iPad Air Vs iPad 10th Gen – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

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

FeatureiPad AiriPad 10th Gen
ChipsetApple M1Apple A14 Bionic
RAM8GB4GB
DisplayLiquid Retina, fully laminatedLiquid Retina, non-laminated
Color GamutP3 wide colorsRGB
Anti-Reflective CoatingYesNo
Apple Pencil Compatibility2nd Generation1st Generation
Smart Connector LocationRearSide
Keyboard SupportMagic Keyboard, Smart Keyboard FolioMagic Keyboard Folio
USB-C Port SpeedUSB 3.1 Gen 2USB 2.0
FaceTime Camera LocationTop bezelLandscape bezel
Stage ManagerSupportedNot supported
Dimensions (mm)247.6 × 178.5 × 6.1 mm248.6 × 179.5 × 7.0 mm
Weight (Wi-Fi / Cellular)461g / 462g477g / 481g
Color OptionsSpace Gray, Starlight, Pink, Purple, BlueSilver, Blue, Pink, Yellow
PriceCheck iPad Air PriceCheck 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

FeatureiPad AiriPad 10th Gen
Display Size10.9-inch Liquid Retina10.9-inch Liquid Retina
Front Camera12MP Ultra Wide12MP Ultra Wide
Rear Camera12MP Wide12MP Wide
Camera FeaturesCenter Stage, Smart HDR 3Center Stage, Smart HDR 3
Battery LifeUp to 10 hoursUp to 10 hours
Charging PortUSB-CUSB-C
Touch IDTop buttonTop button
5G Cellular SupportYesYes
Wi-Fi StandardWi-Fi 6Wi-Fi 6
SpeakersLandscape stereo speakersLandscape stereo speakers
Center Stage SupportYesYes
Base Storage Option64GB64GB
Max Storage Option256GB256GB
Build Material100% recycled aluminum100% recycled aluminum
Software SupportiPadOSiPadOS
FaceTime Camera12MP Ultra Wide with Center Stage12MP Ultra Wide with Center Stage
Price Check iPad Air Price Check iPad 10th Gen Price

FAQ

Do both iPads support the Apple Pencil?
Yes, but the iPad Air supports the 2nd Generation Apple Pencil which attaches magnetically and charges wirelessly, while the iPad 10th Gen only supports the 1st Generation Pencil that requires a USB-C adapter.

Is the display quality the same on both models?
No, both have 10.9-inch Liquid Retina displays, but the iPad Air’s screen is fully laminated with P3 wide color and an anti-reflective coating, whereas the iPad 10th Gen lacks lamination and only supports the sRGB color gamut.

Which iPad is better for multitasking and productivity?
The iPad Air is better for multitasking because it supports Stage Manager and has more RAM and processing power, making it more suitable for advanced workflows.

Do both iPads have Touch ID?
Yes, both models feature Touch ID integrated into the top power button.

Which iPad has better camera placement for video calls?
The iPad 10th Gen has a landscape-positioned front camera, which is more natural for video calls, unlike the portrait-positioned front camera on the iPad Air.

Are both iPads compatible with Magic Keyboard?
The iPad Air supports the Magic Keyboard and Smart Keyboard Folio, while the iPad 10th Gen works only with the new Magic Keyboard Folio specifically designed for it.

Do both iPads have USB-C ports?
Yes, both use USB-C ports, but the iPad Air supports USB 3.1 Gen 2 with faster data transfer speeds, while the iPad 10th Gen is limited to USB 2.0 speeds.

Can both iPads record in 4K video?
Yes, both support 4K video recording at 24, 25, 30, and 60 frames per second using the rear camera.

Which iPad offers better performance for gaming or creative apps?
The iPad Air, thanks to its M1 chip and 8GB RAM, delivers superior performance for gaming, video editing, and creative software compared to the iPad 10th Gen.

Do both models support Center Stage?
Yes, both the iPad Air and iPad 10th Gen support Center Stage for keeping you centered during video calls.

Are both models available with cellular connectivity?
Yes, both iPads offer Wi-Fi-only and Wi-Fi + Cellular versions with support for 5G connectivity.

Which iPad is lighter and thinner?
The iPad Air is slightly lighter and thinner at 6.1 mm thickness and 461 grams compared to the iPad 10th Gen’s 7.0 mm thickness and 477 grams.

Do both iPads have the same battery life?
Yes, Apple rates both models for up to 10 hours of battery life when browsing the web or watching videos on Wi-Fi.

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