Apple iPad (2022) vs. iPad Air (2020): A Detailed Comparison
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The iPad (2022) offers a significant upgrade in display quality and storage options, making it the better overall choice for most users. However, the iPad Air (2020) remains a compelling option, especially if you prioritize a slimmer design and Touch ID in the power button, and can find it at a discounted price.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Apple iPad (2022) | Apple iPad Air (2020) |
| 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(AWS) / 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, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 29, 30, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66, 71 - A2324 |
| 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, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / 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 | 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 - A2072 | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2022, October 18 | 2020, September 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, October 26 | Available. Released 2020, October 23 |
| 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) | 247.6 x 178.5 x 6.1 mm (9.75 x 7.03 x 0.24 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 477 g (Wi-Fi) / 481 g (LTE) (1.05 lb) | 458 g (Wi-Fi) / 460 g (3G/LTE) (1.01 lb) |
| Stylus support (1st gen only) | Stylus support | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating | Scratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating |
| Resolution | 1640 x 2360 pixels (~264 ppi density) | 1640 x 2360 pixels (~264 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.9 inches, 359.2 cm2 (~80.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.9 inches, 359.2 cm2 (~81.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Liquid Retina IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) | Liquid Retina IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Hexa-core (2x3.0 GHz Firestorm + 4x1.8 GHz Icestorm) | Hexa-core (2x3.0 GHz Firestorm + 4x1.8 GHz Icestorm) |
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) |
| OS | iPadOS 16.1, upgradable to iPadOS 26.1 | iPadOS 14.1, upgradable to iPadOS 26.1 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR |
| Single | 12 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF | 12 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF |
| Video | 4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120/240fps | 4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 12 MP, f/2.4, 122˚ (ultrawide) | 7 MP, f/2.0, 31mm (standard) |
| Video | 1080p@25/30/60fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, EDR, LE | 5.0, A2DP, EDR |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS (Wi‑Fi + Cellular model only) | GPS, GLONASS (LTE model only) |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, DisplayPort; magnetic connector | USB Type-C, magnetic connector |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, hotspot |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (top-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer | Fingerprint (top-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Type | Li-Po 7606 mAh (28.6 Wh) | Li-Ion 7606 mAh (28.93 Wh) |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Silver, Blue, Pink, Yellow | Space Gray, Silver, Rose Gold, Green, Sky Blue |
| Models | A3162, A2757, A2777, A2696, iPad13,18, iPad13,19 | A2324, A2072, A2325, A2316, iPad13,1, iPad13,2 |
| Price | About 430 EUR | About 640 EUR |
Apple iPad (2022)
- Larger, laminated display with anti-reflective coating
- More storage options (up to 256GB)
- Improved thermal management
- Modern design
- Slightly thicker and heavier than the iPad Air (2020)
- No Touch ID in power button
Apple iPad Air (2020)
- Slimmer and lighter design
- Touch ID in power button
- Often available at a lower price
- Display lacks lamination and anti-reflective coating
- Limited storage options (64GB or 256GB)
- Older design
Display Comparison
The iPad (2022) boasts a significantly improved display with a fully laminated screen and anti-reflective coating, resulting in better viewing angles and reduced glare. The iPad Air (2020) has a good display, but lacks these enhancements. The iPad (2022) also has a larger screen size (10.9 inches vs 10.9 inches, but the improved tech makes a difference).
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is similar on both devices. They are adequate for video calls and casual snapshots, but not exceptional. Neither tablet is designed for serious photography.
Performance
Both tablets are powered by the A14 Bionic chip, delivering excellent performance for everyday tasks and even demanding games. Real-world performance differences are minimal, as both handle multitasking and apps with ease. However, the iPad (2022) benefits from slightly improved thermal management.
Battery Life
Battery life is comparable on both devices, offering around 10 hours of mixed usage. Both support USB-C charging.
Buying Guide
The iPad (2022) is ideal for students, casual users, and those who value a larger, more vibrant display and ample storage. The iPad Air (2020) is a great fit for creative professionals, frequent travelers, and anyone who prefers a more portable and stylish design, and doesn't need the absolute best screen.