VonRuben Circelli
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Apple's new iPad Air is here, but how does it compare to its predecessor?
Apple's Peek Performance launch event brought the world an update to the iPad Air, but the fourth-generation iPad Air 4 (2020) is already an incredible five-star tablet. Can the new fifth generation iPad Air 5 (2022) improve on such an amazing device?
Read on to learn all the differences between theiPad area 4 (2020)is iniPad area 5 (2022), two tablets that we believe deserve a five-star rating.
iPad Air 5 (2022) vs iPad Air 4 (2020): Price
Pricing for the iPad Air 5 (2022) starts at £569 / $599 / AU$929 for the 64GB model and £729 / $749 / AU$1129 for the 256GB model, broken down into price and size similar to of the iPad Air 4 (2020). ). ). However, the new iPad Air is slightly cheaper than its predecessor in the UK and slightly more expensive in Australia, while prices remain unchanged in the US.
Like the previous model, the new iPad Air 5 is only available in 64GB and 256GB configurations, though you can choose between WiFi-only and WiFi/Cellular connectivity. If you choose mobile, please add £150 / $150 / AU$230 to the total.
Having just 64GB of storage seems less in 2022 than in 2020, and in 2020 it wasn't much. If you plan to store a lot of data on your iPad, you should still go for the 256GB model. The lack of a 128GB model is still disappointing, but it's not the end of the world.
iPad Air 5 (2022) vs iPad Air 4 (2020): features
In terms of design, not much has changed with the iPad Air 5 (2022). While the iPad Air 4 (2020) took aesthetic inspiration from the iPhone 12 range, the iPad Air 5 (2022) took inspiration from the iPhone 13 range, but the devices are virtually identical in terms of size and overall design. The only real physical difference between the two tablets is the iPad Air 5 (2022), which is 3g heavier, which you'll hardly notice.
The display on both iPads measures 10.9 inches and both tablets have the same 2360 x 1640 resolution at 264ppi in terms of pixel density. Both iPad Airs have a maximum brightness of 500 nits and support Apple's True Tone color temperature technology. Neither does the iPad Pro's 120Hz refresh rate. In addition to Dolby Vision, both devices also support standard HDR.
The biggest difference between the two tablets is what's inside. The iPad Air 4 (2020) features an Apple A14 Bionic chip, while the iPad Air 5 (2022) features an Apple M1 chip, the same custom chip used in Apple's latest Macs and iPad Pros.
Apple reports that the new iPad Air is about 60% faster in terms of CPU performance and about twice as fast in terms of GPU performance than the previous model. Those are big gains, but the iPad Air 4 (2020) was already powerful enough for browsing the web, watching movies, and the occasional game. Fortunately, despite these massive improvements in processing power, the iPad Air 5 (2022) still manages a solid 9-10 hour battery life, just like the iPad Air 4 (2020).
The other big update to the iPad Air (2022) over the previous model is the front-facing camera. There's now a 12 MP ultra-wide camera supported center stage by Apple, compared to the 7 MP front-facing camera with no center mount on the iPad Air 4 (2020). A better camera is always a welcome upgrade, but the camera placement on the iPad Air 5 (2022) is a missed opportunity – it can feel like avoiding eye contact on video calls due to the distance to which side the camera is pointing. . .
Finally, the iPad Air 5 (2022) has 5G support and a USB-C port that is twice as fast, and this is where the main differences between the two tablets end.
iPad Air 5 (2022) vs. iPad Air 4 (2020): Image
The screen on the iPad Air 5 (2022) is nearly identical to the iPad Air 4 (2020), so there's not a huge difference in visual quality between the two. They have the same resolution, the same maximum brightness, and support the same display technologies. Although there are minor differences, in theory the experience should be essentially the same.
During our tests of the iPad Air 5 (2022), we found that it produces a slightly brighter, cleaner, and more contrasty image with standard HDR and SDR scenes. Dolby Vision content looked very similar on both tablets.
Apple is known for its displays with vivid, detailed and subtle image quality, and the iPad Air 4 (2020) is even more than a match for the latest version. The iPad Air 5 (2022) offers some minor improvements with standard HDR and SDR image quality, but if you're a current iPad Air 4 owner, we wouldn't rush to upgrade to the latest model.
iPad Air 5 (2022) versus iPad Air 4 (2020): Summary
The speakers on the new iPad Air 5 (2022) are the same as the iPad Air 4 (2020) as far as we know, but that's not a bad thing.
The iPad Air 4 (2020) introduced speakers mounted at each end of the tablet that deliver true stereo sound, a first for the iPad Air line. This resulted in a much wider and more convincing spread of sound. Watching movies, shows, or video content on the iPad Air 4 (2020) was a lot of fun, especially for a tablet the size of the iPad Air.
In our iPad Air 5 (2022) test, we enjoyed the same great listening experience. The iPad Air 5 (2022) has wide, open sound thanks to its true stereo speakers, and watching movies is particularly atmospheric thanks to the tablet's solid soundstage. It also offers plenty of detail and rich bass texture (by tablet standards) that rarely turns into muddy sound.
You'll have a hard time hearing the difference between the two tablets, but we're confident enough to say that no matter what content you're enjoying, you won't be disappointed with the sound quality of either tablet.
iPad Air 5 (2022) vs. iPad Air 4 (2020): The Verdict
The iPad Air 5 (2022) and iPad Air 4 (2020) have a lot in common. The core features and layout are the same, and many other key aspects like the screens and speaker systems are the same. However, the latest model updates a few key components, resulting in some significant performance improvements.
Since the price of the new iPad Air is almost the same as before, we recommend that you go for the latest model if you are in the market for an iPad Air. If you already own the fourth-generation iPad Air, you'll need to decide if it's worth paying for more processing power, a better front-facing camera, and slightly better image quality.
Either way, you have one of Apple's best tablets at your fingertips.
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Ruben Circelli
employee writer
Ruben is a writer for What Hi-Fi? and a longtime gaming and consumer technology journalist. Since 2014, Ruben has been writing news, reviews, features, guides, and everything in between for a variety of channels, including Lifewire, PCGamesN, GamesRadar+, TheGamer, dlprivateserver, and many others. Ruben is a dedicated gamer, a tech nerd, and the type of guy who misses physical media. In his free time, Ruben can be found cooking something delicious or rather content in bed.
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FAQs
What is better iPad air 5 or iPad Air 4? ›
Should I get the iPad Air 4 (2020) or the iPad Air 5 (2022)? 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.
Is iPad Air 2022 worth buying? ›The iPad Air (2022) continues to be the sweet spot in Apple's tablet collection, offering more similarities to the premium iPad Pro 11 than ever without a dramatic price increase. It does practically everything you'll need from an iPad, and the M1 chip will continue to deliver high performance for some time to come.
What is the difference between Air 4 and Air 5? ›The new slate looks virtually identical to its predecessor, the iPad Air 4 (2020), and shares many of its features. The biggest difference between the two slates is that the 2022 iteration is powered by the powerful M1 chip, making it the second tablet (after Apple's iPad Pro 2021) to ship with M1 power.
Is iPad Air 4 outdated? ›...
iPad Air (4th generation)
| Manufacturer | Foxconn |
| Product family | iPad Air |
| Type | Tablet computer |
| Generation | 4th |
| Release date | October 23, 2020 |
However, there's no doubting the iPad Air 5 is the more advanced device. It is leaps and bounds ahead in terms of performance, has a faster USB-C port, and a more feature-rich camera setup. It will cost you more, but if you really need those extra features, it's your best bet and is absolutely worth it.
Is it worth to buy iPad Air 5th generation? ›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 Air 4th gen still good in 2022? ›However, if you already own an iPad Air (2020), or manage to find it for a good discount, you don't necessarily need to go for the newer iPad Air (2022). The older tablet still holds up as a powerful device overall, and it should do just fine for a couple of more years.
Is the iPad Air 4 still worth it 2022? ›Yes it is worth buying. It is still and will be for some time to come updated to the latest iOS and has a pretty powerful chip. Apple updates their iPads for about 6+ years.
Is 64GB iPad Air 5 enough? ›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.
How long should my 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.
How long can iPad Air 4 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.
How long will iPad 5th generation be supported? ›Apple never warns ahead of time what devices will stop being supported with software updates. The 5th generation iPad will still be supported until September / October 2022, and likely another year also.
Which iPads can no longer be updated? ›- iPad (4th generation) Wi-Fi.
- iPad (4th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular.
- iPad (4th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular (MM)
- iPad [original]
- iPad 3G.
- iPad (3rd generation) Wi-Fi.
- iPad (3rd generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular.
- iPad (3rd generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular (VZ)
- Too close in cost to iPad Pro.
- Peripherals are expensive.
- 64GB is too little storage for base model.
- IPadOS is annoying to use.
- Front-facing camera is awkward in landscape orientation.
- Still no Face ID.
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 the iPad Air 5 too big? ›The iPad Air 5 (2022) , then, is the happy medium. It's neither too big nor too small and its starting price of $599 is reasonable, especially since you're getting the all-powerful M1 chip (that's overkill on an iPad).
How old is the iPad Air 5? ›...
iPad Air (5th generation)
| Also known as | iPad Air 5, iPad Air (10.9-inch) (2nd generation) |
|---|---|
| Type | Tablet computer |
| Generation | 5th |
| Release date | March 18, 2022 |
Gray. Gray is the most popular iPad Air 5th Gen color choice on Swappa.
Does iPad Air 5 have smart charging? ›So does the Apple iPad Air 5 (2022) support either of these wireless charging standards? No. None of Apple's existing iPad and Mac models support wireless charging -- regardless of the standard.
Does iPad Air 5 come with a charger? ›Unlike recent iPhone models, Apple is still including a charging brick in the iPad Air 5 (2022)'s box. That means you won't need to buy any separate accessories to get your iPad up and running.
What's the difference between the 4th and 5th generation iPad air? ›
The biggest difference between the two tablets comes down to what's inside. The iPad Air 4 (2020) has an Apple A14 Bionic chip, while the iPad Air 5 (2022) has an Apple M1 chip, the same custom-designed chip used in Apple's latest Macs and in iPad Pros.
Is 64 GB 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.
Sixth-Generation iPad Air: Unlikely
As such, as of 2023, it has been some time since the iPad Air had a major hardware refresh. Yet due to its positioning between the entry-level iPad and the iPad Pro, it is not immediately clear what a new iPad Air model could gain without cannibalizing the iPad Pro.
Despite now being the previous-gen model, the iPad Air 4 is still a very powerful device and will comfortably meet the needs of most users. The design is the same, and the old colors are arguably nicer, so if you can forego some of the niceties of the 2022 model then you'll probably still be happy with the last-gen.
What is better about the new 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.
If you are doing something very processor intensive, such as gaming, watching a movie, or something like that, it would get warm, or even charging the battery. However, it should not get extremely hot.
Is 64 GB iPad air enough for college? ›Overall, we think the iPad Air at 64GB is a solid choice for college. It's more affordable than the iPad Pro, yet offers a comparable performance for all your studying, research, and note-taking needs.
Why does my iPad Air 5 battery drain so fast? ›There are several common reasons your iPad battery may be dying too quickly or not holding a charge: An app or Background App Refresh is draining the battery. Your iPad needs a software update. Your screen is too bright.
Can I leave my iPad Air charging overnight? ›There is no “memory effect” like older Nickel Cadmium batteries, so you can charge your iPad anytime you want and even leave it on a charger overnight. The battery will also charge very rapidly, to about 80% in a few hours, while the last 20% is more of a trickle charge and takes longer.
At what percentage should I charge my iPad? ›It's best to charge it when it goes below 20%, primarily to avoid the risk of it going to zero when you don't have a charger available, and to prevent unexpected shutdowns when you might need the phone.
Why is my iPad Air 4 so slow? ›
Make sure you have enough storage
You can check your device's storage in Settings > General > [Device] Storage. For best performance, try to maintain at least 1GB of free space. If your available storage is consistently less than 1GB, your device might slow down as iOS or iPadOS repeatedly makes room for more content.
As a rule of thumb, if your iPad is more than five years old, you'll probably notice slower performance. On the other hand, you could be happily using an iPad from six or seven years ago with no major problems. To get an idea of how long your iPad should last, start by identifying your iPad model.
How long does iPad last years? ›According to experts, a well-cared iPad should last up to 7-years on average. However, many users choose to upgrade their iPad after 5-years. The lifespan of an iPad really depends on how well you take care of your device, how many drops it has had, and other aspects.
Can iPad last for 3 years? ›Your iPad has a finite lifespan. After a few years, you'll likely notice deteriorated performance, illustrated by crashed apps, unresponsive buttons, low storage and poor battery life.
What is the longest supported iPad? ›iOS and iPadOS 13, 14, and 15 support all of the same devices, with the iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus, seventh-generation iPod touch, iPad Air 2, fifth-generation iPad, iPad mini 4, and first-generation iPad Pro being the oldest supported iPhones and iPads.
How often should you upgrade your iPad? ›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.
What happens when your iPad is outdated? ›About obsolete products
Apple discontinues all hardware service for obsolete products, with the sole exception of Mac laptops that are eligible for an additional battery-only repair period.
For free recycling of your old iPad, a prepaid shipping label, and instructions, see the Apple Trade In website. The symbol above means that according to local laws and regulations your product and/or its battery shall be disposed of separately from household waste.
Is iPad Air 4 can replace laptop? ›The short answer is, no. Though it makes a halfway decent laptop in a pinch, the new iPad Air still isn't as capable as the best Windows laptops or best MacBooks.
Is iPad Air worth over iPad? ›Apple's standard 2022 iPad offers more value than the 2022 iPad Air for casual tablet users. But the 2022 iPad Air is a better option if you often edit photos or videos. If you want to add the Apple Pencil, opt for the 2021 iPad or 2022 iPad Air.
Is the iPad Air 4 big enough? ›
The Air's 10.9-inch screen is imperceptibly smaller than the 11-inch Pro's display, but it's still large enough for a great movie watching experience. It does start to feel cramped when you're using it for laptop-like work, with split screen and multitasking modes.
Is iPad Air 4th Gen same as 5th gen? ›iPad Air Gen 5 vs iPad Air Gen 4 - Cameras
The fifth-gen does differ in that it has an extended dynamic range for video up to 30fps. Around the front, the 7-megapixel FaceTime HD camera has been switched out for a 12-megapixel Ultra-Wide version in the fifth-generation model.
Tom's Guide Verdict
The iPad Air 4's screen, charging and performance make it one of the best iPads ever, as it's essentially a more affordable iPad Pro.
Apple's standard 2022 iPad offers more value than the 2022 iPad Air for casual tablet users. But the 2022 iPad Air is a better option if you often edit photos or videos. If you want to add the Apple Pencil, opt for the 2021 iPad or 2022 iPad Air.
How old is the iPad Air 5th generation? ›...
iPad Air (5th generation)
| Also known as | iPad Air 5, iPad Air (10.9-inch) (2nd generation) |
|---|---|
| Type | Tablet computer |
| Generation | 5th |
| Release date | March 18, 2022 |
Apple reports the new iPad Air is about 60 percent faster than the old model in terms of CPU performance and about twice as fast in terms of GPU performance. These are massive gains, but the iPad Air 4 (2020) was already powerful enough for casual internet browsing, movie watching, and occasional gaming.
How long does an iPad Air 5th generation 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.
Which generation of iPad is best? ›1. iPad 10.9 (2022/10th generation)
Which iPad to buy in 2023? ›The iPad Pro is the best iPad money can buy. It's the most capable in terms of performance and can be used for anything from graphic design to entertainment.
What is the difference between iPad Air and iPad 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.
Does iPad Air 5 have USB port? ›
Charging and Expansion
USB-C port with support for: Charging. DisplayPort. USB 3.1 Gen 2 (up to 10Gb/s)
Following its debut, Apple has now removed the 3.5mm connector from all of the latest-generation iPad models in its lineup.
Is the iPad 5th generation outdated? ›Discontinued but Supported
The following models are no longer sold, but these devices remain within Apple's service window for iPadOS updates: iPad: 5, 6, 7, and 8. iPad Air: 3 and 4. iPad Mini 5.