So, you’re thinking about getting an iPad, but you’re stuck between the iPad Air and the 10th Gen iPad. I get it—Apple has made the lineup more confusing than ever. On one hand, the iPad Air is the fancier, more premium option, but then the iPad 10th Gen is sitting there looking almost identical (but cheaper). What’s the difference? And more importantly, which one should you buy?
Let’s break it down in the most straightforward, no-nonsense way possible.
Table of Contents
iPad Air vs iPad 10th Gen: The Verdict
Before we dive deep into the nitty-gritty, let’s cut to the chase. Which one is better? Well, that depends on what you care about most.
- Best for Performance: iPad Air
- Best for Budget Buyers: iPad 10th Gen
- Best for Artists and Creatives: iPad Air
- Best for Casual Users: iPad 10th Gen
- Best Battery Life: Tie (both last about 10 hours)
- Best Value Overall: iPad 10th Gen (if you don’t need pro-level performance)
Alright, now let’s actually break this down feature by feature.
iPad Air vs iPad 10th Gen: Detailed Comparison
| Feature | iPad Air | iPad 10th Gen |
| Processor | M1 chip | A14 Bionic chip |
| Display | 10.9-inch Liquid Retina (fully laminated, P3 color) | 10.9-inch Liquid Retina (non-laminated, sRGB color) |
| Battery Life | Up to 10 hours | Up to 10 hours |
| Rear Camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Front Camera | 12MP (top edge) | 12MP (side edge for landscape use) |
| Apple Pencil Support | Supports 2nd Gen (magnetic) | Supports 1st Gen (requires adapter) |
| Weight | 1.02 pounds | 1.05 pounds |
| Price | Starts around $599 | Starts around $449 |
| Best For | Creative work, multitasking | Casual use, streaming, browsing |
| Winner | Performance & Features (iPad Air) | Value (iPad 10th Gen) |
Performance & Chipset
Here’s where the iPad Air flexes hard. It packs the M1 chip, the same processor that was in Apple’s MacBooks not too long ago. This means buttery smooth multitasking, incredible efficiency, and enough power to run even high-end apps like Photoshop or Final Cut. It’s genuinely fast—probably overkill for most people, but if you like having extra horsepower, this is where it’s at.
The iPad 10th Gen, on the other hand, runs on the A14 Bionic chip—the same processor from the iPhone 12. It’s not bad at all. It’ll handle Netflix, web browsing, and even some light video editing just fine, but if you’re planning on doing serious creative work, you will feel the difference.
Winner: iPad Air
Display & Design
Visually, both iPads look almost identical. You get 10.9-inch Liquid Retina displays with flat edges and no Home button. But here’s the kicker: the iPad Air’s screen is laminated, meaning the display feels closer to the glass. On the iPad 10th Gen, there’s a slight air gap between the glass and the screen, making it a bit less premium.
If you’re using an Apple Pencil for drawing or note-taking, this difference is noticeable. The iPad Air just feels smoother and more natural.
Both have the same resolution and brightness, so casual users won’t notice much, but if you care about that extra touch of quality, the Air wins.
Winner: iPad Air
Apple Pencil & Accessories
Now, this is where things get a little weird.
- The iPad Air supports the 2nd Gen Apple Pencil, which magnetically attaches and charges on the side.
- The iPad 10th Gen only supports the 1st Gen Apple Pencil, which needs a stupid adapter to charge. Yes, Apple made a newer iPad that still uses an old, outdated Pencil with a dongle. Make it make sense.
For keyboards, both iPads work with Apple’s Magic Keyboard Folio, but only the Air works with the Magic Keyboard (the floating one).
If you plan on taking notes or drawing, get the iPad Air. If you’re just doodling occasionally, the 10th Gen is fine.
Winner: iPad Air
Cameras & Video Calls
Both iPads have a 12MP rear camera, so photography isn’t a deciding factor (because, let’s be honest, who is taking photos with an iPad?). I mean, let’s be for real—you’re not using an iPad as your actual camera. You just need it for FaceTime, or maybe the occasional moment when you need to screenshot a chat on your iPhone.
The big difference? The front camera placement. Apple finally put the iPad 10th Gen’s front camera on the long edge, making video calls in landscape mode way more natural. The iPad Air still has its camera on the short edge, which is awkward in landscape mode.
If you do a lot of Zoom calls, Teams meetings, or FaceTime, the iPad 10th Gen is actually the better choice.
Winner: iPad 10th Gen
Battery Life
Both iPads are rated for 10 hours of battery life, and in real-world use, they’re pretty much the same. Whether you’re watching YouTube, browsing, or taking notes, you’ll get all-day battery life.
Winner: Tie
Price
The iPad Air starts at $599, while the iPad 10th Gen starts at $449. That’s a $150 difference.
If you just need an iPad for casual use (streaming, browsing, schoolwork), the iPad 10th Gen is a no-brainer. But if you need power for creative work, the extra cost for the Air is justifiable.
Winner: iPad 10th Gen
Top 5 Accessories for iPad Air and iPad 10th Gen
If you’re getting an iPad, you’re gonna want some accessories. Here are the must-haves:
1. Present Docking Station
The ultimate docking station that turns your iPad into a productivity powerhouse. Sleek, modern, and perfect for anyone who wants a clean setup.
2. Apple Magic Keyboard
If you’re planning on using your iPad like a laptop, this is a must. The Magic Keyboard is premium, comfortable, and makes typing a breeze.
3. Apple Pencil (2nd Gen for Air, 1st Gen for 10th Gen)
If you’re taking notes, drawing, or doing any creative work, believe me, you need the Apple Pencil.
4. Paperlike Screen Protector
Paperlike screen protector makes your iPad feel like writing on actual paper—perfect for students and artists.
Conclusion
So, which iPad should you buy?
- If you want the best performance, better Apple Pencil support, and a premium display, go for the iPad Air.
- If you just need a solid tablet for everyday use, video calls, and streaming the iPad 10th Gen is the smarter buy.
The iPad Air is better, but do you need the better option? If you’re not editing videos, making digital art, or pushing the limits of an iPad, the 10th Gen will do just fine and save you some cash.
Yours truly,
S, XOXO
