iPad Air (2022) in 2025: Still a Smart Buy?

09/05/2025 Spray

In the rapidly evolving landscape of consumer electronics, a device’s relevance can diminish quickly. The Apple iPad Air (2022), also known as the iPad Air 5th generation, was a significant release, bringing the powerful M1 chip to a more accessible price point. Now, as we navigate through 2025, a crucial question arises for potential buyers and current owners alike: Does the iPad Air (2022) still hold its own against newer models and the demands of modern computing? This article delves into the enduring value of the iPad Air (2022), examining its performance, features, and overall suitability for various users in the current technological climate. We will explore whether this device remains a smart investment or if it has been outpaced by its successors.

iPad Air (2022) in 2025: Still a Smart Buy?

Specifications and Performance in 2025

When it was released in March 2022, the iPad Air (5th generation) was lauded for its integration of the Apple M1 chip, a processor previously reserved for Apple’s higher-end iPad Pro and Mac lines. This inclusion was a game-changer, providing desktop-class performance in a thin and light tablet form factor. As of 2025, the M1 chip continues to be a formidable powerhouse, capable of handling demanding tasks with remarkable ease [1].

Key Specifications (iPad Air 2022):

•Year Introduced: 2022

•Colors: Space Gray, Starlight, Pink, Purple, Blue

•Storage Options: 64GB, 256GB

•Display: 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone, P3 wide color, and anti-reflective coating (2360-by-1640-pixel resolution at 264 ppi). It offers 500 nits brightness and supports Apple Pencil (2nd generation) and Apple Pencil (USB-C).

•Processor: Apple M1 chip with an 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine, coupled with 8GB of RAM.

•Cameras: 12MP Wide rear camera (f/1.8 aperture) and a 12MP Ultra Wide front camera (f/2.4 aperture, 122° field of view) with Center Stage.

•Video Recording: Up to 4K at 60fps for the rear camera, and 1080p HD at 60fps for the front camera.

•Audio: Stereo speakers and dual microphones.

•Wireless Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) with 2×2 MIMO and Bluetooth 5.0. Cellular models include 5G NR support.

•Authentication: Touch ID integrated into the top button.

•Port: USB-C port with support for charging, DisplayPort, and USB 3 (up to 10Gb/s).

•Battery: Built-in 28.6-watt-hour rechargeable lithium-polymer battery, offering up to 10 hours of web surfing on Wi-Fi or video playback.

In terms of raw performance, the M1 chip in the iPad Air (2022) still holds its own against many newer devices, including some laptops. Benchmarks from its release showed impressive scores, with a Geekbench 5 multi-core score of 7,151, significantly outperforming its predecessor, the iPad Air 4 (4,262) [2]. While newer M-series chips (M2, M3) have since been introduced in other Apple devices, the M1 remains more than sufficient for the vast majority of tasks an iPad user would undertake in 2025. This includes demanding applications like video editing (e.g., LumaFusion), graphic design (e.g., Procreate), and even high-fidelity gaming (e.g., Genshin Impact) [2].

For everyday use, such as web browsing, email, media consumption, and productivity tasks, the iPad Air (2022) offers a fluid and responsive experience. The 8GB of RAM ensures smooth multitasking, allowing users to switch between multiple applications without significant slowdowns. The 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, while not featuring the ProMotion (120Hz refresh rate) found in the iPad Pro, still provides excellent color accuracy and brightness, making it ideal for content creation and consumption [2].

One area where the iPad Air (2022) truly shines in 2025 is its longevity. Apple’s commitment to software updates means that the device continues to receive the latest iPadOS versions, ensuring access to new features, security enhancements, and ongoing app compatibility. This extended software support significantly enhances its value proposition, making it a reliable device for years to come [3].

Relevance in 2025 and Comparison to Newer Models

In 2025, the iPad lineup has expanded, with Apple introducing new iterations of the iPad Pro and potentially updated base iPad and iPad Air models. The key question for the iPad Air (2022) is how it stacks up against these newer offerings, particularly the M2 and M3-powered devices.

Newer iPad Pro models, equipped with M2 or M3 chips, offer incremental performance gains, especially in highly demanding professional workflows like 3D rendering or advanced video editing. They also feature ProMotion displays (120Hz adaptive refresh rate), which provide a smoother scrolling and more responsive experience, particularly noticeable for artists using the Apple Pencil. However, for the average user, these enhancements might not justify the significant price difference [2].

The iPad Air (2022) strikes a compelling balance between performance and cost. While it lacks the ProMotion display and some of the more advanced camera features of the Pro models (like LiDAR scanner), its M1 chip still delivers exceptional performance for everyday tasks, creative work, and even light professional use. The 12MP front camera with Center Stage remains a highly useful feature for video calls, automatically keeping the user in frame as they move [2].

One of the most significant factors contributing to the iPad Air (2022)’s continued relevance in 2025 is its availability on the used and refurbished markets. With newer models released, the price of the iPad Air (2022) has become considerably more attractive, often available for under $400 [3]. This makes it an incredibly competitive option for those seeking a powerful and reliable tablet without breaking the bank. For many, the performance-to-price ratio of a used iPad Air (2022) far outweighs the marginal benefits of a brand-new, more expensive model.

Who is the iPad Air (2022) for in 2025?

The iPad Air (2022) continues to be an excellent choice for a diverse range of users in 2025:

•Students: Its portability, long battery life, and compatibility with the Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) and Magic Keyboard make it an ideal device for note-taking, research, and completing assignments. The M1 chip ensures it can handle educational apps and multitasking with ease.

•Creative Professionals (on a budget): For artists, designers, and content creators who don’t require the absolute bleeding edge of performance or the ProMotion display, the iPad Air (2022) offers a powerful and cost-effective solution. Apps like Procreate, Affinity Photo, and LumaFusion run smoothly, allowing for professional-grade work.

•Casual Users and Media Consumers: If your primary use involves web browsing, streaming videos, reading, and light gaming, the iPad Air (2022) provides an exceptional experience. Its vibrant display and stereo speakers enhance media consumption, while the M1 chip ensures a lag-free experience.

•Users Seeking Longevity: Thanks to Apple’s consistent software support and the robust M1 chip, the iPad Air (2022) is a device that will remain relevant and performant for several more years. This makes it a smart buy for those who prefer to hold onto their devices for an extended period.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

While the iPad Air (2022) remains a strong contender, there are a few considerations for potential buyers in 2025:

•Base Storage (64GB): The base model with 64GB of storage might be limiting for users who download many large apps, games, or store a significant amount of media. While cloud storage can mitigate this, heavy users might find themselves constantly managing storage. The 256GB model offers a much more comfortable experience [2].

•No ProMotion Display: For users coming from an iPad Pro or those who prioritize the smoothest possible scrolling and drawing experience, the absence of a 120Hz ProMotion display might be noticeable. However, for most users, the standard 60Hz refresh rate is perfectly adequate.

•Older Design (Compared to Latest Pros): While still sleek and modern, the design is now a few years old. Newer iPad Pro models might offer slightly thinner bezels or other minor aesthetic refinements, but these are largely superficial differences.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the iPad Air (2022) in 2025 is unequivocally still a smart buy, especially when considering its current market value. Its powerful M1 chip provides performance that remains highly relevant for a wide array of tasks, from demanding creative applications to everyday productivity and entertainment. While newer iPad models offer incremental improvements, the core capabilities of the iPad Air (2022) continue to deliver an exceptional user experience.

For those seeking a versatile, powerful, and future-proof tablet without the premium price tag of the latest Pro models, the iPad Air (2022) presents an outstanding value proposition. Its continued software support from Apple further solidifies its position as a reliable and long-lasting device. Whether you are a student, a creative professional, or a casual user, the iPad Air (2022) in 2025 offers a compelling blend of performance, features, and affordability that makes it a highly recommended purchase.