Even with the arrival of the iPad Air 6 (M2, 2024), the iPad Air 4 and iPad Air 5 remain two of the most popular refurbished iPads on the market, and for good reason. Both deliver capable, slim tablets at significantly lower prices than newer models. That said, the performance gap between the A14 Bionic and the M1 chip is real, and knowing where it matters can save you money or future-proof your purchase. In this comparison guide, we break down every key difference between the iPad Air 4 and the iPad Air 5 so you can confidently choose the right model for your needs and budget.
Table of contents
- iPad Air 4 vs. iPad Air 5: Specs comparison table
- Reasons to buy the iPad Air 5
- Design
- Display
- Cameras
- Performance
- iPad Air 4 vs. iPad Air 5: The verdict
- Frequently asked questions
iPad Air 4 vs. iPad Air 5: Specs comparison table
| Features | iPad Air 4 (2020) | iPad Air 5 (2022) |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 10,9″ | 10,9″ |
| Display | Liquid Retina LED | Liquid Retina LED |
| Brightness | 500 nits | 500 nits |
| Resolution | 2360 x 1640 at 264 ppi | 2360 x 1640 at 264 ppi |
| Dimensions | 9.74 x 7.02 x 0.24 in (247.6 x 178.5 x 6.1 mm) | 9.74 x 7.02 x 0.24 in (247.6 x 178.5 x 6.1 mm) |
| Weight | 1.02 pounds (461 g) | 1.02 pounds (461 g) |
| Colors | Blue, green, silver, space gray, and rose gold | Blue, purple, pink, space gray, and starlight |
| CPU | Apple A14 Bionic | Apple M1 |
| RAM | 4GB | 8GB |
| Cameras | 12MP rear camera 7MP front camera | 12MP rear camera 12MP ultra-wide front camera |
| Storage | 64GB 256GB | 64GB 256GB |
| Battery life | Up to 10 hours on Wi-Fi | Up to 10 hours on Wi-Fi |
| Apple Pencil compatibility | 2nd generation | 2nd generation |
| Max OS compatibility | iPadOS 18 | iPadOS 18 |
| Cellular | 4G LTE | 5G |
| Connectors | USB-C | USB-C |
| Price (new) | $599 (discontinued) | Starting at |
| Price (refurbished) | Starting at | Starting at |
Reasons to buy the iPad Air 5
There are compelling reasons to choose the iPad Air 5 over the older 2020 model, especially when buying refurbished:
- Apple’s M1 chip delivers 50-60% faster CPU performance and roughly twice the GPU speed compared to the A14 Bionic.
- 8GB of RAM (vs. 4GB) keeps more apps in memory and handles creative workloads without slowdowns.
- 5G cellular support future-proofs the connected version for years of fast mobile data.
- It excels at gaming, video editing, augmented reality, and productivity apps like Procreate and LumaFusion.
- The upgraded 12MP ultra-wide front camera with Center Stage makes FaceTime and video calls noticeably better.
- USB-C transfer speeds double from 5 Gbps to 10 Gbps, meaningful if you work with large files.
- Refurbished iPad Air 5 prices have dropped significantly since launch, narrowing the gap with the Air 4.
👉 Learn more: How Long Do iPads Last?
Design
Design is one area where you genuinely cannot tell these two tablets apart. Both the iPad Air 4 and iPad Air 5 measure 9.74 x 7.02 x 0.24 inches and weigh 1.02 pounds. Apple kept the chassis completely unchanged between generations. What does differ is color: the Air 4 came in Blue, Green, Silver, Space Gray, and Rose Gold, while the Air 5 swapped those for Blue, Purple, Pink, Space Gray, and Starlight.
The all-screen design with Touch ID built into the top button remains one of the most practical layouts Apple has ever made. Whether you are a student, a commuter, or someone who simply wants a tablet that slips easily into a bag, the iPad Air delivers portability without compromising much on power. They are also among the best iPads for kids and teenagers who need something durable and light.
Display
The display is another category where both generations match perfectly. Both the iPad Air 4 and the iPad Air 5 feature a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display running at 2360 x 1640 resolution (264 ppi) with a peak brightness of 500 nits.
Beyond the raw numbers, the panel experience is identical: wide P3 color gamut for vivid photos and video, True Tone technology that adjusts white balance to ambient light, and a fingerprint-resistant anti-reflective coating with just 1.8% reflectivity. The result is a screen that holds up well in daylight and looks excellent for streaming, reading, and drawing.
If the display is your main consideration and you want the most savings possible, the iPad Air 4 makes complete sense here. You are getting the exact same visual experience for less money.
Cameras
Both tablets share an identical 12MP rear camera with the same aperture and video capabilities, so photo and scanning tasks are equal across models. The meaningful difference lives in the front.
The iPad Air 5's front camera jumps from the Air 4's 7MP f/2.2 lens to a 12MP ultra-wide f/2.4 lens. This is a significant upgrade for anyone who uses their iPad for video calls, content creation, or live streaming. The wider field of view captures more of the room naturally without zooming out manually.
The front camera on the iPad Air 5 also gains Apple's Center Stage, a machine-learning feature that automatically pans and zooms to keep you centered in the frame as you move. When another person joins the call, the camera widens to include them. It is genuinely useful during remote work, online classes, or family video calls.
If you primarily use your iPad for desk work and rarely video call, the Air 4's camera is perfectly adequate. But if FaceTime or video meetings are a regular part of your day, the Air 5's camera upgrade alone can justify the price difference.
How to activate Center Stage Image credit: Apple
Performance
Performance is the single biggest reason to choose the iPad Air 5 over its predecessor. Apple’s M1 chip, the same silicon found in MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models, delivers a generational leap over the A14 Bionic in the Air 4. Benchmarks consistently show 50-60% faster CPU performance and roughly double the GPU throughput, which translates into smoother gameplay, faster video exports, and more fluid multitasking.
The A14 Bionic in the iPad Air 4 is far from slow. It handles browsing, streaming, notes, light photo editing, and creative apps like Procreate without any issues. But once you push into sustained creative workloads (long Procreate sessions, 4K video editing in LumaFusion, or graphically intensive games), the M1’s larger thermal headroom and doubled GPU cores become tangible.
👉 Learn more: 20 Best iPad Games
The extra 4GB of RAM (8GB total vs. 4GB) is equally important for power users. More RAM means more apps stay active in the background without needing to reload, and it gives demanding apps more room to operate. USB-C transfer speeds also double from 5 Gbps to 10 Gbps on the Air 5, which matters if you move large video files or connect external storage.
On the cellular front, the iPad Air 5 supports 5G while the Air 4 is limited to 4G LTE, a future-proofing advantage that grows more valuable every year.
Both tablets run iPadOS 18 and support the same iPadOS features, including Stage Manager, Continuity Camera, and all current Apple Pencil 2nd generation functionality.
👉 Learn more: 5 Best Apple Pencil Accessories
iPad Air 4 vs. iPad Air 5: The verdict
Both the iPad Air 4 and the iPad Air 5 are excellent tablets, but they suit different buyers. The CPU gap is the deciding factor for most people: Apple’s M1 chip in the Air 5 offers 50-60% faster CPU performance and twice the GPU power, which adds up to years of additional usable life for demanding workflows.
Choose the iPad Air 4 if: you primarily browse, stream, take notes, or read, and you want to save as much money as possible. The display, design, and accessories are identical to the Air 5, and the A14 Bionic handles everyday tasks without hesitation.
Choose the iPad Air 5 if: you use creative apps, edit video, play graphics-intensive games, or rely on your iPad for video calls and remote work. The M1 chip, doubled RAM, 5G cellular option, and better front camera are all real-world upgrades that justify the modest price premium, especially on the refurbished market where the gap has narrowed considerably.
With the iPad Air 6 (M2) now available, both the Air 4 and Air 5 can be found at excellent refurbished prices. If long-term software support is a priority, the Air 5’s M1 chip puts it several years ahead of the Air 4 in Apple’s lifecycle planning.
If you are interested in saving even more money, consider purchasing a refurbished iPad Air 5. A refurbished model delivers the exact same performance as a brand-new one, comes with a warranty, has been thoroughly tested, and supports the circular economy.
Check all available refurbished iPad Air 5 models from the best resellers in real time:
64GB storage
Blue
2022 release
64GB storage
Space Gray
2022 release
64GB storage
Pink
2022 release
If the iPad Air 4 fits your needs and budget, compare all available refurbished models here:
64GB storage
Silver
2020 release
64GB storage
Space Gray
2020 release
256GB storage
Space Gray
2020 release
You can also explore what to do with an old iPad if you are considering an upgrade, check the best refurbished iPads guide, or read our comparison between the iPad Air 4 and the iPad mini 6.
Frequently asked questions
Is the iPad Air 5 worth it over the iPad Air 4?
Yes, in most cases. The iPad Air 5’s M1 chip is 50-60% faster and offers double the GPU performance of the A14 Bionic in the Air 4. It also includes 8GB of RAM (vs. 4GB), a significantly better front camera with Center Stage, 5G cellular support, and faster USB-C transfer speeds. On the refurbished market, the price gap between the two is often small enough that the Air 5 is the clear value choice for most buyers.
Will the iPad Air 4 get iPadOS 19?
As of 2026, both the iPad Air 4 and iPad Air 5 run iPadOS 18. Apple has not yet announced iPadOS 19 compatibility, but the M1 chip in the Air 5 gives it a substantially better chance of receiving additional major OS updates compared to the older A14 Bionic in the Air 4.
What is the difference between the iPad Air 4 and iPad Air 5 front camera?
The iPad Air 4 has a 7MP front camera with an f/2.2 aperture. The iPad Air 5 upgrades to a 12MP ultra-wide front camera with an f/2.4 aperture and adds Center Stage, which automatically keeps you in frame during video calls. This is the most noticeable day-to-day camera difference between the two models.
Can the iPad Air 4 run the same apps as the iPad Air 5?
Yes, both tablets are compatible with the same App Store apps and both run iPadOS 18. However, some apps optimized for the M1 chip (particularly professional creative and video apps) will perform significantly better on the iPad Air 5 due to its faster processor and additional RAM.
Is refurbished iPad Air 4 or iPad Air 5 better value in 2026?
The iPad Air 5 is generally the better refurbished buy in 2026. As prices have dropped since its 2022 launch, the premium over a refurbished Air 4 has shrunk. For the extra cost, you get an M1 chip that future-proofs the device for several more years of app and OS support, along with the better front camera and 5G capability. Compare current prices from trusted refurbishers using the product widgets above.
Last updated: Apr 27, 2026 · First published: Apr 26, 2024
