If you’re in the market for a new iPad Air and torn between the iPad Air 4 vs iPad Air 5, you’re not alone.
Both models offer impressive features that set them apart, but it’s important to understand the key differences before making a decision.
Released in 2020, the iPad Air 4 comes with a 10.9-inch display, an A14 Bionic chip, and a USB-C port.
It also supports the Apple Pencil 2 and the Magic Keyboard, making it a great choice for creatives and professionals who need a powerful tablet for work.
On the other hand, the iPad Air 5, released in 2022, comes with a larger 11-inch display, an M1 chip, and 5G connectivity.
It also has a 12MP ultra-wide front camera that supports Center Stage, a feature that keeps you in the frame during video calls.
One of the most significant differences between the two models is the price.
The iPad Air 4 currently starts at $599, while the iPad Air 5 starts at $799.
However, the iPad Air 4 is still a powerful tablet that can handle most tasks with ease, and it might be a better option if you’re on a tight budget.
Overall, both models have their strengths and weaknesses, and the one you choose will depend on your needs and preferences.
iPad Air 4 Vs iPad Air 5: Which Is Better?
You might be wondering whether to go for the iPad Air 4 or the newer iPad Air 5.
Both devices have their strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to consider your needs before making a decision.
Design And Display
The iPad Air 5 has a slightly larger 11-inch display compared to the 10.9-inch display of the iPad Air 4.
However, both devices have the same resolution of 2360 x 1640 pixels.
The iPad Air 5 also has a more modern design with thinner bezels and a flat edge, while the iPad Air 4 has a more traditional iPad design with thicker bezels and a curved edge.
Performance And Battery Life
The iPad Air 5 is powered by the latest A15 Bionic chip, which is faster and more efficient than the A14 chip in the iPad Air 4.
This means that the iPad Air 5 can handle more demanding tasks and has better battery life than the iPad Air 4.
However, the iPad Air 4 is still a powerful device that can handle most tasks with ease.
Camera And Audio
The iPad Air 5 has a 12-megapixel rear camera and a 7-megapixel front-facing camera, while the iPad Air 4 has a 12-megapixel rear camera and a 7-megapixel front-facing camera.
Both devices have the same audio capabilities with stereo speakers and support for Dolby Atmos.
Price
The iPad Air 5 is more expensive than the iPad Air 4, with a starting price of $599 compared to $499 for the iPad Air 4.
However, the iPad Air 5 does offer some significant upgrades in terms of performance and design.
Overall, both the iPad Air 4 and iPad Air 5 are great devices, and the choice ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and needs.
If you want the latest and greatest performance and design, the iPad Air 5 is the way to go.
However, if you’re looking for a more affordable option that still has plenty of power, the iPad Air 4 is a solid choice.
Design And Display
When it comes to design, the iPad Air 4 and iPad Air 5 share a similar all-screen chassis.
Both tablets measure 247.6 x 178.5 x 6.1mm, with very slight weight differences.
However, there are some differences between the two models that are worth noting.
Size And Resolution
The iPad Air 5 features a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 2360-by-1640 pixels at 264 pixels per inch (PPI).
On the other hand, the iPad Air 4 also has a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, but with a slightly lower resolution of 2360-by-1640 pixels at 264 PPI.
Color Options
Both the iPad Air 4 and iPad Air 5 come in a variety of colors.
The iPad Air 4 is available in Silver, Space Gray, Rose Gold, Green, and Sky Blue.
Meanwhile, the iPad Air 5 comes in Space Gray, Silver, Rose Gold, and Green.
Display Features
One of the most notable features of the iPad Air 5’s display is its True Tone technology, which adjusts the color temperature of the screen based on the ambient lighting conditions.
This helps reduce eye strain and makes the display look more natural.
Both the iPad Air 4 and iPad Air 5 support the second-generation Apple Pencil, which attaches magnetically to the side of the tablet for easy storage and charging.
The tablets also feature Touch ID, which is integrated into the power button on the top of the device.
In terms of peak brightness, the iPad Air 5 has a maximum brightness of 500 nits, while the iPad Air 4 has a maximum brightness of 600 nits.
However, both tablets have the same pixel density and Liquid Retina display technology.
Overall, the iPad Air 5’s display has some minor improvements over the iPad Air 4, such as True Tone technology and a slightly brighter display.
However, both tablets have the same size and resolution, making them great options for watching videos, browsing the web, and getting work done on the go.
Performance
When it comes to performance, the iPad Air 5 is a significant upgrade from the iPad Air 4.
Here are some key areas where the iPad Air 5 outperforms its predecessor:
Processor
The iPad Air 5 is powered by Apple’s M1 chip, which is the same chip used in the latest Macs and iPad Pros.
This chip is a significant improvement over the A14 Bionic chip used in the iPad Air 4.
With the M1 chip, the iPad Air 5 offers 60% faster CPU performance and twice the graphics performance compared to the iPad Air 4.
Connectivity
The iPad Air 5 also offers better connectivity options than the iPad Air 4.
It comes with 5G connectivity, which is not available on the iPad Air 4.
The iPad Air 5 also supports 4G LTE, so you can stay connected even if you’re not in an area with 5G coverage.
Additionally, the iPad Air 5 has a USB-C port, which is a significant improvement over the Lightning port on the iPad Air 4.
Battery Life
Battery life is an essential factor to consider when choosing between the iPad Air 4 and the iPad Air 5.
Both devices offer excellent battery life, but the iPad Air 5 has a slight edge. It can last up to 10 hours on a single charge, while the iPad Air 4 can last up to 9 hours.
In terms of storage, both the iPad Air 4 and the iPad Air 5 are available in 64GB and 256GB configurations.
However, if you need more storage, the iPad Air 5 is the better option, as it can be configured with up to 1TB of storage.
Overall, the iPad Air 5 is a significant upgrade over the iPad Air 4 in terms of performance.
If you need a tablet that can handle demanding tasks and offer fast connectivity options, the iPad Air 5 is the way to go.
Camera And Facetime
When it comes to the camera and Facetime, the iPad Air 5 has some notable improvements over the iPad Air 4.
Let’s take a closer look at the differences between the two models.
Rear Camera
Both the iPad Air 4 and iPad Air 5 have a 12MP wide camera on the back.
However, the iPad Air 5 also has a 12MP ultra-wide camera, which allows you to capture more of the scene in your photos.
This is a great feature if you enjoy taking landscape or group photos.
Front-facing Camera
The front-facing camera on the iPad Air 5 has also been upgraded.
While the iPad Air 4 has a 7MP FaceTime HD camera, the iPad Air 5 has a 12MP Ultra Wide camera.
This means that you can take wider selfies and fit more people into your FaceTime calls.
Center Stage
One of the most exciting new features on the iPad Air 5 is Center Stage support.
This feature uses the ultra-wide camera on the front of the device to keep you in the center of the frame during video calls, even if you move around.
This is a great feature if you like to move around during your calls or if you’re using your iPad for video conferences.
Overall, the iPad Air 5 has some significant improvements when it comes to the camera and Facetime features.
If you enjoy taking photos or using your iPad for video calls, the iPad Air 5 is definitely worth considering.
Price And Availability
When it comes to purchasing a new iPad, price is always a major consideration.
The iPad Air 5 starts at $599 for the 64GB Wi-Fi-only variant and goes up to $899 for the 256GB version with Wi-Fi and cellular support.
On the other hand, the iPad Air 4 is also priced at $599 for the 64GB Wi-Fi-only variant and goes up to $879 for the 256GB version with Wi-Fi and cellular support.
It’s worth noting that the iPad Air 5 and iPad Air 4 have the same starting price, but the iPad Air 5 has a newer M1 processor, while the iPad Air 4 has the A14 Bionic chip.
If you’re looking for the latest and greatest technology, the iPad Air 5 is the way to go.
In terms of availability, both the iPad Air 4 and iPad Air 5 are widely available through Apple’s online store, as well as through authorized retailers and carriers.
The iPad Air 5 was released in 2022, while the iPad Air 4 was released in 2020, so you may find that the latter model is more readily available at certain retailers.
If you’re looking to save some money, you may want to consider purchasing a refurbished iPad Air 4 or iPad Air 5.
Apple offers certified refurbished models of both devices, which come with a one-year warranty and all the same features as a brand-new device.
Plus, you can save up to 15% off the original price.
Overall, both the iPad Air 4 and iPad Air 5 offer excellent value for the price, with high-end features like HDR display, Smart Connector, and second-generation Apple Pencil support.
If you’re looking for the latest technology and 5G support, the iPad Air 5 is the clear winner.
However, if you’re on a budget, the iPad Air 4 is still a great choice.
Key Takeaways
If you are considering upgrading from the iPad Air 4 to the iPad Air 5, there are some key differences to keep in mind.
Here are some takeaways to help you make an informed decision:
- Performance: The iPad Air 5 is significantly faster than the iPad Air 4, thanks to the M1 chip. The new model has a 60% faster CPU performance and twice the graphics performance compared to the previous model. This means you’ll be able to run more demanding apps and multitask with ease.
- 5G Connectivity: The iPad Air 5 now supports 5G connectivity, which means you can take advantage of faster internet speeds on the go. Keep in mind that 5G coverage is still limited in some areas, so you may not notice a significant difference in speed depending on where you live.
- Design and Display: The iPad Air 5 has a slightly updated design, with flat edges and a thinner profile. The display is the same size as the iPad Air 4 (10.9 inches) and has the same resolution, but the new model has a True Tone display that adjusts the color temperature based on ambient light.
- Storage: The iPad Air 5 comes with a choice of 64GB or 256GB of storage, while the iPad Air 4 is available in 64GB or 256GB options. If you plan to store a lot of media files or large apps on your device, the extra storage may be worth considering.
- Price: The iPad Air 5 is more expensive than the iPad Air 4, with a starting price of $599 compared to the previous model’s $499 starting price. Keep in mind that prices may vary depending on the storage capacity and connectivity options you choose.
Overall, the iPad Air 5 is a significant upgrade over the iPad Air 4 in terms of performance and connectivity.
However, if you don’t need the extra speed or 5G capabilities, the iPad Air 4 is still a solid choice and may be more affordable.
