The new iPad Air 2022 promises a performance improvement, but is it as powerful as its predecessor, as the company claims?
- Performance and Features upgrades
- Apple M1 Processor
- Center Stage Camera
- 5G connectivity
Apple introduced a new iPad Air at its “Peek Performance” event on March 8th. The fifth-generation iPad Air has a design comparable to the previous-generation Air. However, Apple has made a few alterations. Here’s everything you need to know about iPad Air 2022.
iPad Air (2022) Overview
Although the fourth-generation iPad Air 4 was already performing admirably, Apple released an iPad Air update. So, it is no surprise that the new 2022 iPad Air appears to be remarkably identical to the previous 2020 iPad Air. However, the aluminum chassis of the new model iPad conceals a significant performance boost.
It has arrived with M1 and 5G capability. Meanwhile, the M1 chipset in the iPad Air 2022, can also be found on other Apple products like the iPad Pros and the 13-inch MacBook Pro. Thus, the 2022 iPad Air is as powerful as a high-end laptop geared for power and portability.
In addition, the 2022 iPad bring update in terms of video calling features like Center Stage. It will let iPad Air catch up to other recent Apple’s lineup.
The iPad Air 2022 is now available for pre-order with public availability starting on March 18.
Meanwhile, we’ll look into further specifications, features, pricing, and availability in Nepal.
What’s new in the 2022 iPad Air compared to the previous model?
M1 Processor
The iPad Air 2022 is powered by the M1 chipset. It is the same processor which also powers the iPad Pros and all of Apple’s MacBooks. Thus, it gives the 2022 iPad Air a significant performance boost.
According to Apple, the 8-core CPU in the 2022 iPad Air improves performance by 60% compared to the previous iPad Air. Similarly, the 8-core GPU gives up to 2x faster graphics performance.
In addition, a 16-core Neural Engine, when combined with the CPU and GPU, powers advanced machine learning (ML) functions that enable next-level experiences.
Center Stage Camera
The Ultra Wide 12MP front camera features a Center Stage function. This Center Stage video calling function allows you to wander about a room while the front camera tracks your movements within sight of the camera.
Meanwhile, the iPad Air in 2022 will also catch up to the rest of the current iPad family that includes Apple’s Center Stage camera.
5G connectivity and Advanced Port
Apple has upgraded the WiFi + Cellular variant to add 5G connectivity for higher data speed. In ideal conditions, the iPad Air with 5G can reach peak speeds of up to 3.5Gbps.
Furthermore, the USB-C connector on the 2022 iPad Air has been also updated.
It allows up to 10 gigabytes per second (GB/s) of data transfer, which is twice as fast as the previous 2020 model.
In addition, the port connects the iPad Air to a wide range of USB-C peripherals, such as cameras, external storage, and screens with resolutions up to 6K.
Design and Display
The new iPad Air is available in a striking assortment of hues, including space gray, starlight, pink, purple, and a lovely new blue. The iPad Air has a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with 3.8 million pixels.
It features some innovative technologies like 500 nits of brightness, a P3 broad color gamut, and True Tone. Similarly, it has Apple’s anti-reflective screen coating for an immersive visual experience.
Similarly, Touch ID is integrated into the top button of the iPad Air. It provides secure authentication when unlocking the iPad Air or logging in to apps.
2022 iPhone SE and 2020 iPhone SE Similarities
The iPad Air 5 has not changed much in terms of design. Although the iPad Air (2020) has a design inspired by the iPhone 12 series and the iPad Air (2022) has a design inspired by the iPhone 13 series, the devices are nearly identical in size and general style.
Similarly, both iPads have a 10.9-inch screen with 2360 x 1640 pixels resolution. Likewise, both iPad breaths of air support Apple’s True Tone color temperature technology, which has a peak brightness of 500 nits.
2022 iPhone SE Specifications vs. 2020 iPhone SE Specifications
| iPad | 2022 iPad Air | 2020 iPad Air |
| Dimensions | 9.74 x 7.02 x 0.24-inches | 9.74 x 7 x 0.24-inches |
| Weight | 461 grams (WiFi) 462 grams (WiFi + Cellular) | 458 grams (WiFi) 460 grams (WiFi + Cellular) |
| Display | 10.9-inches LED-backlit IPS Display, 500 nits, Fingerprint-resistant; Wide Color (P3), True Tone, 1.8% reflectivity | 10.98-inches LED-backlit IPS Retina Display, 500 nits, Fingerprint-resistant; Wide Color (P3), True Tone, 1.8% reflectivity |
| Resolution | 2360 x 1640 pixels; 264 PPI | 2360 x 1640 pixels; 264 PPI |
| Software/ UI | iPadOS 15 | iPadOS 14 |
| Chipset | Apple M1 chip (8-core CPU, 8-core GPU, Apple Neural Engine) | Apple A14 Bionic chip with Neural Engine |
| Rare Camera | 12MP f/1.8 aperture | 12MP f/1.8 aperture |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP f/2.0 ultra-wide, 122° field of view | 7MP f/2.0 aperture |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax (2.4GHz, 5GHz), Bluetooth 5.0, 5G | Wi-Fi 802.11 ax (2.4GHz, 5GHz), Bluetooth 5.0, iBeacon, GPS / GNSS (Cellular model) |
| Security and Sensor | Touch ID integrated into the power button Accelerometer, Ambient Light, Barometer, Three-axis Gyro | Touch ID integrated into the power button Accelerometer, Ambient Light, Barometer, Three-axis Gyro |
| Battery | 28.6 Wh Li-Poly battery, 20W USB charger | 28.6 Wh Li-Poly battery 20W USB C charger |
| RAM/Storage | 8GB RAM, 64/256GB storage | 4GB RAM (estimated), 64/256GB storage |
| Color Options | Space gray, Starlight, Pink, Purple, Blue | Silver, Space Gray, Rose Gold, Green, Sky Blue |
| Others | Apple Pencil (second-generation), Magic Keyboard | Apple Pencil (second-generation), Smart Folio Keyboard, Magic Keyboard. |
iPad Air 2022 Price and Availability in Nepal
The pre-orders for the iPad Air began on Friday, while its sales will commence on March 18. Meanwhile, we’ll have to wait for the official announcement to see if the iPad Air 2022 will be available in Nepal. Yet, the iPad Air is expected to cost between NPR 90,000 and NPR 130,000 in Nepal.
| iPad Air | Price in US | Price in Nepal |
| iPad Air 5 (2022) (64GB, WiFi) | USD 599 | NPR 90,000 |
| iPad Air 5 (2022) (64GB, 5G) | USD 749 | NPR 110,000 |
| iPad Air 5 (2022) (256GB, WiFi) | USD 749 | NPR 110,000 |
| iPad Air 5 (2022) (256GB, 5G) | USD 899 | NPR 130,000 |
Final Thoughts
Overall, the existing 2020 iPad Air met the needs of the users. However, based on Apple’s March event, we can easily conclude that the focus was on product upgrades rather than new product launches. All of the devices (iPhone SE 2022, M1 Ultra chip) they have unveiled at that event come with the new or upgraded chipset. As a result, individuals using older iPad Airs will notice significant performance, camera, and screen quality variations.
Did you find this article useful? Let us know by leaving a comment below or join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube.
ALSO READ: 5 Things you probably missed out in Apple M1 Ultra chip
