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Apple iPad (6th generation) vs Apple iPad Pro 9.7

The iPad Pro 9.7 is the better tablet of the two. Its A9X chip, fully laminated anti-reflective screen, four-speaker audio and Smart Connector put it a class above the 6th-gen iPad, and owners rate it higher. The 6th-gen iPad is the simpler, newer-feeling pick if you want a plain iPadOS device with no extras and don't care about the screen or speakers. Both are old now, so condition matters more than the badge.

  • Choose the iPad (6th generation) if you want a straightforward iPadOS tablet for browsing, video and light apps and don't need a laminated screen or better speakers.
  • Choose the iPad Pro 9.7 if you want the sharper laminated display, four-speaker sound and Smart Connector keyboard support, and you're buying a unit in good condition.

Prices

  • Apple iPad (6th generation): $78.99 at Gazelle (checked today)
  • Apple iPad Pro 9.7: $117.00 refurbished at Back Market (last seen Nov 11)
  • Difference: the Apple iPad (6th generation) is $38.01 cheaper than the Apple iPad Pro 9.7 at the latest prices (Nov 11 and Nov 14)
Apple
iPad (6th generation) 128GB WiFi

Apple iPad (6th generation)

iPad (6th generation) 128GB WiFi

4.4(4,430 ratings)
$78.99at GazelleChecked 51 min ago
See all prices and details
Visit Gazelle
Pros
  • Newer A10 Fusion chip
  • Lighter software burden from a later release
  • Simple, durable aluminum body
  • Widely available in 32GB and 128GB
Cons
  • Reflective, non-laminated screen
  • Only two speakers
  • No Smart Connector or Pencil support
  • Front camera is low resolution
Apple
Apple iPad Pro 9.7

Apple iPad Pro 9.7

4.8(3,200 ratings)
$117.00at Back MarketChecked Nov 11
See all prices and details
Visit Back Market
Pros
  • Laminated anti-reflective display with wide color
  • Four-speaker audio
  • Smart Connector and Apple Pencil support
  • Better cameras, including 4K video
Cons
  • Older A9X chip
  • Released in 2016, so software support ends sooner
  • Many units sold are pre-owned or refurbished
  • Condition varies widely between units

What separates them

Apple iPad (6th generation)Apple iPad Pro 9.7
ChipA10 Fusion, newer generationA9X with M9 coprocessor, older but wider
Display9.7-inch Retina, not laminated, more reflective9.7-inch Retina, fully laminated, anti-reflective coating, wide color
SpeakersTwo speakersFour speakers
AccessoriesBluetooth keyboards only, no Smart ConnectorSmart Connector for Apple Smart Keyboard and Pencil support
Cameras8MP rear, 1.2MP front12MP rear with 4K video, 5MP front
Weight and thicknessAbout 1 lb, 7.5 mmAbout 0.96 lb, 6.1 mm
Owner rating4.4 out of 54.8 out of 5
Age and software2018 release, newer iOS support window2016 release, older iOS support window

Price history

$132.24$79.55
Oct 30Nov 14
  • Apple iPad Pro 9.7: lowest $79.55 on Nov 11 at Mac of All Trades; $79.55 on Nov 14.

Prices at every store

Apple iPad (6th generation)

  • GazelleNew

    In stock

    $78.99Checked 51 min ago
    Visit Gazelle
Prices and history →

Apple iPad Pro 9.7

  • Back MarketRefurbished

    In stock

    $117.00Checked Nov 11
    Visit Back Market
  • PoshmarkPre-owned

    In stock

    $300.00Checked Nov 11
    Visit Poshmark

Also available at

  • AmazonCheck price at Amazon
  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart
  • Price WhackCheck price at Price Whack

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All 2 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecApple iPad (6th generation)Apple iPad Pro 9.7
Display resolution2048-by-1536-pixel resolution at 264 ppi2048 x 1536
Storage capacity32GB—
Display size9.7-inch (diagonal)—
ChipA10 Fusion chip with 64-bit architecture—
Rear camera8-megapixel camera—
Front camera1.2-megapixel photos—
Video recording1080p HD video recording—
Wi-FiWi‑Fi (802.11a/b/g/n/ac); dual band (2.4GHz and…—
BluetoothBluetooth 4.2 technology—
Height9.4 inches (240 mm)—
Width6.6 inches (169.5 mm)—
Depth0.29 inch (7.5 mm)—
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecApple iPad (6th generation)Apple iPad Pro 9.7
Main Storage—Flash
OS Version—iOS 9
Battery Life—10 h
Battery Capacity—7306 mAh
Battery Run Time—10 hrs
Battery Type—Rechargeable Lithium-Polymer
Processor Brand—Apple
Graphics Memory—Not Applicable
Number Of Processor Cores—Dual Core
Integrated GPU

What reviewers say

Apple iPad (6th generation)

  • 4.4 / 54,430 ratings

Ratings are strong overall, and buyers mostly describe units that work out of the box and match the listing. The complaints come from used units: heavy scratches, a bent frame, or a device that would not power on.

What people mention
  • ConditionMixedMany buyers get units that look and work like new, while others report scratches and dents beyond what was described.
  • BuildMixedThe aluminum body feels solid, but some units arrived bent or curved out of the box.
  • ReliabilityMixedMost tablets boot and run fine, though a few arrived dead and would not power on.
  • PerformancePraisedThe A10 chip is described as fast enough for daily apps, video and browsing.

Apple iPad Pro 9.7

  • 4.8 / 53,200 ratings

Owners rate it highly, at 4.8 out of 5 from 3,200 ratings, and most praise the screen, speakers and everyday speed. Complaints center on age: the old OS, the Lightning port and battery wear on used units.

What people mention
  • DisplayPraisedOwners call the 9.7-inch Retina screen sharp and bright for reading and video.
  • PerformancePraisedThe A9X chip handles browsing, streaming and light apps without lag.
  • SoftwareCriticisedBuyers complain it is stuck on an old iOS and misses current apps and updates.
  • Battery

Questions and answers

Which is better for watching video?
The iPad Pro 9.7. Its four speakers and laminated, anti-reflective screen make movies and shows look and sound better than the 6th-gen iPad's two speakers and more reflective panel.
Which has the faster chip?
The 6th-gen iPad's A10 Fusion is a newer generation than the Pro 9.7's A9X. In day-to-day apps the gap is small, but the A10 tends to hold up better on newer software.
Which lasts longer?
The 6th-gen iPad, mainly because it shipped two years later and gets software updates for longer. Battery health on either depends on the individual used unit.
Is the iPad Pro 9.7 worth stepping up to?
Yes if you care about the screen, speakers, Pencil or keyboard. If you just want a basic tablet for browsing and streaming, the 6th-gen iPad covers it.
Can I use an Apple Pencil on either?
Only on the iPad Pro 9.7, which supports the first-generation Apple Pencil. The 6th-gen iPad does not support any Apple Pencil.
What should I check on a used unit?
Check for a bent or curved chassis, screen delamination or dead spots, battery health, and that it powers on and charges. Buy from a seller with a clear return policy.

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Buying guides that pick them

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  • Best iPads under $150
—
Yes
Highlighted Performance Features—Refurbished
Processor Chipset—A9 series
Processor Chipset Features—64-bit architecture
64-Bit Computing—Yes
Ports And Interfaces—Lightning Connector
Wireless Communications—Wi-Fi
Cellular Technology—4G
Network Interface—Wireless
Cellular Protocols—GSM, DC-HSDPA, Edge, HSPA, HSPA+
Navigation Receiver—GLONASS, Assisted GPS (A-GPS)
Wireless Display Technology—AirPlay
Input Type—Touch Screen
Backlit Input—Backlight
Input Features—Multi-Touch
Operating System—iOS
Color—Silver, Space Gray, Gold, Rose Gold
Language / Region—English
Network Connectivity—4G
Mixed
New units lasted about 10 hours, but used ones often show wear.