iPad 7 (2019, A10 series) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series)
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iPad 7 (2019, A10 series)
Starting at
£91.58£489.00 new
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series)
Starting at
£316.24£669.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPad 7 (2019, A10 series) and iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series)?
iPad 7 (2019, A10 series) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the iPad 7 (2019, A10 series) starts at £91.58, £224.66 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
Software updates
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 10.2 inch.
- Screen type: Retina display on the iPad 7 (2019, A10 series), Liquid Retina display on the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series).
iPad 7 (2019, A10 series) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) specs
The iPad 7 (2019) and iPad Air 5 (2022) both run iPadOS 18, but the iPad Air 5 will continue receiving updates beyond 2026, while support for the iPad 7 ends then. The iPad Air 5 offers a significantly faster M1 processor and more RAM, making it better suited for multitasking and demanding apps. Its screen is larger and sharper with True Tone and a Liquid Retina display, lending itself well to media and creative tasks. Camera quality and video recording are notably higher on the iPad Air 5, which also supports newer Apple Pencil models and uses USB-C for charging and accessories. The iPad 7 suits everyday use such as web browsing and streaming, while the iPad Air 5 fits those needing higher performance, better visuals, and enhanced connectivity.
iPad 7 (2019, A10 series) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) price
Colour
iPad 7 (2019, A10 series) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) battery life and software updates
Durability covers software support and the lifespan of each device. Both run iPadOS 18 but differ in update schedules.
Software Update Support
The iPad 7 (2019) will receive updates until May 2026 with iPadOS 18 as its last supported version. The iPad Air 5 (2022) will continue to receive updates up to iPadOS 27. This means the iPad Air 5 will stay current with new features and security improvements for several more years.
Maximum operating system supported
Software updates
Year of release
iPad 7 (2019, A10 series) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) performance
Performance focuses on processing power, memory, and storage options, which influence how smoothly each iPad handles apps and multitasking.
Processor and RAM
The iPad 7 is powered by the Apple A10 Fusion processor with 3 GB of RAM, suitable for everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and light app use. The iPad Air 5 uses the Apple M1 chip and has 8 GB of RAM, which supports heavier multitasking, more demanding creative apps, and smoother performance with multiple open apps.
Storage Options
The iPad 7 comes in 32 GB and 128 GB versions, fitting basic to moderate storage needs. The iPad Air 5 offers 64 GB and 256 GB options, providing more room for apps, media, and files, which benefits users who keep larger libraries or work with bigger files.
Processor
RAM
iPad 7 (2019, A10 series) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) screen
Screen quality affects how content looks and feels to interact with. Both iPads have clear and bright displays, but the iPad Air 5 offers enhancements that improve visual experience and comfort.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPad 7 has a 10.2 inch Retina display at 2160 by 1620 resolution, while the iPad Air 5 features a larger 10.9 inch Liquid Retina display with 2360 by 1640 resolution. The larger and sharper screen of the iPad Air 5 provides more space and detail for videos, reading, and creative tasks.
Brightness and Display Glass
Both devices offer 500 nits brightness and standard display glass, ensuring good visibility in various lighting conditions. This level of brightness supports comfortable viewing indoors and outdoors.
True Tone
True Tone is available only on the iPad Air 5. This feature adjusts the screen's colour temperature to match ambient light, which can reduce eye strain and make viewing more natural in different environments.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
iPad 7 (2019, A10 series) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) camera
Audiovisual features include cameras, speakers, and video recording capabilities, which matter for communication, content capture, and media consumption.
Camera Quality
The iPad 7 has an 8 megapixel rear camera and a 1.2 megapixel front camera, suitable for basic photos and video calls. The iPad Air 5 has 12 megapixels on both cameras, capturing more detail and sharper images, which benefits video conferencing, selfies, and scanning documents.
Video Recording
This higher resolution and frame rate allow for smoother, higher-quality video capture on the iPad Air 5.
Speakers
Both iPads feature stereo speakers, providing balanced sound for watching videos, playing music, and video calls.
Front camera definition
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
iPad 7 (2019, A10 series) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) size and design
Miscellaneous features cover connectivity, accessories, and design details that affect daily convenience and compatibility.
Apple Pencil Compatibility
The iPad 7 supports Apple Pencil 1st generation, which works well for note-taking and basic drawing. The iPad Air 5 supports Apple Pencil 2nd generation and the Apple Pencil (USB-C), offering improved precision, wireless charging, and easier pairing for creative users.
Connector and Charging
The iPad 7 uses a Lightning connector for charging and accessories, while the iPad Air 5 uses USB-C. USB-C supports a wider range of peripherals and faster data transfer, which can be useful for connecting external devices.
Bluetooth and Carrier
Bluetooth 4.2 on the iPad 7 supports wireless connections at standard speeds. The iPad Air 5 has Bluetooth 5.0, which provides improved range and stability. The iPad 7 does not have a SIM port, working on Wi-Fi only, whereas the iPad Air 5 is unlocked and supports a Nano SIM for cellular connectivity.
Size and Weight
The iPad 7 is slightly thicker at 7.5 mm and weighs 483 g with dimensions 250.6 mm by 174.1 mm. The iPad Air 5 is thinner at 6.1 mm, lighter at 462 g, and slightly wider at 178.5 mm but shorter at 247.6 mm, making it marginally more portable and comfortable to hold.
Wi-Fi Technology
The iPad 7 supports Wi-Fi 6 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, while the iPad Air 5 supports Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax. The latter offers improved Wi-Fi performance, which can benefit faster and more reliable internet connections.
Apple pen compatible
Bluetooth version
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Double sim
Face
Generation number
Headphones connectivity
Height
Lidar scanner
Minimum system requirements mac
Minimum system requirements windows
Promotion
Sim format
Touch
Weight
Width
Wifi technology
iPad 7 (2019, A10 series) or iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series): which should you buy?
Buy the iPad 7 (2019, A10 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £91.58, £224.66 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 10.2 inch)
- you want longer software support (supported, up to iPadOS 27 vs ended May 2026, last iPadOS 18)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the iPad 7 (2019) often highlight its condition as looking like new with few or no marks, making it a satisfying purchase for everyday use such as streaming, reading, and music. Many appreciate the value for money and find it reliable for casual tasks. Some note minor scratches or slower charging but still find the device works well and suits their needs.
Buyers of the iPad Air 5 (2022) commonly mention its excellent condition and performance, praising the fast M1 chip and smooth operation when multitasking. The screen quality and camera are frequently noted as sharp and clear, making it a good choice for productivity and creative use. Some mention the battery life as solid and Wi-Fi as stable. A few note specific model differences affecting features like FaceTime or AI functions but still find the device good overall.
The iPad 7 is well suited for those seeking a dependable tablet for everyday activities at a lower price point. The iPad Air 5 appeals to users wanting stronger performance, better screen and camera quality, and more connectivity options for work or creative projects.
iPad 7 (2019, A10 series) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) FAQs
iPad 7 (2019, A10 series) 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 10.2 inch.
The iPad 7 (2019, A10 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £91.58 compared with £316.24 for the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series).
Updates for the iPad 7 (2019, A10 series) ended in May 2026. Its last version is iPadOS 18. The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27.
The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) adds more RAM (8 GB vs 3 GB), a bigger screen (10.9 inch vs 10.2 inch) and longer software support (supported, up to iPadOS 27 vs ended May 2026, last iPadOS 18). Refurbished, it costs £224.66 more (from £316.24 vs £91.58).
Refurbished, the iPad 7 (2019, A10 series) comes in 32GB and 128GB, and the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) in 64GB and 256GB.
