iPad Air & iPad 10th Gen share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the iPad Air rather than the iPad 10th Gen.
Why Do I Recommend The iPad Air?
- The iPad Air has an Apple M1 chip for faster performance, smoother multitasking, & better app responsiveness, compared to the iPad 10th Gen’s A14 Bionic chip.
- iPad Air has 8GB RAM for improved multitasking, faster memory handling, & smoother processing under load, compared to the iPad 10th Gen’s 4GB RAM.
- It has a fully laminated display for better contrast, less glare, & a more immersive viewing experience, compared to the non-laminated display of the iPad 10th Gen.
- The iPad Air supports the 2nd Gen Apple Pencil for magnetic attachment, wireless charging, & better ergonomics, compared to the iPad 10th Gen’s use of the 1st Gen Apple Pencil with USB-C adapter.
- iPad Air has P3 wide color & anti-reflective coating for more vibrant visuals & reduced reflections, compared to the sRGB-only display of the iPad 10th Gen.
- It supports Stage Manager for advanced multitasking, windowed app usage, & external display support, which is not available on the iPad 10th Gen.
- The iPad Air has USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 for faster file transfers & peripheral connectivity, compared to the iPad 10th Gen’s slower USB 2.0 port.
- iPad Air is thinner and lighter for better portability & more comfortable handling, compared to the slightly bulkier iPad 10th Gen.
Maybe the iPad 10th Gen price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the iPad Air. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.
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Side By Side Comparison
| Feature | iPad Air | iPad 10th Gen |
| Chipset | Apple M1 | Apple A14 Bionic |
| RAM | 8GB | 4GB |
| Display | Liquid Retina, fully laminated | Liquid Retina, non-laminated |
| Color Gamut | P3 wide color | sRGB |
| Anti-Reflective Coating | Yes | No |
| Apple Pencil Compatibility | 2nd Generation | 1st Generation |
| Smart Connector Location | Rear | Side |
| Keyboard Support | Magic Keyboard, Smart Keyboard Folio | Magic Keyboard Folio |
| USB-C Port Speed | USB 3.1 Gen 2 | USB 2.0 |
| FaceTime Camera Location | Top bezel | Landscape bezel |
| Stage Manager | Supported | Not supported |
| Dimensions (mm) | 247.6 × 178.5 × 6.1 mm | 248.6 × 179.5 × 7.0 mm |
| Weight (Wi-Fi / Cellular) | 461g / 462g | 477g / 481g |
| Color Options | Space Gray, Starlight, Pink, Purple, Blue | Silver, Blue, Pink, Yellow |
| Price | Check iPad Air Price | Check iPad 10th Gen Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- Display Size: Both models have a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, offering the same size and base resolution for a consistent visual experience across both devices.
- Front Camera: Each iPad includes a 12MP Ultra Wide front camera that supports Center Stage, ensuring smooth subject tracking during video calls.
- Rear Camera: Both feature a 12MP Wide rear camera with the same aperture, enabling decent photo and 4K video capture capabilities.
- Camera Features: Smart HDR 3 and Center Stage are present on both models, enhancing image quality and video communication functionality.
- Battery Life: Both devices offer up to 10 hours of battery life for web browsing or video streaming on Wi-Fi, making them suitable for full-day use.
- Charging Port: Each iPad includes a USB-C port, improving compatibility with modern accessories and faster charging compared to Lightning.
- Touch ID: Both models utilize a top-button Touch ID sensor for biometric security and ease of use.
- 5G Cellular Support: Each supports 5G connectivity (on cellular models), allowing for high-speed mobile data when on the go.
- Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 6 is included in both, offering faster wireless performance and better connectivity in crowded environments.
- Speakers: Landscape stereo speakers are integrated into both devices, providing a richer audio experience during media consumption.
- Center Stage Support: The software-based Center Stage feature works identically across both front-facing cameras.
- Base and Max Storage: Each starts at 64GB and goes up to 256GB, giving identical storage options for most users.
- Build Material: Both iPads are made from 100% recycled aluminum, reinforcing Apple’s environmental focus and consistent build quality.
- Software Support: Both run iPadOS and will receive similar updates over the next several years, ensuring feature parity and longevity.
- FaceTime Camera: The 12MP Ultra Wide FaceTime HD camera with Center Stage is identical in resolution and performance, despite placement differences.
Common Features
| Feature | iPad Air | iPad 10th Gen |
| Display Size | 10.9-inch Liquid Retina | 10.9-inch Liquid Retina |
| Front Camera | 12MP Ultra Wide | 12MP Ultra Wide |
| Rear Camera | 12MP Wide | 12MP Wide |
| Camera Features | Center Stage, Smart HDR 3 | Center Stage, Smart HDR 3 |
| Battery Life | Up to 10 hours | Up to 10 hours |
| Charging Port | USB-C | USB-C |
| Touch ID | Top button | Top button |
| 5G Cellular Support | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi Standard | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Speakers | Landscape stereo speakers | Landscape stereo speakers |
| Center Stage Support | Yes | Yes |
| Base Storage Option | 64GB | 64GB |
| Max Storage Option | 256GB | 256GB |
| Build Material | 100% recycled aluminum | 100% recycled aluminum |
| Software Support | iPadOS | iPadOS |
| FaceTime Camera | 12MP Ultra Wide with Center Stage | 12MP Ultra Wide with Center Stage |
| Price | Check iPad Air Price | Check iPad 10th Gen Price |
FAQ
Do both iPads support the Apple Pencil? Is the display quality the same on both models? Which iPad is better for multitasking and productivity? Do both iPads have Touch ID? Which iPad has better camera placement for video calls? Are both iPads compatible with Magic Keyboard? Do both iPads have USB-C ports? Can both iPads record in 4K video? Which iPad offers better performance for gaming or creative apps? Do both models support Center Stage? Are both models available with cellular connectivity? Which iPad is lighter and thinner? Do both iPads have the same battery life? |
