iPad Air 4 vs iPad Air 5: Should you upgrade?
Latest iPad Air represents the fifth generation of Apple’s line of ultra-lightweight and ultraportable tablets. From the outside, the 2022 entry looks a lot like 2020 predecessor: iPad Air 4. From the thin, symmetrical bezels of the 10.9-inch display to the easy-to-touch aluminum body, I won’t blame you if you mistake one generation for the other.
But in the latest iPad Air, corporate life is tried and true Processor M1wider front-facing camera and the most popular buzzword in tech circles: 5G. Theoretically, all three upgrades should make a difference in the everyday iPad experience.
Whether you’re an existing iPad Air user considering an upgrade or a first-timer split between the two newest models, I’ve listed the key arguments for each iPad below to help you make your decision. perfect buy.
Specifications
iPad Air 4 (2020) |
iPad Air 5 (2022) |
|
Display |
10.9-inch Liquid Retina LEDs |
10.9-inch Liquid Retina LEDs |
Brightness |
500 nits |
500 nits |
Compatibility with Apple Pencil |
Apple Pencil second generation |
Apple Pencil second generation |
Processor |
A14 Bionic |
M1 |
Connection |
USB-C, magnetic pin |
USB-C, magnetic pin |
Storage options |
64GB, 256GB |
64GB, 256GB |
Camera |
12MP rear camera; 7MP front camera |
12MP rear camera; 12MP ultra-wide front camera |
Color |
Space gray, silver, rose gold, green and blue |
Space gray, starlight, pink, purple and blue |
Battery |
10 hours of web browsing |
10 hours of web browsing |
Price |
$499 |
$599 |
You should buy the iPad Air 5 (2022) if…
1. Are you ready to embrace the supremacy of the Apple M1
The saying you can’t teach an old dog new tricks doesn’t really apply to the iPad Air 5 (2022). In fact, beneath the familiar aluminum and glass shell is Apple’s ARM-based octa-core CPU, Processor M1. Inspired by MacBooks and iMacs, Apple’s M1 chip is expected to be up to 60% faster and more powerful than its A-series counterpart – like the A14 found in the 2020 iPad Air. That’s a significant step up. , when both iPads are starting to be on par with 8GB of RAM. While the iPad Air 2022 does not have a newer version of Apple Chip M2The M1 remains a powerhouse for graphics-intensive applications, such as video editors, 3D racing games, augmented reality, and general multitasking.
Than: iPad Air (2022) vs iPad Pro (2021): What’s the difference?
2. You want a front camera and a better FaceTime experience
Camera performance isn’t usually a major selling point for tablets, let alone iPads. But with this year’s iPad Air, Apple is emphasizing its new and improved front-facing camera.
While the 12MP rear camera remains untouched, the front now houses a 12MP ultra-wide camera. With a wider field of view than the previous generation’s 7MP FaceTime HD lens, the new iPad can take advantage of Center Stage, Apple’s webcam feature that tracks and tracks your face as you move around. This is especially useful for presentations and FaceTime calls with friends and family.
3. You thrive on 5G
Apple has not left open the possibility of developing 5G with the latest iPad model. While not mmWave 5G, the sub-6GHz bands on the iPad Air (2022) let you dial in to 5th-generation networks and access faster download speeds than the iPad Air’s (2020) 4G LTE. Of course, you will have to use a 5G data plan, have the appropriate nano-SIM card (or eSIM), and buy the more expensive, mobile version of the iPad, to take advantage of the faster network. If you meet the prerequisites and often work from the outside, the 5G-enabled iPad is the way to go.
Also: eSIM vs SIM: What’s the difference?
You should buy the iPad Air 4 (2020) if…
1. Price precedes anything else
With the release of the new iPad Air, most third-party retailers have since marked the 2020 model as a means of clearing inventory. The winner in this chain is you, the consumer. At the time of writing, the iPad Air 4 (2020) could be $469, less if you choose an open market retailer like eBay. That’s more than $100 difference from the new iPad Air 5 (2022), which in a snap, wins only on 5G, front-facing camera, and processing power. If one, two, or even all three of those aspects aren’t on your list of priority features, opting for the older iPad Air might be the way to go here.
Also: Apple’s worst product is now one of its best
Alternatives to consider
Still on the fence? Consider the following other tablets recommended by ZDNET: