Apple introduced its new iPad Air (2022) which brings with it the powerful M1 processor and some other exciting updates. But is that enough to warrant an upgrade from a 2020 model? Should we pay attention to iPad Air (2020) offers?
Below, we offer you a quick comparison of the two in order to advise you in your new purchase.
Design and build quality
The iPad Air got a major facelift in 2020, when Apple ditched the “Home” button for good and switched to a full-screen borderless design (same as previous models). iPadPro) with more varied and colorful finishes.
Two years later, things haven’t changed at all. Indeed, the size comparison shows that both have a 247.6 x 178.5 x 6.1mm chassis, while the weight is virtually identical: the new version tips the scales at 3 grams heavier than its equivalent of 2020 which weighs 461 grams.
Based on this, various reviews of the recent iPad Air (2022) have emerged on the net which show how if you press down on the back of the tablet, the material yields slightly and squeaks when flexed.
In our analysis by David Price, we found that the sampling unit did not suffer from the problem, but our sister publication Technical Adviser I had a model that had this problem.
At the time of writing it is unclear if this is a production fault or just a faulty batch, but it is something to be aware of if you think it might be a problem.
Apart from this event, there is no aesthetic difference between the two versions, since both have 10.9-inch Liquid Retina screens. There’s no home button, and while you won’t find Face ID, you can still use the fingerprint sensor on the power button.
You’ll find second-generation Apple Pencil support on both models, along with smart connectors that let you use the Apple Magic Keyboard and Smart Folio keyboard and covers.
The key here is that if you decide to upgrade from the older model to the newer one, you won’t have to replace any of its accessories as they are compatible.
One way to differentiate new from old is based on the colors of their finishes. You can get them in a wide variety, but with little overlap. Only space gray is offered in both cases. The rest of the colors are different. The purple of the new is the one that attracts the most attention.
performance characteristics
When the iPad Air (2020) was released, it was called by some as an affordable iPad Pro for ordinary people. Apple took notice and executed it perfectly on the new model as it has upgrades that make it a very serious computing machine.
Processor
The main feature of the new iPad Air (2022) is the inclusion of the M1 processor, which replaces the A14 Bionic used in the 2020 model. This gives the Air pro-level performance, as it is the same chip used by the current 11 and 12.9 inch iPad Pro, not to mention Macs.
If you want to use your iPad Air to create digital art, edit photos, or play high-end games, the M1 will make it a cinch. If your usage is more focused on content consumption, note taking or light photo editing, the A14 Bionic handles it with aplomb.
As this is the main differentiator between the two models, those wondering which model to buy should think about what they want to do with their iPad. The A14 Bionic isn’t slow, so if you don’t need pro performance, you’ll save some cash by going with the iPad Air (2020).
Screen
As we have already mentioned, the screens of the two iPad Air are identical. That means you get a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina panel running at 2360 x 1640 resolution, 264ppi, with identical brightness levels and all the usual True Tone.
These are fully laminated Wide Color (P3) screens. The refresh rate hasn’t changed for the new model, remaining in the low 60Hz figure, so if you want a 120Hz ProMotion display you’ll have to opt for the iPad Pro range.
cameras
For the most part, the main camera of the iPad Air (2022) is the same as its predecessor. It’s an identical 12MP f/1.8 sensor that includes Smart HDR 3 and Wide Color, and can record video up to 4K at 60 fps.
It also offers slow motion (1080p/240fps), continuous autofocus and cinematic video stabilization options. The only difference is that it offers extended dynamic range for video up to 30fps and can record 1080p at 25fps and 30fps, in addition to the 60fps offered by the 2020 model.
Whether these are valuable things to use on a tablet is debatable, but you should recognize the value of including them. The most significant change is the front camera where Apple replaced the older 7 MP f/2.2 HD camera on the iPad Air (2020), with an improved 12 MP f/2.4 ultra-wide camera on the new one.
The main benefit of this is that it allows the new iPad to offer Center Stage, the intelligent ability to track people on video calls. There is also extended dynamic range for video up to 30 fps and additional HD fps options from the main camera.
Basically, if you use your iPad for video calls and like the sound of the Center Stage feature, that’s a great reason to buy the new iPad Air over the previous generation.
connectivity
The last of the features that Apple gave to the new iPad Air (2022) is 5G connectivity. This obviously only applies to models equipped with cellular connections. So, if you plan to buy a Wi-Fi model, this novelty will not influence it.
If you consider that sooner or later you will need to use a data network connection, choose to buy the new iPad Air (2022) which will always be better in view of being able to use fast 5G connections.
Take a detailed look at the specs of both devices:
|
Model |
iPad Air (2022) |
iPad Air (2020) |
|
Screen |
10.9-inch Liquid Retina, 2360 x 1640 resolution, 264ppi, True Tone, Wide Color, laminated display |
10.9-inch Liquid Retina, 2360 x 1640 resolution, 264ppi, True Tone, Wide Color, laminated display |
|
Processor |
M1 |
A14 bionic |
|
Storage room |
64 GB/ 256 GB |
64 GB/ 256 GB |
|
master bedroom |
12 MP wide, f/1.8, SmartHDR, 4K video at 60 fps, 1080p slow motion at 240 fps, continuous autofocus, cinematic video stabilization, extended dynamic range for video up to 30 fps |
12 MP wide, f/1.8, SmartHDR, 4K video at 60 fps, 1080p slow motion at 240 fps, continuous autofocus, cinematic video stabilization |
|
Front camera |
12 MP Ultra Wide, f/2.4, 2x Zoom Out, Center Stage, Retina Flash, Smart HDR 3 for photos, extended dynamic range for video up to 30 fps, 1080p at 60 fps |
7 MP FaceTime HD, f/2.2, 1080p video recording, Smart HDR 3 for photos |
|
Wireless |
WiFi 6 |
WiFi 6 |
|
Bluetooth |
5 |
5 |
|
LTE |
5G (sub-6GHz) |
class gigabit |
|
GPS |
Yes |
Yes |
|
ports |
USB-C, smart connector |
USB-C, smart connector |
|
Biometrics |
Touch ID |
Touch ID |
|
apple pencil |
Generation 2 |
Generation 2 |
|
Dimensions |
247.6mm x 178.5mm x 6.1mm |
247.6mm x 178.5mm x 6.1mm |
|
Weight |
461g (462g cell) |
458g (460g cell) |
|
Colors |
Starlight, space gray, pink, purple, blue |
Silver, space gray, rose gold, green, sky blue |
|
Price |
From 679 $ |
From 619 $ |
|
To buy |
Apple |
Amazon |
Verdict
Now that Apple has stopped selling the iPad Air (2020) in its stores, you might be able to find some great deals if you shop around. Take a look at our summary of best ipad deals to find better prices.
Either way, there’s no doubt that the new iPad Air (2022) is a great device that brings the full potential of the iPad Pro to a new, much cheaper price entry point.
The M1 processor is extremely powerful, so there won’t be any task the new iPad can’t easily perform, whether it’s casual work, or something more professional or with creative tools.
Improved cameras are another big plus, along with the addition of 5G connectivity. In any case, if you have an iPad Air from 2020, we don’t think these are big enough changes to justify buying the new model.
The power of the M1 is great, but we think buying the previous model at a discount can be a great option, especially when you get the same design and screen type when consuming content.
Take a look at our article on when is the best time to buy a new iPad.
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