Apple iPad (2022) vs. iPad Air 2: A Detailed Tablet Showdown
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The iPad (2022) is the clear winner, boasting a significantly faster processor, improved display, and longer software support. While the iPad Air 2 is still usable, its aging hardware struggles to compete. If budget allows, the iPad (2022) provides a vastly superior experience.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Apple iPad (2022) | Apple iPad Air 2 |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - A2757 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71 - A2757 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 38, 39, 40, 41 - A1567 |
| 5G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - A2757, A2777 | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G - cellular model only | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71 - A2777 | - | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2022, October 18 | 2014, October 16. Released 2014, October 24 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, October 26 | Discontinued |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 248.6 x 179.5 x 7 mm (9.79 x 7.07 x 0.28 in) | 240 x 169.5 x 6.1 mm (9.45 x 6.67 x 0.24 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM + eSIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 477 g (Wi-Fi) / 481 g (LTE) (1.05 lb) | 437 g (Wi-Fi) / 444 g (3G/LTE) (15.41 oz) |
| Stylus support (1st gen only) | - | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating | Scratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating |
| Resolution | 1640 x 2360 pixels (~264 ppi density) | 1536 x 2048 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~264 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.9 inches, 359.2 cm2 (~80.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 9.7 inches, 291.4 cm2 (~71.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Liquid Retina IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) | IPS LCD |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Hexa-core (2x3.0 GHz Firestorm + 4x1.8 GHz Icestorm) | Triple-core 1.5 GHz Typhoon |
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Apple A8X (20 nm) |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | PowerVR GXA6850 (octa-core graphics) |
| OS | iPadOS 16.1, upgradable to iPadOS 26.1 | iOS 8.1, upgradable to iPadOS 15.8.5 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 128GB 2GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR |
| Single | 12 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF | 8 MP, f/2.4, 31mm (standard), 1.12µm, AF |
| Video | 4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120/240fps | 1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps, HDR, stereo sound rec. |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | face detection, HDR, FaceTime over Wi-Fi or Cellular |
| Single | 12 MP, f/2.4, 122˚ (ultrawide) | 1.2 MP, f/2.2, 31mm (standard) |
| Video | 1080p@25/30/60fps, gyro-EIS | 720p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, EDR, LE | 4.0, A2DP, EDR |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS (Wi‑Fi + Cellular model only) | GPS, GLONASS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, DisplayPort; magnetic connector | Lightning, USB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, hotspot |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (top-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Talk time | - | Up to 10 h (multimedia) |
| Type | Li-Po 7606 mAh (28.6 Wh) | Li-Po 7340 mAh, non-removable (27.62 Wh) |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Silver, Blue, Pink, Yellow | Space Gray, Silver, Gold |
| Models | A3162, A2757, A2777, A2696, iPad13,18, iPad13,19 | A1566, A1567, iPad5,3, iPad5,4 |
| Price | About 430 EUR | About 440 EUR |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Audio quality | - | Noise -93.9dB / Crosstalk -83.9dB |
| Camera | - | Photo / Video |
| Display | - | Contrast ratio: 1048 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - | Voice 75dB / Noise 70dB / Ring 78dB |
| Performance | - | Basemark X: 29753 |
Apple iPad (2022)
- Significantly faster A14 Bionic chip
- Brighter and more vibrant display
- Improved camera system
- Longer software support
- Modern design
- Higher price point
- Can be overkill for basic users
Apple iPad Air 2
- More affordable
- Compact and lightweight
- Still functional for basic tasks
- Outdated A8X chip
- Dim and less accurate display
- Poor camera quality
- Limited software support
- Noticeable performance lag
Display Comparison
The iPad (2022) features a brighter, more vibrant display with better color accuracy. While both have a nominal contrast ratio of 1048, the iPad (2022)'s modern panel technology provides a noticeably superior viewing experience. The Air 2's display is adequate but lacks the punch of the newer model.
Camera Comparison
Both offer 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but the iPad (2022) has a more modern camera system with better image processing. The Air 2's cameras are functional but produce noticeably lower-quality images, especially in low light. The iPad (2022) also benefits from improved video recording features.
Performance
Performance is where the iPad (2022) truly shines. The A14 Bionic chip is significantly faster than the A8X, offering dramatically improved responsiveness, multitasking capabilities, and gaming performance. The Air 2 feels sluggish by comparison, especially when handling demanding apps.
Battery Life
While both offer all-day battery life under moderate usage, the iPad (2022) generally provides slightly longer runtime due to its more efficient chip and optimized software. The Air 2's battery degrades more noticeably over time.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Apple iPad (2022)? Students, professionals, and anyone seeking a modern, powerful tablet for everyday tasks, creative work, and entertainment. Who should buy the Apple iPad Air 2? Budget-conscious users who need a basic tablet for light browsing and media consumption and are comfortable with older technology.