With each passing day, the technological space advances drastically, and Apple Corporation is undoubtedly a forerunner when it comes to high-end gadgets and mobile devices. As such, it’s no news that an upgrade is coming to the iPad Air in 2024. In this article, we’re going to compare the 2022 iteration of the iPad Air (5th Generation) to the latest version (the 2024 model). But before we go on, you want to check out the best iPad Air 2024 Cases and Keyboards as well as the iPad Air 2024 Screen Protectors which will provide your gadgets with the utmost protection.
A Comparison table of iPad Air 2022 and iPad Air 2024
| iPad Air 2022 | iPad Air 2024 |
| 10.9-inch display | 11- or 13-inch display |
| M1 chip (5nm, N5) | M2 chip (5nm enhanced, N5P) |
| 3.2GHz CPU clock speed | 3.49GHz CPU clock speed |
| 8-core GPU | 10-core GPU |
| 68.25GB/s memory bandwidth | 100GB/s memory bandwidth |
| Neural Engine | 40% faster Neural Engine |
| Media engine for hardware-accelerated H.264 and HEVC | Media engine for hardware-accelerated H.264, HEVC, ProRes, and ProRes RAW |
| Video decode engine | Higher-bandwidth video decode engine |
| ProRes encode and decode engine | |
| Image signal processor (ISP) | “New” image signal processor (ISP) |
| Smart HDR 3 | Smart HDR 4 |
| 12MP Ultra Wide front-facing camera | Landscape 12MP Ultra Wide front-facing camera |
| Wi-Fi 6 connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E connectivity |
| Physical SIM card slot | eSIM only |
| Apple Pencil hover | |
| Supports Apple Pencil (USB-C) and Apple Pencil (2nd generation) | Supports Apple Pencil (USB-C) and Apple Pencil Pro |
| Supports Magic Keyboard for iPad and Smart Keyboard Folio | Supports Magic Keyboard for iPad |
| 64GB or 256GB storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB storage |
| Available in Space Gray, Starlight, Pink, Purple, and Blue | Available in Space Gray, Starlight, Purple, and Blue |
iPad Air 2024 vs iPad Air 2022
iPad Air 2024 vs iPad Air 2022: Features
The iPad Air 2024 is powered by an M2 chip. It is expected to deliver even greater performance compared to the M1 chip found in the previous iPad Air 2022. The M2 chip is anticipated to offer significant speed gains and enhanced graphical capabilities, making it capable of running demanding games smoothly.
iPad Air 2024 vs iPad Air 2022: Camera
The iPad Air 2024 features a repositioned landscape-oriented front camera, similar to what has been suggested for the iPad Pro 2024 as well. Apple states that the cameras featured on the latest M2 iPad Air are comparable to those found on the previous M1 model. The front-facing camera of the tablet is elegantly positioned on the wide side, boasting a high-quality 12MP ultra-wide lens that seamlessly integrates with Center Stage technology. This innovative feature ensures that during video calls, the camera automatically adjusts to follow your movements, providing a dynamic and engaging visual experience. The M2 iPad Air features a sophisticated 12MP rear camera, mirroring the capabilities of its predecessor, indicating a seamless transition in camera technology from the M1 iPad Air.
iPad Air 2024 vs iPad Air 2022: Design and Size
The iPad Air 5 continued the sleek and modern design of its predecessor, boasting a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with impressive resolution. Its slim and lightweight build, measuring just 6.1 mm thick and weighing only one pound, ensures both portability and durability. In contrast, the new iPad Air 6 offers two size options for the first time: 11-inch and 13-inch. The larger 13-inch model will feature a 2732×2048 resolution, providing a significant increase in screen real estate. Both sizes will maintain the stunning Liquid Retina display, with the addition of a front-facing landscape camera for enhanced video calling capabilities.
iPad Air 2024 vs iPad Air 2022: Display
The iPad Air 5 showcases a continuation of the sleek and sophisticated design aesthetic seen in its predecessor. Boasting a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with a stunning 2360 x 1640 resolution, this device exudes elegance and refinement. Its slim and lightweight profile, measuring a mere 6.1 mm in thickness and weighing just one pound, ensures both portability and durability. Talking about the 2024 model, Apple is introducing a revolutionary change by adopting OLED panels over mini-LED for the very first time. The new display technology, known as Tandem OLED, combines two OLED layers to create a superior screen quality. This innovation, named Ultra Retina XDR, promises a brighter and more advanced viewing experience.
iPad Air 2024 vs iPad Air 2022: Performance
The 2022 iPad Air is equipped with a laptop-class M1 chip that rivals even the most demanding tasks such as photo and video editing. Comparable to the esteemed 2021 iPad Pro and the M1 13-inch MacBook Pro, the iPad Air boasts an impressive Geekbench 5 score of 1,721 for single-core performance and 7,333 for multi-core performance. With exceptional graphics and lightning-fast speed, the iPad Air is a true powerhouse in a sleek and elegant design.
However, the iPad Air 2024 brings significant performance improvements compared to its predecessor models. With the M2 chip, the iPad Air 2024 is expected to be around 50% faster than the iPad Air 2022 and up to three times faster than older models featuring the A14 Bionic chip. The M2 chip boasts an 18% faster CPU and a 35% more powerful GPU compared to its predecessor. This means improved overall processing power and graphics performance for a smoother and more responsive user experience. Additionally, the M2 chip incorporates a 40% faster neural engine, enhancing the device’s ability to handle AI tasks, including voice commands with Siri. Furthermore, the iPad Air 2024 is reported to include an 8-core GPU, contributing to enhanced graphics rendering capabilities. The device also features a new 12-megapixel front-facing camera, potentially offering improved image quality and video conferencing capabilities. Overall, the combination of the M2 chip, powerful GPU, and upgraded front-facing camera will deliver a notable performance boost and enhanced user experience for the iPad Air 2024.
iPad Air 2024 vs iPad Air 2022: Price
The iPad Air 5, unveiled in March of 2022, with a price starting at $599 for the base model featured 64GB of storage. However talking about the 2024 model, the 11-inch variant is available at $599 for the Wi-Fi version and $749 for the Wi-Fi + Cellular option. For those seeking a larger canvas, the 13-inch iPad Air begins at $799 for the Wi-Fi model and $949 for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model.
iPad Air 2024 vs iPad Air 2022: Should You Upgrade?
The iPad Air 6 boasts significant enhancements in every aspect, including performance, size, camera, and audio. Considering these upgrades at just a slight increase in price (about $100), it’s difficult not to champion the Air 6 as the superior option.
However, if you already own an iPad Air 5, you don’t necessarily have to ditch it for a new one. Apple provides the option of trading in your current device, with trade-in value. It would be beneficial to explore this opportunity on the Apple website to determine the value of your device. However, if the cost of acquiring a new iPad Air exceeds $100 to $150 after the trade-in credit, it may not be a financially prudent decision.
