iPad 10th Gen vs iPad Air 5
If you’ve already settled on this family, the last step is deciding between the iPad 10th Gen and the iPad Air 5. The data doesn’t leave much room for doubt: 2 of 5 areas go to the iPad Air 5, and the gap is widest in performance. Money matters here as well, since the iPad Air 5 started out $150 above the iPad 10th Gen.
At a glance
- Display iPad Air 5 wins
- Performance iPad Air 5 wins
- Memory & Storage Tie
- Cameras Tie
- Battery & Connectivity Tie
- Price iPad 10th Gen wins
- Display0.0
- Performance1.7
- Memory & Storage3.3
- Cameras9.0
- Battery & Connectivity4.3
- Display1.7
- Performance9.0
- Memory & Storage3.3
- Cameras9.0
- Battery & Connectivity4.3
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The iPad Air 5 has 4 more GPU cores
The iPad 10th Gen lists 4; the iPad Air 5 comes in at 8. That’s not a rounding error. More GPU cores mean more graphics muscle for games, video editing and 3D apps.
-
The iPad Air 5 has 2 more CPU cores
At 8 versus 6, this is a decisive lead for the iPad Air 5, the kind of difference you notice without looking for it. Core count is only part of the picture, since chip design and clock speeds also shape performance.
-
The iPad Air 5 has a 0.04 in slimmer body
If thickness is one of your priorities, this settles it: the iPad Air 5 leads clearly with 0.24 in to the iPad 10th Gen’s 0.28 in. A slimmer tablet is easier to slip into a bag and feels more elegant in the hand.
-
The iPad Air 5 has a fully laminated display
For anyone who wants a fully laminated display, the iPad 10th Gen is out of the running. For pen users, lamination matters: on the iPad Air 5, the stylus tip lines up more closely with the line you draw.
Design & Size
- iPad 10th Gen 9.79 in × 7.07 in × 0.28 in
- iPad Air 5 9.75 in × 7.03 in × 0.24 in
Dimensionally, these two are near twins. Weight-wise, the iPad 10th Gen and the iPad Air 5 are neck and neck. On thickness, the iPad Air 5 leads by 0.04 in.
Design & Build
| Spec | iPad 10th Gen | iPad Air 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 9.79 in | 9.75 in |
| Width | 7.07 in | 7.03 in |
| Thickness | 0.28 in | 0.24 in (winner) |
| Weight | 16.83 oz | 16.26 oz |
Display
iPad Air 5 leads
In the display category, the iPad Air 5 is a step ahead rather than a leap ahead. On the iPad Air 5, you get a fully laminated display. A fully laminated display removes the air gap between glass and panel, so the image looks like it sits right on the surface. On display alone, the iPad Air 5 gets the nod.
Fully laminated display
iPad 10th Gen: no iPad Air 5: yes Non-laminated screens can also sound a little hollow when tapped, a small detail that makes the iPad 10th Gen feel less premium.
Performance
iPad Air 5 leads
The iPad Air 5 clearly takes the performance round. The iPad Air 5 takes this one with 4 more GPU cores. If you mainly read, browse and stream, the GPU gap is unlikely to affect you much. The takeaway: on performance, the iPad Air 5 is the stronger tablet.
GPU cores
iPad 10th Gen: 4 iPad Air 5: 8 The iPad Air 5’s extra GPU cores are most noticeable in demanding games and pro creative apps.
CPU cores
iPad 10th Gen: 6 iPad Air 5: 8 More CPU cores help when you run several demanding apps at once or export large files.
Memory & Storage
Too close to call
Neither pulls ahead on memory & storage; the numbers are close throughout. Don’t let memory & storage decide this one; look at the other sections instead.
Accessories & Productivity
For accessories & productivity, the differences are in the specifics (component names and types), so the table is the place to look.
Cameras
Too close to call
Evenly matched is the fairest summary of the cameras section. This section won’t settle the choice, so weigh the other areas more heavily.
Battery & Connectivity
Too close to call
The battery & connectivity specs are close enough that neither gets the point. Either tablet will serve you equally well on battery & connectivity.
Full Specifications
Display
| Spec | iPad 10th Gen | iPad Air 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 10.9 in | 10.9 in |
| Panel type | Liquid Retina (LCD) | Liquid Retina (LCD) |
| Resolution | 2360 x 1640 | 2360 x 1640 |
| Pixel density | 264 ppi | 264 ppi |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz | 60 Hz |
| Peak brightness (SDR) | 500 nits | 500 nits |
| Fully laminated display | No | Yes (winner) |
Performance
| Spec | iPad 10th Gen | iPad Air 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | A14 Bionic | M1 |
| CPU cores | 6 | 8 (winner) |
| GPU cores | 4 | 8 (winner) |
Memory & Storage
| Spec | iPad 10th Gen | iPad Air 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Base storage | 64 GB | 64 GB |
| Max storage | 256 GB | 256 GB |
Accessories & Productivity
| Spec | iPad 10th Gen | iPad Air 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Stylus support | Apple Pencil (1st generation, via adapter), Apple Pencil (USB-C) | Apple Pencil (2nd generation) |
| Keyboard accessory | Magic Keyboard Folio | Magic Keyboard, Smart Keyboard Folio |
| OS at launch | iPadOS 16 | iPadOS 15 |
Cameras
| Spec | iPad 10th Gen | iPad Air 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Rear camera | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Front camera | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Front camera position | Landscape edge | Portrait edge |
Battery & Connectivity
| Spec | iPad 10th Gen | iPad Air 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | 28.6 Wh Smallest battery in class | 28.6 Wh |
| Rated battery lifeManufacturer rating | 10 h | 10 h |
| Port | USB-C (USB 2) | USB-C |
| Cellular option | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 |
Design & Build
| Spec | iPad 10th Gen | iPad Air 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 9.79 in | 9.75 in |
| Width | 7.07 in | 7.03 in |
| Thickness | 0.28 in | 0.24 in (winner) |
| Weight | 16.83 oz | 16.26 oz |
Price
| Spec | iPad 10th Gen | iPad Air 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price | $449 (winner) Priciest in class | $599 |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
Money is a real factor here: the launch prices are 33% apart, a difference of $150. The iPad Air 5 justifies part of its $150 premium with 4 more GPU cores and 2 more CPU cores.
Launch prices (US) as of October 2022. Discounts and bundles come and go, so compare current prices before buying.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the iPad 10th Gen if…
- you’d put the $150 saving toward something else
Choose the iPad Air 5 if…
- you want more graphics power (8 vs 4)
- you want more processing muscle (8 vs 6 cores)
- you slip your tablet into tight bags and sleeves (0.24 in vs 0.28 in)
- you draw or write on the screen and want the pen tip to feel closer to the image
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the iPad 10th Gen or the iPad Air 5?
For most people, the iPad Air 5 is the stronger choice, unless saving $150 matters more to you than the extras.
Does the iPad 10th Gen last longer on a charge than the iPad Air 5?
The official battery figures don’t separate them; the iPad 10th Gen and the iPad Air 5 land in almost the same place.
Is the iPad 10th Gen bigger than the iPad Air 5?
They’re practically the same size. The difference between the iPad 10th Gen and the iPad Air 5 is too small to matter.
Which is faster, the iPad 10th Gen or the iPad Air 5?
On paper, the iPad Air 5 is the stronger performer, with 4 more GPU cores and 2 more CPU cores.
Which has the better screen, the iPad 10th Gen or the iPad Air 5?
Going by the numbers, the iPad Air 5’s screen comes out ahead: a fully laminated display.
Which costs less, the iPad 10th Gen or the iPad Air 5?
The iPad 10th Gen is the cheaper option, launching at $150 less than the iPad Air 5 (launch prices as of October 2022).
Executive Summary
The iPad 10th Gen and the iPad Air 5 are relatives, and relatives can be surprisingly different once you read the fine print. I keep coming back to one thing: the iPad Air 5 gets 4 more GPU cores. The iPad Air 5 also scores with a 0.04 in slimmer body.
The way I see it, people who prioritize price will be happier with the iPad 10th Gen, and those who prioritize display with the iPad Air 5.
My pick: the iPad Air 5 is the sensible default. Only one thing changes that: if every dollar counts and $150 is a real sum for you.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.