Tech head-to-head
Apple iPad (10th generation)vsApple iPad Air (5th generation, M1)
Two Apple models that average 8.0 and 8.6. Apple iPad Air (5th generation, M1) takes Performance, 8.8 to 7.6.
8.0
The base iPad finally with USB-C and a landscape camera. The Pencil story is still awkward.
Price and availability change constantly, so we don't quote them here — the link opens current listings on eBay. eBay listings come from individual sellers: condition, battery health, and what's in the box differ from one to the next, so read the listing and the return terms before you buy.
An M1 tablet that costs far less used than new, and the floor for Apple Intelligence on iPad.
Price and availability change constantly, so we don't quote them here — the link opens current listings on eBay. eBay listings come from individual sellers: condition, battery health, and what's in the box differ from one to the next, so read the listing and the return terms before you buy.
Where they diverge
The widest gap is Performance, Apple iPad Air (5th generation, M1) ahead 8.8 to 7.6. They come closest on Value, 8.6 to 8.2. Left of center is Apple iPad (10th generation), right is Apple iPad Air (5th generation, M1).
Which one to pick
Take the Apple iPad (10th generation)
- Video calls; the front camera sits on the long edge where it belongs
- A family tablet for streaming, browsing, and school apps
- You want USB-C so it shares a charger with everything else
Take the Apple iPad Air (5th generation, M1)
Leads on Performance, Value, Durability, Ease of use and Design.
- You want Apple Intelligence and Stage Manager without paying for a Pro
- Notes and sketching with the magnetically charging Pencil are the main job
- A tablet you expect to keep updated for years
What each one gets wrong
Apple iPad (10th generation)
- Handwritten notes are the point; the Pencil options lag the Air's
- You'd use it with a keyboard for hours; the Air's M1 handles multitasking better
Apple iPad Air (5th generation, M1)
- You'd fill 64GB; the 256GB model is the one worth hunting for
- Smooth 120Hz scrolling matters to you; this panel runs at 60Hz
Specs, side by side
| Spec | Apple iPad (10th generation) | Apple iPad Air (5th generation, M1) |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 10.9-inch Liquid Retina (LCD) | 10.9-inch Liquid Retina (LCD, 60Hz) |
| Chip | A14 Bionic | Apple M1 |
| Unlock | Touch ID (top button) | Touch ID (top button) |
| Port | USB-C | USB-C |
| Pencil | Apple Pencil (1st gen, via adapter) or Apple Pencil (USB-C) | Apple Pencil (2nd generation) |
| Storage | 64GB, 256GB | 64GB, 256GB |
| Memory | — | 8GB |
Rankings they both appear in
Questions
- Both are Apple. Which one do I want?
- Apple iPad Air (5th generation, M1) leads on Performance, Value, Durability, Ease of use and Design, and there is no axis where Apple iPad (10th generation) comes out ahead. Apple iPad (10th generation) averages 8.0 and Apple iPad Air (5th generation, M1) averages 8.6, over the 5 axes Tech is scored on.
- Where do the two Apple models actually differ?
- Performance is the widest gap, Apple iPad Air (5th generation, M1) ahead 8.8 to 7.6. Every axis lands somewhere different, so the profile shapes differ as much as the totals.
- Which one ranks higher in "Used iPads on eBay: where M1 pays off and where it doesn't"?
- Apple iPad Air (5th generation, M1) sits at #1 in "Used iPads on eBay: where M1 pays off and where it doesn't", Apple iPad (10th generation) at #4.