iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series)
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iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series)
Starting at
£243.92£579.00 new
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series)
Starting at
£316.24£669.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) and iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series)?
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) comes down to the RAM, software updates and weight. Refurbished, the iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) starts at £243.92, £72.32 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
Software updates
Weight
- The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
- Software updates: Until Sep 2027 on the iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series), Supported, up to iPadOS 27 on the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series).
- Weight: 458 g on the iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series), 462 g on the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series).
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) specs
The iPad Air 4 and iPad Air 5 share many features such as screen size, display quality, and software support, making both suitable for everyday use. The iPad Air 5 offers more performance power with the Apple M1 processor and 8 GB of RAM, which suits users who run more demanding apps or multitask heavily. It also has a higher resolution front camera for sharper video calls and photos. The iPad Air 4 provides a solid experience with its A14 Bionic chip and 4 GB RAM, fitting users who want a capable device for typical tasks and prefer a simpler configuration. Both offer the same storage options, connectivity, and speaker setup, so your choice depends mainly on performance needs and front camera quality.
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) price
Colour
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) battery life and software updates
Durability in terms of software lifespan is similar, so your choice here hinges on other factors.
Software Support
This means either device will stay current with Apple's software for the foreseeable future.
Maximum operating system supported
Software updates
Year of release
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) performance
Performance differences between these iPads are clear, mainly in processor power and RAM. Storage options overlap, so focus on how you use your iPad when considering these specs.
Processor Power
The iPad Air 5 uses the Apple M1 processor, which is designed for higher performance workloads, fitting users who run more demanding apps or creative software. The iPad Air 4 has the Apple A14 Bionic chip, which handles everyday tasks and standard apps smoothly.
Memory Capacity
With 8 GB of RAM, the iPad Air 5 keeps more apps open and running smoothly, benefiting multitaskers or those using memory-heavy apps. The iPad Air 4 has 4 GB of RAM, which suits everyday use and lighter multitasking.
Storage Options
Both devices offer 64 GB and 256 GB storage versions, letting you choose between basic storage or more space for apps, media, and files without performance impact.
Processor
RAM
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) screen
Both iPads have the same screen size and quality, making the viewing experience consistent. This suits users who prioritise a clear and bright display for reading, browsing, or video watching.
Display Quality
The iPad Air 4 and iPad Air 5 share a 10.9 inch Liquid Retina display with 2360 x 1640 resolution at 264 pixels per inch. Both screens offer 500 nits brightness and True Tone for comfortable viewing in various lighting conditions.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) camera
The main audiovisual difference lies in the front camera resolution. Otherwise, both devices provide similar camera and speaker capabilities for everyday media use.
Front Camera Detail
The iPad Air 5 features a 12 megapixel front camera, delivering more detailed selfies and video calls. The iPad Air 4 has a 7 megapixel front camera, suitable for standard video chats and casual photos.
Rear Camera and Video
Both iPads have a 12 megapixel rear camera and record video at 4K 60 frames per second, supporting high-quality photos and smooth video capture for general use.
Sound Output
Stereo speakers on both iPads provide clear audio for music, videos, and calls, offering a balanced sound experience.
Front camera definition
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) size and design
Both iPads share many practical features, including Apple Pencil support and USB Type-C connectivity. Some differences in carrier compatibility and weight may influence your choice depending on your needs.
Apple Pencil Compatibility
Both iPad Air models support the Apple Pencil 2nd generation and Apple Pencil with USB-C, allowing precise input for drawing, note-taking, and navigation.
Carrier and SIM Options
The iPad Air 5 is unlocked and supports a Nano SIM, which suits users needing mobile data connectivity. The iPad Air 4 does not have a SIM port, fitting those who rely on Wi-Fi only.
Weight
The iPad Air 4 weighs 458 g, making it slightly lighter than the iPad Air 5, which weighs 462 g. This difference is minimal but may be noticeable over extended handheld use.
Connectivity and Dimensions
Both models use USB Type-C connectors and support Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax. They share the same height, width, and depth measurements, ensuring similar portability and accessory compatibility.
Touch and Face Features
Both iPads support touch input but do not have Face ID, so unlocking and authentication rely on other methods.
120hz
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 Air 4 (2020, A14 series) or iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series): which should you buy?
Buy the iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £243.92, £72.32 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 4 GB)
- you want the newer model (2022)
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) FAQs
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) comes down to the RAM, software updates and weight. The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB. Software updates: Until Sep 2027 on the iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series), Supported, up to iPadOS 27 on the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series).
The iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £243.92 compared with £316.24 for the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series).
The iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) gets updates until Sep 2027. 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 4 GB). Refurbished, it costs £72.32 more (from £316.24 vs £243.92).
Both come in 64GB and 256GB refurbished.
