I welcome you to this comparison guide that pits two of the best tablets on the market against each other: iPad vs. iPad Air. What’s so special about the iPad Air? Is the regular iPad more than enough or is the Air worth buying?
If you have doubts about which will be your next iPad, here I explain what differentiates the iPad and iPad Air, two models that are very different in price, but have a similar appearance.
Stay until the end!
What is the iPad Air?
Before analyzing the differences between both devices, let me clarify what the iPad Air is. This surname, Air, is what Apple usually gives to light devices.
We have also seen it in some of their computers, such as the Macbook Air, which, despite the fact that they barely weigh, do not give up power.
Therefore, the iPad Air is a variant of the iPad that combines lightness, portability, autonomy, and power in the same device. But does that mean it’s more worth it than the regular iPad? Not necessarily.
The main differences between iPad and iPad Air
What is the difference between the iPad and iPad Air? I can tell you that they are two very similar tablets, but they differ in certain fundamental aspects.
To be more specific, I will tell you that here I talk about the 10th generation iPad and the 5th generation iPad Air. Next, I show you what are the characteristics that differentiate them.
Processor
The iPad vs. battle iPad Air is mainly fought in the field of processing. And their chips are really different.
For one, the iPad comes with the A14 Bionic. This is not a low-class processor. In reality, it is the same one that came in the iPhone 12 Pro, a very high-end model. What happens, obviously, is that it is a somewhat late chip.
If we take a look inside the iPad Air, we get a pleasant surprise here. Its processor is the award-winning M1, a chip present in the company’s computers, such as the Mac Mini or the 2022 Macbook Air.
To give you an idea of the differences, these are the A14 Bionic specifications:
- 6-core CPU (2 performance and 4 efficiency)
- 4 core GPU
- 16-core Neural Engine
- For its part, the M1 declares these technical specifications:
- 8-core CPU (4 performance and 4 efficiency)
- 8 core GPU
- 16-core Neural Engine
- 8GB RAM
- Hardware acceleration for H.264 and HEVC
- Video decoding engine
- Video encoding engine
Screen
Both the iPad and iPad Air screens have the same diagonal. Both are 10.9 inches, more than enough size to enjoy most content.
However, the technology included in the panel differs from one model to another. The iPad has an anti-fingerprint and sRGB oleophobic coating. In addition, it comes with the True Tone system, which adapts colors to the environment.
The iPad Air includes the same coverage, as well as True Tone. However, it also comes with integral lamination, anti-reflective film, and P3 wide color gamut.
Without getting into technicalities, the iPad Air screen offers superior viewing quality, as well as colors that are more faithful to reality.
And, although both reach up to 500 nits, the iPad Air performs better in bright environments because it has anti-reflective film.
Apple Pencil
If your intention is to draw or take notes freehand with your new iPad, you are interested in knowing the differences between both models with respect to compatibility with the Apple Pencil.
The 10th generation iPad is compatible with the 1st generation Apple Pencil, which has the following features:
- Millimeter precision
- Pressure and tilt sensitivity
- Instant stroke
- Link and charge via USB-C
For its part, with the iPad Air, you will be able to link a 2nd generation Apple Pencil, which stands out for the following:
- Millimeter precision
- Pressure and tilt sensitivity
- Instant stroke
- Wireless linking and charging
- Magnetic coupling
- Double tap to change tools
In view of this, it is evident that the iPad Air supports a more modern and technological pencil. It is also more convenient, because it allows magnetic charging, leaving the iPad Air’s USB port free.
Keyboard
There is also a small difference regarding the keyboard that I should bring up. This is a really useful accessory for those who plan to write a lot with the iPad.
Well, if you decide on the iPad, you can pair the Magic Keyboard Folio, a keyboard cover with a trackpad and 14 function keys.
For its part, the iPad Air is compatible with the Magic Keyboard, which has a floating design and adds an additional charging port. It also comes with backlit keys, an interesting feature for using the device in the dark.
Bluetooth
A minor difference, but one that I want to mention, is the one that has to do with Bluetooth connectivity. Both devices have different versions of this protocol.
The cheapest model, the iPad, comes with Bluetooth 5.2. For its part, on the iPad Air, you have Bluetooth 5.0. In all likelihood, a difference that is not noticeable in practice.
Price
Neither the iPad nor the iPad Air are budget devices. The prices of each model vary depending on the configuration you choose.
These are the prices of the 10th generation iPad:
- WiFi model, with 64 GB: 579.70 euros.
- WiFi + 5G model, with 64 GB: 779.70 euros.
These are the prices of the iPad Air:
- WiFi model, with 64 GB: 769.70 euros.
- WiFi + 5G model, with 64 GB: 969.70 euros.
iPad vs. iPad Air. Which one is worth it?
As you have seen, there are no major differences between both models. Of all of them, the most relevant is the processor, with the iPad Air being a more powerful device.
In fact, you can see from this listing that both tablets share crucial specifications:
- USB-C.
- Camera set.
- Touch ID on the top button.
- Two stereo speakers.
- Two microphones.
- 5G.
- Storage configurations.
- Autonomy of up to 10 hours.
As always, the correct choice will depend on the use you are going to give it. If your intention is to surf the Internet, play games occasionally, or check emails, the iPad is a device with greater value for money.
Only in case you plan to get the most out of the tablet, the M1 of the iPad Air will be the definitive incentive to pay the almost 200 euros difference between both models.
In conclusion, the 10th-generation iPad is the right choice in most cases. If you are considering the iPad Air for more professional use, my recommendation is that you take a look at the Macbook Air, which is not much more expensive and includes a keyboard and trackpad.
And what do you think? Leave me your comments below. Do you think there is an alternative to both tablets? If this guide has helped you, please consider sharing it with others.
