iPad (2022) vs. iPad Air (2022): Which Apple tablet is right for you?
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- Apple’s standard 2022 iPad offers more value than the 2022 iPad Air for casual tablet users.
- But the 2022 iPad Air is a better option if you often edit photos or videos.
- If you want to add the Apple Pencil, opt for the 2021 iPad or 2022 iPad Air.
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As Apple’s lineup of iPads continues to evolve year after year, it’s becoming increasingly confusing to understand your options. That’s particularly true about the 10th-generation iPad and fifth-generation iPad Air, which were both released in 2022.
The new entry-level iPad has many similarities to the pricier 2022 iPad Air. Beyond the fact that the tablets are nearly identical in design, the 2022 iPad and iPad Air share the same display size, cameras, and USB-C connection type.
But differences in price, internal components, and accessory support mean even though the iPad and iPad Air are similar at first glance, they’re actually geared toward two different users.
To make matters more interesting, Apple still sells the older, ninth-generation 2021 iPad, which starts at $329. While it may not have the latest features, it remains an accessible option for people looking for a basic iPad. The 2022 iteration of the entry-level iPad brings a lot of upgrades from its predecessor, but it also starts at $449, making it $120 more than the previous model.
When it comes to the best iPads, casual users won’t be disappointed by the 2022 iPad, while anyone looking for Apple’s best value tablet should look into the 2021 iPad. The iPad Air comes easily recommended as Apple’s best mid-range offering. But what justifies the 2022 iPad Air to cost $150 more than the 2022 iPad? Let’s take a closer look.
iPad (2021 and 2022) vs. iPad Air (2022): Specs compared
Specification
iPad (2021)
iPad (2022)
iPad Air (2022)
Display
10.2-inch (2,160 x 1,620) Retina LED
10.9-inch (2,360 x 1,640) Liquid Retina LED
10.9-inch (2,360 x 1,640) Liquid Retina LED
Processor
Apple A13 Bionic
Apple A14 Bionic
Apple M1
Memory (RAM)
3GB RAM (estimated)
4GB RAM
8GB RAM
Storage
64GB, 256GB storage
64GB, 256GB
64GB, 256GB
Battery and charging
32.4 Wh, 20W charger included
28.6 Wh, 20W charger included
28.6 Wh, 20W charger included
Cameras
8MP main camera
12MP main camera
12MP main camera
Front camera
12MP FaceTime HD camera with Center Stage
Landscape 12MP FaceTime HD camera with Center Stage
12MP FaceTime HD camera with Center Stage
Audio
Two speakers, bottom firing
Stereo speakers
Stereo speakers
Authentication
Touch ID
Touch ID (on power button)
Touch ID (on power button)
Connectivity
WiFi, Bluetooth 4.2, LTE (optional)
WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2 5G (optional)
WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, 5G (optional)
Ports
Lightning
USB-C
USB-C, up to 10Gb/s (USB 3.1 Gen 2)
Starting price
$329
$449
$559
