Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series)
Shop Samsung Galaxy Tab
Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018)
Starting at
£66.60£339.00 new
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series)
Starting at
£316.24£669.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) and iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series)?
Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) starts at £66.60, £249.64 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
- 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 10.5 inch.
- Screen type: IPS LCD on the Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018), Liquid Retina display on the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series).
Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) specs
The Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) and the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) differ in many ways suited to different users. The Galaxy Tab A has Android 10, 3 GB RAM and 32 GB storage, suitable for everyday tasks like browsing and video calls. The iPad Air 5 offers iPadOS 18, 8 GB RAM, and storage options up to 256 GB, better for multitasking and productivity. The iPad Air 5 has a higher resolution Liquid Retina screen and stronger cameras, ideal for detailed video or photo use. The Galaxy Tab A has a headphone jack and a slightly thicker body, while the iPad Air 5 is lighter and includes Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 for faster connections. Both devices are unlocked and USB Type-C compatible.
Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) price
Colour
Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) battery life and software updates
Durability includes the supported operating systems and release years, showing what software environment each device offers.
Operating System Type
The Galaxy Tab A runs Android, a flexible and widely used OS that supports a broad range of apps and customisation. The iPad Air 5 uses iPadOS, designed specifically for iPads to optimise performance and app experience, especially for productivity and creative tasks.
Release Year
The Galaxy Tab A was released in 2018, while the iPad Air 5 came out in 2022.
Battery
Maximum operating system supported
Software updates
Year of release
Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) performance
Performance covers memory and storage, which affect how smoothly apps run and how much data you can keep on the device.
RAM Capacity
The Galaxy Tab A has 3 GB of RAM, enough to run most everyday apps smoothly, like web browsing, video calls and casual gaming. The iPad Air 5 features 8 GB RAM, keeping more apps open and supporting more demanding multitasking or creative work.
Storage Size
The Galaxy Tab A comes with 32 GB storage, suitable if you mainly use cloud services or keep fewer apps and files locally. The iPad Air 5 offers 64 GB and 256 GB options, letting you store more apps, large files and media directly on the device, beneficial for users with bigger storage needs.
Chipset
Processor
Processor brand
Processor core
Processor speed ghz
RAM
Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) screen
Screen quality affects how clear and pleasant the display looks for reading, watching videos or working on the device.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy Tab A has a 10.5 inch screen with a resolution of 1200 by 1920 pixels, offering a clear view for everyday use. The iPad Air 5 has a slightly larger 10.9 inch screen and a higher resolution of 2360 by 1640 pixels, providing a sharper and more detailed image, which suits users who value crisp visuals.
Pixel Density
With 216 pixels per inch, the Galaxy Tab A's screen displays good clarity for casual viewing. The iPad Air 5's screen has 264 pixels per inch, making text and images appear more refined and detailed, useful for reading or photo editing.
Screen Technology
The Galaxy Tab A's IPS LCD screen delivers reliable colour and viewing angles ideal for general use. The iPad Air 5 uses a Liquid Retina display, which offers enhanced colour accuracy and brightness, enhancing the experience for visual tasks and media consumption.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) camera
Audiovisual features determine camera quality, video recording, and speaker setup, affecting video calls, photography and media playback.
Camera Resolution
The Galaxy Tab A has an 8 megapixel rear camera and a front camera able to record 1080p video. The iPad Air 5 features 12 megapixel cameras both front and rear, capturing more detail in photos and video, suitable for higher quality video calls and photography.
Video Recording
The Galaxy Tab A records video at 1080p 30 frames per second, which covers standard video needs. The iPad Air 5 supports 4K video recording at 60 frames per second, ideal for users creating or viewing high-resolution video content.
Speakers
The Galaxy Tab A includes four stereo speakers for immersive sound when watching videos or playing music. The iPad Air 5 has stereo speakers, providing balanced audio, fitting for general media use.
Front camera
Front camera definition
Main camera
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
Webcam
Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) size and design
Miscellaneous details cover connectivity, size, weight, ports and other physical features that impact daily handling and compatibility.
Connectivity and Ports
Both devices use USB Type-C connectors and are unlocked for carrier use. The Galaxy Tab A supports Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, while the iPad Air 5 features Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax, offering faster wireless connections for compatible networks and accessories.
Dimensions and Weight
The Galaxy Tab A measures 260 mm high, 161.1 mm wide and 8 mm deep, weighing 500 g. The iPad Air 5 is slightly smaller in height at 247.6 mm but wider at 178.5 mm, thinner at 6.1 mm and lighter at 462 g. The iPad Air 5's lighter, thinner design may suit those who prefer a more compact feel.
Headphone and Face Features
The Galaxy Tab A includes a 3.5 mm headphone jack and face unlock functionality. The iPad Air 5 does not have a headphone jack or face unlock, relying instead on USB Type-C for audio and other security options.
SIM and Carrier
Both tablets support a Nano SIM and come unlocked, allowing you to choose your preferred network provider.
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
With stylus pencil
Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) or iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series): which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £66.60, £249.64 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 10.5 inch)
- you want a lighter build (462 g vs 500 g)
What our customers say
Customers find the Galaxy Tab A to be a reliable everyday tablet with a clean appearance and smooth performance. Many appreciate its clear screen and long battery life for browsing, streaming and video calls. Some note the speaker could be louder and one customer mentioned occasional Wi-Fi drops. Overall, the Galaxy Tab A is well suited to users who want a solid, easy to use device for basic tasks and media consumption.
The iPad Air 5 receives praise for its like-new condition, fast performance and sharp Liquid Retina display. Customers highlight the smooth multitasking enabled by the M1 chip and 8 GB RAM. The cameras and video quality are appreciated, as well as its light weight. A few mention differences in included chargers or Apple Intelligence features depending on the model. The iPad Air 5 is a strong choice for users who need more power and storage for productivity, creativity or high quality media.
In summary, the Galaxy Tab A suits those seeking a straightforward, dependable tablet for everyday use, while the iPad Air 5 fits buyers who want a premium experience with greater performance and screen quality.
Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) FAQs
Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) 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 10.5 inch.
The Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) is cheaper refurbished, from £66.60 compared with £316.24 for the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series).
We don't have published update dates for the Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018). The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27.
Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab A (10.5", 2018) comes in 32GB, and the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) in 64GB and 256GB.
