Whenever Apple presents new hardware, many always wonder which one to choose: whether to purchase the new one just launched, or turn your attention to the previous model and save a little bit. This was also the case at the presentation of the fifth generation of iPad Air and we are here to point out the differences. In this article, we will try to understand the difference between iPad Air 5 (2022) vs iPad Air 4 (2020) so that you can make your mind about which one to buy.
iPad Air 5 (2022) vs iPad Air 4 (2020): Best Tablets
Apple recently presented the new iPad Air 5, a tablet identical to the iPad Air 4 but with an important feature under the device. Inside a practically identical body, there are new generation hardware components. In this article, we will summarize the key differences between the new iPad Air 5 (2022) with the previous-gen iPad Air 4 released in 2020 below.
CPU and Performance
There is a huge difference in processors: the latest iPad Air 5 also comes with the M1 processor. The same chip is also used on the 24-inch iMac and Mac mini 2020, just to understand while the fourth-generation iPad Air is based on the A14 Bionic chipset.
It is certainly an impressive number for a tablet that will also allow everyone to enjoy an absolutely fluid and responsive tablet, even more so are those dedicated to the iPad Air 5.
During the presentation, Apple said that the fifth-generation iPad Air is up to 60% faster than the previous model thanks to the M1 processor, with about double the graphics capabilities. In short, the M1 will extend the operating life of the iPad Air 5.
5G Connectivity
Both models of iPad Air 2020 and iPad Air 2022 have a USB-C input, which allows you to connect external peripherals, such as displays and storage devices. Apple states that the port speed on the new model is up to 2x faster than the previous generation. However, on the wireless model, the two tablets support the Wifi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0.
So far, there are few differences when you had to select the variant with a cellular network which is now 5G. Apple confirms that the 5G support is for bands below 6GHz, which provides full coverage similar to LTE.
Display
When it comes to the iPad, or any other mobile device like a smartphone, or even a notebook, the display is a very important factor to take into consideration. Well, coinciding from this point of view both the models of iPad Air 5 and iPad Air 4 use the same 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, along with LED backlighting.
Both devices also have the same resolution of 2360 x 1640 with the same pixel density of 264dpi. It will come as no surprise at this point that 500 nits remain in the device, there is a full lamination of the display, Wide Color (P3) support, and True Tone. Apple Pencil lovers find the exact same second-generation stylus support in iPad Air 5 (2022). In short, the two tablets are identical at the screen level.
Camera
Both iPad Air 4 and iPad Air 5 have the same 12-megapixel wide-angle rear camera with f/1.8 aperture, 5x digital zoom, and Smart HDR 3 for photos. Both devices can record 4K60 fps, and 1080p 240fps Slo-mo footage using a 3x zoom. The difference is that iPad Air 2022 supports an extended dynamic range for videos up to 30 fps.
The real differences usually emerge at the front camera, where the previous iPad Air 4 model’s 7-megapixel FaceTime HD camera has been replaced by a 12-megapixel Ultra-Wide sensor camera on iPad Air 5, capable of 2x zoom out and support for Center Stage.
In short, the front camera keeps the video on the speaker’s face even while moving during video calls, using machine learning. Not only that: if a person approaches the user who is speaking, iPad Air 2022 with Center Stage resizes the image by enlarging it, to shoot and show everyone in a video call. Similarly, the shot is reduced if one or more people leave during the video call.
Price
Before looking at the prices, let’s summarize the points that make the iPad Air 5 (2022) a real step forward compared to its predecessor:
- M1 processor
- 5G support
- Front camera with Stage Center support
- Faster USB-C
Having said that, let’s move on to the prices of the devices. The iPad Air 5 (2022) starts at $599 for the WiFi model with 64GB memory. Comparing the performance of the machine, the 64 GB seems a bit limiting. Therefore, the price of the 256 GB model of iPad Air 5 rises to $749 for the Wifi variant. Similarly, you will have to pay the same price of $749 for the 64 GB Wifi + Cellular variant.
| iPad Air 5 (2022) | iPad Air 4 (2020) | |
| Size of device | 247.6 x 178.5 x 6.1mm (9.75 x 7.03 x 0.24 inches) | 247.6 x 178.5 x 6.1mm (9.74 x 7.02 x 0.24 inches) |
| Weight | WiFi: 461 grams
Cellular: 462 grams |
WiFi: 458 grams
Cellular: 460 grams |
| Screen size and refresh rate | 10.9-inch Liquid Retina LCD
60Hz |
10.9-inch Liquid Retina LCD
60Hz |
| Screen Resolution | 2360×1640 pixels (264 pixels-per-inch) | 2360 x 1640 pixels (264 ppi) |
| Operating System | iPadOS 15 | iPadOS 15 |
| Memory Storage | 64GB, 256GB | 64GB, 256GB |
| MicroSD card slot | No | No |
| Processor (CPU) | Apple M1 | Apple A14 Bionic |
| RAM | 8GB | 4GB |
| Camera | 12-megapixel rear, 12MP ultra-wide front | 12MP rear, 7MP front |
| Video | 4K at 24, 30, 60 fps; 1080p at 30, 60, 120, 240 fps | 4K at 24, 30, 60 frames per second, 1080p at 30, 60 fps |
| Bluetooth version | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Ports | USB-C | USB-C |
| Fingerprint sensor | Yes | Yes |
| Water resistance | No | No |
| Battery and charging | 10 hours on Wi-Fi, 9 hours on the cellular network
20W wired fast charging support |
10 hours on Wi-Fi, 9 hours on the cellular network
20W wired charging |
| App marketplace | Apple App Store | Apple App Store |
| Network support | AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon (cellular models only) | AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon (cellular models only) |
| Colors | Silver, space gray, rose gold, green, and sky blue | Silver, Space Gray, Rose Gold, green, Sky Blue |
| Price | Starting at $599 (Wi-Fi), $729 (cellular) | Starting at $599 (Wi-Fi), $729 (cellular) |
That is everything you need to know about the differences between iPad Air 5 (2022) vs iPad Air 4 (2020). Apple also presented the new iPhone SE 3 (2022) in its latest event, so check out the main differences between iPhone SE 2022 vs iPhone 13 Mini. Also, check out the battery life of iPhone SE 3 (2022) vs iPhone SE 2 vs iPhone 8 vs iPhone 12/13 Mini.