iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series)
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iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series)
Starting at
£316.24£669.00 new
iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series)
Starting at
£755.45£899.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) and iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series)?
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and weight. Refurbished, the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) starts at £316.24, £439.21 less than the iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series). The iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) is the newer model, released in 2026.
Refurbished from
RAM
Screen size
Weight
- The iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
- The iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) has a bigger screen: 13 inch vs 10.9 inch.
- The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) has a lighter build: 462 g vs 616 g.
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) specs
The iPad Air 5 and iPad Air 8 differ primarily in screen size, memory, storage, and connectivity. The iPad Air 8 offers a larger 13 inch screen with higher resolution and brightness, making it well suited if you want more space for video and detail. It also has more RAM and storage options, which helps keep many apps open and store more files. The iPad Air 5 has a smaller 10.9 inch screen and fewer storage choices but still provides smooth everyday performance with 8 GB RAM. The iPad Air 8 supports Wi-Fi 7, while the iPad Air 5 uses Wi-Fi 6. Both have unlocked connectivity, USB Type-C, and the same front camera resolution. The iPad Air 5 is lighter, which might suit those who prefer a more portable device.
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) price
Colour
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) battery life and software updates
Durability matters when choosing a device that stays useful over time. The release year is a key reference but not a feature itself.
Software Updates Compatibility
This means they can run current software versions, keeping apps and system security up to date for users who want to maintain their device over several years.
Maximum operating system supported
Software updates
Year of release
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) performance
Performance influences how well an iPad handles multitasking, storage needs, and demanding apps. These iPads differ in RAM and storage, which affects everyday use and capacity for files and apps.
Memory Size
The iPad Air 5 comes with 8 GB of RAM, suitable for everyday app use and moderate multitasking. The iPad Air 8 offers 12 GB of RAM, which helps keep more apps open simultaneously and can benefit users who run heavier workflows or multiple apps at once.
Storage Options
Storage on the iPad Air 5 starts at 64 GB with up to 256 GB available, fitting basic to moderate file and app needs. The iPad Air 8 starts at 128 GB and goes up to 512 GB, offering more room for large files, media libraries, and extensive apps. Users who store many photos, videos, or productivity files may prefer the larger capacities.
Processor
RAM
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) screen
Screen quality affects how you view content, work, or play on your iPad. Differences in size, resolution, and brightness impact clarity and space for multitasking or media consumption.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPad Air 5 has a 10.9 inch Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 2360 by 1640 pixels. This size suits users who want a balance of portability and screen space. The iPad Air 8 features a larger 13 inch Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 2732 by 2048 pixels, giving more room for detailed work, watching videos, or split-screen multitasking.
Brightness Levels
The iPad Air 5 offers 500 nits of brightness, providing clear and vibrant visuals indoors and in moderate light. The iPad Air 8 reaches up to 600 nits brightness, which can help viewing in brighter environments or enhance screen clarity when watching high-quality content.
Display Consistency
Both iPads share the same pixel density of 264 ppi and use a Liquid Retina display with True Tone technology. This ensures sharp text and images with colour adjustments for natural viewing in different lighting conditions.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) camera
Front camera definition
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) size and design
Several other features can affect your daily experience, including connectivity, weight, and input options. These differences may influence portability, network use, and accessory compatibility.
Connectivity and SIM
Both iPads are unlocked and use USB Type-C connectors for charging and accessories. The iPad Air 5 supports a Nano SIM card, which is useful if you want cellular service through a mobile network. The iPad Air 8 does not use a SIM format, which might suit users focused on Wi-Fi connectivity.
Wireless Technology
The iPad Air 5 supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), offering fast and reliable wireless connections for home or office use. The iPad Air 8 supports Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), the newer standard, which can provide faster speeds and improved performance where compatible networks are available.
Weight
Weighing 462 grams, the iPad Air 5 is lighter and easier to carry for extended periods. The iPad Air 8 weighs 616 grams, which reflects its larger screen size and may be better suited for users who prioritise display space over portability.
Touch and Face Features
Both iPads have touch screen capabilities. Neither device includes face recognition features, so unlocking and authentication rely on other methods.
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
Network
Promotion
Sim format
Touch
Weight
Width
Wifi technology
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) or iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series): which should you buy?
Buy the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £316.24, £439.21 less than the iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series)
- you want a lighter build (462 g vs 616 g)
Buy the iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 8 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (13 inch vs 10.9 inch)
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) FAQs
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and weight. The iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB. The iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) has a bigger screen: 13 inch vs 10.9 inch.
The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £316.24 compared with £755.45 for the iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series).
The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27. The iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27.
The iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) adds more RAM (12 GB vs 8 GB) and a bigger screen (13 inch vs 10.9 inch). Refurbished, it costs £439.21 more (from £755.45 vs £316.24).
Refurbished, the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) comes in 64GB and 256GB, and the iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) in 128GB and 512GB.
