this is why you should (not) switch
Do you now have an iPad Air from 2020 and are you unsure whether you should switch to the new model? Then this article is perfect for you, because we are going to compare the old and the new model. Here’s the big iPad Air 2022 vs iPad Air 2020 comparison.
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Contents
Comparison: iPad Air 2022 vs iPad Air 2020
Apple has announced a new iPad Air. We have now reached the fifth generation. The iPad Air 2022 (also known as iPad Air 5) is very similar to its predecessor.
The previous model was released in 2020 and symbolized a breath of fresh air. Among other things, the design was completely overhauled, it had a larger screen (without growing in size) and got much better hardware.
At first glance, the differences seem smaller this year, but is that really the case? In this article we compare the brand new iPad Air with its predecessor. This is the iPad Air 2022 vs iPad Air 2020 comparison.
Index: iPad Air 2022 vs iPad Air 2020
Hardware: Hello, M1 chip!
If the iPad Air 2022 had a motto, it could just be “beauty is inside”. The new model is almost identical to its predecessor. At least, when you’re talking about design.
The real changes have been made under the hood. For example, the new iPad Air is powered by an M1 chip. This powerful processor is made by Apple itself and is also included in the 2021 iPad Pro, MacBook Air (2020 model), Mac mini (2020) and 13-inch MacBook Pro.
The 2020 iPad Air is powered by an A14 chip. This processor is also in the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro. A chip largely determines how fast and powerful a smartphone, laptop or – in this case – tablet is. For example, applications start up faster and there is little to no loading time.
According to Apple, the M1 chip is about 60 percent more powerful than the A14 variant from the previous model. Graphics performance has also improved. This is particularly good news for demanding users, such as those who regularly edit photos and videos.
iPad Air gets 5G
Do you regularly work on the road? Then we have good news for you. The new iPad Air can handle 5G internet. This successor to 4G offers faster mobile internet and also has a larger capacity. In other words, more devices can be connected to it before the speed drops.
5G will roll out more widely in the Netherlands in the coming years, making the iPad Air 2022 better prepared for the future. The previous model can only handle 4G (LTE).
That said, Apple sells two versions of the iPad Air: one with and one without mobile internet. The entry-level model can only handle WiFi. If you also want to stay connected while on the road, you have to pick up the model (for an additional cost) that can handle WiFi and 5G. More on that later.
Smile at the (selfie) camera
On the back, the iPad Air 2022 and iPad Air 2020 have the same camera: a 12-megapixel wide-angle lens. At the front, however, that kite does not go up. The new model has a 12-megapixel selfie camera, while the iPad Air from 2020 has to make do with a 7-megapixel copy.
So the camera of the new iPad Air is better. An additional advantage is that you can now get started with Center Stage (Middelpunt in Dutch). This function ensures that you always remain in the picture during video calling. Center Stage does this by continuously putting you first. The previous iPad Air does not have this feature.
Design: hardly changed
The iPad Air that came out in 2020 was a significant improvement compared to its predecessor from 2019. The entire design was overhauled. The iPad Air of 2020 is clearly inspired by the iPad Pro and has, for example, thin screen bezels. This is possible by moving the fingerprint scanner, containing Touch ID, to the on/off button on the side.
This year Apple has taken it easy. The iPad Air 2022 looks like two drops of water on its predecessor and is almost identical. Pretty much, indeed. The only difference is in the color choice. In the table below we have compared the color options of both models.
| Colors iPad Air 2022 | Colors iPad Air 2020 |
|---|---|
| space gray | space gray |
| Pink | Rose gold |
| Purple | Green |
| Blue | sky blue |
| starlight | Silver |
Prices
Finally, the old and new models also differ in price. The iPad Air 2022 is a few bucks more expensive than its predecessor, whichever version you choose.
Prices iPad Air 2022
- 64GB: 698.50 euros
(5G model costs 868.50 euros) - 256GB: 868.50 euros
(5G model costs 1038.50 euros)
Prices iPad Air 2020 (on appearance)
- 64GB: 669 euros
(4G model costs 809 euros) - 256GB: 839 euros
(4G model costs 979 euros)
A small software detail
Finally, there is a small difference between the two iPad Airs. The new model runs by default on iPadOS 15, the latest version of the operating system. The iPad Air 2020 came out of the box with iPadOS 14 on board.
Because an iPad is usually supported about five to six software updates, you can assume that the new Air is slightly more future-proof than its predecessor.
Conclusion: iPad Air 2022 vs iPad Air 2020 Comparison
The iPad Air 2022 looks almost exactly like its predecessor, but looks can be deceiving. The new model has been significantly improved, especially under the hood. The iPad Air 2022 has a much more powerful chip, can handle 5G and has a slightly better selfie camera.
On the other hand, the new model has also become more expensive. Moreover, the iPad Air of 2020 can very well keep up. Do you currently have the old model? Then there is probably little reason to upgrade. Only if you are a real power user is it possible to make the switch. After all, the new model is much more powerful.
To buy
Are you going to buy the iPad Air 2022? The pre-order starts on Friday 11 March, after which it actually comes out a week later. You can find the best deal for you quickly and easily via the price comparison below. Or you can use the pre-order link below.
Apple has now removed the iPad Air 2020 from its range. However, you can still get the tablet from many stores. Do you want to buy the iPad Air 2020? With our price comparator you can filter offers by price, color of the tablet and, for example, shipping time.
Tip: The cheapest option is a refurbished iPad Air 2020. These types of tablets have been used before, but they still look good and are technically completely in order.
