The 10.2-inch 9th generation iPad is the cheapest entry-level iPad till now, which offers a great balance between performance and affordability.

One of the most vexing issues when buying an iPad 9th gen is how to choose the right storage capacity.

The Apple iPad 9th Gen is available in 2 storage options: 64GB and 256GB, But the price difference is as much as $100.

Are you a student on a budget and wondering whether a 64GB iPad is good enough to meet your note taking needs? or will it fall short of memory?

Your concerns are justified, once you pick a storage option you’re stuck with that configuration, you can’t upgrade it or swap out your iPad’s hard drive, so it’s important to have all the facts.

Don’t worry! let’s explore the storage capacity of a 64GB iPad and determine if it can handle the demands of a student lifestyle.

Whether you’re taking notes, downloading textbooks, or multitasking with various apps, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in!

Is ipad 9th gen 64gb good for note taking?

Yes, for just text and handwriting note taking iPad 9th Gen 64GB is more than enough, especially when you manage your storage well.

In storage space, 1GB=1000MB, Usually under 10MB per note. Additionally, most note taking apps, like Goodnotes, consume 1.4GB or slightly more data themselves.

Not to mention most ipad note taking apps such as Apple Notes, MS OneNote, Noteability and GoodNotes can and will use cloud storage instead of actual iPad hd space for saving notes.

If you are a student, your iPad will be used mainly for research, note-taking, online classes, and possibly certain educational apps.

64GB is normally plenty for these kinds of uses, even if you want to save a lot of documents, lecture notes, and textbooks.

High definition Videos (2-4 GB or more for one) and some game apps (5GB to 10GB or More) can take up a ton of storage, but text-heavy ebooks and notes don’t.

And you could always transfer files to other devices or cloud storage and delete apps you dont really need if you run out.

In term of performance, The size is decent, with its 10.2” screen and 2160×1620-pixel resolution, True Tone is also supported.

This iPad works with the Apple Pencil for note taking (although it’s the first-gen Pencil) and with keyboard cases (although not the Magic Keyboard). Works well.

The iPad’s A13 Bionic chip is more than powerful enough to support note taking and drawing apps, like Goodnotes or Procreate.

You’ll surprise find this iPad more than up to the task for everything from taking notes, streaming videos, reading, and acting as a second screen.

Keep in mind that you’ll still need to plug the USB-C Apple Pencil into the iPad to charge it. The form factor and design with home button feels stale and outdate, while the screen is non-laminated.

However, ipad 9th gen is not such a bad pick if you have limited needs and budget. It’s cheapest ipad on Amazon right now! Only $250.

I have a ipad 9th gen 64gb model, and I use it daily for note taking, drawing, and basic reading, streaming and browsing with no compromise.

Slap a paperlike screen protector (or cheaper generic equivalent), it makes the screen have the texture and resistance more like paper. It’s much easier than sliding a pen around on the glass screen.

As long as I’m conscious of offloading bloated procreate files and backing them up elsewhere once or twice a year, it suits my needs. Everything else just hums along nicely. I’ve even got a handful of games.

The only issue I’ve come across is video editing. If that’s a major part of your workflow, space becomes an issue very quickly.

Can I use external or cloud storage to save storage space on my iPad?

Yes, using external SSD drives connected via USB-C or cloud storage subscriptions (iCloud Drive, Google Drive, OneDrive, etc.) can help mitigate limited onboard storage.

However, apps must remain installed on the iPad itself, and managing storage across multiple locations complicates workflow. So external storage works best for files rather than core app functionality.

How to Clear Storage Space on my 64GB iPad?

You have a few options to free up storage space if you find your 64GB iPad 9th gen is filling up over time.

Offloading unused apps: Removing apps that are rarely used can free up significant storage space.

Transfer unnecessary files to other place: Periodically reviewing and Transfering old or unnecessary files to a laptop or cloud storage can help free up storage space.

Using streaming services: Opting for streaming services instead of downloading large media files can save storage space. Delete downloads you’ve watched/listened to already.

Clear the cache: Also be diligent about deleting text messages, emails, App and browser cache that accumulate.

Is iPad 9th gen 64GB Enough for Drawing & Digital Art?

Casual doodling and basic drawing apps will be perfectly comfortable within a 64GB iPad’s capacity.

But budding artists ready to create elaborate digital masterpieces via Procreate, Affinity Designer and other sophisticated tools may need more elbow room.

Work within device storage limits by regularly cleaning app cache and archiving finished pieces externally that you want to keep.

How many apps can I install on a 64GB iPad 9th gen?

Out of 64 GB at least 10-15 GB will be system storage and take around 4 GB for other apps ,so you will have 45 GB storage remaining.

While app file sizes vary greatly, If you think you will download a bunch of apps, assume each one will be 500mb or bigger.

So a rough guideline is you can install around 90 average-sized apps on a 64GB iPad while reserving storage room to actually use the apps and capture some media.

Larger apps like many games or pro tools will reduce your total number of installs accordingly.

Which iPad is best for note taking besides the ipad 9th gen?

If note taking is main thing for you then go with cheap ipad 10 base model, portable ipad mini 6, or go with affordable ipad air 6 m2 11″, besides ipad 9th gen.

1. iPad 10th gen

Features an A14 Bionic chip and a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display.

The basic model still has limited 64GB storage, only support apple 1st gen pencil, but it comes with an updated all-screen design and 4 colors to choose from.

ipad 10th gen is ideal for users who want a balance between performance and price, with access to modern sleek design.

2. Ipad mini 6

Sure the 8.3-inch screen real estate is less but it’s powerful, portable, compact and perfect for usage with more advanced apple pencil 2.

ipad mini 6 is ideal for users who prioritize portability and want a powerful device in a smaller form factor.

3. Ipad air 6

If you wants a better display, better future-proofing, and more Pencil features, the M2 iPad Air 6 and Apple Pencil Pro aren’t that much more expensive imo.

Powerful M2 chip, supports newest Apple Pencil pro, modern design with a larger screen.

Basic model is 128gb, you don’t have to be worrying about storage, it’s only if you’re using a 64GB that you have to be more responsible for storage management.

Conclusion

ipad 9th gen 64gb feels snappy enough for most things. It’s a great tablet, especially if you compare it to non-Apple alternatives out there.

For light users like students who simply take notes, browse the web, read books, stream music and video, and have just a handful of apps, 64GB should suffice.

But intense media creators, gamers, and professionals may need more room for all their files.

In addition, if you plan to use the ipad for anything else in the future like a year later for something more advanced i would suggest going for a higher 256GB storage variant or other ipads.

Also Read: The Best iPads of 2025 for Sketching, Drawing and Digital Art