Flat rate the one difference between the iPad and the iPad Air listing is impossible. The first iPad came out in 2010, and the first iPad Air three years later. There are now 24 different models available on Apple’s website.
iPad and iPad Air: the difference between the latest models
The latest classic iPad on the market is the iPad (9th generation), which came out in 2021. A year earlier, Apple introduced the iPad Air (4th generation) to the world.
The biggest difference between the two models is probably the price, which is almost twice as high for the iPad Air. The iPad is available from 379 euros, the Air from 649 euros. As a result, the iPad Air is clearly superior in terms of quality, despite its earlier appearance.
the wide angle camera has about 12 megapixels, while that of the 9th generation iPad has only eight megapixels. However, the iPad’s ultra-wide-angle front camera has 12 megapixels, while the Air only has a “FaceTime HD camera” with seven megapixels. The display on the 9th generation is a “Retina Display True Tone”, on the Air a “Liquid Retina Display True Tone”.
Also the connection is not the same. The traditional iPad has a Lightning connector, while the Air charges via a USB cable. Also, both are compatible with the Apple Pen, but the iPad with the first generation, the Air with the second.
Concerning smart keyboard the two models also have a big difference. The iPad is compatible with the “Smart Keyboard” while the Air is compatible with the “Magic Keyboard” and the “Smart Keyboard Folio”.
Similarities: You have that with both models
But despite all these differences, the two devices are also similar. In terms of looks, the iPad Air has a wider range of colors, but both are almost the same size and weight.
Also the memory size between 64 and 256 gigabytes is the same size. Both have an oleophobic coating, but the iPad Air still has extras like a laminated display and an anti-reflective coating.
power supply and battery According to Apple, both devices are equally good, they should last up to ten hours in WLAN or when playing videos. An hour less when using mobile data. Both iPads are available with and without cellular functionality. Also, neither of them have any Face ID, only the Touch ID.
Conclusion: How important are looks and compatibility?
If you can’t decide between the two models, we believe three factors are particularly important. For one, the price of the iPad Air is almost twice as high, which speaks for the iPad (9th generation). However, if you already own the “Magic Keyboard” or the second-generation Apple Pen, the iPad Air is worth it.
And the optics are also decisive at Apple from time to time, where the display also counts. If you want to work with the iPad and draw, for example, the fourth generation iPad Air can be worthwhile.
If you are not sure yet, we have all iPad generations in chronological order here. If you don’t quite know yet whether it should be an iPad or a Macbook, laptop or tablet, we also have an article on that.
Sources: Apple