Ipad Air 4th Gen Vs. 5th Gen: Which One Should You Buy In 2024?

The iPad Air lineup has consistently struck a balance between affordability and performance, making it a popular choice among Apple tablet users. With the release of the 5th generation iPad Air, the question arises: how does it compare to its predecessor, the 4th generation iPad Air? This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key differences between these two models, helping you make an informed decision about which one suits your needs and budget.

Design and Build:

At first glance, the iPad Air 4 Gen and 5 Gen share a similar design language. Both feature sleek, minimalist bodies with rounded edges and a premium aluminum finish. However, there are subtle differences. The 4th Gen iPad Air has a slightly thicker profile (6.1mm) compared to the 5th Gen (6.3mm), and its bezels are slightly more pronounced. The 5th Gen iPad Air also introduces new color options, including Space Gray, Starlight, Pink, Blue, and Purple, while the 4th Gen iPad Air is limited to Space Gray, Silver, Rose Gold, Green, and Sky Blue.

Display:

Both the iPad Air 4 Gen and 5 Gen boast stunning Liquid Retina displays with a resolution of 2360 x 1640 pixels. However, the 5th Gen iPad Air has a slightly larger display, measuring 10.9 inches compared to the 4th Gen’s 10.8 inches. This difference is barely noticeable in everyday use, but it may be significant for those who rely on their iPad for content creation or multitasking. Both displays offer excellent color accuracy, wide viewing angles, and support for Apple’s True Tone technology, which automatically adjusts the display’s color temperature based on the ambient lighting.

Performance:

The iPad Air 4 Gen and 5 Gen are powered by Apple’s A14 Bionic and M1 chips, respectively. The A14 Bionic is a powerful processor found in the iPhone 12 series, while the M1 is the same chip that powers the latest MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and iMac. In terms of performance, the M1 chip is significantly faster than the A14 Bionic, offering up to 50% better CPU performance and up to 40% better graphics performance. This makes the 5th Gen iPad Air a more capable device for demanding tasks such as video editing, gaming, and multitasking.

Camera:

The camera systems on the iPad Air 4 Gen and 5 Gen are largely similar. Both models feature a 12MP rear camera with a ƒ/1.8 aperture, capable of recording 4K video at 60fps. The front-facing cameras are also identical, with a resolution of 7MP and a ƒ/2.0 aperture. However, the 5th Gen iPad Air introduces a new Center Stage feature, which uses the front-facing camera to automatically keep you centered in the frame during video calls. This feature is particularly useful for those who move around a lot during video conferences or while recording videos.

Battery Life:

Apple claims that both the iPad Air 4 Gen and 5 Gen offer up to 10 hours of battery life on a single charge. However, real-world battery life may vary depending on usage patterns. In general, the 5th Gen iPad Air may have a slight edge in battery life due to its more efficient M1 chip. However, both models should provide enough battery life for a full day of use on a single charge.

Accessories and Compatibility:

The iPad Air 4 Gen and 5 Gen are compatible with a wide range of accessories, including the Apple Pencil (2nd generation) and the Magic Keyboard. However, there is one key difference in accessory compatibility. The 4th Gen iPad Air uses the Lightning connector, while the 5th Gen iPad Air uses the USB-C connector. This means that you will need to purchase a new charging cable and other accessories that use the USB-C connector if you upgrade to the 5th Gen iPad Air.

Which One Should You Choose?

The decision between the iPad Air 4 Gen and 5 Gen ultimately depends on your individual needs and budget. If you prioritize performance and are willing to pay a premium, the 5th Gen iPad Air is the clear choice. Its M1 chip offers significantly better performance than the A14 Bionic, making it a more capable device for demanding tasks. The larger display and Center Stage feature are also nice additions.

However, if you are on a tighter budget or do not need the extra performance offered by the M1 chip, the 4th Gen iPad Air is still a great option. It offers a stunning display, solid performance, and a long battery life. The main compromise is that it has a slightly smaller display and lacks the Center Stage feature.

The Verdict:

The iPad Air 4 Gen and 5 Gen are both excellent tablets that offer a great balance of performance, portability, and affordability.