Choosing between Apple’s new 10th-gen iPad 10.9 and the iPad Air 5 can be tricky—they look nearly identical, but under the hood, they’re built for different kinds of users. Whether you’re a casual browser, a student, or a creative professional, this breakdown will help you figure out which iPad gives you more bang for your buck.
At a Glance: iPad 10.9 vs iPad Air 5
- iPad 10.9 (10th-gen) starts at $449
- iPad Air 5 starts at $599
- Both have 10.9″ Liquid Retina displays, Touch ID, USB-C, and similar front/rear cameras
- Main differences: processor (A14 vs M1), Apple Pencil support, display quality, and port speed
Design & Display: Nearly Identical, but Air Has the Edge
Both tablets share the same modern flat-edge design, same screen size and resolution, and even the same button placement. But:
- iPad Air 5 has a laminated display, anti-reflective coating, and P3 wide color—ideal for creatives or heavy media users.
- iPad 10.9 has a great screen too, but it’s missing those refinements.
They weigh nearly the same, and size differences are negligible.
Performance: M1 Is a Beast Compared to A14
- iPad 10.9 runs on A14 Bionic, same chip from iPhone 12.
- iPad Air 5 uses the M1 chip, the same one in Macs and iPad Pros.
For everyday stuff—web, social media, YouTube—the A14 is fine. But if you edit 4K videos, work with large files, or want the most future-proof tablet, the M1 chip on the Air wins by a mile.
Also:
- RAM: iPad 10.9 has 4GB, Air 5 has 8GB
- Port speed: Air 5’s USB-C is 10Gbps, while iPad 10.9 is stuck at USB 2.0 speeds (480Mbps)
Apple Pencil Support: Huge Difference
- iPad 10.9 supports Apple Pencil (1st gen), which is awkward to charge and needs a dongle.
- iPad Air 5 supports Apple Pencil (2nd gen)—it magnetically snaps to the side and charges wirelessly.
If you plan to draw, take notes, or use the Pencil a lot, iPad Air 5 is the clear winner.
Camera & Video Calls: Pretty Much a Tie
- Both have 12MP rear cameras and 12MP ultrawide front cameras with Center Stage.
- iPad 10.9 has its front camera on the landscape edge, which feels more natural for video calls.
Neither iPad is a photography beast, but they’re solid for Zoom, FaceTime, and scanning documents.
Battery Life: Basically the Same
Both claim up to 10 hours of battery life, and real-world usage backs that up. The iPad 10.9 might last slightly longer, but it’s not a major difference.
Storage & Accessories
Both models come with 64GB or 256GB storage options and work with Magic Keyboards, though they use different versions. If you’re looking to use the iPad as a part-time laptop:
- iPad Air 5 supports the original Magic Keyboard (more premium feel).
- iPad 10.9 uses the Magic Keyboard Folio with function keys.
iPad 10.9 vs iPad Air 5: Which One Should You Buy?
| Buy iPad 10.9 if… | Buy iPad Air 5 if… |
|---|---|
| You’re on a budget | You want more power & future-proofing |
| You use the iPad casually | You use pro apps or multitask often |
| You don’t need Apple Pencil 2 | You draw or take notes often |
| You want the most value | You need better display and port speed |
Both iPads are fantastic choices depending on your needs. If you’re looking for the best value and don’t need pro-level power, the iPad 10.9 is a smart buy. But if you’re a power user or want the best iPad under $600, the iPad Air 5 is worth the extra $150.