Over the years, Apple has been largely characterized by updating its products by adding unique features depending on the generation. Therefore, in this post we invite you to know the difference between ipad and ipad air in their new versions.
Although it seems that we are talking about the same equipment, there are notable differences between these tablets that will surely make you consider which ipad to buy.
To begin with, more than 10 years ago the iPad was born as one of the most complete tablets on the market, its initial features were revolutionary at the time of its launch. Over the years, new versions have been developed, giving way to the Air line and the Pro line.
However, the latest Apple iPad models were released in 2022first the fifth generation iPad Air and then the tenth generation iPad, which hit the market near the end of the year.
The appearance of these teams, which some users mistakenly have considered “equal”brings us here to compare them and help you decide which iPad to buy according to your needs.
General characteristics
Before talking about the essential differences, we leave you this summary table where you can compare all aspects relevant to both teams.
Characteristics |
iPad 10th generation | iPad Air 5 |
Colors | -Yellow -Pink -Silver -Blue |
-Space gray -Star white -Pink -Purple -Blue |
Dimensions | -Height: 24.86 cm -Width: 7″ -Thickness: 0.70 cm |
-Height: 24.76 cm -Width: 7″ -Thickness: 0.61cm |
Weight | -WiFi version: 477 grams -WiFi + Cellular version: 481 grams |
-WiFi version: 461 grams -WiFi + Cellular version: 462 grams |
Screen | 10.9-inch Liquid Retina (IPS) | 10.9-inch Liquid Retina (IPS) |
Resolution | 2,360 x 1,640 at 264 pixels per inch | 2,360 x 1,640 at 264 pixels per inch |
Glow | Up to 500 nits (typical) | Up to 500 nits (typical) |
refresh rate | 60hz | 60hz |
Speakers | 2 stereo speakers | 2 stereo speakers |
Processor | A14 Bionic | M1 |
Storage capacity | -64GB -256GB |
-64GB -256GB |
RAM | 4GB | 8GB |
Frontal camera | 12 Mpx ultra-wide-angle lens with f/2.4 aperture | 12 Mpx ultra-wide-angle lens with f/2.4 aperture |
rear cameras | 12 Mpx wide angle with f/1.8 aperture | 12 Mpx wide angle with f/1.8 aperture |
connectors | -USB-C -Smart Connector |
-USB-C -Smart Connector |
Biometric systems | Touch ID | Touch ID |
SIM card | In WiFi + Cellular version: Nano SIM and eSIM | In WiFi + Cellular version: Nano SIM and eSIM |
Connectivity in all versions | -Wifi (802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax); 2.4 and 5GHz; simultaneous dual band; speeds up to 1.2 Gb/s -MIME -Bluetooth 5.0 |
-Wifi (802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax); 2.4 and 5GHz; simultaneous dual band; speeds up to 1.2 Gb/s -MIME -Bluetooth 5.0 |
Connectivity in WiFi + Cellular versions | -GSM/EDGE -UMTS/HSPA/HSPA+/DC‑HSDPA -LTE Gigabit (up to 30 bands) -GPS/GNSS integrated -Calls via Wi-Fi |
-GSM/EDGE -UMTS/HSPA/HSPA+/DC‑HSDPA -5G (sub-6GHz) -Gigabit LTE (up to 32 bands) -GPS/GNSS integrated -Calls via Wi-Fi |
Official Accessories Compatibility | -Magic Keyboard Folio -Smart Keyboard -Apple Pencil (1st gen) |
-Smart Keyboard Folio -Magic Keyboard -Apple Pencil (2nd gen.) |
Learn about the notable differences between the iPad 10 and the iPad Air 5
It is established that there are similar qualities between the iPad 10 and the iPad Air 5, but the starting point to know which one best suits your needs, is in the small details that we will see next.
Screen
At 10.9″ both devices offer excellent viewing space, but the color quality is undeniably better on the iPad 10. This is due to its P3 Color Gamut, an important detail if you need it to edit photos or draw.
Power
It’s clear that Apple teams have always competed for their chips, which, in each version, are better. For this comparison, the winner would be the iPad Air 5as it has an M1 chip, well above the one integrated in the iPad 10. This will allow you greater performance in terms of the applications you use.
Accessories
In case the Apple pencil is a priority for you, the iPad Air 5 will be a better option, since the design of the second generation Apple pencil is compatible with this equipment. In contrast, the iPad 10 has included compatibility with the Magic Keybord Folio, which gives the opportunity to use it as a small computer.
Data Transfer Rate
Although they share the USB C port, something innovative in the iPad line, the iPad Air has a speed up to 10 GB per secondan important difference when compared to the 480 MB that the iPad 10 has.
What is the best purchase option?
As you can see, comparing photos on the internet is not useful to understand the difference between iPad and iPad Air, because there is much more than just the exterior design.
Consequently, we cannot deny that this will be a very personal decision depending on your needs, you will go for the iPad Air 5 if you are looking for an experience closer to that of the iPad Pro. But, if you do not want to invest much and just want a good equipment, the iPad 10 will be very useful for you.
Keep in mind that each team adapts to a quite specific publicwith the iPad Air 5 being a better companion for designers, while the iPad 10 is more associated with home use or less complex tasks.
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