Is The IPad Air 5 Really Worth The Upgrade From The 4 For Students

For students, the iPad has evolved into more than just a media device—it's a digital notebook, textbook, research hub, and creative studio all in one. The iPad Air line strikes an ideal balance between affordability and functionality, making it a top contender in the education space. With Apple releasing the iPad Air 5 in 2022, many students who own the iPad Air 4 (2020) are asking: is the upgrade truly worth it?

This isn't just about newer hardware or a faster chip. It’s about whether those improvements translate into tangible benefits for note-taking, multitasking, collaboration, and long-term usability throughout your academic journey. Let’s examine the key differences and evaluate whether the upgrade makes sense for the average student.

Performance Leap: M1 Chip vs A14 Bionic

The most significant upgrade in the iPad Air 5 is the switch from the A14 Bionic chip in the Air 4 to the M1 chip—Apple’s desktop-class processor also used in MacBooks and higher-end iPads. This change brings a noticeable boost in both CPU and GPU performance.

In practical terms, the M1 enables smoother multitasking. Students frequently run multiple apps simultaneously—taking notes in GoodNotes while referencing a PDF in another window, watching a lecture video in Picture-in-Picture, and having a web browser open for research. The M1 handles this load with ease, reducing lag and app reloading when switching between tasks.

Benchmark data shows the M1 delivers roughly 60% better CPU performance and up to 70% better graphics performance than the A14. For students using creative apps like Procreate, Adobe Fresco, or LumaFusion for video editing, this difference can mean faster rendering times and support for more complex projects.

“Students working on STEM subjects or visual arts benefit significantly from the extra processing headroom. The M1 isn’t overkill—it’s future-proofing.” — Dr. Marcus Lin, Educational Technology Researcher at Stanford

Tip: If you're planning to use your iPad for coding, engineering simulations, or advanced design work, the M1 chip provides headroom that the A14 simply can't match.

Display and Audio: Subtle but Meaningful Upgrades

At first glance, the displays of the iPad Air 4 and Air 5 appear identical—both feature a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with P3 wide color and antireflective coating. However, the Air 5 introduces a brighter screen with increased peak brightness (up to 500 nits), which improves readability under harsh lighting conditions such as outdoor study sessions or brightly lit classrooms.

The audio system sees a modest improvement too. Both models have stereo speakers, but the Air 5 repositions them to align with landscape orientation when held with the front camera centered—making video calls and media consumption more immersive. For students attending online lectures or group discussions via Zoom or Teams, this small tweak enhances clarity and listening comfort during extended sessions.

USB-C Port: Now Thunderbolt Capable

One often-overlooked upgrade is the USB-C port now supporting Thunderbolt and USB 4. While most students won’t plug their iPad into external GPUs or 6K monitors, this opens possibilities for faster file transfers and compatibility with high-speed peripherals.

For example, a film student transferring large video files from a memory card reader will experience much faster import speeds. Similarly, connecting to external SSDs for backup or project storage becomes more efficient. Even though these are niche use cases, having access to Thunderbolt ensures the device remains relevant as peripheral standards evolve.

Charging and Battery Life: Same Endurance, Faster Top-Ups

Apple retained the same 7,600mAh battery capacity in both generations, resulting in similar real-world battery life—approximately 9–10 hours of mixed usage. That means full-day endurance for most students, covering classes, study sessions, and evening assignments without needing a recharge.

However, the iPad Air 5 supports faster charging via a 20W (or higher) USB-C power adapter. With the right charger, you can go from 0 to 50% in about 30 minutes. This is particularly useful during short breaks between lectures or before an evening exam review.

Tip: Pair your iPad Air 5 with a compact 30W GaN charger for fast, portable power—ideal for dorm rooms or library sessions.

Accessories and Ecosystem Compatibility

One major advantage of staying within the iPad Air family is accessory continuity. Both the Air 4 and Air 5 are compatible with the second-generation Apple Pencil and the Magic Keyboard Folio. If you already own these accessories, they’ll work seamlessly with the new model—no need to repurchase.

This backward compatibility reduces the total cost of upgrading. For instance, if you spent $129 on an Apple Pencil and $299 on the Magic Keyboard with your Air 4, you’re only paying for the tablet itself when upgrading—roughly $599 for the base 64GB Wi-Fi model.

However, keep in mind that the Air 5 charges the Apple Pencil magnetically along the side edge—a slight redesign from the top-mounted charging on previous models. This change improves stability during attachment and allows for easier access while typing with the keyboard case.

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Decision

Sarah is a sophomore majoring in biology and pre-med. She bought the iPad Air 4 in 2021 primarily for annotating lecture slides, organizing her coursework in Notability, and sketching anatomical diagrams. Over time, she began using her iPad for collaborative lab reports and creating multimedia presentations.

By her junior year, she noticed occasional slowdowns when running three apps at once or exporting large presentation files. After testing the iPad Air 5 at an Apple Store, she found that animations were snappier, app launches were instant, and her stylus input felt more responsive—even with heavy annotation layers.

She decided to upgrade, trading in her Air 4 through Apple’s recycling program and applying the credit toward the new model. Her existing Apple Pencil and keyboard carried over, minimizing additional costs. The improved performance made a measurable difference in her workflow efficiency, especially during crunch periods before exams.

Detailed Comparison: iPad Air 4 vs iPad Air 5

Feature	iPad Air 4	iPad Air 5
Chip	A14 Bionic	M1
Display Brightness	500 nits (typical)	500 nits (peak HDR), improved reflectivity
USB-C Port	USB 3.1 Gen 2	Thunderbolt / USB 4
Front Camera	7MP FaceTime HD	12MP Ultra Wide (Center Stage)
Apple Pencil Charging	Top edge magnetic	Sideways magnetic (improved grip)
Speaker Layout	Stereo (top/bottom in portrait)	Stereo (optimized for landscape)
Fingerprint Sensor	Touch ID (in power button)	Touch ID (in power button)
Starting Price (64GB)	$599	$599
Colors	Silver, Space Gray, Rose Gold, Green, Sky Blue	Space Gray, Starlight, Rose Gold, Purple, Blue

As shown, the core user experience remains consistent, but the Air 5 enhances specific areas critical to productivity and engagement—especially the front-facing camera with Center Stage, which automatically pans and zooms during video calls to keep you in frame. For students participating in virtual office hours or remote group projects, this creates a more professional and engaging presence.

When the Upgrade Makes Sense

Not every student needs the iPad Air 5. Here’s a checklist to help determine if the upgrade is right for you:

• You frequently experience lag or app reloads on your current iPad Air 4
• You use resource-intensive apps (e.g., CAD tools, music production, video editing)
• You rely heavily on video conferencing and want better camera quality
• You plan to keep your iPad for 4+ years and want longer software support
• You transfer large files regularly and would benefit from Thunderbolt speeds

If most of these apply, then yes—the upgrade offers meaningful returns. But if your Air 4 still runs smoothly and meets your daily needs, the performance gains may not justify the expense.

Step-by-Step: How to Decide Whether to Upgrade

1. Evaluate your current performance: Are apps crashing or slowing down during multitasking?
2. Assess your accessory investment: Do you already own the Apple Pencil and keyboard?
3. Check trade-in value: Use Apple’s Trade In program to estimate how much credit you’ll receive.
4. Project future needs: Will your coursework become more demanding in the next two years?
5. Compare total cost: Factor in any tax, case replacements, or new chargers needed.
6. Test in person: Visit an Apple Store to compare responsiveness and camera quality firsthand.

Following this process helps avoid emotional buying and ensures your decision aligns with actual academic demands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my iPad Air 4 Apple Pencil with the Air 5?

Yes. Both models support the second-generation Apple Pencil. No additional purchase is required if you already own one.

Does the iPad Air 5 last longer on battery than the Air 4?

No. Both models offer up to 10 hours of web browsing or video playback on Wi-Fi. However, the Air 5 supports faster charging, allowing quicker top-ups.

Is the M1 chip necessary for taking notes and reading PDFs?

Not strictly. The A14 in the Air 4 handles basic academic tasks efficiently. The M1 shines in heavy multitasking, creative work, and future-proofing—not everyday note-taking.

Conclusion: Making the Smart Choice for Your Academic Journey

The iPad Air 5 is undeniably a better device than its predecessor—faster, more versatile, and equipped with thoughtful upgrades that enhance the student experience. But “better” doesn’t always mean “necessary.”

If you're a student pushing your iPad to its limits—running demanding apps, juggling multiple windows, or relying on video collaboration—the Air 5 delivers real, measurable improvements. Its M1 chip, Thunderbolt port, and superior front camera make it a more capable companion for rigorous academic work.

On the other hand, if your iPad Air 4 still performs well and you’re mainly using it for note-taking, reading, and light research, holding off on the upgrade is perfectly reasonable. The Air 4 remains a powerful and supported device, likely to receive iOS updates through 2027 or beyond.

Ultimately, the decision should be driven by your workload, budget, and long-term plans. Technology should serve education—not the other way around. Choose wisely, upgrade intentionally, and let your tools empower your learning rather than distract from it.

💬 Have you upgraded from the iPad Air 4 to the 5? Share your experience in the comments below—your insights could help fellow students make the right call!