iPad Air 5th Gen Review

 iPad Air 5th Gen Review

The 5th-generation iPad Air (2022) is one of Apple's most affordable tablets in recent years. It combines Mac-like performance with a lightweight, portable design that's perfect for both everyday use and more demanding tasks. But is it still worth considering several years after its launch?

Specifications (typical for this model)

Processor: Apple M1 (8-core CPU / 8-core GPU)
RAM: 8 GB
Internal memory: 64 GB or 256 GB
Screen: 10.9" Liquid Retina, 2360 × 1640, 60 Hz
Rear camera: 12 MP
Front camera: 12 MP (Center Stage)
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 / optional 5G
Port: USB-C
Security: Touch ID (in the power button)
Weight: approx. 461 g

The iPad Air 5's design and build quality
continue Apple's modern aesthetic—flat edges, thin bezels, and an aluminum casing. The overall design is very light and slim, making it perfect for travel or college. The build quality is exceptionally high—it's a solid and well-fitted device.

Touch ID in the power button works quickly and reliably, although some users may miss Face ID, which is only available on Pro models.

Performance
The biggest advantage of this model is the Apple M1 processor – exactly the same one that found in MacBooks.

In practice:

Everyday use (internet, apps, multimedia) – absolutely smooth
Video editing (LumaFusion, CapCut) – very good performance
Graphics / drawing – no issues, high responsiveness
Games (e.g. Genshin Impact, COD Mobile) – high settings, smooth gameplay

This level of performance is still more than sufficient in 2026. The iPad Air 5 has no problems with multitasking and won't become "slow" for long.

The
Liquid Retina display is the device's strong point:

very good colors (True Tone),
high sharpness,
wide viewing angles (IPS)

The only real downside is the lack of a 120Hz refresh rate. For everyday use, 60Hz is fine, but the difference compared to the Pro models is noticeable, especially when scrolling and drawing.

Cameras
The 12MP front camera with Center Stage is a big plus – it's great for video calls, automatically keeping you in the frame.

The rear camera is also 12 MP and is sufficient for:

scanning documents and
occasional photos

However, this is not photography equipment.

Accessories and features
iPad Air 5 supports:

Apple Pencil 2nd generation (magnetic charging)
Magic Keyboard (with trackpad)
Smart Keyboard

Thanks to this, the tablet can function as:

notebook
drawing tools
light "laptop" for work

However, it is important to remember that iPadOS still has limitations compared to classic desktop systems.

Battery
Operating time:

about 8–10 hours of normal use,
a whole day of work/study without charging

Charging via USB-C is a big plus – greater versatility of accessories.

Advantages
✔ Very high performance (M1 chip)
✔ Light and solid construction
✔ Great screen (for 60 Hz)
✔ Support for Apple Pencil 2 and keyboards
✔ Long battery life

Defects

✖ No 120 Hz (ProMotion)
✖ Basic 64 GB of memory is not enough for many people
✖ Expensive accessories
✖ No Face ID

Is it worth it in 2026?
Yes—definitely, if you can find it at a good price. The iPad Air 5 still offers performance that's more than enough for:

learning and studying
creative work (graphics, video)
everyday use
of mobile games

For most users, it's a sweet spot between the regular iPad and the pricey iPad Pro. If you don't need 120Hz and the most advanced features, the iPad Air 5 remains one of the best choices in its class.