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iPad 9th-Generation A2604 Review: Key Facts on Cellular, Keyboard and Pencil

The 2021 iPad 9th-generation A2604 supports Apple Pencil (1st generation) and Smart Keyboard, but its regional cellular bands, discontinued status and used condition matter when buying.
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The 2021 iPad (9th generation) model A2604 is a 10.2-inch tablet with an A13 Bionic chip, cellular data support and compatibility with Apple Pencil (1st generation) and Apple Smart Keyboard. It is now listed as discontinued by CHOICE, and its public page does not reveal the test scores or reviewer commentary needed for an independent verdict. For a used or refurbished unit, confirm the exact model, carrier compatibility, condition and which accessories are actually included.

What the A2604 configuration includes—and what it does not

A2604 identifies a Wi-Fi + Cellular version of the iPad (9th generation). Apple introduced this generation in 2021 and listed it in 64GB and 256GB capacities. The Smart Keyboard and Apple Pencil (1st generation) are compatible accessories, but Apple’s listed box contents are the iPad, a Lightning to USB-C cable and a 20W USB-C power adapter; the keyboard and Pencil are not listed as included.

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CHOICE’s public page for this exact configuration lists a price of A$1,335, a one-year warranty field and availability as “Discontinued model.” That displayed price is not a verified current asking price. Current stock, refurbishment condition, warranty and total cost depend on the particular offer.

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What are the iPad 9th-generation A2604’s key specifications?

Specification Apple’s listed detail
Display 10.2-inch LED-backlit IPS Multi-Touch display; 2160 × 1620 pixels at 264 ppi; True Tone; 500-nit brightness specification
Processor A13 Bionic with Neural Engine
Storage options 64GB or 256GB
Weight and dimensions 498g; 250.6 × 174.1 × 7.5mm for Wi-Fi + Cellular
Rear and front cameras 8MP rear; 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with 122-degree field of view and Center Stage support
Connections Lightning connector, Smart Connector, headphone jack and SIM tray on cellular versions
Wireless Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 4.2
Cellular-related features Nano-SIM and eSIM support; GPS/GNSS on cellular models

These are Apple’s specifications, not performance measurements from an independent test. The Home button includes Touch ID.

#1 Best Overall

Does the iPad 9th generation support Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard?

Yes. Apple lists support for Apple Pencil (1st generation) and Smart Keyboard. The Smart Connector supports the keyboard attachment. Compatibility does not establish that either accessory comes with a particular sale: check the listing’s contents and the accessory models before paying.

What should you check before buying the A2604 cellular model?

Confirm the carrier and regional fit

A2604 is a regional model, so do not assume it supports every carrier simply because it is a cellular iPad. Apple’s Indonesian specifications list LTE bands 1–8, 11–14, 17–21, 25, 26, 28–30, 34, 38–41 and 66 for this model. Check the exact model number, the bands used where the iPad will operate, and whether the carrier can activate it. Apple describes cellular service as data-only; a separate data plan is required. An imported or refurbished device may not work with a preferred carrier.

Verify condition, capacity and what is in the box

  • Confirm the model is A2604 and whether the storage is 64GB or 256GB.
  • Ask whether the Pencil and Smart Keyboard are included, and verify their condition rather than relying on a product title or photo.
  • Check the iPad’s physical condition, battery condition if the seller can establish it, return terms and warranty.
  • Compare the total current price against the specific condition, included accessories and cellular compatibility—not the historical price displayed on a review page.

How long does the battery last?

Apple claims up to 10 hours of web browsing on Wi-Fi or video playback, and up to 9 hours of web browsing over cellular data. Apple says these figures came from testing in August 2021 using preproduction hardware and software. They are manufacturer test claims, not an independent test result or a guarantee of runtime for a used device; actual battery life depends on use and battery condition.

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What does the public review evidence establish?

CHOICE has a page for the exact reviewed configuration and labels it a discontinued model. Its public record calls it an “iPadOS computer,” shows the A$1,335 price and one-year warranty field, and records a Shop Ethical grade of D. The Expert Rating, recommendation, performance and category scores, measured battery result, charging time and tester comments are member-only. They cannot support a public claim that this configuration earned a particular rating or performed well or poorly in those tests.

Rank #3
Apple 2021 iPad (10.2 inch, Wi-Fi, 64GB) - Space Gray (Renewed Premium)
  • Gorgeous 10.2-inch Retina display with True Tone - A13 Bionic chip with Neural Engine
  • 8MP Wide back camera, 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage
  • Touch ID for secure authentication and Apple Pay - Stereo speakers

Apple’s published specifications establish the hardware and accessory compatibility, but they do not substitute for a current assessment of a second-hand unit. Treat condition and battery health as questions for the seller, and verify local carrier activation before buying.

Quick Recap

SaleBestseller No. 1
Bestseller No. 2
Bestseller No. 3
Apple 2021 iPad (10.2 inch, Wi-Fi, 64GB) - Space Gray (Renewed Premium)
Apple 2021 iPad (10.2 inch, Wi-Fi, 64GB) - Space Gray (Renewed Premium)
Gorgeous 10.2-inch Retina display with True Tone - A13 Bionic chip with Neural Engine; 8MP Wide back camera, 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage
$198.00
Bestseller No. 4
Apple iPad (10.2-inch, Wi-Fi, 32GB) - Silver (Latest Model, 8th Generation) (Renewed)
Apple iPad (10.2-inch, Wi-Fi, 32GB) - Silver (Latest Model, 8th Generation) (Renewed)
Gorgeous 10.2-Inch Retina Display - A12 Bionic Chip with Neural Engine; 8MP Back Camera, 1.2MP FaceTime HD Front Camera - Stereo Speakers
$111.49
SaleBestseller No. 5
Apple iPad 2020 (10.2-inch, Wi-Fi, 32GB) - Space Gray (Renewed)
Apple iPad 2020 (10.2-inch, Wi-Fi, 32GB) - Space Gray (Renewed)
Gorgeous 10.2-Inch Retina Display - A12 Bionic Chip with Neural Engine
$105.00
Best Value
Sale
Apple iPad 2020 (10.2-inch, Wi-Fi, 32GB) - Space Gray (Renewed)
  • Gorgeous 10.2-Inch Retina Display - A12 Bionic Chip with Neural Engine
Rank #4
Apple iPad (10.2-inch, Wi-Fi, 32GB) - Silver (Latest Model, 8th Generation) (Renewed)
  • Gorgeous 10.2-Inch Retina Display - A12 Bionic Chip with Neural Engine
  • 8MP Back Camera, 1.2MP FaceTime HD Front Camera - Stereo Speakers
  • 802.11AC Wi-Fi 5 - Lightning Connector for Charging & More Accessories
  • Up to 10 Hours of Battery Life/Charge - Touch ID Fingerprint Sensor
  • Support for Smart Keyboard and Apple Pencil (1st Generation)

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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