iPad 10 vs iPad Air 2022: which one should you buy?

Just this October, Apple released the 10th generation entry-level iPad, bringing a completely redesigned design, a chip upgrade, a new set of color options, and more.

Finally getting rid of the home button and other similar features, the iPad makeover makes it look a lot more like the iPad Air 5 (2022). However, the recently released 5th generation iPad Air (2022) also has some impressive updates.

The new “budget”iPad is more expensive than its predecessor, from $329 to $449. That means you’re only $150 off the iPad Air 2022. The price difference can make a buying decision more difficult if you’re weighing the two. Although they seem almost identical, they have significant differences that you may miss. Below is a comparison between iPad 10 and iPad Air 2022 to help you decide.

iPad 10 vs iPad Air 2022: Design

Compared to the iPad models, the iPad (10th generation) and iPad Air (2022) seem to be almost identical in design. Here are all the design features that are the same for both iPads:

• Aluminum housing with flat edges.
• Uniform thin bezels around the display.
• Touch ID power button at the top.
• USB-C charging port.
• 12MP wide-angle rear camera and 12MP ultra-wide-angle front camera.

While both cameras feature the same cameras, the big difference is that the iPad (10th generation) FaceTime HD camera has been moved to the right edge (when held vertically). This is handy for video calls, as you look directly at the person you’re talking to. Meanwhile, the iPad Air keeps the front camera at the top of the display.

The two devices differ in size, weight and color options. The entry-level iPad opted for bolder color choices, while the iPad Air offers neutral tones.

iPad 10 vs. iPad Air 2022: display

In terms of display, the 10th generation iPad and iPad Air 2022 have a 10.9-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit multi-touch display with a resolution of 2360 x 1640 at 264 ppi. Both have a Liquid Retina display with True Tone technology and a maximum brightness of 500 nits.

While both tablets have a fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating, the iPad Air 2022 has a fully laminated display and anti-glare coating. This means it will have less glare in bright light and better weatherproofing than the entry-level iPad.

In addition, iPad Air delivers brighter greens and reds with its wide color display (P3) compared to the traditional sRGB iPad (10th generation).

iPad 10 vs iPad Air 2022: hardware and specs

The most significant difference between the 10th generation iPad and the 2022 iPad Air is the chip. Let’s take a look at some other features.

The new iPad is powered by the A14 Bionic chip, which offers a 6-core processor, a 4-core GPU, and a 16-core neural engine. This gives it a significant jump over its predecessor in terms of performance, with a 20% increase in CPU speed and 80% faster with a doubled neural engine core.

The iPad Air, on the other hand, is powered by the M1 chip, offering the same 16-core Neural Engine but with an 8-core CPU and GPU. However, the iPad Air comes with 8GB of RAM and a Media Engine on board, which will be extremely useful if you’re using the tablet for heavy work like video editing.

As mentioned above, both tablets offer the same 12MP wide-angle camera with ƒ/1.8 aperture, up to 5x digital zoom, and Smart HDR 3 for photos. They also provide the same video recording features.

In terms of storage options, both offer 64GB and 256GB options and 5G connectivity on cellular models. Both devices also support Nano SIM and eSIM.

The battery performance of both phones is also on par, delivering up to 10 hours of Wi-Fi surfing or 9 hours of cellular data.

Accessories

If you use an Apple Pencil, then this difference can be a hurdle for you. For starters, the budget iPad only supports the first generation Apple Pencil, which means you may need to buy an adapter to be able to pair and charge it.

The first generation Apple Pencil is heavier and longer. It also has a cover that needs to be removed when charging. Most importantly, it does not attach magnetically to the side of the iPad. However, if you rely heavily on the Apple Pencil for note-taking or illustration, or want to use the Apple Pencil 2, then you can get an iPad Air instead.

Both support external keyboards. The iPad Air works well with the Magic Keyboard and its own Smart Keyboard Folio, while the iPad (10th generation) works seamlessly with the Magic Keyboard Folio.

The keyboards themselves have different strengths. The Magic Keyboard Folio is perfect for those who love to use function keys, and features a versatile two-piece design that allows you to magnetically attach the folio to your tablet’s smart jack. At the same time, the floating console design of the Magic Keyboard provides an ideal viewing angle and backlit keys for a more comfortable typing experience.

Software

Both devices will run on the new iPadOS 16, offering similar experiences across the board. However, the iPad Air does have Stage Manager, which is perfect if you’re using an iPad with a Mac.

iPad 10 vs iPad Air 2022: price

Price can be a deciding factor for some people, so let’s get on with it. Both come with Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + Cellular, as well as 64GB and 256 storage options.

Which iPad to choose?

Answering this question might be tricky at first, but comparing the two numbers should help you see the subtle differences between the iPad 10 and iPad Air specs.

The 10th generation iPad and 2022 iPad Air have a lot in common, including display, camera, storage, connectivity, and design. However, they differ in their support for peripheral devices. This is important if you are going to use an external keyboard and Apple Pencil.

To sum it up, if you need a tablet for basic use and money is a factor, go for the iPad 10.

However, if you’re looking for performance and multitasking capabilities (and the extra $150 doesn’t bother you), I’d suggest you go for the iPad Air 2022. What’s more, since it’s equipped with an M1 chip, it might be able to get new features that might not be available on the iPad. with A14 processor.

Which iPad will you buy? Let me know in the comments!