Apple iPad 2021, analysis: the ninth generation of the first iPad

The iPad 2021, the last successor, for the moment, of the one that presented Steve Jobs on January 27, 2010 and which left us all impressed, it has become the ninth generation of the best-selling tablet from Manzana.

During the family presentation event iPhone 13 (of which we have analyzed the iPhone 13 mini and the iPhone 13 Pro Max), those from Cupertino had another surprise in store for us to complete their iPad family: the sixth-generation iPad mini and the ninth-generation iPad, the protagonist of our analysis .

The iPad 2021 is compatible with the 1st generation Apple Pencil (sold separately for 99 euros).

Specifications of the Apple iPad 2021

Layout, display and storage

Externally it is exactly the same as the previous generation, with its rounded edges (different from the straight lines of the iPad mini, iPad Pro or even iPhone 13) and same dimensions (25.06 x 17.41 x 0.75 cm) and weight (487 grams for the WiFi model and 498 grams for the WiFi + Cellular model). Also, Apple keeps the colors space gray and silver, although it has suppressed the gold color, so it is practically impossible to find the differences between the last two generations.

Where we do start with some difference is in its MultiTouch screen of 10.2 inch diagonally illuminated by LED with IPS technology and brightness of 500 nits (more than enough to use it even outdoors unless it receives direct sunlight).

Although his resolution of 2,160 x 1,620 at 264 p / p is the same as in the previous generation, for the first time it incorporates the True Tone technology, which adjusts the color temperature of the screen to the ambient light so that our eyes do not get so tired. Now that children and not so children spend so much time in front of screens, this incorporation is appreciated.

In addition, in terms of its storage capacity, Apple has made another good decision: to double the previous 32 and 128 GB of the eighth-generation model up to 64 and 256 GB of this iPad 2021. As much as we have almost all our data in the cloud (iCloud, for example), the reality is that the previous capacity, especially 32 GB, was scarce.

One of the great successes of Apple with its iPad is not only that it is compatible with the 1st generation Apple Pencil, the best thing is that it is compatible with the range of Smart Keyboard cases (sold for 179 euros), which in addition to protecting the iPad, when you fold it, they become a comfortable keyboard to handle and with a very pleasant response of its keys.

A13 Bionic chip

It is clear to me that one of the reasons Apple launched the iPad 2021 is because it wanted to ensure that the latest batch of apps could run smoothly on its entry-level iPad. To achieve this, he has opted for the micro A13 Bionic, which compared to the A12 Bionic is 20% faster in all aspects: CPU, GPU and Neural Engine.

The Neural Engine has eight cores and is capable of processing 5,000 million operations per second, allowing it to offer superior performance for Machine Learning functions such as Live Text of iPadOS 15. By the way, if you do not know what Live Text is, tell you that it is the function that in both iPadOS 15 and iOS 15 allows you to extract text from images to, for example, have a phone number, an email address, the name of a local, etc.

Regarding battery life, Apple talks about working for a whole day without problems, that is, around 10/11 hours that already reached the eighth generation model, which is one of its strengths.

Center Stage Compatible Front Camera

Although, due to its 10.2-inch screen size, the iPad 2021 is not the ideal device for taking photographs, neither does Apple neglect its rear camera, which since the previous generation has a wide-angle of 8 Mpx, aperture of f / 2.4 and digital zoom up to x5. This camera complies with a note in terms of quality of images taken during the day (as we can see in the examples).

Above, photograph taken with the iPad 2021. Below, photograph taken with an iPhone 13 Pro Max.

Above, photograph taken with the iPad 2021. Below, photograph taken with an iPhone 13 Pro Max.

Above, photograph taken with the iPad 2021. Below, photograph taken with an iPhone 13 Pro Max.

A great novelty is its 12 Mpx ultra-wide angle front camera, f / 2.4 aperture and 122º field of view compatible with the new feature. «Framing Centered» (Center Stage). Apple takes advantage of the ultra wide angle and Machine Learning technology to place us in the center of the image when we are making video calls.

If we move, it will automatically adjust the frame so that we are not out of sight and zoom out or in as needed when other people join or leave the call. In addition, this functionality is available in FaceTime, but also in other video conferencing systems such as Zoom, Teams, Skype, Webex, etc.

Conclusions

With the iPad 2021, Apple updates its best-selling iPad, which has been for nine generations without a doubt a recommended purchase for anyone who wants to buy a tablet. It is true that this time there are no great novelties in terms of design, which remains the same as in the previous model, and in other technical aspects, but this version perfectly fulfills its mission: to catch up to be able to run the apps without problems. last batch.

The one in charge of fulfilling the objective of Apple with this ninth generation is the A13 Bionic chip, which compared to the previous A12 Bionic is 20% faster in both CPU and graphics and Neural Engine.

If we add to this that an autonomy close to 11 hours is maintained, that the entry model already has 64 GB and you can acquire up to 256 GB, as well as the “Centered Framing” feature of its front camera, it is Of course, the iPad 2021 may not be the best choice for those who want to renew the eighth generation, but for previous iPads or tablets from other manufacturers, it is an excellent option.