iPad Air (2022) vs 11-inch iPad Air (2024): Which One Offers the Best Value for Your Money?

The iPad Air (2022) and the newly released 11-inch iPad Air (2024) might seem identical at first glance, but there are several key differences that could influence your purchase decision. With a price difference of approximately Rs 5,000, it’s essential to evaluate which model offers the best value for your needs. This comparison aims to help you decide whether to invest in the latest model or opt for the previous generation, which comes at a slightly lower cost.

Design and Display

Both the iPad Air (5th Gen) and the iPad Air (6th Gen) share a similar design, but with one notable change. The front camera on the 2024 model has been repositioned to a landscape orientation, significantly improving the video call experience.

The new iPad Air is available in two screen sizes: 11-inch and 13-inch. The previous generation iPad Air features a 10.9-inch display. Despite this, the 2022 and 2024 11-inch models have identical dimensions, meaning the 11-inch iPad Air (2024) will look and feel the same as the 2022 model.

Performance

The primary difference between the two models lies in their performance capabilities. The 2022 iPad Air is equipped with Apple’s M1 chip, the first in-house chipset developed by Apple. The 2024 11-inch iPad Air, on the other hand, features the M2 chip, which Apple claims offers up to 50% faster performance in certain scenarios.

The M1 chip includes an 8-core CPU and an 8-core GPU, while the M2 chip boasts an 8-core CPU and a 10-core GPU. Both models come with 8GB of RAM. For resource-intensive tasks like video editing, the performance enhancement of the M2 chip might be noticeable. However, for everyday multitasking, both chips deliver comparable performance.

Storage Options

Storage capacity is another area where the new model shines. The iPad Air (2022) is available in two storage variants: 64GB and 256GB. In contrast, the 2024 iPad Air starts with a base storage of 128GB and offers a top variant with 1TB capacity. This increased storage can be particularly beneficial for users who install numerous apps, play games, or download movies for offline viewing.

Apple Pencil and Accessories

The 2022 iPad Air supports the 2nd Gen Apple Pencil. The new iPad Air is compatible with the newly launched Apple Pencil Pro, which is priced similarly but includes additional features such as ‘Squeeze’, ‘Barrel roll’, Haptic feedback, and ‘Find My’ support. For designers and digital artists, the new Apple Pencil Pro and the 2024 iPad Air would be the better choice.

Regarding keyboard compatibility, the 2022 iPad Air supports the Smart Keyboard Folio case, while the new iPad Air does not. This means that if you frequently use a keyboard with your tablet, the older model may be more suitable.

Conclusion: iPad Air (2024) vs iPad Air (2022)

The iPad Air (2022) remains a robust and capable device, but its base variant’s 64GB of internal storage might be limiting for users who need more space. Currently, the iPad Air (2022) is available for Rs 55,400 on Amazon India, with similar pricing on other e-commerce platforms. The newly launched 11-inch iPad Air starts at Rs 59,900.

If you need more storage and the latest performance enhancements, the 2024 iPad Air is worth the extra investment. However, if you’re looking for a slightly more affordable option and don’t need the additional features of the new model, the 2022 iPad Air remains a solid choice.