We will agree that at Apple they follow a different pace of renewal than other manufacturers, especially in certain products such as laptops or tablets. In the latter, those from Cupertino have once again renewed their range of various iPad models after two years without news. One of the winners is iPad Air, which reaches its 6th generation in 2024. After quite some time since the previous model came out, we see a comparison with the 2022 iPad Air to know which one to buy in each case.
IPAD AIR (5TH GEN.) 10.9″ |
11″ IPAD AIR (6TH GEN.) |
IPAD AIR (6TH GEN.) 13″ |
|
---|---|---|---|
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT |
247.6 x 178.5 x 6.1mm 461 grams (Wi-Fi models) 462 grams (Wi-Fi + Cellular models) |
247.6 x 178.5 x 6.1mm 462 grams |
280.6 x 214.9 x 6.1mm 617 grams (Wi-Fi models) 618 grams (Wi-Fi + Cellular models) |
SCREEN |
10.9 inch IPS 2,360 x 1,640p resolution 264 pixels per inch 60 Hz refresh rate True Tone Technology 500 nits brightness |
11 inch IPS 2,360 x 1,640p resolution 264 pixels per inch 60 Hz refresh rate True Tone Technology 500 nits brightness |
13 inch IPS 2,732 x 2,048p resolution 264 pixels per inch 60 Hz refresh rate True Tone Technology 600 nits brightness |
PROCESSOR |
Apple M1 |
Apple M2 |
Apple M2 |
MEMORY |
8GB |
8GB |
8GB |
STORAGE |
64GB / 256GB |
128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB |
128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB |
AUTONOMY |
Up to 10 hours of video playback |
Up to 10 hours of video playback |
Up to 10 hours of video playback |
REAR CAMERA |
12MP f/1.8 |
12MP f/1.8 |
12MP f/1.8 |
FRONTAL CAMERA |
12 MP f/1.8 122º wide angle |
12MP f/2.4 |
12MP f/2.4 |
OPERATING SYSTEM |
iPadOS 15.4 at launch (continues to support iPadOS 17) |
iPadOS 17 |
iPadOS 17 |
SOUND |
Stereo speakers Double microphone |
Stereo speakers Double microphone |
Stereo speakers Double microphone |
CONNECTIVITY |
Wi-Fi 6 5G (on Wi-Fi + Cellular models) Bluetooth 5.0 USB-C (USB 3.1 gen 2) |
Wi-Fi 6E 5G (in Cellular versions) Bluetooth 5.3 USB-C (USB 3.0) |
Wi-Fi 6E 5G (in Cellular versions) Bluetooth 5.3 USB-C (USB 3.0) |
OTHERS |
Touch ID on the lock button |
Touch ID on the lock button |
Touch ID on the lock button |
PRICE |
From 657 euros |
From 699 euros |
From 949 euros |
*Some prices may have changed since the last review
Comparison of each iPad Air, by sections
Design and screen
Despite the waiting time, there are hardly any new features in the aesthetic section, sharing the same design. Straight edges with curved corners, Apple logo on the back with its main camera and absolute prominence for the screens in front.
Where we find a slight difference is on the front, with the front camera position that goes from being on the side of the top of the tablet. For the rest, both the 2024 and 2022 models have IPS panels and a refresh rate limited to 60 Hz.
Hardware
In this section we find one of the biggest differences between both editions. It is a logical evolution, but it is still a novelty within the hardware of the new iPad Air. Ride the M2 chipmoving from the M1 that the 2022 edition had. In terms of memory, it maintains the 8 GB of RAM, but in storage increases the base model to 128 GBreaching a whopping 1 TB at its maximum capacity.
Although both are more than solvent processors, it is true that there are performance advantages in this M2. According to Apple data, The M2 is 35% more powerful and 18% more efficient than the M1 despite having the same number of cores. Where it does seem that a more substantial difference will be noticed is in terms of artificial intelligence that runs locally, given that it has a 40% faster neural engine.
Photographic section
Nothing new on the front in this area. Both the front and rear cameras offer the same number of megapixels in the two new models compared to the previous generation. In figures, they are 12 MP with f/1.8 on the rear sensor and 12 MP with f/2.4 on the front.
Battery
All models, on paper, offer a range of 10 hours of video playback, but the difference will be both in the use as in the management that the new processor does with the batterywhich will presumably be more efficient.
Connectivity and other specifications
At the wireless network level, we find the same WiFi 6E and 5G technology in the case of the Cellular models. However, the biggest difference has come in Bluetooth, that goes from standard 5.0 to 5.3.
In compatibility with Apple accessories, there are also changes. For the new models, both the brand new Apple Pencil Pro and the Magic Keyboard 2 can be used for the keyboard.
iPad Air 2024 vs iPad Air 2022, which smartphone to buy?
Why choose the iPad Air 2024
- Its base model has greater storage, reaching 128 GB
- Software with a longer life, starting with iPadOS17
- Make the jump to the M2 chip, with the improvement in performance that this entails
Why choose the iPad Air 2022
- If you want to take advantage of the price reduction on previous models, this iPad Air 2022 is ideal
- For productivity use and with files in the cloud, 64 GB may be enough for you and you do not need to make the leap to the new generation
*Some prices may have changed since the last review
Now that you know the difference in specifications and with the budget you have, which iPad Air would you choose?
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Images | Apple and Freepik