Apple iPad Air (2022) vs. iPad Air 2: A Detailed Comparison
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The iPad Air (2022) is the clear winner, boasting a vastly superior M1 chip, a modern display, and improved features. While the iPad Air 2 remains functional, its aging hardware makes it a less compelling choice for most users seeking a reliable and performant tablet.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Apple iPad Air (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 | 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 - A2589 | 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 - A2589, A2591 | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | 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 - A2591 | - | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2022, March 08 | 2014, October 16. Released 2014, October 24 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March 18 | Discontinued |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 247.6 x 178.5 x 6.1 mm (9.75 x 7.03 x 0.24 in) | 240 x 169.5 x 6.1 mm (9.45 x 6.67 x 0.24 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 461 g (Wi-Fi) / 462 g (5G) (1.02 lb) | 437 g (Wi-Fi) / 444 g (3G/LTE) (15.41 oz) |
| Stylus support (2nd gen) | - | |
| 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 (~81.3% 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 | Octa-core (4x3.2 GHz & 4xX.X GHz) | Triple-core 1.5 GHz Typhoon |
| Chipset | Apple M1 | Apple A8X (20 nm) |
| GPU | Apple GPU (8-core graphics) | PowerVR GXA6850 (octa-core graphics) |
| OS | iPadOS 15.4, upgradable to iPadOS 26.1 | iOS 8.1, upgradable to iPadOS 15.8.5 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 64GB, 256GB 8GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 128GB 2GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 12 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF | 8 MP, f/2.4, 31mm (standard), 1.12µm, AF |
| Video | 4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS | 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@30/60fps | 720p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, EDR | 4.0, A2DP, EDR |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS (5G model only) | GPS, GLONASS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1 Gen2, 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-Ion 7600 mAh (28.6 Wh) | Li-Po 7340 mAh, non-removable (27.62 Wh) |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Space Gray, Starlight, Pink, Purple, Blue | Space Gray, Silver, Gold |
| Models | A2588, A2589, A2591, iPad13,16, iPad13,17 | A1566, A1567, iPad5,3, iPad5,4 |
| Price | About 550 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 |
| OUR 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 Air (2022)
- Blazing-fast M1 chip
- Modern laminated display with True Tone
- Improved camera system with Center Stage
- USB-C connectivity
- Slim and lightweight design
- More expensive than the Air 2
- No headphone jack (requires adapter)
Apple iPad Air 2
- More affordable
- Compact and portable
- Lightweight
- Outdated A8X chip
- Lower resolution display
- Older design
- Slower charging
- Limited app compatibility
Display Comparison
The iPad Air (2022) features a fully laminated display with an anti-reflective coating and a wider color gamut (P3). While both have a nominal contrast ratio of 1048, the 2022 model's True Tone technology adjusts the display to ambient lighting, improving viewing comfort. The 2022 also has a slightly larger screen size (10.9 inches vs 9.7 inches).
Camera Comparison
The iPad Air (2022) has a much improved camera system, including a 12MP Wide camera and a 12MP Ultra Wide camera with Center Stage. The Air 2's cameras are adequate for basic photos and video, but lack the advanced features and image quality of the newer model.
Performance
This is where the 2022 Air truly shines. The M1 chip offers a monumental performance leap over the A8X. Expect significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and effortless handling of demanding tasks like video editing and gaming. The A8X, while capable for its time, struggles to keep up with modern apps and workflows.
Battery Life
Both iPads offer all-day battery life under typical usage. However, the iPad Air (2022) benefits from more efficient chip design, potentially providing slightly longer usage times, especially during intensive tasks.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Apple iPad Air (2022)? Users needing strong performance for creative tasks, gaming, or multitasking. Students and professionals who value a modern, responsive tablet experience. Who should buy the Apple iPad Air 2? Budget-conscious users with basic tablet needs and a willingness to accept older technology. It's a viable option for light browsing and media consumption.