Apple iPad Air 5th Gen (M1) vs Apple iPad Air M2 11"
The Verdict
Both tablets deliver excellent value at $599, but the iPad Air M2 11" edges out its predecessor with meaningful upgrades. Display size increases from 10.9 to 11 inches, while the M2 chip provides a 10-core GPU versus the M1's 8-core, delivering noticeably better graphics performance for gaming and creative apps. Storage starts at 128GB on the M2 model compared to 64GB on the 5th Gen, eliminating the need for immediate upgrades. Connectivity improvements include USB-C 3.1 (doubling transfer speeds to 10 Gbps) and Wi-Fi 6E support. Battery life remains identical at 10 hours, and both feature the same thin, lightweight design. The M2 model's larger storage tiers (up to 1TB) and superior processor make it the stronger choice for content creators and power users, though the 5th Gen remains solid for general browsing and productivity.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple iPad Air 5th Gen (M1) if…
- →M1 chip delivers laptop-class performance at a mid-range price
- →Same sleek design as iPad Pro 11" with flat edges
- →Apple Pencil 2 support with magnetic charging
Buy the Apple iPad Air M2 11" if…
- →M2 chip provides powerful performance for creative and productivity tasks
- →Landscape front camera placement is ideal for video calls
- →Apple Pencil Pro support with squeeze and barrel roll gestures
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple iPad Air 5th Gen (M1)
Pros
- M1 chip delivers laptop-class performance at a mid-range price
- Same sleek design as iPad Pro 11" with flat edges
- Apple Pencil 2 support with magnetic charging
- Center Stage keeps you in frame during video calls
- 5G cellular option for on-the-go productivity
Cons
- 60Hz display feels dated next to 120Hz ProMotion on Pro models
- Only 64 GB and 256 GB options — no 128 GB middle ground
- No Face ID — uses Touch ID in the power button
- No headphone jack or expandable storage
Apple iPad Air M2 11"
Pros
- M2 chip provides powerful performance for creative and productivity tasks
- Landscape front camera placement is ideal for video calls
- Apple Pencil Pro support with squeeze and barrel roll gestures
- Slim and light design at 462 g is easy to carry all day
- Wi-Fi 6E for faster wireless connectivity
Cons
- 60Hz display feels dated compared to iPad Pro ProMotion
- 128 GB base storage is restrictive for demanding workflows
- No mini-LED or OLED — LCD panel has limited contrast
- Keyboard and Pencil accessories add significant cost
- Single speaker pair — audio is less immersive than iPad Pro
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPad Air 5th Gen (M1) | Apple iPad Air M2 11" |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iPadOS 15 (upgradable to iPadOS 17+) | iPadOS 17 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 461 g (Wi-Fi) | 462 g (Wi-Fi) |
| Dimensions | 247.6 x 178.5 x 6.1 mm | 247.6 x 178.5 x 6.1 mm |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 10 hours web browsing on Wi-Fi | Up to 10 hours web browsing on Wi-Fi |
| Capacity | 7606 mAh (28.6 Wh) | 28.93 Wh |
| Display | ||
| Size | 10.9 inches | 11 inches |
| Type | Liquid Retina IPS LCD | Liquid Retina IPS LCD |
| Resolution | 2360 x 1640 | 2360 x 1640 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 60Hz |
| Storage | ||
| Storage options | 64 GB, 256 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB |
| Expandable storage | ||
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Chipset | Apple M1 (8-core CPU, 8-core GPU) | Apple M2 (8-core CPU, 10-core GPU) |
| Connectivity | ||
| USB | USB-C | USB-C 3.1 (10 Gbps) |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Cellular | ||
| Stylus Support | ||
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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