IPad 10th Generation vs iPad Air 5, Which One Should You Buy In 2024?
The battery life on iPad 10th generation vs iPad Air 5 newer chip: Which one suits you?
Getting your first Apple product is pretty exciting for various reasons. And more so if you are coming from an Android or Windows background. I recently bought an iPad (my second Apple product, the first one was the iPod back in 2000) basically for general usage and notes taking, but was faced with too much of a dilemma in choosing between the two appropriately priced iPads, the iPad 10th generation and the iPad Air 5, both on sale before the new iPad pros and iPad air hit the market, possibly in June 2024. So, although I am going to fill you in with the details of both of them, I am not going to mince my words and leave you open-ended with the general answer of “suit your needs”, I will…give you a final winner (strictly from my perspective).
iPad Air 5 and iPad 10th Generation: Features, Performance, and Value
Comparing these two iPads is like picking between two in the market reliable SUVs. The Air 5 shines with its anti-reflective coating, making outdoor use a breeze. The design feels premium, especially with the smart connector placement and superior sound quality. Performance-wise, the Air 5 with the M1 chip speeds ahead, while the iPad 10 emphasizes battery longevity. The pricing for the iPad 10th generation is currently $100 less than the Air for the 256 GB version.
Display and Design Comparison
I went to personally see these on display at Target to see if the displays and design are too much different between these two iPad models and yes, they do reveal subtle distinct differences in screen quality and aesthetics.
Whereas the 10th gen has more of that glassy bright look when looked at from approximately one hand length, the anti-reflective coating on the iPad Air 5 truly shines, especially considering when I’m outside, i.e., no more annoying glares ruining my view.
The Smart connector placement on the iPad Air 5 feels more intuitive to me, making it easier to connect accessories without fumbling around.
The 10th gen looks about the same when viewed from far but when you pick the individually in your palms, the sleek design of the iPad Air 5 with its fully laminated display gives off a premium vibe that I can’t get enough of.
Plus, the sound quality from the speakers on the iPad Air 5 is music to my ears, enhancing my overall viewing experience.
It’s the little details like these that make me feel like I belong with my iPad Air 5 (there, I revealed which one I finally went with, but hope that you stick along).
However, the only thing that stood out for me in iPad 10 was the landscape front camera (which is 12mp ultra wide in both). It does make a difference when you are centered in the video for calls. However, Apple now has centerstage (which is AI to center you on the 12mp wide front camera) for current models which does help to an extent. Barring this, the Air is surely the winner.
Performance and Battery Analysis
Now this is where I feel the iPad 10 wins for the battery vs iPad Air. The performance and battery analysis between the iPad Air 5 and iPad 10 does highlight notable differences in processing power and battery efficiency. When it comes to speed testing, the M1 chip in the iPad Air 5 overpowers the A14 Bionic chip in the iPad 10, with faster response times and smoother multitasking capabilities. However, battery optimization on the iPad 10 seems slightly better, offering a bit more longevity in typical usage scenarios. However, the iPad Air 5 charges up quicker, ensuring you spend more time using it and less time waiting. I used my Air for 1-week post buying it and the battery life sucks to be true (my friend has a 10th generation and I compared it with his). But yes, the multitasking is definitely better in the Air due to the faster processor.
Pricing and Value Evaluation
The only thing I want to highlight here, in the beginning, is “always keep the future path in mind for gadgets”. So, while evaluating the pricing and value of the iPad Air 5 and iPad 10, one can consider the features and performance offered in relation to the cost.
The iPad Air 5, priced at $749 (discounted at $599), packs a punch with its M1 chip and 8GB RAM, making it a powerhouse for processor-heavy tasks like video editing (although in reality, the 12.9 pro is the one you should buy if you are that task heavy, but here we are talking budget).
On the other hand, the iPad 10, coming in at $499 (discounted), offers a more budget-friendly option with decent performance for everyday use.
Both models start with 64GB storage, but considering future needs, opting for 256GB would be ideal, as 64 GB buyers always complain about keeping an external hard drive handy due to space issues.
In my opinion, future-proofing plays an essential role in making the right choice. you are paying $100 more for a gadget which should last you at least 5 years. So $20 a year effectively. Also, it will fetch you marginally more when you exchange it for the next-gen. With Apple now going in for the M generation chips, I think the Air is future-proof by a big margin compared to the 10th gen.
User Experience Insights
Based on my experience despite there aren’t many differences between the two models (hence the dilemma), even the minor ones make a huge difference in user experience.
One example is the apple pencil. The 2nd generation Apple pencil magnet charging feature comes in so handy when you are on the go (unless you use a case). Also, it is only compatible with the air,
Another is smart folio compatibility available in the Air, which increases your case choices.
Even though the weight is not too different between the two, the air is a tad bit lighter.
The only place is the battery which I will stress again, sucks on the Air model.
This is what I feel. For the rest of the differences, you can visit Apple’s website for more tech details if you like.
Gaming and Configuration Details
I am not much of a gamer, so I will only tell you my limited experience in this department. The iPad Air 5 with its M1 chip and 8GB RAM delivers seamless gameplay, especially in graphics-intensive titles. On the other hand, the iPad 10’s A14 Bionic chip with 4GB RAM still provides a decent gaming experience for casual players. The Xbox Game Pass app works flawlessly on both devices, enhancing the gaming library options. Cloud gaming is also a viable choice for expanding gaming possibilities. Below is a comparison table detailing the gaming and configuration aspects of these iPads.
Storage Options and Recommendations
For optimal storage choices and guidance, assessing future needs and exploring connectivity options is crucial. When contemplating storage capacity, consider how much space you currently utilize and whether you might require more in the future. For me, I am a storage-heavy person, and I am sure most of you are.
With operating systems keeping a huge portion and increasing with all the updates, it is no no-brainer to get the 256 GB version. Keep in mind connectivity options like Wi-Fi 6 and 5G support; can impact how you access and store your data.
Planning for future needs guarantees you won’t hit a storage wall just when you need that extra space the most.
Conclusion
After diving deep into the world of iPads, comparing the Air 5 and iPad 10 took me 2 weeks to buy the best for my budget. It was like choosing between two delicious desserts. Each model brings its own flavor to the table, catering to different tastes and needs.
Although whichever you choose, you’re in for a treat with either the iPad Air 5 or iPad 10, I feel if $100 is not too much of an issue for you (think financing options too) I can’t stress enough about getting the iPad Air 5 while it is still in discount.
But still, Happy exploring!
