Unlocking Efficiency: How the iPad Air (2022) Leverages the M1 Chip for Affordable Power

Following its successful performance on macOS devices, Apple’s proprietary M1 SoC has supplanted its A-series processors in the premium iPad Pro models last year, resulting in a substantial performance increase. This year, this same chip has made its way into the Apple iPad Air (2022), positioning it as the most budget-friendly iPad featuring the M1 SoC. While the iPad Air (2022) still faces limitations due to its software and isn’t a direct competitor to the MacBook Air, its initial price of Rs. 54,900 makes room for accessories like the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard, enhancing its functionality. With that in mind, we’re set to explore whether the iPad Air (2022) can serve as a cost-effective laptop substitute and if it offers greater value compared to the iPad Pro 11-inch (2021) with equivalent accessories. Here’s my assessment.

Pricing of the iPad Air (2022) in India

The Apple iPad Air (2022), also referred to as the 5th Generation iPad Air, starts at Rs. 54,900 for the 64GB Wi-Fi-only variant in India. The 256GB model is priced at Rs. 68,900. The 5G cellular versions with the same storage capacities are an additional Rs. 14,000, elevating the prices to Rs. 68,900 and Rs. 82,900 respectively.

Interestingly, Apple has kept the pricing consistent with the earlier iPad Air (2020) (Review).

The display of iPad Air (2022) is identical to that of iPad Air (2020)

Design of the iPad Air (2022)

The design of the iPad Air (2022) closely mirrors that of its predecessor, featuring nearly identical dimensions. Only a direct side-by-side specification comparison reveals that the updated model weighs just slightly more. It is nearly impossible to distinguish between the two models without the new color options available for the iPad Air (2022). With a thickness of 6.1mm and a sleek aluminum frame, my device, in the Starlight color, showcased a matte finish that effectively minimized fingerprints.

My unit, being a cellular variant, featured antenna lines across its width at both the top and bottom. The device includes dual sets of speaker grilles at the upper and lower sections of the frame, but it offers only two speakers for stereo audio in landscape mode, similar to the iPad Air (2020). The bottom houses a USB Type-C port, while the top is equipped with a power button that includes a Touch ID fingerprint sensor and a microphone. During the setup, the Touch ID process suggests registering both index fingers. In use, I found myself unlocking the iPad Air (2022) with my right index finger in portrait mode and my left in landscape mode.

The aluminum volume buttons are solidly constructed, mirroring the quality of the body. However, their function adapts according to the orientation of the iPad Air (2022), a change that can be quite frustrating. Using the tablet in landscape mode inverts the button configuration, resulting in the button on the right (initially on the bottom) increasing volume instead of lowering it. This feature, unlike its introduction in older iPads with the iPadOS 15.4 update, cannot be disabled on the iPad Air (2022).

The iPad Air (2022) exudes a premium feel and appearance

The Apple Pencil can attach magnetically to the right side of the iPad Air (2022) for both storage and charging. For cellular models, you can insert a SIM card or utilize an eSIM for data access. The rear features a single camera compared to the dual-camera setup of the iPad Pro (2021), alongside an iPad Air logo positioned just above the accessory connector.

Specifications of the iPad Air (2022)

The iPad Air (2022) is equipped with a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, akin to that of the 2020 iPad Air. It utilizes an IPS LCD panel with a resolution of 1640 x 2360 pixels and a peak brightness of 500 nits. The display supports the P3 color gamut and integrates Apple’s True Tone feature that modifies its color temperature based on ambient lighting conditions.

At the heart of the hardware lies the Apple M1 SoC, which remarkably features the 8-core GPU variant, not the 7-core GPU version present in the base MacBook Air (M1, 2020). The iPad Air (2022) boasts 8GB of RAM. Apple hasn’t disclosed the battery capacity in its specifications, however, it claims the device can provide up to 10 hours of usage for web browsing and video playback, similar to the estimates provided for the iPad Air (2020). Furthermore, the package includes a 20W USB Type-C power adapter and a USB Type-C to Type-C cable.

Apple has also updated the front camera, now a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens, supporting the Centre Stage feature which I will elaborate on in the performance section. The rear camera retains the 12-megapixel wide-angle sensor from its predecessor. The Apple iPad Air (2022) features Bluetooth 5 and Wi-Fi 6 capabilities, and the cellular version additionally supports 5G, 4G LTE, GPS, and Wi-Fi calling.

Software of the iPad Air (2022)

The iPad Air (2022) operates on Apple’s iPadOS, a variant of iOS. My review version was running iPadOS 15.4.1, which was upgraded to iPadOS 15.5 during my testing. Apple has a solid history of providing software updates across its devices for several years, and I anticipate that the iPad Air (2022) will receive similar treatment, ensuring its long-term viability. Transitioning from another iPad to the new iPad Air (2022) was seamless.

With iPadOS 15, Apple has enhanced multitasking capabilities. You can utilize Split View to operate two apps or two instances of certain native apps side by side. Another feature, Slide Over, enables you to open multiple applications in a compact windowed format. While these features aren’t brand new, they are now easier to navigate and utilize in iOS 15, bringing the iPad Air (2022) closer to functioning like a laptop.

iPadOS 15’s Slide Over feature facilitates convenient multitasking

If you own other Apple devices, the iPad Air (2022) can seamlessly integrate into the wider ecosystem. For instance, your current AirPods should appear automatically as a paired device on the iPad Air (2022). If you have a relatively recent Mac, the iPad can function as a second display. Apple’s newly introduced Universal Control feature allows you to operate this iPad using the keyboard and trackpad of your Mac, enabling a multi-device workspace.

Performance of the Apple iPad Air (2022)

Over the course of a couple of weeks using the iPad Air (2022), I tested it along with the optional Magic Keyboard to see if this combination could replace my MacBook Air (Review). When utilizing it as a tablet, the display size turned out to be ideal for enjoying media. It’s neither as small as the iPad mini (Review) nor excessively large like the 12.9-inch iPad Pro. Its slim profile and well-distributed weight made it easy to hold in one hand without feeling fatigued.

The Touch ID sensor performed reliably for unlocking the iPad Air (2022). The iPadOS experience was fluid and responsive. The display appeared crisp and vibrant, although the 4:3 aspect ratio led to widescreen videos being presented with thick black bars above and below much of the content. If you favor the vivid output typical of AMOLED screens, you may see the colors on the iPad’s display as somewhat muted in comparison. The dual speakers produced sound that was sufficiently loud to fill a small room without sounding hollow. The iPad Air (2022) became my preferred device for watching videos and browsing the web when separated from my laptop.

The capabilities of the Apple M1 SoC are impressive, and similar performance metrics have been observed in our reviews of the MacBook Air (M1) and iPad Pro (2021), so I will avoid extensive repetition here as the experience felt quite alike. I did conduct several benchmarks and compared the results with those of the iPad Air (2020). The findings were consistent — in AnTuTu, the iPad Air (2022) achieved a score of 1,001,016 points, providing about a 25 percent advantage over its predecessor, which scored 763,080 points. The iPad Air (2022) also scored 20,932 points in Geekbench 5’s Metal benchmark, whereas the iPad Air (2020) managed 12,496 points.

The Touch ID sensor is embedded in the power button of the iPad Air (2022)

I experimented with Asphalt 9: Legends on the iPad Air (2022), which loaded swiftly and ran smoothly without any lags. However, I felt the back of the device heating up after approximately 20 minutes of gameplay. Additionally, there was a noticeable 10 percent drop in battery during that time, which could be considered higher than expected.

Nevertheless, during regular usage on the iPad Air (2022), I encountered no issues regarding battery longevity. It easily lasted over two days with my usual activity. Apple has successfully minimized idle battery drain, allowing infrequent recharge cycles. In our HD video loop test, the iPad performed for 9 hours and 34 minutes, slightly short of Apple’s advertised 10-hour lifespan. Utilizing the included 20W USB Type-C charger, the battery went from zero to 26 percent in 30 minutes and reached 50 percent in an hour. Full charging of the iPad Air (2022) required approximately two hours.

Camera sample taken with the iPad Air (2022) (click to view full size)

The 12-megapixel primary camera on the iPad Air (2022) is adequate for occasional photographs and document scanning, though it isn’t my first choice for serious photography. The upgrade to a 12-megapixel ultra-wide selfie camera is a notable advancement from the previous model. This camera features Apple’s Centre Stage, effectively auto-panning and adjusting the zoom to keep you and other participants centered within the frame, even if you shift position or additional people enter or exit the frame. I tested this feature during FaceTime calls, and it performed as expected. It can also be utilized with other video conferencing applications and is a valuable asset for individuals who tend to move during calls.

iPad Air (2022) as a laptop substitute

My experience with the iPad Air (2022) as a laptop replacement was rather distinct, as I utilized it with the pricey Magic Keyboard accessory priced at Rs. 27,900. Beyond typing, this accessory allows the iPad Air (2022) to stand upright independently, creating a more comfortable setup for lap use. Alternatively, Apple offers the Smart Keyboard Folio case for Rs. 15,900, which lacks a rigid base and is intended for tabletop use. There are also third-party keyboard options available. If you opt for the 256GB Wi-Fi-only variant and pair it with a Magic Keyboard, your total expenditure would reach Rs. 96,800, slightly exceeding the price of the foundational MacBook Air.

The ports on the back of the iPad Air (2022) enable compatibility with Apple accessories

Given my professional requirements, I found that using just the iPad along with the keyboard case easily sufficed, eliminating the need for my laptop. I frequently use Google Docs, all of which are accessible through the Apple App Store. Having Slack in Slide Over mode on the iPad allowed me to glance at my work messages easily. I also drafted a significant portion of my Samsung Galaxy M53 5G review using this hybrid setup. At the end of a typical working day, the iPad Air (2022) still retained about 40 percent battery. My USB Type-C accessories operated seamlessly, enabling me to connect a 1TB hard drive through the Files app. The Magic Keyboard includes an extra USB Type-C port, though this is solely for charging the iPad.

However, before leaning towards the iPad Air (2022) as a laptop substitute, there are noteworthy considerations. I found the Magic Keyboard to be a bit snug compared to my MacBook Air’s keyboard. The absence of Function and Escape keys on the Magic Keyboard proved to be another minor grievance. Using the Touch ID sensor on the left side for unlocking the iPad Air (2022) while attached to the keyboard stand in portrait mode wasn’t as convenient as the equivalent functionality on the MacBook Air’s keyboard.

Conclusion

The iPad Air (2022) is yet another remarkable development in Apple’s lineup, powered by the capable M1 SoC. Despite minimal alterations from its predecessor, these incremental improvements enhance its user experience, maintaining the same price point. This iPad excels as a media device and can competently handle gaming.

Equipped with the Apple M1 SoC, the iPad Air (2022) now matches the performance of the 11-inch iPad Pro (2021) (Review), all while being significantly more affordable. Consequently, the iPad Air (2022) is an appealing choice for those seeking solid performance without the premium price attached to the Pro models. While Apple’s accessories may be on the pricier side, certain options like the Magic Keyboard undoubtedly enhance the potential of the iPad Air (2022).

From my experience, the iPad Air (2022) has the potential to substitute for your laptop, given you’re willing to adjust your workflow to accommodate iPad applications.