Apple iPad (2022) vs iPad Air (2022): Which should you buy?

(Pocket-lint) – Apple revealed the 10th generation of the entry-level iPad in October, offering a redesign, chip upgrade and a colour refresh over its predecessor. The redesign of the entry level iPad sees it finally ditch the Home Button and opt for a very similar look to the iPad Air. The price has also increased, making the decision between the entry-level iPad and the iPad Air that little bit harder. 

With that in mind, we’ve run up the differences between the iPad (10th generation) and the iPad Air (2022) to help you work out what the differences are and which might make the most sense to buy.

Price

  • iPad (10th gen): From GBP499/£449
  • iPad Air: From GBP669/£599

POCKET-LINT VIDEO OF THE DAY

Let’s first start with the price as this may be the deciding factor between these two models, depending on your budget. The iPad (10th generation) is available to pre-order now and it will hit shelves on 26 October. It starts at £449 in the US and GBP499 in the UK for the Wi-Fi only model.

The iPad Air meanwhile, starts at GBP669 in the UK and £599 in the US. That’s again for the Wi-Fi only model. Both the iPad (10th gen) and the iPad Air come in Wi-Fi and Cellular models too though.

Design

  • iPad (10th gen): 248.6 x 179.5 x 7mm, 477g
  • iPad Air: 247.6 x 178.5 x 6.1mm, 461g

The Apple iPad (10th generation) and the iPad Air are virtually identical in terms of their designs.

Both opt for uniformed bezels around their displays, aluminium bodies with flat edges and they both have a power button at the top with Touch ID built in. The two devices also both have a single camera lens in the top left corner of the rear, a USB-C charging port flanked by speakers at the bottom and a Smart Connector. The iPad (10th gen) has its Smart Connector on the left edge, while the iPad Air has its Smart Connector on the rear. 

The colours are also different between the devices. The iPad (10th generation) comes in Silver, Pink, Yellow and Blue options, while the iPad Air comes in Space Grey, Starlight, Purple, Blue and Pink. Where the iPad (10th gen)’s colours are bright though, the iPad Air’s colours are pastel and more muted.

The other difference between the two models in terms of design is the FaceTime HD front camera is positioned on the right edge of the iPad (10th generation), which makes it more useful for video calling when held horizontally. The iPad Air meanwhile, has the front camera at the top of the display when held vertically.  In terms of measurements, the iPad (10th generation) is slightly larger – fractionally mind – and it is 1mm thicker too.

It is also slightly heavier.

Display

  • iPad (10th gen): 10.9-inch, 2360 x 1640 pixels, 264ppi, True Tone
  • iPad Air: 10.9-inch, 2360 x 1640 pixels, 264ppi, True Tone, Anti-reflective coating, Fully laminated

The Apple iPad (10th generation) and the iPad Air both come with a 10.9-inch display offering a 2360 x 1640 pixel resolution. It means both devices have a pixel density of 264ppi.  The two tablets opt for a Liquid Retina Display and they both have a maximum brightness of 500nits.

Apple’s True Tone technology is also supported on both devices and they both have a fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating. There are a couple of differences in the iPad (10th gen) and iPad Air displays though. The iPad Air offers a P3 wide colour display, while the iPad (10th gen) is RGB.

The iPad Air also has a fully laminated display and an anti-reflective coating, which you likely would notice in use.

Hardware and specs

  • iPad (10th gen): A14 chip, 64/256GB, 12MP front camera, 12MP rear camera, USB-C
  • iPad Air: M1 chip, 64/256GB, 12MP front camera, 12MP rear camera, USB-C

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. The iPad Air also has a Media Engine on board.  In terms of other specifications, both the iPad (10th generation) and the iPad Air have a 12-megapixel rear camera on board, with a f/1.8 aperture, 5x digital zoom and Smart HDR 3 for photos. They also both offer up to 4K video recording up to 60fps.

On the front, both tablets have a 12-megapixel camera with f/2.4 aperture, a Retina Flash and features like Centre Stage.  They also both have the same battery promise, with up to 10 hours of watching video or up to 9 hours surfing the web. Both have USB-C for charging.

Storage options are the same too, with both the iPad (10th generation) and the iPad Air offered in 64GB and 256GB options. Elsewhere, the iPad Air is compatible with the 2nd generation Apple Pencil, while the iPad (10th generation) is only compatible with the first generation Apple Pencil.

Software 

  • iPad (10th gen): iPadOS 16, no Stage Manager
  • iPad Air: iPadOS 16

Both the iPad (10th generation) and the iPad Air will run on iPadOS 16 so the experience will be familiar across both devices. The iPad Air will offer Stage Manager, while the iPad (10th generation) won’t, but most features will transfer across both models.

Conclusion

The Apple iPad (10th generation) and the iPad Air feature a very similar design, along with the same size display, same storage options, same battery and the same cameras. 

The iPad Air has a more powerful processor under its hood, and it comes with some extra features, like Stage Manager, as well as compatiblity with the 2nd generation Apple Pencil and the Smart Keyboard Folio. The Air’s display also has an anti-reflective coating and fully laminated display.  Overall, on paper, the iPad (10th generation) makes a lot of sense and for many, it will be the most obvious choice between these two devices.

Some will want the extra power – of which the M1 chip offers plenty – but for others, the iPad (10th generation) will be the one to buy. We will update this feature when we have reviewed the iPad (10th generation). For now, you can read our full iPad Air (2022) review.

Writing by Britta O’Boyle.

Tags:

gadget-cover listed on couponmatrix.ukmpb listed on couponmatrix.ukprc-direct listed on couponmatrix.ukpublic-desire listed on couponmatrix.ukred-letter-days listed on couponmatrix.ukthreadbare listed on couponmatrix.uk
gadget-cover listed on couponmatrix.ukGadgets, what would we do without them? However important they are, they are exposed to risks. With Gadget Cover, you can plan for any risk in advance and keep your gadgets protected. Whether it's your new mobile device, tablet or any other gadget, Gadget Cover are the number one gadget protection specialists for you. Plus, use your Gadget Cover promo code and get your precious devices protected for less than ever. Love your gadgets and keep them safe with Gadget Cover.
mpb listed on couponmatrix.ukMPB is the ultimate destination for budding photographers and filmmakers. It’s an easy and reliable platform to buy, sell or trade DSLR cameras, mirrorless cameras, drones, lighting and memory cards. Using your MPB discount code, you could bag Oscar-worth equipment on an independent film budget – just check out the MPB offers we’ve listed on this page! Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, directing a documentary or shooting a mini-series, get your kit secondhand from MPB for considerable savings and a six-month warranty.
prc-direct listed on couponmatrix.ukPRC Direct is the leading online retailer of electrical goods and appliances offering a wide range of products from food processors to 4K TVs. This brand has some unbeatable prices, and it's so easy for customers to save money with the frequent PRC Direct discount codes and vouchers available at Groupon. If you’re looking for a new washing machine, oven or air purifier, PRC Direct should be your first port of call, and with the help of PRC Direct discount codes from Groupon, you can make great savings on your purchase! At Groupon, we’re always on the lookout for the latest and greatest PRC Direct voucher codes and flash sales. We work closely with the retailer to ensure that we can bring you the best deals possible, so you can expect big-ticket items like Samsung fridges and Rangemaster ovens to create less of a dent in your bank account. Our team of deal experts is always on hand to help you make the most of your savings, so if you’re looking for a competitive price on home electricals, be sure to check Groupon first. There’s nothing like binging your favourite films and Netflix shows in crisp high definition, so turn your living room into a mini cinema with PRC Direct TVs. Suitable for various budgets and with fancy features like 4K (even 8K!), OLED and QLED, save money on your cinematic investment by checking Groupon first for PRC Direct voucher codes. Whether you prefer to go big or go home, or want to keep things mini with a 1080p projector, make sure you take advantage of Groupon’s exclusive deals.
public-desire listed on couponmatrix.ukAmp up your style with Public Desire, the hottest online footwear brand created for fashion-forward girls on a budget. Pick out your favourite pair with an exclusive Public Desire discount code and fix up your feet for less. Whether you’re looking for a wear-with-anything pair of ankle boots or a stylish set of stilettos for your next night out, Public Desire’s got your look 100% sorted.
red-letter-days listed on couponmatrix.ukStruggling to find the perfect present for your loved one? Give the gift of an unforgettable experience with the help of Red Letter Days. Whether it’s an adrenaline-packed day out in a supercar or a relaxing spa day away from the city, you’ll find these package offers perfect for making memories. Use your Red Letter Days discount code to make a huge saving on your experience of choice so that you can enjoy giving the gift as much as the person receiving it will.
threadbare listed on couponmatrix.ukWhether you’re searching for a snazzy dress for a summer BBQ or a jacket for the new school term, Threadbare is the place to find top-quality men, women and children’s clothing at affordable prices. Savvy shoppers will find the best Threadbare discount codes and top sale picks on this page, as well as an abundance of discounts for students and key workers. Make Groupon your first port of call and you can expect to save more money on Threadbare clothing for parties, days out and everyday wear, too!