Apple iPad Air 5th Gen (M1) vs OnePlus Pad 2
The Verdict
Apple's iPad Air 5th Gen delivers a premium experience with its efficient M1 chip, compact 10.9-inch display, and seamless iPadOS ecosystem, priced at $599. OnePlus Pad 2 counters with a larger 12.1-inch screen boasting 144Hz refresh rates, more RAM (12GB vs 8GB), faster 67W charging, and Android flexibility at $549.99. Performance-wise, the M1 handles professional workflows exceptionally well, while Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 excels in gaming and multitasking speed. The iPad Air's portability (461g) and Apple Pencil integration suit creatives, whereas OnePlus targets media consumers with its expansive display and 14.5-hour battery. Storage starts at 64GB for iPad versus 256GB minimum on OnePlus. Ultimately, choose iPad Air for productivity and ecosystem cohesion, or OnePlus Pad 2 for immersive entertainment and raw value.
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 OnePlus Pad 2 if…
- →Flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 performance
- →Large 12.1-inch 144Hz 3K display
- →Excellent battery life with fast 67W charging
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
OnePlus Pad 2
Pros
- Flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 performance
- Large 12.1-inch 144Hz 3K display
- Excellent battery life with fast 67W charging
- Premium aluminum unibody build
- Wi-Fi 7 support
Cons
- No cellular option
- No microSD expansion
- Stylus and keyboard sold separately
- Android tablet apps still trail iPadOS
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPad Air 5th Gen (M1) | OnePlus Pad 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iPadOS 15 (upgradable to iPadOS 17+) | OxygenOS 14.1 (Android 14) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 461 g (Wi-Fi) | 584 g |
| Dimensions | 247.6 x 178.5 x 6.1 mm | 268.6 x 189.4 x 6.5 mm |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 10 hours web browsing on Wi-Fi | Up to 14.5 hours video playback, 67W SUPERVOOC charging |
| Capacity | 7606 mAh (28.6 Wh) | 9510 mAh |
| Display | ||
| Size | 10.9 inches | 12.1 inches |
| Type | Liquid Retina IPS LCD | LTPS LCD, 7:5 aspect ratio |
| Resolution | 2360 x 1640 | 3000 x 2120 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 144Hz |
| Storage | ||
| Storage options | 64 GB, 256 GB | 256 GB, 512 GB |
| Expandable storage | ||
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 12 GB LPDDR5X |
| Chipset | Apple M1 (8-core CPU, 8-core GPU) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
| Connectivity | ||
| USB | USB-C | USB-C 3.2 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Cellular | ||
| Stylus Support | ||
| Cameras | ||
| Rear | — | 13 MP |
| Front camera | — | 8 MP |
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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