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Welcome to “Reviews inside tv,” where we dive deep into the latest tech to help you make informed decisions. Today, we’re taking a look at the Early 2022 Apple iPad Air 5th Gen—specifically the 10.9-inch Wi-Fi model with 64GB of storage. This tablet brings Apple’s signature sleek design and impressive performance in a compact form, but does it live up to the hype? Let’s find out.
The iPad Air 5th Gen is powered by Apple’s M1 chip, which is a huge upgrade for this device. The 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display is stunning, with True Tone and P3 wide color for vibrant, accurate visuals. It also features a 12MP wide camera on the back and a 12MP ultra-wide front camera, making it well-equipped for everything from video calls to photography. On top of that, it supports Wi-Fi 6 for faster internet speeds, and boasts a USB-C port for charging and connecting accessories. Apple claims up to 10 hours of battery life, which is solid for a full day of use. Of course, it’s also compatible with the Magic Keyboard, Smart Keyboard Folio, and the 2nd generation Apple Pencil—so it’s great for productivity and creativity.
When it comes to real-world usage, I’ll be honest—it doesn’t disappoint. Setting it up was a breeze, and the performance of the M1 chip is seamless. Whether you’re streaming content, working on documents, or editing photos, it handles everything smoothly with zero lag. The display? Gorgeous. Watching videos or just browsing through photos, the colors pop and the clarity is exceptional. The 12MP front camera is great for video calls, offering clear and crisp quality, though the back camera, while good, doesn’t feel as robust as you’d expect from an iPhone.
Now, onto the nitty-gritty. The iPad Air is incredibly light and slim, making it easy to carry around, but don’t expect to replace your laptop with it if you need high-level multitasking. The Touch ID sensor is as responsive as you’d expect, but, unfortunately, there’s no Face ID like in the iPad Pro. Battery life has been great for me, typically lasting a solid day of use, but as with most tablets, heavy usage will drain it faster.
Pros:
Stunning display with True Tone and P3 wide color
M1 chip performance is top-notch, providing smooth multitasking
Lightweight and portable
Great camera setup for video calls and content creation
Support for accessories like Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil (2nd gen)
Wi-Fi 6 support ensures faster internet speeds
Cons:
No Face ID, just Touch ID
Back camera isn’t as powerful as the front camera
Limited storage with base 64GB model
Expensive for what it is, especially considering the higher-end iPad Pro models
When we look at the value for money, it’s tough to say this iPad is an unbeatable deal. It’s powerful and packed with features, but it does come at a premium. The M1 chip is impressive, but if you’re just using it for basic tasks, you might find the base storage a little limiting. However, if you plan on using it for work or creative purposes, the performance is certainly worth the price.
Comparing it with other tablets in the same range, the iPad Air stands out due to its M1 chip, which is usually only found in more expensive models. The iPad Pro, for example, offers a larger display and better camera options, but it’s considerably more expensive. If you don’t need those extra features, the Air might be your sweet spot. However, the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is another contender with similar specs but a more flexible Windows environment, though it’s not as sleek or iOS-optimized.
As for build quality, Apple’s design is as sturdy as always. The aluminum frame is lightweight yet durable, and the display is incredibly responsive. As for longevity, the M1 chip ensures that this iPad will last for several years, making it a solid investment for anyone looking for something that will age well.
Now, let’s talk about customer service. In my experience with Apple’s support, it’s been excellent. They respond quickly, and the support is knowledgeable and helpful. Though, of course, Apple is known for having a solid reputation when it comes to customer service, so this isn’t a surprise.
The product has received consistent software updates, which is a major plus if you’re worried about longevity and staying current with features.
If you’re looking for cheaper alternatives, the 10.2-inch iPad or the previous-gen iPad Air might suit your needs if you don’t need the M1 chip or some of the higher-end features like a ProMotion display. These offer a great balance of performance and value.
To sum it up, the iPad Air 5th Gen is a powerful, well-rounded tablet with impressive performance thanks to the M1 chip. It’s great for media consumption, productivity, and casual creative work. If you’re looking for something that’s portable, fast, and versatile, it’s a solid choice—but keep in mind its limitations if you plan on using it for heavy-duty tasks. If you’re in the market for an iPad that offers strong performance without breaking the bank, this one’s definitely worth considering.
Thanks for tuning in to “Reviews inside tv.” If you’re interested in picking up this iPad Air, the link is in the comments box. Drop a comment below if you already own one or if you have any questions! Until next time, stay tech-savvy and keep your reviews… inside!
Available to buy here:
