Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series)
Shop Samsung Galaxy Tab
Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016)
Starting at
£45.17£203.87 new
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series)
Starting at
£316.24£669.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) and iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series)?
Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) starts at £45.17, £271.07 less than the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series). The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) is the newer model, released in 2022.
Refurbished from
RAM
Screen size
Screen type
Weight
Connector
- The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 3 GB.
- The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) has a bigger screen: 10.9 inch vs 10.1 inch.
- Screen type: PLS LCD on the Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016), Liquid Retina display on the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series).
Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) specs
The Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) and the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) cater to different users. The Galaxy Tab A offers a straightforward Android experience with enough storage options for everyday tasks and media viewing. It suits those looking for a simpler device with a standard screen and basic performance. The iPad Air 5 is a more powerful tablet with an M1 chip, 8 GB of RAM, and higher storage capacities. This makes it suitable for users who want a device for multitasking, productivity, and higher quality media enjoyment.
Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) price
Colour
Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) battery life and software updates
Durability here focuses on software updates and operating systems. These affect how long your tablet stays current and what apps or features will keep working over time.
Operating System Support
This suits users who want ongoing software improvements.
Maximum operating system supported
Software updates
Year of release
Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) performance
Performance depends on the processor, RAM, and storage. These affect how smoothly your tablet runs apps, handles multitasking, and stores content.
Processor Power
The Galaxy Tab A uses an Exynos 7870 Octa processor, which suits everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and casual apps. The iPad Air 5 features an Apple M1 chip, designed for faster processing and handling demanding apps, which suits users needing more power for multitasking and creative work.
Memory Capacity
With 3 GB of RAM, the Galaxy Tab A keeps basic apps running smoothly but is designed for simpler multitasking. The iPad Air 5 offers 8 GB of RAM, helping keep more apps open and running efficiently, which benefits users who switch between several apps or work with larger files.
Storage Options
The Galaxy Tab A comes with 16 GB or 32 GB of storage, suitable for everyday use such as apps and media. The iPad Air 5 offers larger storage options of 64 GB and 256 GB, which fits users who store more apps, photos, videos, or documents.
Processor
Processor brand
RAM
Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) screen
Screen quality affects how you see content, from sharpness and size to the type of display used. This matters for watching videos, reading, and working on the device.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy Tab A has a 10.1 inch screen with a resolution of 1200 x 1920 pixels. This size and resolution suit users wanting a clear, straightforward display for everyday viewing. The iPad Air 5 offers a slightly larger 10.9 inch screen with a higher resolution of 2360 x 1640, providing a roomier and sharper display that benefits users who want more detail and space for work or media.
Pixel Density and Display Type
The Galaxy Tab A has a pixel density of 230 ppp on a PLS LCD screen, which provides decent clarity for general use. The iPad Air 5 has a higher pixel density of 264 ppp and uses a Liquid Retina display, delivering sharper images and more vibrant colours, which suits those who prioritise screen quality.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) camera
Front camera definition
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
Webcam
Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) size and design
This section covers other practical differences that affect daily use, such as connectivity, weight, and physical design elements.
Connectivity and Charging
The Galaxy Tab A uses a Micro USB connector, which is common on simpler devices and may require older cables. The iPad Air 5 uses a USB Type-C connector, which supports faster data transfer and charging options, suiting users looking for more modern connectivity.
Weight
The Galaxy Tab A weighs 525 g, making it slightly heavier to hold or carry for long periods. The iPad Air 5 weighs 462 g, which makes it lighter and potentially easier to handle for extended use.
Carrier Compatibility
Both tablets are unlocked, allowing you to use them with a range of carriers or WiFi only, giving flexibility in how you connect to the internet.
120hz
Apple pen compatible
Bluetooth version
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Double sim
Face
Generation number
Headphones connectivity
Height
Lidar scanner
Megapixels
Minimum system requirements mac
Minimum system requirements windows
Promotion
Sim format
Touch
Weight
Width
Wifi technology
Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) or iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series): which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £45.17, £271.07 less than the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series)
Buy the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 3 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (10.9 inch vs 10.1 inch)
- you want a lighter build (462 g vs 525 g)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the Galaxy Tab A appreciate its reliability for everyday use. Many mention it runs smoothly for typical apps and media, with enough storage for photos and apps. It is popular as a device for children or casual users who value simplicity and a sharp enough screen for watching videos. The battery life suits those who use it through the day with some need to recharge by evening.
The iPad Air 5 customers highlight how well the M1 chip performs for multitasking and demanding apps. Reviews mention the screen's sharpness and the device's light weight as positives for productivity and media viewing. Some customers recommend pairing it with the Apple Pencil for notes or drawing. The battery life is generally good, with comments about the device feeling like new even in refurbished condition. Some note minor issues with features related to specific regions but overall praise the device's speed and screen quality.
The Galaxy Tab A fits users after a simpler device for casual everyday tasks, including children or those needing basic apps and media. The iPad Air 5 suits buyers who want more power, higher storage, and a better screen for work, creativity, and extended media use.
Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) FAQs
Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 3 GB. The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) has a bigger screen: 10.9 inch vs 10.1 inch.
The Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) is cheaper refurbished, from £45.17 compared with £316.24 for the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series).
We don't have published update dates for the Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016). The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27.
Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab A (10.1", 2016) comes in 16GB and 32GB, and the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) in 64GB and 256GB.
