM capacity:3 GBInternal storage:64 GBScreen size:10.2 inchesChipset:Apple A13

Apple iPad 2021 Cellular (3GB + 64GB) 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 Cellular (3GB + 64GB)
7.3/10

Overall score

Score
7.3/ 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 73% of models
Score components

90%

7.1

Technical score

10%

8.7

User score

â–²Better than 73% of tablets
7.5

Value for money

Value for money
7.5/ 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 64% of models
Score components

70%

7.3

Overall score

30%

7.9

Price

â–²Better than 64%
7.1

Technical score

Technical score
7.1/ 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 71% of models
Score components

22%

7.5

Performance

20%

6.3

Display

16%

7.3

Camera

14%

6.3

Battery

12%

7.0

Connectivity

8%

9.4

Software & Features

5%

7.0

Design

3%

6.8

Audio & Multimedia

â–²Better than 71%
8.7

User score

User score
8.7/ 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
â–² Better than 84% of models
Score components

70%

8.8

User ratings

30%

8.4

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–²Better than 84%
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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 + 64GB3GB + 256GBCheck 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 Cellular (3GB + 64GB)

Technical score
Technical score
7.1/ 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 71% of models
Score components:

22%

7.5

Performance

20%

6.3

Display

16%

7.3

Camera

14%

6.3

Battery

12%

7.0

Connectivity

8%

9.4

Software & Features

5%

7.0

Design

3%

6.8

Audio & Multimedia

7.1
User score
User score
8.7/ 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
â–² Better than 84% of models
Score components

70%

8.8

User ratings

30%

8.4

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
8.7
Popularity
Popularity
8.4/ 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
â–² Better than 81% of models
Popularity:
Apple iPad 2021 Cellular (3GB + 64GB) has a user popularity of 8.4 points, which is lower than 81.3% of Tablets.
8.4
Value for money
Value for money
7.5/ 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 64% of models
Score components:

70%

7.3

Overall score

30%

7.9

Price

7.5
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
64 GB
Market range: <0 GB – >250 GB
This tablet has an internal storage capacity of 64 GB which is larger than the storage of 39.5% of tablets and equal to that of 17.1% 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
Chemically Strengthened Glass
This tablet uses Chemically Strengthened Glass display glass which is weaker than that on 65.1% of tablets and equal to that on 13% of tablets.
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
9 hours
Market range: <6 hours – >16 hours
This tablet has a battery life of 9 hours, which is shorter than that of 62.7% of tablets and equal to that of 6.8% 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
498 g
Market range: <315 g – >730 g
This tablet weighs 498 g which is heavier than 52.2% of tablets and equal to the weight of 0.9% 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 Cellular (3GB + 64GB) 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 8.3% higher user score
    User score
    8.7/ 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 Cellular
    the average tablet
    Apple iPad 2021 Cellular (3GB + 64GB) has a higher user score than the average tablet (8.66 vs 8.000).
    8.66 vs 8
  • 73.9% more popular
    Apple iPad 2021 Cellular (3GB + 64GB) is more popular than the average tablet (8.36 vs 4.8).
    8.36 vs 4.81
  • 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
  • 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.
  • Less durable display glass
    This tablet uses weaker display glass than the average tablet (Chemically Strengthened Glass vs Corning Gorilla Glass). Display glass choice still varies across tablets.
    Chemically Strengthened Glass vs Corning Gorilla Glass
  • 1 hours shorter battery life
    This tablet offers shorter battery life than the average tablet (9 hours vs 10 hours). The average tablet offers 10 hours of battery life.
    9 hours vs 10 hours
  • No multi-user mode
    User score
    8.7/ 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 Cellular
    the average tablet
    Apple iPad 2021 Cellular (3GB + 64GB) 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
  • 88.5% more expensive
    Apple iPad 2021 Cellular (3GB + 64GB) is more expensive than the average tablet (£490 vs £260).
    £490 vs £260
  • 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
  • Less durable display glass
    This tablet uses weaker display glass than the average tablet (Chemically Strengthened Glass vs Corning Gorilla Glass). Display glass choice still varies across tablets.
    Chemically Strengthened Glass vs Corning Gorilla Glass
  • 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
  • 1 hours shorter battery life
    This tablet offers shorter battery life than the average tablet (9 hours vs 10 hours). The average tablet offers 10 hours of battery life.
    9 hours vs 10 hours
  • 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
    8.7/ 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 Cellular
    the average tablet
    Apple iPad 2021 Cellular (3GB + 64GB) 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

7.0
Fedde
≈ estimated
04/11/2024
Hands-on review · battery, display and camera
Verdict
Apple iPad 2021 Cellular is worth considering on a tight budget for basic tasks, but it feels dated for power users.
8.0
SuperDuprTech
≈ estimated
26/07/2022
Benchmark tests · performance and 4K export
Verdict
Apple iPad 2021 Cellular benchmarks show performance that is quite good for the price.
7.0
Naseem Speach
≈ estimated
08/11/2021
Hands-on review · display, camera and storage tests
Verdict
Apple iPad 2021 Cellular is good for its price, despite a weak camera, small storage and a screen that fades at angles.
9.0
Harris Craycraft
≈ estimated
30/10/2021
Student review · daily use for notes and multitasking
Verdict
Apple iPad 2021 Cellular is an easy pick for basic tasks, though its display and refresh rate have drawbacks.
7.0
Tech Gear Talk
≈ estimated
03/10/2021
Hands-on review · gaming tests and comparison with iPad 8
Verdict
Apple iPad 2021 Cellular is only worth upgrading to for more storage; otherwise an iPad 8 deal is the better buy.
9.0
Ivan Kam
≈ estimated
28/09/2021
Hands-on review · first week of daily use
Verdict
Apple iPad 2021 Cellular is easy to recommend as a budget iPad, despite a dated look and a few compromises.
8.0
Karl Conrad
≈ estimated
23/09/2021
Unboxing and review · speed, accessories and camera impressions
Verdict
Apple iPad 2021 Cellular is a solid entry-level iPad, though it remains a secondary device with a dated design and Lightning port.
8.0
Ivan Kam
≈ estimated
26/09/2021
First impressions · design, storage and performance
Verdict
Apple iPad 2021 Cellular has positive early impressions: it is well built with strong performance, and a full review is still to come.
Not graded
Not graded yet
Not graded yet
Not graded yet

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

P
pcmag.com
30/09/2021
Summary of the review
Apple iPad (9th Generation, 2021) Review
T
theguardian.com
24/09/2021
Summary of the review
Apple iPad 2021 review: still the best tablet for most people
T
techadvisor.com
19/10/2022
Summary of the review
iPad 10.2in (2021) review: The same, but better
L
laptopmag.com
19/01/2022
Summary of the review
Apple iPad 2021 review
R
radiotimes.com
28/10/2021
Summary of the review
iPad (2021) review | a competition-beating tablet
W
whathifi.com
21/02/2022
Summary of the review
Apple iPad (2021) review | What Hi-Fi?
C
cnet.com
01/11/2023
Summary of the review
Apple iPad 9th Gen Review: Low-Cost Option May Be Best Bet for Now
E
expertreviews.co.uk
13/07/2023
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Apple iPad (2021) review: Keeps on improving
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wired.com
29/09/2021
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Apple iPad (2021) Review: Boring but Perfectly Fine
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zdnet.com
27/09/2021
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Apple iPad (2021) review: If it's not broke, don't fix it
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reviewed.com
13/10/2021
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Apple iPad 9th-gen (2021) Review: Still A Great Value
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techradar.com
24/08/2022
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iPad 10.2 (2021) review - TechRadar
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switchtoipad.com
17/10/2021
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iPad, 9th generation — a review
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tapsmart.com
01/10/2021
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Review: iPad 9 (2021) – the best iPad for most people?
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uk.pcmag.com
30/09/2021
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Apple iPad (9th Generation, 2021) - Review - PCMag UK Are you looking for comparison data against the iPad 10th Gen or specifically interested in cell...
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t3.com
22/09/2021
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Apple iPad 10.2-inch (9th Gen) review: small updates, still top value
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trustedreviews.com
12/11/2021
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stuff.tv
02/04/2024
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Apple iPad (9th generation) review: still offering great bang for buck
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me.pcmag.com
01/10/2021
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Apple iPad (9th Generation, 2021) - PCMag Middle East Are you looking for specific cellular performance benchmarks or data plan compatibility for this...
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frandroid.com
28/07/2022
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Test Apple iPad 9 (2021): notre avis complet - Tablettes tactiles
(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 Cellular (3GB + 64GB)

  • Exceptional value for money, often cited as the best budget tablet available
  • A13 Bionic chip provides smooth and zippy performance for daily tasks and moderate gaming
  • Upgraded 12MP front-facing camera with Center Stage significantly improves video call quality
  • True Tone technology on the 10.2-inch Retina display enhances viewing comfort in various lighting
  • Excellent battery life, typically lasting around 10 hours for typical web and video use
  • Retains the 3.5mm headphone jack, a feature removed from all other current iPad models
  • Double the base storage (64GB) compared to the previous generation
  • Compatible with existing accessories like the first-generation Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard

What customers don't like about Apple iPad 2021 Cellular (3GB + 64GB)

  • Dated design with thick bezels and a physical Home button
  • Cellular model lacks 5G support, limited to 4G LTE
  • Non-laminated display creates a slight air gap between the glass and LCD, leading to more reflections
  • Uses Lightning port for charging rather than the more universal USB-C found on other iPads
  • Slow charging speeds, taking up to 3 hours to fully recharge
  • Stereo speakers are both located on the bottom, which prevents a true stereo field in landscape mode
  • Only compatible with the first-generation Apple Pencil, which has an awkward charging method
  • Lack of Face ID, relying instead on the older Touch ID sensor

Verdict

The 2021 Apple iPad (9th Generation) is an entry-level tablet featuring a 10.2-inch Retina display with True Tone, powered by the A13 Bionic chip with 3GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage. Its standout characteristics include a high-quality 12MP Ultra Wide front camera supporting Center Stage for video calls, an 8MP rear camera, and LTE cellular connectivity with Nano-SIM and eSIM support. Main pros include its affordability, reliable performance for everyday tasks, inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack, and compatibility with the 1st Gen Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard. However, it suffers from several cons, such as an outdated design with large bezels, a non-laminated display that creates a noticeable air gap, and the use of a Lightning port rather than USB-C.

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