Today we are here to compare the iPad 10th generation vs iPad Air 5. The 10th edition iPad, which offers a makeover, chip update, and new color options over its predecessor, was unveiled by Apple in October.
With the makeover, the entry-level iPad finally does away with the Home Button and adopts a design that is strikingly similar to that of the iPad Air. The choice between the entry-level iPad and the iPad Air has grown slightly more difficult due to price increases.
iPad 10th generation vs iPad Air 5
In order to assist you in determining the differences and which might be the best purchase, we’ve listed the differences between the iPad 10th generation vs iPad Air 5.
iPad 10th generation vs iPad Air 5: Price
- iPad (10th gen): From £499/$449
- iPad Air: From £669/$599
Let’s first start with the price, as this may be the deciding factor between these two models, depending on your budget.
The iPad (10th generation) is available to pre-order now, and it will hit shelves on 26 October. It starts at $449 in the US and £499 in the UK for the Wi-Fi-only model.
The iPad Air, meanwhile, starts at £669 in the UK and $599 in the US. That’s again for the Wi-Fi-only model. Both the iPad (10th gen) and the iPad Air come in Wi-Fi and Cellular models, too.
iPad 10th generation vs iPad Air 5: Design
- iPad (10th gen): 248.6 x 179.5 x 7mm, 477g
- iPad Air: 247.6 x 178.5 x 6.1mm, 461g
The designs of the iPad Air and the Apple iPad (10th generation) are nearly identical. Both choose to have consistent bezels surrounding their panels, flat-edged aluminum bodies, and power buttons with Touch ID built in.
The two phones also share a Smart Connector, a USB-C charging port, speakers on either side and a single camera lens in the upper left corner of the back. The Smart Connector is located on the left edge of the iPad (10th generation), whereas it is located on the back of the iPad Air.
The colors of the various devices also vary. While the iPad Air is available in Space Grey, Starlight, Purple, Blue, and Pink, the iPad (10th generation) is available in Silver, Pink, Yellow, and Blue. While the colors on the iPad (10th generation) are vibrant, they are muted and pastel on the iPad Air.
The placement of the FaceTime HD front camera on the iPad10th generation’s edge makes it more advantageous for video calls when held horizontally, which is another design distinction between the two devices. When held vertically, the front camera of the iPad Air is located at the top of the display.
The dimensions of the iPad (10th generation) have changed slightly, mind you, and it is also 1mm thicker. Additionally, it is a bit heavier.
iPad 10th generation vs iPad Air 5: Display
- iPad (10th gen): 10.9-inch, 2360 x 1640 pixels, 264ppi, True Tone
- iPad Air: 10.9-inch, 2360 x 1640 pixels, 264ppi, True Tone, Anti-reflective coating, Fully laminated
Both the iPad Air and the Apple iPad (10th generation) have a 10.9-inch display with a resolution of 2360 x 1640 pixels. It indicates that both smartphones have a 264ppi pixel density.
The highest brightness of the two tablets, which both have Liquid Retina displays, is 500 nits. Both devices include an oleophobic covering that prevents fingerprints, and they both support Apple’s True Tone technology.
However, there are a few variations between the displays of the iPad (10th generation) and iPad Air. The iPad (10th generation) has an RGB display, whilst the iPad Air has a P3 wide color display. You would probably notice the iPad Air’s completely laminated display and anti-reflective coating when using it.
iPad 10th generation vs iPad Air 5: Hardware and specs
- iPad (10th gen): A14 chip, 64/256GB, 12MP front camera, 12MP rear camera, USB-C
- iPad Air: M1 chip, 64/256GB, 12MP front camera, 12MP rear camera, USB-C
The A14 Bionic chip, which features a 6-core CPU and a 4-core GPU, is what powers the Apple iPad (10th generation). Additionally, a 16-core Neural Engine is installed. On the other hand, the iPad Air uses the M1 chip, which has an 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU. It, too, includes a 16-core Neural Engine, but it also has 8GB of RAM. A Media Engine is also included with the iPad Air.
Other features include a 12-megapixel rear camera with an f/1.8 aperture, 5x digital zoom, and Smart HDR 3 for photographs in both the iPad (10th generation) and the iPad Air. They both also provide up to 4K video recording at 60 frames per second. Both tablets contain a front camera with a 12-megapixel resolution, an f/2.4 aperture, a Retina Flash, and features like Centre Stage.
Additionally, they both have the same battery life of up to 10 hours for watching videos or up to 9 hours for web browsing. Both support charging through USB-C. The iPad (10th generation) and the iPad Air both come with 64GB and 256GB of storage, making storage options identical.
The iPad Air, on the other hand, is only compatible with the first-generation Apple Pencil, whereas the iPad (10th generation) is compatible with both.
iPad 10th generation vs iPad Air 5: Software
- iPad (10th gen): iPadOS 16, no Stage Manager
- iPad Air: iPadOS 16
The experience will be the same on both the iPad (10th generation) and the iPad Air because both devices will run iPadOS 16.
While Stage Manager will only be available on the iPad Air and not the iPad (10th generation), most other functions will be shared by both devices.
iPad 10th generation vs iPad Air 5: Conclusion
The iPad Air and the Apple iPad (10th generation) share the same size display, storage options, battery, and cameras in addition to having very similar designs.
The iPad Air comes with some added features like Stage Manager and is compatible with the second-generation Apple Pencil and the Smart Keyboard Folio in addition to having a more potent processor. The Air’s display is completely laminated and has an anti-reflective coating.
On paper, the iPad (10th generation) appears to make the most sense overall and will likely be the most popular option among these two gadgets. The iPad (10th generation) will be the one to buy for those who don’t need the extra power, which the M1 chip delivers enough. We hope you’ve liked our iPad 10th generation vs iPad Air 5 comparison. You can also check out our article comparing iPhone 14 vs iPhone 13 if you need a new smartphone.
