Differences between iPad and iPad Air

iPad 10 with Magic Keyboard

At the end of last year 2022, the latest version of the iPad was presented, the entry-level Apple tablet – the iPad mini will never be the entry-level iPad. And with this latest version, the iPad 10 comes powerfully close to the iPad Air model. That is why, although they are physically similar and already share many of the technical characteristics, there are still differences between the two models. Hence, we want to decipher in the following lines the differences between iPad and iPad Air.

As we have already commented on different occasions, since iPadOS hit the market, the Apple tablet is taking over laptops. And not only because of the form factor –as long as we are talking about being connected to an external keyboard and using a mouse–, but also because of the powers and the possibilities of working with external monitors it is already a reality. Let's say, the same thing we usually do with a MacBook connected to an external monitor when we work at home.

Identical design – hard to tell

iPad 10 design

While with the previous generation –iPad 9th generation– the design was still well differentiated, Apple has decided that this iPad 10 be the same in design as the iPad Air. What does this mean? Well, the shapes are more rounded, the physical Home button disappears and Touch ID is integrated into the upper on/off button.

On the other hand, the speakers are no longer on one side and are installed one on each side of the tablet; that is to say: it is about stereo speakers that greatly enhance the audio experience with the tablet. In other words, the differences between the iPad and iPad Air at the design level disappear.

Connections – goodbye to the Lightning port; hello to usb-c port

iPad10 in yellow

Another aspect that the user will be able to verify and will surely welcome with joy is the disappearance of the Lightning port and the integration of the USB-C port in the iPad 10 model, an aspect that the iPad Air already had. What do we gain from this? Well, being able to use more standard cables to charge the iPad battery, as well as the integration of the DisplayPort connection . Therefore, and as we have already mentioned before, you can connect the iPad to an external monitor. Of course, there are differences between the two models:

  • iPad: connection to 4K at 30 Hz or 1080p at 60 Hz
  • iPad Air: connection to 6K at 60 Hz

Meanwhile, in both cases we will have available models with WiFi wireless connection, as well as GPS and Bluetooth. For users who do not want to depend on a WiFi hotspot, there are also models with an LTE connection; that is to say: the possibility of using mobile data under the contracting of a rate in a national mobile operator.

Screen differences with the same diagonal size

iPad 10 Color Gamut

The screen size is the same in both cases: a 10,9-inch display with a maximum resolution of 2360 x 1640 pixels. Likewise, the brightness in both cases reaches 500 nits. Now, the difference between the two screens is given by the lamination of the two screens: while the iPad screen is not laminated, the iPad Air screen is. What improvement does this feature offer us? Perhaps the best way to explain it to you is when you use Apple Pencil and from where you place the tip of the Apple stylus to where it plays on the digital screen. In other words, a laminated screen will make the accuracy less accurate. Therefore, if you are one of those who use the iPad to draw, perhaps the best option would be the iPad Air.

On the other hand, the superior model of iPad also has an anti-reflective treatment and an oleophobic treatment. Thus, using this screen outdoors will offer a better experience. Now, if the Apple Pencil is not among your future accessories or you do not dedicate yourself to drawing, whether the screen is laminated or not will not be decisive in your decision.

Power and memory

Apple iPad Air design

In this case, we will have notable differences. And that perhaps they will be noticed in the future. Because? On the subject of operating system updates. The new iPad has the processor chip A14 Bionic, a very good processor that is already used in the iPhone, while the iPad Air integrates the M1 processor along with 8 GB of RAM. So while both will move all apps just fine, the iPad Air will be one step ahead of the iPad 10.

On the other hand, the internal space of both models is based on two options: 64 GB or 256 GB. In this we do not agree with Apple and the entry version should do without 64 GB and be based on 128 GB, at least.

Cameras – same sensors

iPad Air color palette

Both the iPad and the iPad Air have a 5-element rear sensor with a maximum resolution of 12 Megapixels, with an HDR function, stabilizer, the possibility of taking panoramic photos of up to a maximum of 63 Megapixels, as well as the ability to record 4K videos. , 1080p or 720p.

As for the front cameras, we will have a 12 Megapixel sensor and the possibility of being able to make video calls –FaceTime for example– up to a maximum resolution of 1080p. In other words, although the iPad Air already offered it, the iPad 10 offers the possibility of making high-resolution video calls.

Apple Pencil compatibility

Apple Pencil used on iPad Air

Another of the differences that you will find between both iPad models is in the compatibility with the two generations of Apple Pencil. Although this accessory came to the Apple catalog later than the first generation iPad appeared on the scene in 2010, has become one of the star products of the portfolio from Apple.

And it is that it will not only allow you to move through the different home screens of the iPad, but it will also make the iPad becomes directly a digital notebook where you can draw or where you can take freehand notes during work meetings or during a student's classes. The user experience is very similar to what you can get by writing on a blank piece of paper. And best of all: united in a single team. Likewise, in the App Store there are different application options for this purpose.

Now, although the new iPad 10 has added the USB-C port, Apple has decided that it isIt is only compatible with the first generation of the Apple Pencil; instead, the iPad Air is compatible with both generations.

Battery – equal autonomy

Another aspect that Apple has matched in both models is the autonomy of both models: up to 10 hours of battery. Of course, this is data that the company offers and that only serves as indicative data. And it is that the use that each user makes of their equipment will vary. What's more, not only the use, but also the connections that are used or the level of brightness that is used in each case.

Colors, compatible accessories and prices

Finally, we are going to tell you that the iPad Air can be found in 5 colors (blue, pink, star white, pink and space gray), while the iPad 10 is offered in 4 different shades (silver, blue, pink and yellow).

The iPad Air is compatible with most accessories from the Apple catalog. What's more, two external keyboard alternatives are offered, such as the Magic Keyboard (359 euros), as well as the Smart Keyboard Folio (219 euros). Instead, the iPad 10 is only compatible with the new Magic Keyboard Folio with a price of 299 euros.

Finally, the prices of both models are as follows:

  • iPad 64GB: 579 euros
  • iPad 256GB: 779 euros
  • 64GB iPad Air: 769 euros
  • 256GB iPad Air: 969 euros

Conclusions of the differences between iPad and iPad Air

iPad Air used as a laptop with Magic Keyboard

There are few differences between both iPad models. What's more, we could say that Apple has made it difficult in the final choice. And the distances between the two links have been shortened too much in the latest version of the input iPad. The external design is identical: size and materials used are the same. Perhaps there is some variation in the colors, but both in design and in connections they are practically the same iPad.

Now, the iPad Air processor is better and will surely hold up better over the years in terms of operating system updates it means. In addition, the screen of the iPad Air is somewhat better, especially if we talk about the precision of the digital drawing thanks to the laminate of the iPad Air and its similarity to a graphics tablet.

Finally, the latest generation of the iPad does not support the second generation of the Apple Pencil, which will require the user to use an adapter to charge the Apple accessory. And it is that the iPad 10 has put aside the Lightning port to make way for the USB-C standard. This may be quite a contradiction for the Apple Pencil, but yes it is a success when connecting to external screens. Since the DisplayPort standard is already present and being able to work with a larger screen is a success.

Now, knowing all this, it will be the user who must decide if the difference of 100 euros between both models – this in the version with 64 GB of internal memory, because in the 256 GB model, the price difference amounts to 190 Euros – well worth it. To assess these aspects it will be to put yourself in front of a piece of paper and put the pros and cons of both models. And above all, decide what will be the role of the iPad in the day-to-day life of the user.


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