iPad Air (2022) vs 11-inch iPad Air (2024): What’s the diff

An iPad Air will more than suffice if you are considering a tablet that can potentially replace your old, bulky laptop. As Apple unveils a bunch of new tablets including the iPad Air 6th Gen, the question is whether you should get the latest model or go for the previous one, the iPad Air 2022, which is Rs 5,500 cheaper. Here’s a quick comparison between the two iPad Air models to help you figure out which tablet to go with.

Design

Both the iPad Air 5th Gen and the iPad Air 6th Gen look more or less the same, but Apple has shifted the front camera on the latter to a landscape position, making the video call experience way better.

The new iPad is available in two screen sizes, 11-inch and 13-inch. The previous generation iPad Air sports a 10.9-inch display. However, the iPad Air 2022 and the newly launched 11-inch iPad Air have the same dimensions. The new 11-inch iPad Air will look and feel the same as the 2022 model.

Design and Display

Both the iPad Air 5th Gen (2022) and the 11-inch iPad Air 6th Gen (2024) look quite similar. However, Apple has made a subtle change by shifting the front camera on the latter to a landscape position, which enhances the video call experience. The new iPad Air is available in two screen sizes: 11-inch and 13-inch. In contrast, the previous generation iPad Air sports a 10.9-inch display. Despite the size difference, the dimensions of the two models remain the same.

Performance

The most significant difference lies in terms of performance. The 2022 iPad Air is powered by the M1 chip, Apple’s first in-house chipset. On the other hand, the 11-inch iPad Air 6th Gen features the M2 chipset, which Apple claims is 50% faster in certain scenarios. The M1 chip has an 8-core CPU and an 8-core GPU, while the M2 chip boasts an 8-core CPU and a 10-core GPU. Both tablets come with 8GB of RAM. If you engage in resource-intensive activities like video editing, you might notice a performance difference, but for multitasking, both chipsets perform similarly.

Storage Options

The iPad Air (2022) offers two storage variants: 64GB and 256GB. In contrast, the 2024 iPad Air starts with a base variant of 128GB and goes up to a whopping 1TB capacity. If storage space is crucial for you, the newer model provides more options.

Apple Pencil and Keyboard Case

iPad Air (2022): Supports the 2nd Gen Apple Pencil.
11-inch iPad Air (2024): Compatible with the newly-launched Apple Pencil Pro, which offers additional features like ‘Squeeze,’ ‘Barrel roll,’ Haptic feedback, and ‘Find My’ support. If you’re into designing, the new iPad Air is the one to pick.
While the iPad Air 2022 supports the Smart Keyboard Folio case, the new iPad Air misses out on this accessory.

Price

The older iPad Air model offers great value for money. However, we recommend spending a bit more and opting for the 11-inch iPad Air (2024). For just Rs 5,500 extra, you get improved performance and double the storage space, making it a worthwhile investment.

In summary, if you’re looking for a tablet that can potentially replace your old laptop, either iPad Air will suffice. However, considering the performance boost and increased storage, the 11-inch iPad Air (2024) is the better choice.

Here are some frequently asked questions about the iPad Air (2022) and the 11-inch iPad Air (2024):

What are the key differences between the iPad Air (2022) and the 11-inch iPad Air (2024)?
- Design and Display: Both models look similar, but the newer iPad Air has a landscape front camera position for better video calls. The 11-inch iPad Air (2024) offers a larger display compared to the 10.9-inch screen on the 2022 model.
- Performance: The 11-inch iPad Air (2024) features the M2 chip, which is faster than the M1 chip in the 2022 model. The M2 chip has an 8-core CPU and a 10-core GPU.
- Storage Options: The 2024 iPad Air starts with 128GB of storage (compared to 64GB for the 2022 model) and goes up to 1TB.
- Apple Pencil and Keyboard Case: The 11-inch iPad Air (2024) supports the Apple Pencil Pro and misses out on the Smart Keyboard Folio case.
- Price: The newer model is slightly more expensive but offers better performance and storage options.
Which iPad Air should I choose?
- If you want improved performance and more storage, go for the 11-inch iPad Air (2024).
- If you’re on a budget, the iPad Air (2022) still provides great value.