Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into a head-to-head comparison that many of you have been asking about: the iPad Air 4th Generation versus the iPad 10th Generation. Both are fantastic tablets, but they cater to slightly different needs and preferences. We'll break down the key differences in design, performance, display, features, and price to help you decide which one is the perfect fit for you. So, let's get started!

Design and Build Quality

When it comes to design, Apple has consistently delivered sleek and premium-looking devices. The iPad Air 4th Generation boasts a design that's more in line with the iPad Pro lineup. It features flat edges, a slim profile, and comes in a variety of stylish colors like Space Gray, Silver, Rose Gold, Green, and Sky Blue. The build quality is excellent, with an aluminum enclosure that feels incredibly sturdy and premium in hand. It's also lightweight, making it easy to carry around for extended periods.

On the other hand, the iPad 10th Generation brings a fresh new look to the entry-level iPad. It also features flat edges, similar to the iPad Air 4, but with a more playful and vibrant color palette, including Blue, Pink, Yellow, and Silver. The build quality is still excellent, maintaining Apple's high standards. However, the bezels around the display are slightly thicker compared to the iPad Air 4, which gives it a less modern appearance. Despite this, the iPad 10th Generation feels well-built and comfortable to hold.

Size and Weight

The iPad Air 4 is slightly thinner and lighter than the iPad 10th Generation, making it a bit more portable and comfortable for extended use. The dimensions of the iPad Air 4 are 9.74 inches in height, 7.02 inches in width, and 0.24 inches in depth, weighing around 1 pound. The iPad 10th Generation measures 9.79 inches in height, 7.07 inches in width, and 0.28 inches in depth, weighing approximately 1.05 pounds. While the difference might seem negligible, it can be noticeable when holding the devices for a long time or carrying them in a bag.

Ports and Buttons

Both the iPad Air 4 and the iPad 10th Generation have a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, which is a welcome upgrade from previous entry-level iPads that used Lightning ports. The iPad Air 4 has the power button with an integrated Touch ID sensor on the top, allowing for secure and convenient unlocking. The iPad 10th Generation also integrates the Touch ID sensor into the power button, but the placement of the front-facing camera is different, which we'll discuss later.

Conclusion

In terms of design and build quality, both iPads are well-crafted and visually appealing. The iPad Air 4 has a slight edge with its slimmer profile and more premium feel, while the iPad 10th Generation offers a more playful and vibrant color selection. Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference.

Display

The display is a crucial aspect of any tablet, as it's the primary way you interact with the device. The iPad Air 4 features a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 2360 x 1640 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 264 pixels per inch (ppi). This display is fully laminated, which means there's no air gap between the glass and the LCD panel, providing a more immersive viewing experience. It also has an anti-reflective coating, making it easier to use in bright environments.

The iPad 10th Generation also has a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, but with a slightly lower resolution of 2360 x 1640 pixels, maintaining the same 264 ppi pixel density. However, unlike the iPad Air 4, the display on the iPad 10th Generation is not fully laminated. This means there's a small air gap between the glass and the LCD panel, which can result in slightly more reflections and a less premium feel. It also lacks the anti-reflective coating found on the iPad Air 4.

Color Accuracy and Brightness

Both the iPad Air 4 and the iPad 10th Generation support the P3 wide color gamut, which means they can display a broader range of colors compared to standard sRGB displays. This results in more vibrant and accurate colors, making photos and videos look more realistic. In terms of brightness, both displays can reach a maximum brightness of 500 nits, which is sufficient for most indoor and outdoor environments. However, the anti-reflective coating on the iPad Air 4 gives it an advantage in direct sunlight.

Display Technology

Both iPads use IPS (In-Plane Switching) LCD technology, which provides wide viewing angles and consistent colors, even when viewing the display from an angle. This is important for sharing content with others or using the iPad in various orientations. The lack of lamination on the iPad 10th Generation can make the display appear slightly less vibrant and sharp compared to the iPad Air 4.

Conclusion

Overall, the iPad Air 4 has a superior display compared to the iPad 10th Generation. The fully laminated display with an anti-reflective coating provides a more immersive and comfortable viewing experience, especially in bright environments. While the iPad 10th Generation still has a decent display, the lack of lamination and anti-reflective coating makes it less appealing for those who prioritize display quality.

Performance

Performance is where these two iPads start to show some significant differences. The iPad Air 4 is powered by Apple's A14 Bionic chip, while the iPad 10th Generation features the A14 Bionic chip. The A14 Bionic is a powerful chip that delivers excellent performance for a wide range of tasks, from browsing the web and streaming videos to playing games and editing photos. It features a 6-core CPU and a 4-core GPU, providing a significant boost in performance compared to previous-generation iPads.

CPU and GPU Performance

The A14 Bionic chip in the iPad Air 4 and iPad 10th Generation is incredibly efficient, allowing for smooth multitasking and fast app launch times. The 6-core CPU can handle demanding tasks with ease, while the 4-core GPU provides excellent graphics performance for gaming and video editing. Whether you're playing graphics-intensive games or editing 4K videos, the iPad Air 4 and iPad 10th Generation can handle it all without breaking a sweat.

RAM and Storage

The iPad Air 4 comes with 4GB of RAM, while the iPad 10th Generation also includes 4GB of RAM. Both iPads are available in 64GB and 256GB storage options. If you plan on storing a lot of photos, videos, or games, the 256GB model is recommended. However, if you primarily use your iPad for browsing the web and streaming content, the 64GB model should be sufficient.

Neural Engine

Both the iPad Air 4 and the iPad 10th Generation feature Apple's Neural Engine, which accelerates machine learning tasks. This allows for features like real-time language translation, on-device dictation, and advanced image processing. The Neural Engine enhances the overall user experience by making these tasks faster and more efficient.

Conclusion

In terms of performance, the iPad Air 4 and the iPad 10th Generation are very similar, as they both use the A14 Bionic chip. You can expect smooth performance and fast app launch times on both devices. The choice between the two will likely come down to other factors, such as display quality, design, and price.

Features

When it comes to features, both the iPad Air 4 and the iPad 10th Generation offer a range of capabilities that enhance the user experience. However, there are some key differences that may sway your decision.

Apple Pencil Support

The iPad Air 4 supports the 2nd generation Apple Pencil, which magnetically attaches to the side of the iPad for charging and storage. The 2nd generation Apple Pencil offers features like pressure sensitivity and tilt recognition, making it ideal for artists, designers, and note-takers. The iPad 10th Generation supports the 1st generation Apple Pencil, which charges via a Lightning connector. This means you'll need to use a USB-C to Lightning adapter to charge the Apple Pencil with the iPad 10th Generation, which is less convenient.

Smart Keyboard Support

The iPad Air 4 supports the Smart Keyboard Folio, which attaches magnetically and provides a comfortable typing experience. The iPad 10th Generation supports the Magic Keyboard Folio, which is specifically designed for the iPad 10th Generation. Both keyboards offer a similar typing experience, but the Magic Keyboard Folio has a slightly different design and a built-in trackpad.

Camera

The iPad Air 4 features a 12MP rear camera with Focus Pixels, which allows for faster and more accurate autofocus. It can record 4K video at up to 60 frames per second. The front-facing camera is a 7MP FaceTime HD camera. The iPad 10th Generation has a 12MP rear camera and a 12MP Ultra Wide front camera that is located on the landscape edge. The landscape front camera is a great feature for video calls, as it keeps you in frame even when you move around.

Other Features

Both the iPad Air 4 and the iPad 10th Generation have stereo speakers, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.0. They also run on iPadOS, which offers a range of features specifically designed for tablets, such as multitasking, Split View, and Slide Over.

Conclusion

In terms of features, the iPad Air 4 has an advantage with its support for the 2nd generation Apple Pencil and its 12MP rear camera with Focus Pixels. The iPad 10th Generation stands out with its landscape front camera, which is ideal for video calls. The choice between the two will depend on which features are most important to you.

Price

Price is always a significant factor when making a purchasing decision. The iPad Air 4 originally launched at a higher price point than the iPad 10th Generation. However, prices can vary depending on storage configuration, retailer, and any ongoing promotions. It's essential to check the current prices at various retailers to get the best deal.

iPad Air 4 Price

The iPad Air 4 typically costs more than the iPad 10th Generation. This is due to its more premium features, such as the fully laminated display, anti-reflective coating, and support for the 2nd generation Apple Pencil. However, you may be able to find discounts or deals that make it more affordable.

iPad 10th Generation Price

The iPad 10th Generation is positioned as a more budget-friendly option. It offers a great balance of features and performance at a more affordable price point. This makes it an excellent choice for students, families, and anyone who wants a capable tablet without breaking the bank.

Conclusion

The iPad 10th Generation is generally the more affordable option, while the iPad Air 4 offers more premium features at a higher price. Consider your budget and the features that are most important to you when making your decision.

Final Verdict

So, which iPad should you buy? The iPad Air 4 and the iPad 10th Generation are both excellent tablets, but they cater to different needs and preferences.

Choose the iPad Air 4 If:

• You want a more premium design and build quality.
• You prioritize display quality with a fully laminated display and anti-reflective coating.
• You need support for the 2nd generation Apple Pencil.
• Performance is one of your top priorities.

Choose the iPad 10th Generation If:

• You're on a budget and want a great value for your money.
• You appreciate the vibrant color options and updated design.
• The landscape front camera is important for video calls.
• You don't mind the 1st generation Apple Pencil and the need for an adapter.

Ultimately, the best iPad for you depends on your individual needs and priorities. Consider what you'll be using the iPad for and which features are most important to you. Both the iPad Air 4 and the iPad 10th Generation are fantastic devices that will provide you with a great tablet experience.