iPad Air vs regular iPad: all the differences and which one to buy
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Everything you need to know about iPad and iPad Air models.
Apple’s iPad Air was updated this year 2022 during a special event in March, thus reaching the 5th generation. For its part, the original iPad was updated at the end of 2021, reaching the 9th generation with a classic and traditional design.
These are two highly recommended tablets. With its pros and cons, These two iPad models adjust to the needs of each consumer. In this article we will show you all the features, the technical specifications and the differences between the “normal” iPad and the iPad Air with the signature of the bitten apple logo.
Comparison between normal iPad and iPad Air
Promotional images of the iPad Air 2022
With the iPad and the iPad Air, Apple has launched two iPad models with very similar features but with a completely different design. While the iPad Air has recently renewed its design To adapt to the same minimalist full-screen design of the iPad Pro line, the iPad continues to have its classic and traditional design, something that certainly makes its economic cost much cheaper.
In addition to its design, we can find some very interesting differences at the hardware level that will undoubtedly help many consumers to decide which iPad model to buy.
This is the table of Technical specifications and hardware-related features of iPad and iPad Air models.
| iPad Air (5th generation) | iPad (9th generation) | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 24.76 x 17.85 x 0.61cm | 25.06 x 17.41 x 0.75cm |
| Weight | 462g | 487g |
| Colors | Space Grey, Star White, Pink, Purple and Blue | Space Gray and Silver |
| Screen | 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display | 10.2-inch Retina display |
| display technologies | IPS, True Tone | IPS, True Tone |
| maximum brightness | 500 nits | 500 nits |
| Resolution | 2360 x 1640 at 264 ppi | 2160 x 1620 at 264 ppi |
| Processor | chip M1 | A13 Bionic chip |
| RAM | 8GB | 3GB |
| Operating system | iPad OS 15 | iPad OS 15 |
| Storage | 64GB and 256GB | 64 and 256GB |
| Rear camera | 12 Mpx wide angle | 8MP |
| Front camera | 12 Mpx ultra wide angle | 12 Mpx ultra wide angle |
| Audio | stereo speakers | 2 speakers |
| Battery | up to 10 hours | up to 10 hours |
| main sensors | Touch ID on ID lock button | Touch ID on home button |
| Apple Pencil | Compatible with 2nd generation | Compatible with 1st generation |
| Smart Connector | Yes | Do not |
| Base price | €679 | €379 |
In general terms, the “normal” iPad, the 9th generation, is slightly inferior to the last generation iPad Air. A clear example of this is reflected in its price, with 300 euros above the 5th generation iPad Air is, obviously, a higher quality iPad.
However, consumers who want to buy an iPad may look at certain aspects of the tablet and decide to opt for an iPad that is more affordable, smaller, more portable, etc.
Main differences between iPad and iPad Air
Processor
One of the points where we find a major difference between the classic iPad and the iPad Air is the processor. The 9th generation iPad has a chip A13 Bionic while the 9th generation iPad Air has a powerful chip M1 capable of processing much more data. In fact, thanks to the M1 chip, the iPad Air has 8 GB of RAM and the iPad with the A13 Bionic processor only has 3 GB of RAM. A more than remarkable difference.
Design
2022 iPad Air on a table
The design is not usually a very differentiating factor between two products as similar as the “normal” iPad and Apple’s iPad Air. However, in this case the difference is brutal. First the iPad still has the classic design of the original iPad, with the physical start button and a wider frame. For its part, the iPad Air 5th generation has renewed its design to offer a much more modern look with an infinite screen and much narrower side bezels.
In addition, another factor to take into account in the design of both iPads is their thickness, and that is that the iPad Air is slightly thinner than the iPad. The iPad Air has a thickness of 0.61cm and the iPad has a thickness of 0.75cm. So if you are thinking of buying an iPad with greater portability, it is advisable to opt for the iPad Air. However, the rest of the dimensions are practically identical. In fact, the iPad Air has a 10.9-inch screen and the regular iPad screen is 10.2-inches, so they’re pretty close, and so is their resolution.
Other small differences
The iPad Air is the most recommended model in the Apple range
As for the rest of the hardware aspects of these two iPad models, there are many similarities. For example, its storage capacity. Both models come in two versions of storage space capacity: 64GB and 256GB. On the other hand, both have screen liquid retina with technology IPS and a FaceTime camera with a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens. Also, they both have Touch ID.
So what other differences are there between the iPad and the iPad Air? The rear camera, for example, on the iPad Air has a lens 12 megapixel ultra wide angle and the rear camera of the iPad is only 8 megapixels.
On the other hand, the Touch ID sensor of the normal iPad is located on the home button, under the screen; while for his part, the 2022 iPad Air’s Touch ID sensor is positioned on the lock button, in the upper right corner of the iPad. One thing to keep in mind.
In short, we are talking about two very similar iPad models that share many features and technical specifications. But there are some differences that can help you decide whether to buy the “regular” iPad or the iPad Air. Personally I would recommend the iPad Air, it’s almost like an iPad Pro but smaller and at a great price. Which one would you buy?
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Reference-ipadizate.com