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Choosing the right iPad can feel overwhelming, especially with so many fantastic models available. Are you trying to decide between the iPad Air 4 and the newer iPad Air 5? You’re in the right place to get some clarity.
This comparison delves deep into the key differences and similarities between these two popular tablets. We’ll explore everything from performance and display quality to battery life and price, helping you make an informed decision.
Whether you’re a student, a creative professional, or simply looking for a great tablet for everyday use, understanding the nuances of the iPad Air 4 vs iPad Air 5 is crucial. Let’s dive in and find out which one suits your needs best.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | iPad Air 4 | iPad Air 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | A14 Bionic | M1 |
| Display Size | 10.9-inch | 10.9-inch |
| Display Type | Liquid Retina | Liquid Retina |
| RAM | 4GB | 8GB |
| Storage Options | 64GB, 256GB | 64GB, 256GB |
| Front Camera | 7MP | 12MP Ultra Wide |
| Rear Camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Video Recording | 4K at 60 fps | 4K at 60 fps |
| Speakers | Stereo | Stereo |
| Apple Pencil Support | 1st Gen | 2nd Gen |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Cellular Connectivity | Optional | Optional |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Processor
- iPad Air 4: Powered by the A14 Bionic chip, the iPad Air 4 offers solid performance for everyday tasks, gaming, and content creation. While capable, it may show its age with demanding applications.
- iPad Air 5: Equipped with the M1 chip, the iPad Air 5 delivers a significant performance boost, making it noticeably faster and more efficient. It handles complex tasks and multitasking with ease.
- Winner: iPad Air 5
Display
- iPad Air 4: Features a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone technology, providing vibrant colors and excellent viewing angles. Its peak brightness is good for most environments.
- iPad Air 5: Also boasts a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone, but the M1 chip allows for slightly improved image processing. The display is similar in quality.
- Winner: Tie
RAM
- iPad Air 4: Comes with 4GB of RAM, which is sufficient for many users but can become a bottleneck when running multiple demanding applications simultaneously.
- iPad Air 5: Offers 8GB of RAM, double that of its predecessor. This extra memory contributes to smoother multitasking and improved performance in resource-intensive tasks.
- Winner: iPad Air 5
Storage Options
- iPad Air 4: Available in 64GB and 256GB storage configurations. The 64GB option may be limiting for users with large media libraries or who store many apps and games.
- iPad Air 5: Offers the same storage options: 64GB and 256GB. Consider your storage needs carefully when selecting the configuration.
- Winner: Tie
Front Camera
- iPad Air 4: Features a 7MP FaceTime HD camera. It’s adequate for video calls but may produce less detailed images compared to the newer model.
- iPad Air 5: Upgrades to a 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage. This allows the camera to automatically adjust to keep you in the frame during video calls, and the higher resolution provides better image quality.
- Winner: iPad Air 5
Connectivity
- iPad Air 4: Supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0. It offers reliable wireless connectivity for browsing and connecting to accessories.
- iPad Air 5: Also supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0. Connectivity is identical to the iPad Air 4.
- Winner: Tie
Design
- iPad Air 4: Features a sleek, modern design with flat edges and a Touch ID sensor integrated into the power button. Comes in a range of attractive colors.
- iPad Air 5: Maintains the same design language as the iPad Air 4, including the flat edges and integrated Touch ID. The design is identical.
- Winner: Tie
Battery Life
- iPad Air 4: Offers approximately 10 hours of battery life for web browsing or watching videos. Battery life is generally good for all-day use.
- iPad Air 5: Provides roughly the same 10 hours of battery life for web browsing or watching videos. Battery life is similar to the iPad Air 4.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Performance | iPad Air 5 |
| Front Camera | iPad Air 5 |
| Value | iPad Air 4 |
| Overall | iPad Air 5 |
What They Have in Common:
- Display: Both iPads share the same 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, offering vibrant colors and excellent clarity for media consumption and creative tasks.
- Design: Both feature a sleek, modern design with thin bezels and a lightweight build, making them comfortable to hold and easy to carry around.
- Portability: Both devices are designed to be portable and offer a great balance between screen size and overall footprint.
- Accessories: Both are compatible with the Apple Pencil (though different generations) and the Magic Keyboard, expanding their functionality.
- Operating System: Both run on iPadOS, providing a user-friendly interface optimized for tablet use.
Performance Buying Guide
Processor and Performance
The iPad Air 4 features the A14 Bionic chip, a powerful processor that handles everyday tasks with ease. It’s suitable for web browsing, video streaming, and light gaming. The iPad Air 5, however, boasts the M1 chip, a significant upgrade. This chip provides a substantial boost in performance, making it ideal for demanding tasks like video editing, graphic design, and running multiple apps simultaneously. The M1 chip offers a smoother and more responsive experience, especially for power users. This difference is noticeable in tasks that require more processing power.
Display and Visuals
Both iPads share the same stunning Liquid Retina display with True Tone technology, offering vibrant colors and excellent clarity. However, the iPad Air 5’s display may appear slightly more responsive due to the faster processing capabilities of the M1 chip. This difference is subtle but noticeable during fast-paced gaming or when quickly navigating through apps. The display quality remains excellent on both models. Whether you’re watching movies, editing photos, or simply browsing the web, you’ll be treated to a visually appealing experience.
Design and Portability
Both iPads share the same sleek, lightweight design, making them highly portable. They both feature the same thin bezels and flat-edge design. The main difference lies in the color options available. The iPad Air 5 offers slightly updated color choices. Both are comfortable to hold and easy to carry around. The design of both models is modern and stylish, making them a pleasure to use and carry with you wherever you go. The overall user experience is similar regarding design and portability.
Storage Options and Price
The iPad Air 4 offered storage options typically starting at 64GB and going up to 256GB. The iPad Air 5 starts with 64GB and offers a 256GB option as well. Consider your storage needs; if you plan on storing many photos, videos, or large files, opt for the 256GB model. Regarding price, the iPad Air 5 typically launched at a slightly higher price point than the iPad Air 4. However, the price difference might vary depending on the retailer and current deals. Consider your budget when making your selection.
Battery Life
Both the iPad Air 4 and the iPad Air 5 offer excellent battery life, typically lasting up to 10 hours of web browsing or video watching. Actual battery life may vary depending on usage. Both models are designed to last a full day of moderate use. You can confidently use either iPad for work, entertainment, and communication without worrying about frequent charging. In general, they offer similar battery performance, making them both great options for on-the-go use.
Accessories and Ecosystem
Both iPads are compatible with the second-generation Apple Pencil and the Magic Keyboard, expanding their functionality. The Apple Pencil enhances note-taking and creative tasks, while the Magic Keyboard transforms the iPad into a laptop-like experience. Both iPads benefit from the vast Apple ecosystem, including access to a wide range of apps and services. The compatibility with these accessories makes them versatile devices. Consider what accessories you might need to enhance your workflow.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPad Air 4 If…
- You’re on a tighter budget and want a capable iPad for everyday tasks.
- You don’t need the extra performance of the M1 chip.
- You’re upgrading from an older iPad and want a significant improvement without breaking the bank.
Buy iPad Air 5 If…
- You need the fastest performance for demanding tasks like video editing or gaming.
- You want the latest features, including the more powerful M1 chip and upgraded front camera.
- You want the best possible performance and are willing to pay a premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between the iPad Air 4 and iPad Air 5?
The primary difference is the processor. The iPad Air 5 features the M1 chip, offering significantly faster performance than the A14 Bionic in the iPad Air 4. The Air 5 also has a slightly updated front camera with Center Stage. Battery life, display quality, design, and accessory compatibility are very similar.
Which iPad Air is better for gaming?
The iPad Air 5 is better for gaming due to its more powerful M1 chip. This results in smoother gameplay, faster loading times, and the ability to handle more graphically demanding games. The A14 Bionic in the iPad Air 4 can handle gaming, but the M1 offers a superior experience.
Does the iPad Air 5 have a better display than the iPad Air 4?
The displays are very similar in terms of quality. Both feature the same Liquid Retina display with True Tone technology. The perceived responsiveness might be slightly better on the Air 5 due to the faster processor, but the visual quality is virtually the same. The viewing experience is excellent on both.
Are the accessories compatible between the two iPads?
Yes, both the iPad Air 4 and the iPad Air 5 are compatible with the second-generation Apple Pencil and the Magic Keyboard. This means you can use the same accessories with either device, providing a consistent experience. The compatibility allows for ease of use and flexibility.
Which iPad Air is better for students?
The iPad Air 5 is generally better for students, especially those who need to run demanding applications or multitask frequently. The M1 chip offers a performance advantage for note-taking, research, and creative projects. However, the iPad Air 4 is still a capable device for basic tasks.
What are the storage options for both iPads?
Both iPad Air 4 and iPad Air 5 come in 64GB and 256GB storage options. Choose the storage size based on your needs, considering the number of photos, videos, and apps you plan to store. If in doubt, it’s better to go for more storage, as it cannot be upgraded later.
Is the iPad Air 5 worth the extra cost?
The iPad Air 5 is worth the extra cost if you need the extra performance provided by the M1 chip. If you plan to use your iPad for demanding tasks like video editing, gaming, or multitasking, the upgrade is justified. If your usage is more basic, the Air 4 remains a great value.
Final Verdict
While both iPads offer a premium experience, the iPad Air 5’s M1 chip provides a significant performance boost over the iPad Air 4, making it a better choice for power users and those seeking a future-proof device. The display, design, and accessory compatibility remain largely the same, but the performance difference is noticeable in demanding tasks. The newer chip makes it a more versatile device.
Winner: iPad Air 5