iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series)
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iPad 11 (2025, A16 series)
Starting at
£392.50£429.00 new
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series)
Starting at
£316.24£669.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) and iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series)?
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and weight. Refurbished, the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) starts at £316.24, £76.26 less than the iPad 11 (2025, A16 series). The iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
RAM
Screen size
Weight
- The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
- Screen size: 11 inch on the iPad 11 (2025, A16 series), 10.9 inch on the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series).
- The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) has a lighter build: 462 g vs 477 g.
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) specs
The iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) and the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) share several features like display resolution, brightness, and front and rear cameras. The iPad 11 offers a slightly larger 11 inch screen and more base storage at 128 GB, making it a good choice for those who want extra room for apps and media. The iPad Air 5 has a more powerful M1 processor and comes with 8 GB RAM, which suits users looking for smoother multitasking and higher performance. The iPad Air 5 also supports the Apple Pencil 2nd generation and includes a SIM port, appealing to those who want mobile connectivity and a newer stylus experience. Meanwhile, the iPad 11 supports Bluetooth 5.3 and has a slightly different Apple Pencil compatibility setup. Each device suits different priorities depending on what features you value most.
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) price
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iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) battery life and software updates
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iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) performance
Performance differences come down to processor, RAM, and storage options. These affect how smoothly apps run, how many can stay open, and how much space you have for files and apps.
Processor Type
The iPad 11 uses the Apple A16 processor, while the iPad Air 5 features the Apple M1. The M1 processor is known for handling demanding apps and multitasking smoothly, making the iPad Air 5 suitable for users who want higher performance for creative work or complex applications.
Memory Capacity
The iPad Air 5 offers 8 GB of RAM, which helps keep everyday apps running smoothly and supports more apps open at once. The iPad 11 comes with 6 GB RAM, which is still ample for general tasks and regular app use.
Storage Options
The iPad 11 starts at 128 GB storage and also comes in 256 GB, providing more base space for apps, photos, and videos. The iPad Air 5 starts at 64 GB with a 256 GB option. Users requiring more storage without upgrading can benefit from the iPad 11's higher entry storage.
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iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) screen
Screen quality is very similar between these iPads, with differences mainly in screen size. This affects how much space you have for viewing content and working on the device.
Screen Size
The iPad 11 has an 11 inch Liquid Retina display, slightly larger than the iPad Air 5's 10.9 inch screen. This extra screen space offers a roomier experience for watching videos, reading, or using multiple apps side by side.
Display Characteristics
Both devices share the same brightness level at 500 nits, identical resolution of 2360 by 1640 pixels, and a pixel density of 264 ppi. They both feature a standard display glass with True Tone technology, ensuring consistent and natural colour tones in various lighting conditions.
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iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) camera
The audiovisual experience on both iPads is closely matched, with equal camera resolutions and similar speaker setups. Video recording capabilities are also the same, supporting high quality capture.
Camera Quality
Both iPads have 12 megapixel front and rear cameras, allowing for detailed photos and sharp video calls. This makes either suitable for photography, video conferencing, or scanning documents.
Audio and Video Recording
Each device includes stereo speakers that offer balanced sound when held in landscape orientation. Video recording supports 4K resolution at 60 frames per second, delivering clear and smooth footage for creative or personal use.
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iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) size and design
Several smaller but important differences appear in connectivity, Apple Pencil compatibility, and physical dimensions, which influence how you use accessories and connect to networks.
Apple Pencil Compatibility
The iPad Air 5 supports the Apple Pencil 2nd generation and the Apple Pencil (USB-C) natively, making it easier for users who want the latest stylus experience. The iPad 11 is compatible with the Apple Pencil (USB-C) and the 1st generation Apple Pencil, but requires a USB-C to Apple Pencil adapter for the 1st generation Pencil.
Bluetooth Version
The iPad 11 supports Bluetooth 5.3, offering potentially improved connection stability and speed with compatible accessories compared to the iPad Air 5's Bluetooth 5.0.
Carrier and SIM
The iPad Air 5 includes an unlocked Nano SIM slot, allowing for mobile data use through a carrier. The iPad 11 does not have a SIM port, so it relies on Wi-Fi for internet access.
Physical Size and Weight
The iPad 11 measures 248.6 mm in height and 179.5 mm in width, weighing 477 grams. The iPad Air 5 is slightly smaller at 247.6 mm height and 178.5 mm width, with a lighter weight of 462 grams. These differences affect portability and how the devices feel in hand.
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Minimum system requirements windows
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iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) or iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series): which should you buy?
Buy the iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) if
- you want the newer model (2025)
Buy the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £316.24, £76.26 less than the iPad 11 (2025, A16 series)
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB)
- you want a lighter build (462 g vs 477 g)
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) FAQs
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and weight. The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB. Screen size: 11 inch on the iPad 11 (2025, A16 series), 10.9 inch on the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series).
The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £316.24 compared with £392.50 for the iPad 11 (2025, A16 series).
The iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27. The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27.
The iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) is newer, but the main specs we compare are the same. Refurbished, it costs £76.26 more (from £392.50 vs £316.24).
Refurbished, the iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) comes in 128GB and 256GB, and the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) in 64GB and 256GB.
