At first glance, the iPad Air 5th Generation and the iPad 10th Generation look very similar. You might think you can save money by choosing the iPad 10, but there are some important differences to consider. Let’s break down the key features to help you decide which tablet is the best fit for your needs.
Display: Clear but Different
Both the iPad Air 5th Generation and the iPad 10th Generation have a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display. They share the same resolution, pixel density, brightness, and refresh rate (60 Hz). However, the iPad Air 5th Generation has an anti-reflective coating, making it a better choice for outdoor use or in bright environments. It also features a wider color range (P3 vs. sRGB) for more vibrant and accurate colors, and its display is fully laminated, so images appear as if they’re right on the glass. The iPad 10 has a small air gap between the glass and the display, which you might notice when using the Apple Pencil.
Design and Sound: Small but Significant Differences
Both iPads have a modern design with rounded corners and uniform bezels. They also have two speakers, but the iPad Air 5th Generation has better sound quality with louder speakers, deeper bass, and clearer highs. This makes it a better choice for watching movies or playing games.
USB-C Ports: Not All the Same
Both iPads now have USB-C ports, which allow faster charging and more accessories like external displays or SSDs. However, the iPad Air 5th Generation supports higher-quality external displays (up to 6K) and faster file transfer speeds, making it a better choice for professionals.
Apple Pencil Compatibility: A Confusing Decision
One of the most confusing differences is Apple Pencil compatibility. The iPad Air 5th Generation supports the second-generation Apple Pencil, which charges wirelessly and attaches to the side of the iPad. On the other hand, the iPad 10th Generation only works with the first-generation Apple Pencil, which requires an adapter and a USB-C cable to charge—a less convenient option.
Camera and Performance: Better Framing with the iPad 10
Both iPads have similar cameras, but the iPad 10 has its front-facing camera positioned on the long edge, making it better for video calls and meetings. However, the iPad Air 5th Generation comes with the powerful M1 chip and 8GB of RAM, outperforming the iPad 10’s A14 Bionic chip with 4GB of RAM. This makes the iPad Air 5 better for tasks like video editing or running multiple apps at once.
Gaming and Battery Life: Small Differences
Both iPads handle gaming well, with smooth gameplay on popular titles like PUBG and Genshin Impact. While both tablets have the same battery life rating (10 hours on Wi-Fi), the iPad 10 may last slightly longer in real-world use. However, the iPad Air 5th Generation charges faster, which can be a time-saver.
Price and Storage: What’s the Better Value?
The iPad 10 starts at a lower price, making it more affordable for those on a budget. However, both iPads only offer 64GB of storage on their base models, which may not be enough for heavy users. If you’re deciding between the two, the iPad Air 5th Generation offers more power, better display quality, and better Apple Pencil support for a slightly higher price.
