Buying an iPad usually feels like you're stuck between a rock and a very expensive hard place. You either go for the "basic" model and feel like you're using 2018 tech, or you drop a mortgage payment on a Pro model with features you’ll never actually use. But then there’s the iPad Air 5th generation 2022.
It’s been a few years since this thing hit the shelves, and honestly? It’s still the sweet spot.
Back when it launched, everyone lost their minds because Apple shoved the M1 chip—the same silicon found in MacBooks—into a "mid-range" tablet. It was a weird move. It was a bold move. And in 2026, it’s the reason why this tablet hasn't aged a day. If you’re hunting for a device that doesn't lag when you have 40 Chrome tabs open but also won't make your wallet cry, you've found it.
The M1 Chip is Still Overkill (In a Good Way)
Most people don't need a supercomputer in their lap to check emails and watch Netflix. But the M1 inside the iPad Air 5th generation 2022 gives you a level of "headroom" that most tablets just can't match.
We’re talking about an 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU. When Tom's Guide ran the benchmarks, this thing scored around 7,151 on Geekbench 5. Compare that to the previous Air which sat in the 4,200 range. That is a massive jump. It’s the difference between a tablet that "can" edit 4K video and one that actually makes it feel easy.
You’ve probably heard people say iPadOS holds the hardware back. They’re kinda right. The software hasn't quite caught up to how fast this chip is, but that’s actually a win for you. It means that even four years later, the iPad Air 5 still handles the latest version of iPadOS like it’s nothing. No stuttering. No weird hangs. Just smooth swiping.
What about the 64GB trap?
Okay, let’s get real for a second. Apple’s biggest sin with the iPad Air 5th generation 2022 was the base storage.
64GB.
In 2022, it was stingy. In 2026, it’s borderline criminal if you’re a power user. If you plan on downloading Genshin Impact or storing a bunch of 4K movies for a flight, that 64GB will vanish before you can say "System Data." Honestly, if you can find the 256GB version on sale or refurbished, grab it. You’ll thank yourself later when you aren't playing "which app do I delete today" every single week.
That Display and the 60Hz Elephant in the Room
The 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display is gorgeous. It hits 500 nits of brightness and covers the P3 wide color gamut. It’s sharp. It’s vibrant. But there is one thing that drives the "Pro" crowd crazy: the 60Hz refresh rate.
The iPad Pro has ProMotion, which is a fancy way of saying the screen updates 120 times a second. It makes scrolling feel like butter. The Air 5 is stuck at 60Hz. If you’ve never used a Pro model, you won't care. It looks fine. But if you’re coming from a high-refresh-rate phone or an older Pro, you might notice a bit of "ghosting" when you scroll fast.
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Is it a dealbreaker?
Probably not for 90% of people. The screen is still laminated (unlike the entry-level iPad), so there’s no air gap between the glass and the pixels. Writing with the 2nd Gen Apple Pencil feels natural, even without the 120Hz speed.
Real World Battery Life
Apple always claims "10 hours of web surfing." In the real world, it’s a bit of a mixed bag. If you’re just reading a book or typing in Google Docs, you might actually get 11 or 12 hours. But start a Zoom call or fire up a high-end game, and you’ll watch that percentage drop faster than a lead balloon.
- Video Playback: Roughly 9-10 hours if downloaded.
- Heavy Gaming: Expect maybe 4-5 hours.
- Standby Time: Incredible. You can leave it on your nightstand for three days and it'll barely lose a few percent.
The Accessories that Make it a "Laptop"
One of the best things about the iPad Air 5th generation 2022 is that it shares the same footprint as the 11-inch iPad Pro. This means you have access to the best accessories Apple ever made.
The Magic Keyboard is the big one. It’s expensive—stupidly expensive, really—but it turns the tablet into a genuine productivity machine. The keys have actual travel, and the trackpad is precise. If you’re a student or someone who travels for work, this combo is hard to beat. Just keep in mind that the Magic Keyboard adds a fair bit of weight. Suddenly, your "Air" feels more like a "Pro" in your backpack.
Then there’s the Apple Pencil 2. It snaps magnetically to the side and charges wirelessly. It’s a seamless experience that the base-model iPads still struggle to replicate with their weird dongles and cables.
Why 2022 Tech Still Wins in 2026
You might be wondering why you shouldn't just buy the absolute latest model. The truth is, the jump from the M1 to the M2 or even M3 in a tablet isn't as life-changing as Apple's marketing wants you to think.
Unless you are doing professional-grade CAD work or exporting 8K video daily, you will not feel the difference between an M1 and an M2. What you will feel is the extra $200-$300 in your bank account.
The iPad Air 5th generation 2022 also brought the 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage. This is huge if you do a lot of FaceTime or Zoom. The camera follows you around the room as you move, keeping you centered. It’s one of those features that feels like magic until you use a tablet without it and realize how much you miss it.
What Most People Get Wrong
People often assume "Air" means "Lightweight/Basic."
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Actually, the Air 5 is basically an iPad Pro "Lite." You lose the LiDAR sensor (which most people don't use), the FaceID (replaced by a very reliable TouchID in the power button), and the quad-speaker setup.
The speakers are actually an interesting point. The Air 5 has two speakers, but they are positioned so you get stereo sound in landscape mode. It sounds great for watching movies, though it lacks the "fullness" of the four speakers on the Pro. If you’re an audiophile, wear headphones. If you’re just watching a YouTube video while eating lunch, it’s more than enough.
Actionable Steps for Potential Buyers
If you’re looking to pick up an iPad Air 5th generation 2022 today, don't just click "buy" on the first listing you see.
- Check the Refurbished Store: Apple's official refurbished site is the gold standard. You get a new outer shell, a new battery, and the same one-year warranty as a new device. It’s usually the best way to get the 256GB model for the price of a 64GB new one.
- Verify the Model Number: Make sure you are getting the 5th Gen (M1). The 4th Gen looks identical but has the A14 chip. It's still "okay," but it won't have the same longevity or support for features like Stage Manager (external display support).
- Invest in a Case First: The aluminum body is tough, but the screen is a giant piece of glass. A simple folio case or a rugged protector is a must-have from day one.
- Skip the 5G Unless Necessary: Unless you’re a digital nomad working from parks, the Wi-Fi model is usually sufficient. You can always tether to your phone in a pinch and save yourself the extra monthly data fee and the higher upfront cost.
The iPad Air 5th generation 2022 remains the most logical choice for almost everyone. It’s powerful enough to last until the end of the decade, compatible with all the best gear, and frequently available at deep discounts. Stick to the 256GB version if you can find it, and you’ll have a device that handles everything from sketching to spreadsheets without breaking a sweat.