iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series)
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iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series)
Starting at
£316.24£669.00 new
iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series)
Starting at
£496.00£749.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) and iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series)?
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) comes down to the screen size and weight. Refurbished, the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) starts at £316.24, £179.76 less than the iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series). The iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
Screen size
Weight
- Screen size: 10.9 inch on the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series), 11 inch on the iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series).
- Weight: 462 g on the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series), 460 g on the iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series).
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) specs
The iPad Air 5 and iPad Air 7 share many core features including screen resolution, brightness, and camera quality, making both suitable for everyday use and creative tasks. The iPad Air 7 offers a slightly larger 11 inch screen and more storage options up to 1TB, fitting users who want extra space for apps and media. It also includes the newer Apple M3 processor and supports Bluetooth 5.3, which may benefit those needing smoother wireless connections and enhanced performance. The iPad Air 5 has the Apple M1 chip and offers storage starting at 64GB, suiting buyers seeking a capable device with enough power for multitasking and moderate storage needs. Both devices support iPadOS 18 and software updates up to iPadOS 27, ensuring long-term software compatibility.
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) price
Colour
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) battery life and software updates
Both iPads are supported with software updates up to iPadOS 27 and run iPadOS 18, meaning they will continue to receive new features and security patches for the same length of time. The release years are 2022 and 2025, providing context but not affecting feature support.
Software Update Support
The iPad Air 5 and iPad Air 7 both receive software updates supported through iPadOS 27. This means either choice will stay current with Apple's latest iPadOS features and security improvements for the same duration.
Maximum operating system supported
Software updates
Year of release
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) performance
Performance differences come down to the processors and storage options available. Both iPads include 8 GB of RAM, which keeps everyday apps running smoothly and supports multitasking.
Processor Upgrade
The iPad Air 5 uses the Apple M1 chip, while the iPad Air 7 is equipped with the newer Apple M3 processor. Buyers looking for the latest Apple chip technology may prefer the iPad Air 7, which could provide improvements in efficiency and handling demanding apps.
Storage Capacity
Storage options differ notably: the iPad Air 5 comes in 64GB and 256GB models, while the iPad Air 7 offers a wider range from 128GB up to 1TB. If you need more space for large apps, media, or files, the iPad Air 7 is better suited for those storage needs.
Processor
Processor speed ghz
RAM
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) screen
Screen quality is very similar between the two iPads, with both offering Liquid Retina displays at 500 nits brightness and 264 pixels per inch. Differences in screen size may influence your choice depending on your preference for viewing area.
Screen Size
The iPad Air 5 has a 10.9 inch display, while the iPad Air 7 offers a slightly larger 11 inch screen. The extra screen space on the iPad Air 7 can provide a roomier experience for watching videos, reading, or multitasking with split view.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) camera
Both iPads have the same front and rear camera resolutions and video recording capabilities, making them suitable for video calls, photography, and 4K video capture. Speaker arrangements are similar with stereo sound designed for landscape use.
Camera and Video
Both the iPad Air 5 and iPad Air 7 feature 12 megapixel front and rear cameras with 4K video recording at 60 frames per second. This means either device will capture detailed photos and smooth video footage.
Speakers
The iPad Air 5 has stereo speakers, while the iPad Air 7 has stereo speakers optimised for landscape orientation. This design on the iPad Air 7 may improve audio experience when holding the device horizontally for media consumption.
Front camera definition
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) size and design
Several smaller differences appear in compatibility, connectivity, and physical features that may affect how you use the iPad daily.
Apple Pencil Compatibility
The iPad Air 5 supports the Apple Pencil 2nd generation and Apple Pencil with USB-C, which covers a wide range of stylus needs. The iPad Air 7 supports the Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil with USB-C, offering compatibility with newer Pencil models for advanced creative work.
Bluetooth Version
The iPad Air 5 uses Bluetooth 5.0, while the iPad Air 7 upgrades to Bluetooth 5.3. This newer version may offer better wireless performance and efficiency with compatible accessories.
SIM and Carrier
The iPad Air 5 is unlocked and uses a Nano SIM, suitable if you want to use a physical SIM card. The iPad Air 7 comes without a SIM port but has an eSIM, which may suit users who prefer digital SIM management or mobile connectivity without a physical card.
Dimensions and Weight
Both models share the same width and height with 178.5 mm by 247.6 mm and a matching depth of 6.1 mm. The iPad Air 7 is marginally lighter by 2 grams, weighing 460 g compared to 462 g for the iPad Air 5, which is unlikely to be noticeable in daily use.
120hz
Apple pen compatible
Bluetooth version
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
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 5 (2022, M1 series) or iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series): which should you buy?
Buy the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £316.24, £179.76 less than the iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series)
Buy the iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) if
- you want the newer model (2025)
What our customers say
Customers say the iPad Air 5 looks like new with minimal marks and performs smoothly thanks to the M1 chip. Many mention the screen is clear and bright, and the battery holds well through extended use. Some users appreciate the lightweight design and find the Apple Pencil 2nd generation a good match for notes and drawing. A few note that FaceTime and Apple Intelligence may have limitations on certain models, but overall the device runs multiple apps without issues and maintains solid WiFi connectivity.
For the iPad Air 7, customers highlight the bright and fresh appearance, often noting the blue or purple finishes look almost new. Performance is described as smooth and capable of handling streaming, gaming, and everyday tasks without lag. The larger storage options up to 1TB are popular with users needing space for photos and apps. Battery life is reported as lasting all day even with heavy use. Some mention minor scratches on fair condition models, and a few find the speakers quieter or charging slower compared to older devices.
In summary, the iPad Air 5 appeals to those who want a reliable, well-performing iPad with moderate storage and the Apple Pencil 2nd generation compatibility. The iPad Air 7 suits users who prefer a slightly larger screen, more storage choices, and the latest processor with updated Bluetooth and eSIM support.
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) FAQs
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) comes down to the screen size and weight. Screen size: 10.9 inch on the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series), 11 inch on the iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series). Weight: 462 g on the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series), 460 g on the iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series).
The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £316.24 compared with £496 for the iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series).
The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27. The iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27.
The iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) is newer, but the main specs we compare are the same. Refurbished, it costs £179.76 more (from £496 vs £316.24).
Refurbished, the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) comes in 64GB and 256GB, and the iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
