iPad Air 5 vs iPad Air M2
You don’t have to leave Apple to face a real choice here. The iPad Air 5 and the iPad Air M2 come from separate lines within the same brand. The numbers lean one way: the iPad Air M2 comes out ahead in 2 of the 5 areas we compared, with its clearest lead in the memory & storage category.
At a glance
- Display Tie
- Performance iPad Air M2 wins
- Memory & Storage iPad Air M2 wins
- Cameras Tie
- Battery & Connectivity Tie
- Price Tie
- Display1.7
- Performance9.0
- Memory & Storage3.3
- Cameras9.0
- Battery & Connectivity4.3
- Display1.7
- Performance10.0
- Memory & Storage10.0
- Cameras9.0
- Battery & Connectivity4.5
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 M2 has 128 GB of base storage instead of 64 GB
On this line of the spec sheet, the iPad Air M2 is in a different league: 128 GB, next to 64 GB for the iPad Air 5. Base storage decides how many movies, games and projects you can keep on the tablet without paying for an upgrade.
-
The iPad Air M2 has a bigger top storage option
For max storage, the iPad Air M2 leads by a wide margin: 1 TB versus 256 GB. A bigger top storage option matters for people who keep large video projects or media libraries on the device.
-
The iPad Air M2 has 1 more GPU cores
The gap on gpu cores is slim (9 against 8), yet it tips toward the iPad Air M2. More GPU cores mean more graphics muscle for games, video editing and 3D apps.
Design & Size
- iPad Air 5 9.75 in × 7.03 in × 0.24 in
- iPad Air M2 9.75 in × 7.03 in × 0.24 in
Size won’t decide this one: the iPad Air 5 and the iPad Air M2 have very similar dimensions. If weight matters to you, good news: neither is noticeably heavier.
Design & Build
| Spec | iPad Air 5 | iPad Air M2 |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 9.75 in | 9.75 in |
| Width | 7.03 in | 7.03 in |
| Thickness | 0.24 in | 0.24 in |
| Weight | 16.26 oz | 16.30 oz |
Display
Too close to call
The iPad Air 5 and the iPad Air M2 match each other closely in this area. Either tablet will serve you equally well on display.
Performance
iPad Air M2 leads
If you’re keeping score, the performance point goes narrowly to the iPad Air M2. The iPad Air M2 scores with 1 more GPU cores. The iPad Air M2’s extra GPU cores are most noticeable in demanding games and pro creative apps. Weighing only performance, the iPad Air M2 comes out ahead.
GPU cores
iPad Air 5: 8 iPad Air M2: 9 If you mainly read, browse and stream, the GPU gap is unlikely to affect you much.
Memory & Storage
iPad Air M2 leads
Here the iPad Air M2 opens up one of its biggest leads in the comparison. The iPad Air M2 delivers 128 GB of base storage instead of 64 GB. If you mostly stream and use cloud storage, the base tier matters less; if you work offline, it matters a lot. On memory & storage alone, the iPad Air M2 gets the nod.
Base storage
iPad Air 5: 64 GB iPad Air M2: 128 GB Downloaded shows and large creative files fill space fast, so the iPad Air M2’s bigger starting capacity is a practical win.
Max storage
iPad Air 5: 256 GB iPad Air M2: 1 TB Most buyers won’t need the maximum, so this is a niche advantage rather than an everyday one.
Accessories & Productivity
This area doesn’t reduce to a single number. The table shows the accessories & productivity details for both, so you can judge what matters to you.
Cameras
Too close to call
In the cameras category, the iPad Air 5 and the iPad Air M2 land in almost the same place. In short, cameras is a draw; the decision lies elsewhere.
Battery & Connectivity
Too close to call
Evenly matched is the fairest summary of the battery & connectivity section. Treat battery & connectivity as common ground and look elsewhere for the deciding factor.
Full Specifications
Display
| Spec | iPad Air 5 | iPad Air M2 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 10.9 in | 11 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 | Yes | Yes |
Performance
| Spec | iPad Air 5 | iPad Air M2 |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | M1 | M2 |
| CPU cores | 8 | 8 |
| GPU cores | 8 | 9 (winner) |
Memory & Storage
| Spec | iPad Air 5 | iPad Air M2 |
|---|---|---|
| Base storage | 64 GB | 128 GB (winner) |
| Max storage | 256 GB | 1 TB (winner) |
Accessories & Productivity
| Spec | iPad Air 5 | iPad Air M2 |
|---|---|---|
| Stylus support | Apple Pencil (2nd generation) | Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil (USB-C) |
| Keyboard accessory | Magic Keyboard, Smart Keyboard Folio | Magic Keyboard |
| OS at launch | iPadOS 15 | iPadOS 17 |
Cameras
| Spec | iPad Air 5 | iPad Air M2 |
|---|---|---|
| Rear camera | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Front camera | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Front camera position | Portrait edge | Landscape edge |
Battery & Connectivity
| Spec | iPad Air 5 | iPad Air M2 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | 28.6 Wh | 28.9 Wh |
| Rated battery lifeManufacturer rating | 10 h | 10 h |
| Port | USB-C | USB-C |
| Cellular option | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E |
Design & Build
| Spec | iPad Air 5 | iPad Air M2 |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 9.75 in | 9.75 in |
| Width | 7.03 in | 7.03 in |
| Thickness | 0.24 in | 0.24 in |
| Weight | 16.26 oz | 16.30 oz |
Price
| Spec | iPad Air 5 | iPad Air M2 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price | $599 | $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
Price is a tie: both launched at the same figure.
Prices shown are US launch prices as of May 2024. Retail prices change often, so it’s worth checking current offers.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the iPad Air M2 if…
- you want more room without paying for an upgrade (128 GB vs 64 GB)
- you need a high-capacity version (1 TB vs 256 GB maximum)
- you want more graphics power (9 vs 8)
- you plan to keep it for a long time and want to start from the newer generation
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the iPad Air 5 or the iPad Air M2?
On the specs compared here, the iPad Air M2 makes more sense for most buyers; the iPad Air 5 doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Should I upgrade from the iPad Air 5 to the iPad Air M2?
For most owners, it’s a meaningful step. The iPad Air M2 brings 128 GB of base storage instead of 64 GB, a bigger top storage option and 1 more GPU cores over the iPad Air 5.
Does the iPad Air 5 last longer on a charge than the iPad Air M2?
It’s effectively a tie. The battery figures for the iPad Air 5 and the iPad Air M2 are too close to call.
Is the iPad Air 5 bigger than the iPad Air M2?
Size is essentially a tie. The official dimensions of the iPad Air 5 and the iPad Air M2 differ only marginally.
Which is faster, the iPad Air 5 or the iPad Air M2?
On paper, the iPad Air M2 is the stronger performer, with 1 more GPU cores.
Is the iPad Air 5 lighter than the iPad Air M2?
The difference between the iPad Air 5 and the iPad Air M2 is too small to notice, so call it a tie.
Executive Summary
The iPad Air 5 and the iPad Air M2 come from the same family, and honestly, that makes this one harder than a cross-brand fight. The iPad Air M2 has 128 GB of base storage instead of 64 GB, and for most people that’s not a small thing. There’s more, too: the iPad Air M2 offers 1 more GPU cores.
Who should get which? The iPad Air 5 for the things a spec sheet can’t capture, the iPad Air M2 for performance.
My pick: the iPad Air M2.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.