If you’re in the market for a new iPad, and with Apple’s frequent upgrades, you might be comparing the iPad Air 4th gen vs 5th gen.
Both models have their pros and cons, and it ultimately comes down to your individual needs and preferences.
The iPad Air 4th Gen was released in 2020 and is still a great option for those looking for a high-performance tablet.
It features Apple’s A14 Bionic chip, which is powerful enough to handle even the most demanding apps and games.
The 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display is bright and vibrant, and the tablet itself is lightweight and easy to carry around.
On the other hand, the iPad Air 5th Gen was released in 2022 and boasts a few upgrades over its predecessor.
It features the same A14 Bionic chip as the 4th Gen, but also includes 5G connectivity, which means faster download and upload speeds when connected to a compatible network.
The 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display is also slightly improved, with better color accuracy and contrast.
Design
When it comes to design, the iPad Air 5th Gen and iPad Air 4th Gen are quite similar.
Both tablets feature a sleek and lightweight design with rounded edges and a slim profile. However, there are a few differences worth noting.
Dimensions and Weight
The iPad Air 5th Gen is slightly larger than its predecessor, measuring 247.6 x 178.5 x 6.1mm compared to the iPad Air 4th Gen’s 247.6 x 178.5 x 6.1mm.
However, the difference is minimal and not likely to be noticeable in day-to-day use.
In terms of weight, the iPad Air 5th Gen is slightly heavier than the 4th Gen, weighing in at 461g (Wi-Fi) or 462g (Wi-Fi + Cellular) compared to the iPad Air 4th Gen’s 458g or 460g.
Again, the difference is not significant and is unlikely to affect the user experience.
Colors
One of the biggest differences between the iPad Air 5th Gen and iPad Air 4th Gen is the color options available.
The iPad Air 5th Gen comes in five different colors: space grey, starlight, pink, purple, and blue.
In contrast, the iPad Air 4th Gen offers only four color options: silver, space grey, rose gold, green, and sky blue.
If you’re looking for a wider range of color options, the iPad Air 5th Gen may be the better choice for you.
Overall, while there are some minor differences in dimensions, weight, and color options, the design of the iPad Air 5th Gen and iPad Air 4th Gen is quite similar.
Both tablets offer a sleek and lightweight design that is sure to appeal to users who value portability and style.
Display
When it comes to the display, the iPad Air 4th Gen and 5th Gen are quite similar.
However, there are a few differences that are worth noting.
Size And Resolution
Both the iPad Air 4th Gen and 5th Gen have a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, which provides a clear and vibrant viewing experience.
However, the resolution of the 5th Gen is slightly higher at 2360-by-1640 compared to the 4th Gen’s 2360-by-1640.
This means that the 5th Gen has a slightly higher pixel density of 264 ppi compared to the 4th Gen’s 264 ppi.
Brightness And True Tone
The iPad Air 5th Gen has a slightly brighter display compared to the 4th Gen, with a maximum brightness of 500 nits compared to the 4th Gen’s 600 nits.
However, both models support True Tone technology, which adjusts the color temperature of the display based on the ambient light in the room.
This makes the display more comfortable to look at and reduces eye strain.
Center Stage
One of the new features of the iPad Air 5th Gen is Center Stage, which uses the front-facing camera to keep you in the center of the frame during video calls.
This is especially useful if you’re moving around during the call or if you’re using the iPad in landscape mode.
Liquid Retina Display
Both the iPad Air 4th Gen and 5th Gen feature a Liquid Retina display, which provides a more immersive viewing experience.
The display extends to the edges of the device, which gives you more screen real estate to work with.
Additionally, the display is fully laminated, which reduces the distance between the touch sensor and the display to provide a more responsive and accurate touch experience.
Overall, the display of the iPad Air 5th Gen is slightly better than the 4th Gen, with a higher resolution and Center Stage.
However, if you already have the 4th Gen, the differences may not be significant enough to justify an upgrade.
Chip And Performance
When it comes to performance, the iPad Air 5th Gen is a significant upgrade from the 4th Gen.
Let’s take a closer look at the M1 chip and how it affects CPU and peek performance.
M1 Chip
The iPad Air 5th Gen is the first iPad to feature the M1 chip, the same chip used in Apple’s latest Macs and iPad Pros.
This custom-designed chip is a game-changer for the iPad Air, providing a significant boost in performance and efficiency.
CPU Performance
According to Apple, the iPad Air 5th Gen is 60% faster than the 4th Gen in terms of CPU performance.
This is due to the M1 chip’s eight-core CPU, which delivers blazing-fast performance for even the most demanding tasks.
Peek Performance
The iPad Air 5th Gen also delivers a significant boost in peek performance, thanks to the M1 chip’s eight-core GPU.
This means you can expect smoother animations, faster load times, and improved overall performance when using apps and games that require a lot of graphics processing power.
In summary, the M1 chip in the iPad Air 5th Gen is a significant upgrade from the A14 chip in the 4th Gen.
With its eight-core CPU and GPU, the iPad Air 5th Gen delivers blazing-fast performance and improved efficiency.
Whether you’re using it for work or play, you can expect a smooth and seamless experience.
Connectivity
When it comes to connectivity, the iPad Air 5th Gen and 4th Gen both offer a variety of options to keep you connected on the go.
Let’s take a look at some of the key features.
5G Support
One of the most significant upgrades in the iPad Air 5th Gen is the addition of 5G support.
With 5G, you can expect faster download and upload speeds, lower latency, and improved network reliability.
While the 4th Gen does not support 5G, it still offers fast LTE connectivity, which is suitable for most users.
Wi-Fi 6
Both the iPad Air 5th Gen and 4th Gen support Wi-Fi 6, which is the latest and fastest Wi-Fi standard available.
With Wi-Fi 6, you can expect faster speeds, better performance in crowded areas, and improved battery life.
If you have a Wi-Fi 6 router, you will notice a significant improvement in your Wi-Fi performance.
USB-C Port
The iPad Air 5th Gen and 4th Gen both feature a USB-C port, which allows you to connect a variety of accessories, such as external hard drives, cameras, and displays.
With USB-C, you can also charge your iPad Air faster than with the previous Lightning connector.
Smart Connector
The Smart Connector is a magnetic connector on the back of the iPad Air that allows you to connect a variety of accessories, such as the Smart Keyboard Folio.
The Smart Connector provides a reliable and fast connection, and it eliminates the need for Bluetooth pairing or charging.
In conclusion, both the iPad Air 5th Gen and 4th Gen offer a variety of connectivity options to keep you connected on the go.
While the 5th Gen offers some significant upgrades, such as 5G support, both models are still excellent options for staying connected.
Camera
When it comes to the camera, the iPad Air 5th Gen has a few upgrades over the 4th Gen.
Let’s take a closer look at the front-facing camera, Facetime HD, and Ultra-Wide features.
Front-Facing Camera
The front-facing camera on the iPad Air 5th Gen is a 12MP sensor, which is a significant upgrade from the 7MP sensor found on the 4th Gen.
This means that your selfies and video calls will be clearer and more detailed.
Additionally, the new camera uses machine learning to keep you in the frame during video calls, so you don’t have to worry about adjusting the camera manually.
Facetime HD
The Facetime HD feature on the iPad Air 5th Gen is another upgrade over the 4th Gen.
With this feature, you can make video calls in 1080p resolution, which is a significant improvement over the 720p resolution found on the 4th Gen.
This means that your video calls will be clearer and more lifelike.
Ultra-Wide
The Ultra-Wide feature is a new addition to the iPad Air 5th Gen.
This feature allows you to take photos and videos with a wider field of view, which is perfect for capturing landscapes, group photos, and more.
The Ultra-Wide camera has a 122-degree field of view, which is wider than the 4th Gen’s camera.
In summary, the iPad Air 5th Gen has some significant upgrades when it comes to the camera.
The front-facing camera is now a 12MP sensor, and video calls can be made in 1080p resolution.
Additionally, the Ultra-Wide feature allows you to take photos and videos with a wider field of view.
Battery Life
When it comes to battery life, both the iPad Air 4th Gen and 5th Gen offer impressive performance.
However, there are some differences that you should be aware of.
The iPad Air 4th Gen can last up to 10 hours on a single charge, which is pretty solid.
However, the iPad Air 5th Gen takes it up a notch, offering up to 12 hours of battery life.
This means you can use your device for longer without having to worry about running out of charge.
It’s worth noting that battery life can vary depending on how you use your device.
If you’re doing something that requires a lot of processing power, such as playing games or editing videos, you may find that your battery drains faster.
On the other hand, if you’re just browsing the web or reading a book, you may find that your battery lasts longer than the advertised time.
To get the most out of your battery, there are a few things you can do.
For example, you can reduce the screen brightness, turn off Bluetooth when you’re not using it, and close apps that you’re not using.
These small changes can help extend your battery life and make your device last longer on a single charge.
In conclusion, both the iPad Air 4th Gen and 5th Gen offer impressive battery life.
However, if you’re looking for a device that can last even longer, the iPad Air 5th Gen is the way to go.
Just remember to take care of your battery by making small adjustments to your settings and usage habits.
Price
When it comes to the price, the iPad Air 5th Gen is priced the same as the 4th Gen model.
Both models start at $599 for the 64GB Wi-Fi version, and $729 for the 64GB Wi-Fi + Cellular version.
However, keep in mind that the price can vary depending on the storage capacity and cellular connectivity options.
If you’re on a tight budget, the iPad Air 4th Gen might be a better choice for you.
It’s still a great device with a powerful A14 Bionic chip, and it’s available at a slightly lower price point than the 5th Gen model.
On the other hand, if you want the latest and greatest features, the iPad Air 5th Gen might be worth the extra investment.
It comes with the powerful M1 chip, which provides a significant performance boost compared to the A14 Bionic chip in the 4th Gen model.
Overall, both the iPad Air 4th Gen and 5th Gen are great devices that offer excellent value for their price.
It’s up to you to decide which model suits your needs and budget best.
iPad Air 4th Gen Vs 5th Gen: Which One?
If you’re in the market for a new iPad Air, you may be wondering whether to go for the 4th or 5th generation.
Here’s a breakdown of the differences between the two:
Design
The design of the iPad Air 5th generation is nearly identical to the 4th generation.
Both have a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with IPS technology, and both are available in Silver, Space Gray, Rose Gold, Green, and Sky Blue.
However, the 5th generation has a slightly thinner bezel, making the screen look bigger.
Performance
The biggest difference between the two models is the performance.
The iPad Air 5th generation is powered by the M1 chip, which is the same chip used in the latest MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and iMac models.
This means the 5th generation is up to twice as fast as the 4th generation.
The 5th generation also has 5G connectivity, which the 4th generation lacks.
Camera And Audio
The iPad Air 5th generation has a 12-megapixel rear camera, while the 4th generation has a 10-megapixel rear camera.
The 5th generation also has Center Stage, which uses machine learning to automatically adjust the camera during video calls and keep you centered in the frame.
Both models have stereo speakers, but the 5th generation has a slightly better audio system.
Storage And Price
Both the iPad Air 4th and 5th generation come in 64GB and 256GB storage options.
The 5th generation is slightly more expensive than the 4th generation, with a starting price of $599 compared to $499 for the 4th generation.
Overall, if you’re looking for the latest and greatest performance and features, the iPad Air 5th generation is the way to go.
However, if you’re on a budget or don’t need the latest technology, the 4th generation is still a great option.
Key Takeaways
If you’re considering upgrading from the iPad Air 4 to the iPad Air 5, or deciding which one to buy, here are some key takeaways to keep in mind:
- Performance: The iPad Air 5 is significantly faster than the iPad Air 4, thanks to the M1 chip. You can expect 60% faster CPU performance and twice the graphics performance compared to the iPad Air 4.
- 5G Connectivity: The iPad Air 5 supports 5G connectivity, while the iPad Air 4 does not. However, it only supports sub-6 GHz bands, not mmWave 5G.
- Design: The design of the iPad Air 5 is very similar to the iPad Air 4, with a few minor differences. The iPad Air 5 is slightly thicker and heavier, but it also has a relocated Touch ID sensor on the power button.
- Display: The iPad Air 5 has the same 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display as the iPad Air 4, with the same resolution and pixel density.
- Storage: The iPad Air 5 comes with a minimum of 128GB of storage, while the iPad Air 4 starts at 64GB. Both models offer up to 256GB of storage.
- Price: The iPad Air 5 starts at a higher price point than the iPad Air 4, with the base model costing $599 compared to $499 for the iPad Air 4. However, the iPad Air 5 also comes with more storage and better performance.
Overall, the iPad Air 5 is a significant upgrade over the iPad Air 4 in terms of performance and 5G connectivity.
However, if you don’t need the extra speed or 5G support, the iPad Air 4 is still a great tablet and may be a more affordable option for you.
