Are you looking for a new iPad? Then it is difficult to choose as a consumer. The iPad Air and iPad 10th generation in particular are very similar, but in terms of performance they are two different tablets. With the new iPad Air with M2 chip, the difference has become greater.
In addition to an 11-inch size, you can also choose a 13-inch size. The new Air contains an M2 processor, support for the Apple Pencil Pro and contains twice as much storage as standard. Now the question is: is the new iPad Air worth upgrading compared to the iPad Air with M1 chip? Perhaps not, but we are happy to list the most important differences for you.
Differences between iPad Air 2022 and iPad Air 2024
The categories below show the differences between the two iPads. In the comparison we only talk about the 11-inch iPad Air. Of course, the tablet is also available in a 13-inch version. This has the same specifications as its smaller brother, but has a larger screen, otherwise the tablets are identical to each other. In the overview below you can see the new option compared to the previous generation.
- More powerful M2 chip with 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU
- WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3
- Landscape 12MP ultra-wide-angle front camera (landscape)
- Smart HDR 4 for photos
- Apple Pencil Pro support with Apple Pencil hover
- Standard 128 GB storage
- Only eSIM possible for data
- No charger included in the Netherlands and Belgium
- Price drop: 11-inch from €719 (from €789)
Screen, dimensions and design
The dimensions, design and screen are the same as the previous model iPad Air. Even though Apple mentioned a size of 10.9 inches at the time, the resolution of 2360 x 1640 pixels at 264 ppi is now the same. For convenience, Apple calls it an 11-inch iPad Air with the caveat that due to rounding the screen is slightly smaller, namely 10.9 inches.
Both iPads have a laminated Liquid Retina display, with an anti-reflective coating, wide color reproduction (P3), support for True Tone and a brightness of up to 500 nits.
Mac quality processor
The most important thing about the iPad is of course the processor. Both the previous and newer generations of iPad Air have a super powerful M chip. The new model uses an M2 processor with an 8-core CPU with (4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores), 10-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine, 100 GB/s memory bandwidth and 8 GB RAM. In comparison, the M1 chip has 8-core CPU (with 4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores), 8-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine and 8GB of RAM.
Apple Pencil Pro
The new Apple Pencil has sensors that register that you squeeze the Pencil. You will then see a new palette, so you can quickly change tools, line thickness or color. By adding a motion sensor, you can work very precisely with various pens and brushes with a simple rotation of the Apple Pencil Pro. A Taptic Engine has also been added so that the Pencil provides haptic feedback. When you squeeze or tap twice, you will feel a small tap to confirm.
In addition, the Pencil Pro has find my support, just like the Apple TV Remote. If you no longer know where the Pencil has gone, you can find it via the Find My app.
In addition to the Apple Pencil Pro, you can also use the Apple Pencil with USB-C on the iPad Air from 2024, the second generation Pencil cannot be used.
Conclusion: differences between iPad Air 2020 and iPad Pro 2021
The innovations for the iPad Air 2024 have been limited and the improvement lies mainly in the details. So you now get 128 GB of storage as standard instead of 64 GB. Also, moving the FaceTime camera to the landscape side is a big plus.
Of course, the addition of the M2 chip is worth mentioning, which ensures that the performance of the iPad is sky-high and is on par with a Mac. Do you really want to get the most out of the iPad as a professional? Then the new iPad Pro with M4 chip is recommended.
Are you hesitating between an iPad Pro 2024 and iPad Air 2024? Then you should think carefully about using your iPad. The Pro is really intended for the professional user, especially for creatives who like to draw and design on their iPad and need an extra smooth ProMotion OLED screen. Do you only use the iPad for home and garden activities? Then the Air is really a better choice.
Storage, colors and price
The iPad Air 5th generation is available in aluminum space gray, starlight, purple and blue with 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB or 1 TB GB storage, with a starting price of €719 (down from €789) (11-inch display ) and €969 (13-inch display). If you want 5G support, you pay €170 extra. The iPad is available from Apple and other web shops such as Bol.com, Coolblue, YourMacStore, MediaMarkt, Amazon, Paradigit and Yorcom.