Redesigned entry-level iPad is closer than ever to iPad Air.
Apple released two 10.9-inch iPads in 2022, with completely different audiences. The iPad Air launched earlier this year is a higher-end device, while the 10th-generation iPad is entry-level, but with some compromises. The two tablets,
, are very close in price and are a clear indicator of Apple's ladder price strategy. By placing a new product between the cheapest previous generation iPad and iPad Air, it makes it more likely that consumers will buy higher-end models than they might have considered before.
New iPad and iPad Air 5: Specifications
0.9-inch iPad and iPad Air 5 have a place in Apple's lineup of tablets. Despite the similar designs, they are very different tablets.
main differences are chipset, display screen lamination, FaceTime camera position, smart connector position and Apple Pencil support. These differences accurately explain the position of each iPad in the lineup and its intended use cases.
New iPad and iPad Air 5: Design
0.9-inch iPad and iPad Air 5 At a glance, there is almost no difference except for the color. They come in almost the same size and design. However, the 10th generation iPad has become thicker and heavier without realizing it.
iPad and iPad Air have almost the same external design
iPad is 9.79 inches long, 7.07 inches wide and 0.28 inches thick. These are slightly larger than the iPad Air, which is 9.74 inches long, 7.02 inches wide and 0.24 inches thick.
Entry-level iPad is the final product in the Apple tablet series that requires graphic redesign. So far, it has been using the original iPad design, with a Home button on the front and a tapered edge.
design changes also bring a wider color palette. The bright blue, pink, yellow and silver are particularly eye-catching compared to the softer colors of the iPad Air 5.
New iPad and iPad Air 5: The display panel that displays
iPad is the same as iPad Air 5, with several important exceptions. The monitor is not laminated and only supports sRGB color gamut.
iPad Air 5 has a wider color gamut and laminated display
Both have 10.9-inch panels of 2360p x 1640p and 264ppi. They can reach 500 nits at peak brightness.
Laminated display, such as those in iPad Air 5, brings content closer to the surface of the display glass. It works best when using Apple Pencil because it makes writing or drawing feel more natural. Laminated displays also cost more to replace than non-laminated displays if they break.
New iPad and iPad Air 5: Processor
iPad and iPad Air 5 The most different thing is the processor.
M1 is a more powerful processor than A14 Bionic
M1 is a processor specially designed for Mac released in 2020. It was later introduced in iPad Pro and gradually penetrated into iPad Air in 2022.
A14 also debuted in 2020, but in iPhone 12. The 10th generation iPad uses a standard iPhone 12 variant with 4GB of RAM.
iPad Air 5 has twice the RAM of 8GB, 16 billion transistors for 11.8 billion, 8 core GPU for 4 cores, and 8 core CPU for 6 cores.
New iPad and iPad Air 5: Camera
iPad is equipped with an upgraded 12-megapixel rear camera, the same as the rear camera of the iPad Air. It has an f/1.8 aperture and can record 4K at different frequencies from 24fps to 60fps.
iPad and iPad Air are equipped with 12MP camera
The more interesting story lies in the FaceTime camera on the front of the iPad. Apple has moved it from the short side of the tablet to the long side.
In terms of specifications, this front-facing camera is the same as the iPad Air and both support Center Stage. However, the new location is better suited for use in the landscape keyboard case.
For many years, there have been rumors that Apple will move its FaceTime camera to the horizontal. However, it seems to have trade-offs on the design of Apple Pencil.
New iPad with iPad Air 5: Connectivity and Battery
0.9-inch iPad is the latest iPad with USB-C instead of Lightning. In the long run, this will simplify charging and accessory requirements across products by using the same ports on both iPad and Mac.
In the short term, there will be some confusion and confusion, just like Apple Pencil - but more later.
iPad Air and iPad both have a USB-C port
Although it has been redesigned, the battery life has not changed. Both the iPad Air and the 10.9-inch iPad offer approximately 10 hours of battery life during regular use. The wireless function of
is also similar. Both models have Wi-Fi 6, and the cellular option uses 5G.
The newer 10.9-inch iPad uses Bluetooth 5.2, while iPad Air uses Bluetooth 5.0. This shouldn't have much impact on users in 2022, as Apple hasn't yet provided any exclusive features related to newer Bluetooth versions.
New iPad vs iPad Air 5: Smart Connector
Smart Connector for iPad Air and 10.9-inch iPad, but in different locations. This means that despite the nearly identical size, the accessories compatibility of these products differs slightly.
Magic Control Keyboard relies on the smart connector on the back, so iPad Air is the only pair that can use it. However, both iPads have magnets in the rear case, which should allow other magnetic iPad mounts and folio to be connected to either device.
Magic Keyboard Case Created for 10.9-inch iPad
Apple has launched a new keyboard with an integrated trackpad for 10.9-inch iPad called Magic Keyboard Folio. It connects through a smart connector at the bottom and has a separate case with a stand that connects to the iPad.
New iPad and iPad Air 5: Apple Pencil 6
0.9-inch iPad Apple Pencil situation is complicated. Thanks to the dedicated magnetic charging pad on the side of the tablet, the iPad Air 5 uses the Apple Pencil 2.
Apple does not include a magnetic charging pad for Apple Pencil 2 on a 10.9-inch iPad. This may be because the FaceTime camera moved to where the Apple Pencil magnet is.
10.9-inch iPad requires an adapter to use the original Apple Pencil
Apple instead of finding another location for magnetic suction or providing an alternative pairing system, but instead chose something that doesn't rely too much on hardware - the first generation of Apple Pencil. The new Apple Pencil purchased directly from Apple will have an adapter. The adapter will connect the original Apple Pencil to the new iPad via cable for pairing and charging. This is a less than ideal configuration compared to the Apple Pencil 2 and magnetic charging pad systems in other iPads.
