Apple released two 10.9-inch iPads in 2022 with very different audiences. The iPad Air, which launched earlier this year, is a higher-end device, while the 10th-generation iPad is entry-level. Here’s how they compare.
New iPad vs iPad Air 5: Specs
Despite having a similar exterior design, they are very different tablets. The main differences are the chipset, display lamination, FaceTime camera placement, Smart Connector placement, and Apple Pencil support. These differences explain exactly where each iPad fits in the lineup and its intended use case.
New iPad vs iPad Air 5: Design
At first glance, the 10.9-inch iPad and iPad Air 5 are almost indistinguishable apart from color. They have almost the same size and design. However, the 10th-generation iPad is unknowingly thicker and heavier. The iPad measures 9.79 inches long, 7.07 inches wide and 0.28 inches thick. Those dimensions are slightly larger than the iPad Air, which measures 9.74 inches long, 7.02 inches wide, and 0.24 inches thick. The iPad is also 1.05 pounds heavier. iPad Air weighs 1.02 pounds.
The entry-level iPad was the final product in Apple’s line of tablets that required a flat redesign. So far, it has followed the original iPad design, with a Home button on the front and tapered edges. Design changes also bring a wider color palette. Bright blues, pinks, yellows and silvers stand out against the muted colors of the iPad Air 5.
New iPad vs iPad Air 5: Display
The iPad‘s display panel is the same as the iPad Air 5, with a few important exceptions. The display is not laminated and only supports the sRGB color spectrum. Both have 10.9-inch panels at 2360p x 1640p and 264ppi. They can hit 500 nits at peak brightness.
Laminated displays, like those in the iPad Air 5, bring content closer to the surface of the display glass. Works best when using the Apple Pencil as it makes writing or drawing feel more natural.
New iPad and iPad Air 5: Processor
The biggest difference between the iPad and iPad Air 5 is the processor. The M1 is a processor built for Macs released in 2020. It was later introduced in the iPad Pro and gradually trickled down to the iPad Air in 2022. The A14 Bionic also debuted in 2020, but in the iPhone 12. The 10th generation iPad uses the standard iPhone 12 variant with 4GB of RAM. The iPad Air 5 has twice as much RAM as 8GB, 16 billion transistors versus 11.8 billion, an 8-core GPU versus 4 cores, and an 8-core CPU versus 6 cores.
While there is no media engine in the M1, media processing for H.264 and HEVC encoding/decoding will also be accelerated on the M1 compared to the A14 Bionic. This is another boon for artists.
New iPad vs iPad Air 5: Cameras
The iPad comes with an upgraded 12-megapixel rear camera, the same one found on the iPad Air. It has an f/1.8 aperture and can record 4K at various frequencies from 24fps to 60fps. Apple has moved it from the short side of the tablet to the long side. The front-facing camera is the same as the iPad Air, and both support Center Stage. However, the new position is more suitable for use with landscape keyboard cases.
New iPad vs iPad Air 5: Connectivity and Battery
The 10.9-inch iPad is the latest iPad to use USB-C instead of Lightning. Despite the redesign, battery life hasn’t changed. Both the iPad Air and the 10.9-inch iPad offer approximately 10 hours of battery life during regular use. Wireless functionality is similar. Both models have Wi-Fi 6, and the cellular option uses 5G.
The newer 10.9-inch iPad uses Bluetooth 5.2, while the iPad Air uses Bluetooth 5.0. This shouldn’t affect users too much in 2022, as Apple has yet to offer any exclusive features associated with the newer Bluetooth versions.
New iPad and iPad Air 5: Smart Connectors
The Smart Connector is used on the iPad Air and the 10.9-inch iPad, but in different locations. This means that despite being nearly identical in size, these products have slightly different accessory compatibility.
The Magic Keyboard relies on the Smart Connector on the back, so the iPad Air is the only pair that can use it. However, both iPads have magnets in the back case that should allow other magnetic iPad holders and folios to attach to either device.
New iPad vs iPad Air 5: Prices
Although the 10.9-inch iPad is technically a replacement for the 10.2-inch iPad, it’s priced differently. Apple still sells the 10.2-inch iPad for $329, while the new 10.9-inch iPad is $449. Above is the $599 iPad Air 5, then the $799 iPad Pro.
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