Apple just introduced a new 10th-gen iPad and iPad Pro M2, but it's still selling the 9th-gen iPad. Add in the iPad mini and storage sizes and we're in an 'Oops! All iPads” situation where it can behard to know which one to buy.
This confusion is perhaps most pronounced when deciding between the newiPad there 10th Generationand theiPad section. The 10th generation model inherits the physical characteristics of the iPad Air with a larger screen, flat sides and Touch ID on the side button. It's also significantly more expensive than the ninth-generation iPad, bridging the wide price gap between Apple's entry-level and mid-range tablets.
Despite the visual similarities, there are significant differences between them. If you're considering a mid-range iPad, this article might help you decide whether to buy the new 10th-gen iPad or the iPad Air. (If you're considering the 9th-gen iPad, check out ouriPad 9. Generation vs. iPad Airarticle).
iPad 10th Gen vs. iPad Air: Specification Comparison
One of the easiest ways to get an idea of how these tablets differ is to look at their specs side-by-side.
| iPad there 10th Generation | iPad section | |
|---|---|---|
| Preis | $449/£499 | $599 / £699 (was £569) |
| screen size | 10.9 inches | 10.9 inches |
| Dimensions | 9.79 x 7.07 x 0.28 inches | 9.74 x 7.02 x 0.24 inches |
| Weight | 1.05 pounds | 1.02 pounds |
| processor | A14 | M1 |
| storage options | 64 GB / 256 GB | 64 GB / 256 GB |
| Show | Resolution 2360 x 1640, 500 nits, sRGB, True Tone | 2360 x 1640 resolution, 500 nits, P3 color, True Tone, fully laminated |
| Load data | USB-C | USB-C |
| backup camera | 12 MP, ƒ/1,8, Smart HDR 3 | 12 MP, ƒ/1,8, Smart HDR 3 |
| Camera front | 12 MP Ultra-Wide, ƒ/2.4, Center Stage, Querformat | 12 MP ultra wide angle, ƒ/2.4, intermediate |
| battery life | Surf the web or watch videos for up to 10 hours | Surf the web or watch videos for up to 10 hours |
| wireless | Wi-Fi 6, 5G optional (sub-6 GHz), Bluetooth 5.2 | Wi-Fi 6, 5G optional (sub-6 GHz), Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Apple Pencil Technical Support | First generation USB-C adapter | Second generation |
| keyboard support | Magic Keyboard Folio | MagicKeyboard oder SmartKeyboard Folio |
| Colors | Pink, Blue, Yellow, Silver | Blue, Purple, Pink, Starlight, Space Gray |
As you can see, despite their physical similarities, there are some differences, some more significant than others.
10.9-inch iPad (2022)
Price upon verification:$449 (64GB) | $599 (256GB)
The best prices today:$449,00 bei Adorama|$449.00 not Apple|$449.00 and Best Buy
iPad 10. Generation vs. iPad Air: A14 vs. M1
Probably the biggest difference is in the processor. While the iPad Air's M1 processor is based on the same general architecture as the A14, it's much more powerful. It features two more high-performance CPU cores, twice as many GPU cores, more RAM, and media engines to accelerate H.264 and HEVC video encoding.
Of course you don't need any of that. If you use your iPad primarily for web browsing, note-taking, email, social media and the like, the M1 is over the top. If you create a lot of digital artwork in apps with custom brushes or edit videos, you'll probably appreciate the M1's extra power.
It's also worth mentioning that Stage Manager, a new multitasking feature iniPad operating system 16.1, it's only available on newer iPad Pro and iPad Air models with an M-series processor. We're not big fans of the new feature, it requires a lot of work, but when it finally becomes great, it will probably remain unattainable for the 10th generation iPad.
iPad 10. Generation vs. iPad Air: Design
In every respect, the 10th generation iPad and iPad Air share the same design. Standing side by side you will see that the iPad is slightly larger and slightly heavier than the iPad, but you won't notice it either. Both have a consistent design with thin bezels, flat edges, and a Liquid Retina display. Both also come in a variety of colors, although the 10th gen iPad hues are noticeably lighter than the iPad Air hues.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Gießerei
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iPad 10th Gen vs. iPad Air: Display
The screens of the 10th generation iPad and iPad Air are exactly the same size, resolution and brightness. And both support True Tone. So what's different? For one, the color space of the iPad 10th gen is sRGB, while the iPad Air has a wider P3 color space, so colors in photos and some videos can be a bit richer and more vibrant. The screen of the iPad Air is also anti-glare.
More importantly, the iPad Air's screen is laminated and the 10th generation iPad's isn't. A laminated screen eliminated the small gap between the screen and the glass. In our review of the 10th-gen iPad, we found the non-laminated screen to feel cheap and almost tacky compared to the iPad Air's superior screen.
iPad 10. Generation vs. iPad Air: Kamera
Both iPads have identical front and rear cameras with the same resolution (12 MP), aperture (f/1.8) and supported features (Smart HDR 3, panorama, burst mode, etc.). However, the 10th generation iPad has the upper hand here. Where the iPad Air's front camera is on the short side like all other iPads, so up when you're holding your iPad in portrait mode, the 10th gen iPad is the first to place the front camera on the long edge, so it is centered when your iPad is docked or in a keyboard case.
We think this is a great idea and something we've been asking for for years.
iPad 10th Gen vs iPad Air: Connectivity
You'll find nearly identical wireless capabilities on these two iPads. Both support dual-band 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) with a throughput of up to 1.2 Gbps. If you buy the cellular-enabled version, both will support 5G, but only the sub-6GHz bands.
The only real difference is that the 10th generation iPad supports Bluetooth 5.2 while the iPad Air supports Bluetooth 5.0. There is currently no practical difference between them, but Bluetooth 5.2 is required for some technologies, e.gLE-Audio, which could potentially be included in future iPadOS updates.
In other words, there aren't any practical differences in wireless capabilities today, but the 10th-gen iPad is a little more future-proof.
Both models have a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, although they're not exactly the same. The 10th generation iPad connection is limited to USB 2.0 data rates of 480 Mb/s, while the iPad Air is significantly faster at 10 Gbps.
iPad Air (2022)
Price upon verification:$599 (64GB); $749 (256GB)
The best prices today:$599 not Apple|$599.99 and Best Buy|$749 and Walmart
iPad 10th Gen vs iPad Air: Accessories
If you plan on using an Apple Pencil all the time, the choice here is pretty clear. iPad Air is compatible with the second generation stylus, which attaches magnetically to the side of iPad for charging, more convenient to use.
The 10th gen iPad uses the 1st gen stylus, which is smooth and rounded so it never sits still, has a small cap on the back to cover the Lightning connector (which people often miss), and a Lightning -to-USB requires -C dongle and charging cable. Despite the identical specs, the second-gen stylus is a much better experience overall.
These two iPads also use different keyboard and cover accessories despite their similarity in physical size. The iPad Air supports more or less the same keyboards as the 11-inch iPad Pro: Magic Keyboard and SmartKeyboard Folio. The 10th-gen iPad, on the other hand, is only compatible with a new $249 Magic Keyboard Folio (yes, Apple's growing keyboard lineup has confusing names). It has a full-size keyboard with one row of functions, as well as a larger trackpad than the Magic Keyboard. But the Magic Keyboard Folio is slightly thinner than the Magic Keyboard, adding a whopping 60 percent to the cost.
iPad 10th Gen vs. iPad Air: Which is the Smarter Buy?
Starting at $449, the iPad 10th Gen seems like a better buy for casual users than the $599 iPad Air. It has the same core features, cameras, and more than enough power for casual daily tasks. In fact, you could get the 256GB model for the same price as the 64GB iPad Air.
However, the iPad Air often retails for $520 or less, which is less than $100 more than the 10th-gen iPad. For this price it is highly recommended. If you're a digital artist or content creator, you'll likely appreciate the areas where the iPad Air has an advantage. The second generation Apple Pencil is much more pleasant to use, and the M1 processor shows its advantages in demanding applications such as ProCreate, Affinity Designer or LumaFusion. Content creators will also likely appreciate the P3 color space for the display.
If you're on a tight budget, the iPad 10th gen is a great choice, but no one will regret buying the iPad Air.
Read our separate guide for more decision supportwhich ipad to buyand be sure to check out our summaries of theThe best iPad dealsjbest ipad air deals.
FAQs
What is the difference between iPad Air and iPad 10 generation? ›
Differences. The main difference between the devices is their chips and amount of memory, so if you plan on using your iPad for more demanding tasks like 3D graphic design, advanced photo editing, and gaming, the iPad Air will be the better choice by far.
How can you tell difference between iPad and iPad Air? ›Design, display, and cameras
The 2022 iPad's display bezel is ever-so-slightly thicker than the iPad Air's, and the iPad is also a smidge heavier, too. It's only noticeable if you're comparing both models side-by-side, like I am, but the difference isn't significant enough to sway your decision.
The Apple iPad (10th generation) runs on the A14 Bionic chip, which offers a 6-core CPU and a 4-core GPU. There's a 16-core Neural Engine on board too. The iPad Air meanwhile, runs on the M1 chip, which offers an 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU. It has a 16-core Neural Engine too, but there's 8GB of RAM on board as well.
What is the difference between iPad Air 5 and iPad 10? ›The main difference between the iPad 10 and iPad Air 5 is the processor. While the new iPad (10th generation) uses a capable Apple A14 Bionic chip, the iPad Air (5th generation) is powered by the M1 chip, which is the second-most powerful chipset on tablets today. The other major difference is in the price.
Is iPad 10th gen worth it? ›The 10th-generation iPad is a complete redesign from last year's model. It has a bigger display, faster processor, a USB-C port, and it's better for video calls. But it's $120 more expensive than previous entry-level iPads, making it hard to recommend.
Is the iPad air 5th gen the same size as the iPad 10th gen? ›Both of these iPads have 10.9-inch Liquid Retina LED displays. They have the exact same resolution (2360 x 1640), pixel density (264 ppi), and brightness (500 nits).
What is the advantage of iPad Air? ›Use multiple apps at once and work between them.
Multitasking with iPad is more intuitive and powerful than ever. Work seamlessly across apps. Use Slide Over or Split View to work with multiple apps at the same time, and even drag and drop content between apps with touch or a trackpad.
The iPad Air has a 10.9-inch screen
On paper, the Air is the better device. It offers more impressive specifications, including a faster processor. On the other hand, the standard iPad is cheaper – by quite a margin – and still delivers an excellent experience.
The size and weight are both comfortable for tablet tasks, including sitting on the couch and reading articles or books or taking notes with the Apple Pencil, as I like to do. It's not quite as easy to one-hand as the 8.3-inch iPad Mini, but the tradeoff is you get considerably more screen real estate.
Which iPad GEN is better? ›Best for Most People
Yes, there's a new entry-level iPad in town, but we still think the ninth-generation iPad (8/10, WIRED Recommends) from 2021 is the best iPad for most people.
Why is iPad Pro better then iPad Air? ›
The iPad Pro beats the iPad Air on pretty much every front. It's bigger, more powerful, thanks to its M2 chip, compared to the Air's M1, and represents the best iPad in the current lineup. However, it is more expensive — while the Air starts at $599, the Pro starts at $799, and that's for the 11-inch model.
What does the iPad Pro do better than iPad Air? ›The iPad Pro line has a faster refresh rate of up to 120Hz (called ProMotion), a higher max brightness level, and the larger iPad Pro uses mini-LED technology for a better picture, which Apple calls a Liquid Retina XDR display.
How old is 10th gen iPad? ›| The back of an iPad (10th generation) in Pink | |
|---|---|
| Type | Tablet computer |
| Generation | 10th |
| Release date | October 26, 2022 |
| Introductory price | Wi-Fi: $449 Wi-Fi + Cellular: $599 |
The iPad Air (5th generation) is a mild upgrade over its previous generation, but remains uncontested as the best sub-flagship tablet you can buy. If you're rocking any pre-2020 iPad and don't want to go Pro, this is the one to get.
Is iPad 10.2 worth it? ›But the $330, 10.2-inch Apple iPad (9th generation) offers the best balance of price and performance, and it can do most of the things that the more expensive iPad Pro can do—such as pair with a Smart Keyboard or Apple Pencil—even though it's smaller and its screen isn't as good.
Can you use Apple Pencil with iPad 10th gen? ›You can use Apple Pencil (1st generation) with these iPad models: iPad mini (5th generation) iPad (6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th generation) iPad (10th generation)*
How long does the battery last on iPad 10th gen? ›In the real world, the new iPad's battery life is more reasonable. It does dip quickly if you turn up the screen brightness and rely heavily on cellular data, but even then, most users should get around six to seven hours of non-stop use easily.
What is new on 10th-gen iPad? ›Apple is back with a new iPad, the 10th-generation model, which boasts symmetrical bezels, a larger 10.9-inch display, Magic Keyboard Folio support, and the latest software version, iPadOS 16.1. But unlike previous standard iPads, it now costs $449.
Is 10th gen better than 5th gen? ›The latest iPad (10th generation) comes with an A14 Bionic chipset with a 6-core CPU and a 4-core GPU, while the iPad Air (5th generation) features the much more powerful Apple's M1 silicon, which has an 8-core CPU and an 8-core GPU. Hence, the latter is better at video editing or gaming tasks.
What iPad is the same size as iPad Air? ›Apple's new iPad launched on Tuesday. The tablet has a new design and a 10.9-inch display that makes it quite similar to the 10.9-inch iPad Air, which launched in March 2022. The new iPad comes with either 64GB or 256GB memory, just like the iPad Air. The two devices have roughly the same cameras, both front and back.
Is 64GB enough for an iPad? ›
iPad storage: size Apps and games
If you don't have a ton of apps or games on your iPad, 64GB will work just fine. If you have a fair number of apps and games, consider 128GB or 256GB. If you plan to do any graphics-heavy design work, get a 512GB or even more capacious model.
- Still no Face ID.
- Selfie camera could be better.
- No rear camera flash.
- No 120Hz or OLED screen.
- Screen only medium brightness.
- Lacks the extra rear cameras and lidar of the iPad Pro.
- The Magic Keyboard is still pricey.
- Only step-up storage option is a big jump, $749 for 256GB.
Despite costing significantly less than the $799 11-inch iPad Pro and $1,099 12.9-inch model, the $599 iPad Air is still very much a high-end tablet, and demanding users will be satisfied with its balance of price, performance, and feature-set.
Is it worth getting iPad Air now? ›You should buy the iPad Air 5 (2022) if you're looking to upgrade to the Apple M1 chip, you want a better front camera and FaceTime experience, or you want to upgrade to a 5G iPad. You should get the iPad Air 4 (2020) if the price comes before anything else.
Why is it called iPad Air? ›When Apple released the iPad Air, the change in name from simply "iPad" to "iPad Air" signified a change in philosophy at Apple, which was to break the iPad lineup into models with different size and power capabilities. Those models are the iPad, iPad Air, iPad Mini, and iPad Pro.
How long do iPads last? ›How Many Years Should an iPad Last? Apple usually supports a new iPad with iPadOS updates for at least five years and often several years longer. Most iPad models hold up well in performance, features, and storage over this timeframe which means that five years is a standard lifespan for any iPad.
Is iPad Pro or iPad Air better for school? ›We highly recommend the iPad Air for students who need premium performance and best iPad you can buy without the Pro name. To find out more details, read our full iPad Air (2022) review. Get the best deal on a new iPad Air.
Is the iPad Air discontinued? ›Announced in March 2022, the iPad Air is now among the older iPads in Apple's lineup and it is likely midway through its product cycle. Apple does not seem to update the iPad Air regularly, leaving up to two and a half years between upgrades, and there are no immediate signs of a new model at the moment.
How long do iPad Air batteries last? ›When it's fully charged, the battery life of an iPad can last up to 10 hours. Whether it lasts for 4 or 10 hours, though, depends on several factors.
Can I run Microsoft Office on an iPad Air? ›Yes, but it will require a Microsoft 365 subscription for full functionality.
Which is better 9th gen or 10th gen? ›
The Apple iPad (10th generation) runs on the A14 Bionic chip, while the iPad (9th generation) runs on the A13 Bionic chip so you get a performance upgrade with the newer model.
Will there be a new iPad Air in 2023? ›2023 appears to be shaping up to be a quiet year for iPad hardware refreshes, and while it is possible we could see some new models, the current picture suggests that new iPads this year are unlikely on the whole.
How old should an iPad be? ›iPads generally have a lifespan of about 5 years. Keep your software as up-to-date as possible. Plan to replace your tablet every 3 years. Reference Table 1 below to determine if your iPad is still supported.
Is 128 GB enough for an iPad? ›It, of course, depends on what you want to store on it. 128gb would be enough for most people, but if you are going to keep a to. Of music or photos or big format games on the hard drive of your iPad, it may not be enough. These days, however, you can keep your music and photos on the cloud mostly, so 128 should work.
Can the iPad Air replace a laptop? ›Apple's sleek gizmo is no slouch after all. The all-encompassing question, however, is if the iPad Air can be a worthy complete replacement for laptops. Personally, I find the 2022 iPad Air to be superbly efficient and the tablet ticks all the right boxes for me.
Does iPad Air come with pencil? ›Apple Pencil (2nd generation), available for purchase separately, is compatible with the new iPad Air for $129 (US).
What does an iPad Pro do that an iPad Air doesn t? ›They both offer USB-C charging, while Pro also supports Thunderbolt/USB 4 charging. iPad Air comes with 6-cores CPU and 4-cores GPU, while Pro has an 8-core CPU and GPU. Needless to say, this makes iPad Pro faster than iPad Air. However, a Hexa-core CPU is good even for gamers.
Why are iPad pros better? ›The iPad Pros' two major improvements are the M2 chip and the Apple Pencil experience. New iPad models often get camera upgrades, or an increase in the screen's brightness, but this year's models didn't. This year's entry-level iPad has a new placement of the front-facing camera.
Can you draw on iPad Air? ›Use the Notes app to draw a sketch or jot a handwritten note with Apple Pencil (on supported models) or your finger. You can choose from a variety of Markup tools and colors and draw straight lines with the ruler.
Does iPad 10th gen have face ID? ›The iPad 10 supports Touch ID, not Face ID
Apple's iPad 10 now looks like the other recent iPads with its edge-to-edge display. Despite that, this model doesn't actually support Face ID. As of 2022, Apple only includes the TrueDepth camera on Pro models in the iPad department.
What age is an iPad Air? ›
It was announced on October 22, 2013, and was released on November 1, 2013. Part of the iPad line of tablet computers, the iPad Air features a thinner design than its predecessors, with similarities to the contemporaneous iPad Mini 2. Apple Inc.
How old was the iPad Air? ›Apple launched the original iPad Air in October 2013. Model numbers from this group include A1474, A1475, A1476. When year did the iPad Air 2 come out? Apple introduced the iPad Air 2 in October 2014.
Why does my iPad Air 5 get so hot? ›Overheating can be a sign that your tablet or phone is working too hard. Often, you can cure this simply by performing a power cycle. Switch it off completely, then turn it back on. For example on an iPhone or iPad, hold the power button down until you see the Slide to power off message.
Is 64GB enough storage for iPad Air 5? ›If you are a photographer and want to edit and store your photos on an iPad – 64GB won't be enough. On the other hand, if you want to have a few apps, a few games, occasionally download a movie and watch some TV shows on your iPad, take notes, and share notes – 64GB is enough.
How long can iPad Air 5 battery last? ›Apple promises around 10 hours of battery life when using the iPad Air 5th Gen for tasks such as browsing the internet on Wi‑Fi or watching video.
What is difference between iPad 10.2 and iPad Air? ›The 10.2" iPad has a traditional design which means it has bezels and the Touch ID or Home button is on the front. The iPad Air has an all-screen design. The bezels are smaller, the screen takes up more space, and fingerprint unlocking is done via the lock button on the side, which is square.
Is there a big difference between iPad and iPad Air? ›5th-Generation iPad Air (2022)
The main difference between the devices is their chips and amount of memory, so if you plan on using your iPad for more demanding tasks like 3D graphic design, advanced photo editing, and gaming, the iPad Air will be the better choice by far.
An iPad with 64GB storage or less is suitable if you want to browse the internet, check your email, Facetime, or watch series. It's enough storage capacity to download apps and play some games.
What year is iPad 10th generation? ›The iPad 10.9-inch (officially iPad (10th generation), unofficially known as the iPad 10) is a tablet computer developed and marketed by Apple Inc. as the successor to the ninth-generation iPad. It was announced on October 18, 2022, and was released on October 26, 2022.
What is the difference between iPad Air and iPad 9th gen? ›The iPad (2021) comes with an 8MP, F/2.4 Wide camera on the rear, which can employ HDR for photos and capture video up to 1080p at 30fps. It's a bit better on the Air, which has a 12MP, f/1.8 Wide camera that has Smart HDR 3 and can go all the way up to 4K at 60fps.
Which features do customers get with iPad 10th generation? ›
Key new features for the 10th-generation iPad include a larger 10.9-inch display with slimmer bezels, flat edges, the A14 Bionic chip, a USB-C port, a Touch ID power button, a landscape-positioned FaceTime camera, 5G support on cellular models, Wi-Fi 6, and a new two-piece Magic Keyboard Folio accessory with a row of ...
What's new in iPad 10th generation? ›The latest entry-level iPad replaces the 8MP camera on the old one with a new 12MP f/1.8 camera, having support for Smart HDR 3. Also, the iPad (10th generation) supports both 4K and 1080P video recording at up to 60fps.
Is iPad Air worth it over iPad 9th gen? ›iPad Air 5 vs iPad 9: Which Apple tablet should you buy? In the iPad Air 5 (2022) vs iPad 9 (2021) battle, the former wins every single round. The latter's only advantage is its price tag. If you're on a low budget or don't want to spend a lot on a tablet, it makes a good media consumption device.
Why is the iPad Pro better than the iPad Air? ›The iPad Pro beats the iPad Air on pretty much every front. It's bigger, more powerful, thanks to its M2 chip, compared to the Air's M1, and represents the best iPad in the current lineup. However, it is more expensive — while the Air starts at $599, the Pro starts at $799, and that's for the 11-inch model.
How much faster is the new iPad Air compared with the previous generation? ›It consists of an eight-core CPU split evenly with performance and efficiency cores, an 8-core GPU, and a 16-core "next-generation" Neural Engine. Apple says the 5th-generation iPad Air is up to 60% faster than the previous model thanks to the M1 processor.
How many years should an iPad last? ›We will support iPads that are still being supported by Apple and running iPadOS 14. iPads generally have a lifespan of about 5 years. Keep your software as up-to-date as possible. Plan to replace your tablet every 3 years.
What is the lifespan of a iPad? ›After the manufacturing process, an iPad's life cycle averages 3-5 years. But, other than disassembling the device, another way that non-manufacturer sources can recycle an iPad is by refurbishing it.
Is 128GB enough on iPad? ›128GB: for the collectors
Then 128GB is more than enough for you. You can save about 1280 to 5000 apps. With 128GB, you won't run out of space any time soon. This storage capacity is available on the iPad Mini and iPad 2019 / 2020.