Buy the iPad Air 5, NOT the Air 6 | iPad Air 5 in 2024

The iPad Air 6 just came out, but the Air 5 from 2022 is the one you should actually get. To this day, it has excellent performance from the M1 chip and 8 gigs of RAM, the latest design language with symmetrical bezels and flat sides, and the latest version of iPadOS that’ll get updates for years into the future. You get all that with an iPad that goes for as low as $400 used these days.

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0:00 Intro
0:19 Current Prices
0:30 Performance
1:44 Software
2:46 Design
2:59 Display Comparison
3:19 Display Specs
4:09 Accessories
5:08 Cameras
6:21 Fingerprint Unlock
6:38 Battery
6:57 Pricing/Storage
7:17 Wrap-Up
7:34 Outro

I make tech videos + occasional audio tutorials. I'm also a full-time student studying mechanical engineering.

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MY GEAR:

[dkjones]

bought M1 Air 5, in October 2023 from Apple Edu Stor with a $100.00 gift card bonus! ZERO REGRETS!! Great for note-taking, 3-D design sketches in Freeform, with Logitech Crayon (USB-C). I also use it with a BT keyboard & mouse to work in Pages & Keynote.

[SharonAnn]

I have the iPad the Air 5. I use it for basic, every day things like email, streaming, and light document usage. I see no reason to upgrade.

[brianprather]

The Big down side of the IPad 5th Gen is storage…. If you won’t more than 64gb it’s more expensive than the IPad 6th Gen base model with 128 gb $649 to $599

[Therejectionartist]

No need for a 5 to 6 upgrade, but for new buyers, the air 6 has its attractions. Agree about the pencil. I use a third party, cost 20$, and charges by cable if you have a usb/hdmi/usb-c adapter. Apple pencil is definitely an unnecesary luxury unless you are a pro artist.

[gian.zagada]

I mean the iPad Air 5 2022 is still good due to it’s M1 chip so for sure it will still last long. However, if you haven’t gotten an iPad yet and looking at the Airs, might as well go to the iPad Air 2024 as it would last longer and benefit from the M2 chip.

I am planning on getting the iPad Air 6 2024 for school (also since because I don’t own an iPad yet).

[hnlmthk]

Just bought a brand new iPad Air 5 64Gb for 399 USD, including 2 yrs of AppleCare. My own assessment, based on my use case, falls in line with what you are speaking to in this video. Thank you, I always feel better when someone as smart as you confirms my decisions.

[cobaltblue]

Just ordered mine 256 gb model air 5 499

[cromerlel]

I grabbed the air 6 over air 5. 128gb seems like a sweet spot for my use case(I came from an ipad 6th gen 32gb). It’s also cheaper than the 256gb M1 in my country and is likely going to get more support lifespan-wise.

[bryans]

This is exactly what I did, I bought the Air 5 when it went on sale for $399. It's perfect for my use case and budget.

[jadeirishmosquera]

Been contemplating for weeks on what to get between the 2 since they are very much identical except for the chips. For a first time owner of an iPad, I grabbed the air 6. Price doesn't differ much between air 5 256GB and air 6 128GB, also the Pencil Pro is way cooler. I also have a hard drive so storage won't be an issue. Anyways, kudos to this video.

[gvabhigyan]

M2, Landscape camera, 13 inch, 128Gb base storage.. Air 6 is the best upgrade.

[latinreuben]

My dilemma...iPad Air 5 256gb for $550 or iPad Air 6 128gb for $569. Air 5 64gb is at $399 but 64gb is too small. Any suggestions?

[erhs]

people complaining about the 64 gb base variant, i ask you: WHY WOULD YOU EVEN GET THE 64 GB getting the 256 gb is such an easy pick! i got the 5th gen with 256gb last year and i’m beyond happy with it!

[TrinhNguyen-shfj]

Wow, thanks so much for this! I just bought the iPad Air 5 for my nephews shortly before the iPad Air 6 came out. I felt so bad as I could have waited for the air 6, but I feel much better for getting the air 5 after watching this because there did not seem to be much of an upgrade. The M2 chip, the screen size, more space, and a few other things were slight upgrades. However, I did not feel it was much of an upgrade. My nephews are happy with the air 5 so I guess getting the air 5 was not a bad choice. Anyways, thanks a lot for this video and I feel better after watching it.👍

[gtoyspc]

Yeah mine is dope, bought a cell version 256 gb, from a pawn shop for $450, it was still in the 1-year warranty so I was able to add AppleCare. I think it's the perfect iPad as well, the battery kind of sucks but I think that's with all iPads.

[cyberathlete]

I only bought mine so i have an apple device to verify logins to various apple services. I don't own an iPhone. Storage is a moot point. Just needed a device for logging in and using as a remote browser in Apple tv and music

[TheOfficialDuBsTeC]

naah coming from an Air 4 the Air 6 is the right Upgrade. Air 5 isnt justified enough for me.

That Pencil Pro, Landscape Cam and M2 makes it for me oh and 128gb.

[peytonannett]

Get an open box Apple Pencil from Best Buy. $56 and looks and operates like brand new

[josephoverstreet]

Recommendations on a good, cheap pencil that connects ?

[grzegorzszul]

Right now NEW 5th gen Air sells on Amazon for $399. I just grabbed one!