iPad iPad 9th vs Air 3? What is the best option?

[gdourado]

Hello, hope everyone is doing well.

Some background.
I have had iPads for some time.
My current one is a Mini 5.
But since my eyesight is not what it used to be, I am finding the small screen is not as comfortable as it used to be.
So I am looking at a bigger iPad.
At first I was thinking about getting either a Pro M1 or an Air 5.
But I also have an M1 MacBook Air and between that and my iPhone 14 Pmax, the iPad does not get used that much.
So I am thinking of not going overkill and just get something cheaper.
So I am thinking of either a 9th or an air 3.
The good of the air 3 is the laminated display with better color.
The bad is that the Soc is a bit worse and not a performance upgrade from my mini 5 and also the risk of the screen developing the famous bright spots.

The good of the iPad 9th is the a13 has better performance and it’s supposed to have better durability.

Based on this, what would you choose?

Thank you!
Regards!

 

[rui no onna]

iPad 9th gen to avoid the white spot/touchscreen unresponsiveness issue.

 

[mtneer]

If this is just going to be used occasionally as your third device, behind the Air and the iPhone - then just get the cheapest deal. Don't worry about longevity on a device you seldom use. In the future, if the iPad rises in usage, then decide at that point of time.

 

[Isamilis]

I would suggest to get iPad Air (3) for its better screen.

 

[ilikewhey]

why not air 4th gen, a14 is the foundation for m1 while being cheaper than the m1 air.

 

[sracer]

Hello, hope everyone is doing well.

Some background.
I have had iPads for some time.
My current one is a Mini 5.
But since my eyesight is not what it used to be, I am finding the small screen is not as comfortable as it used to be.
So I am looking at a bigger iPad.
At first I was thinking about getting either a Pro M1 or an Air 5.
But I also have an M1 MacBook Air and between that and my iPhone 14 Pmax, the iPad does not get used that much.
So I am thinking of not going overkill and just get something cheaper.
So I am thinking of either a 9th or an air 3.
The good of the air 3 is the laminated display with better color.
The bad is that the Soc is a bit worse and not a performance upgrade from my mini 5 and also the risk of the screen developing the famous bright spots.

The good of the iPad 9th is the a13 has better performance and it’s supposed to have better durability.

Based on this, what would you choose?

Thank you!
Regards!

disclaimer: I own a Mini 5 and an iPad 9th gen and am a huge fan of them both.

I would recommend the 9th gen iPad over the Air 3 for the reasons you and others have previously stated.

Regarding the non-laminated screen, how much of a difference is perceived (vs. laminated) is subjective, but I haven't found the naked screen to be bothersome... but due to the nature of the matte screen protector I use, the gap "disappears". It gives the 9th gen an almost color ebook experience.

 

[ACG12]

Air 3 for sure. I had a non-laminated iPad prior and returned it because the screen was horrible.

 

[snipr125]

It’s genuinely a tough choice here, the iPad 9 has the faster A13 chip but the iPad Air 3 has the slightly larger wide colour laminated screen. All I can say is that my iPad Air 3 has not suffered any bright spots and I got it just after release.

 

[ACG12]

It’s genuinely a tough choice here, the iPad 9 has the faster A13 chip but the iPad Air 3 has the slightly larger wide colour laminated screen. All I can say is that my iPad Air 3 has not suffered any bright spots and I got it just after release.

A12 and A13 are virtually identical in performance. I see no difference between my Air 3 and SE2020