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Apple iPad (10th generation) vs Apple iPad Air (4th generation)
Apple iPad (10th generation) ($272) vs Apple iPad Air (4th generation) ($206) — side-by-side specs, weight, pros and cons to help you pick the right budget tablet.
Spec-by-spec
| Spec | Apple iPad (10th generation) | Apple iPad Air (4th generation) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $272 | $206 |
| Weight | 477g | 458g |
| Chip | A14 Bionic | A14 Bionic |
| Display | 10.9" Liquid Retina, edge-to-edge | 10.9" Liquid Retina |
| Port | USB-C | USB-C |
| TouchID | Moved to top button | Top button |
| Pencil | 1st generation Apple Pencil, via adapter | 2nd generation Apple Pencil |
| Weight | 477g (Apple published, Wi-Fi) | 458g (Apple published, Wi-Fi) |
Pros & Cons
Apple iPad (10th generation)
- USB-C, first base iPad to drop Lightning
- Edge-to-edge display matches the iPad Air's modern look
- A14 chip is a real step up from the 9th gen's A13
- Landscape stereo speakers, better for video and games
- Still only supports the 1st-gen Apple Pencil, and needs a USB-C adapter to charge it
- No ProMotion or laminated display like the Air/Pro
- 477g, barely lighter than the 9th gen despite the redesign
- Costs meaningfully more than the 9th gen used for a smaller feature gap than the redesign suggests
Apple iPad Air (4th generation)
- First iPad Air with the edge-to-edge design later iPads copied
- 2nd-gen Apple Pencil, magnetic attach and wireless charge
- USB-C port for a design that finally caught up
- A14 chip still handles current iPadOS comfortably
- No ProMotion, 60Hz display like the base iPad
- Single rear camera, no Ultra Wide
- 458g, heavier than the mini for a similarly-aged chip
- Costs close to the newer base iPad used, worth comparing both
Apple iPad Air (4th generation) is the better value at $206. Both are part of our curated budget tablet index — tap through to check current pricing.
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