iPad Air 2 vs iPad 5th Gen: Key Differences & Full Comparison

The debate between the iPad Air 2 and the iPad 5th Gen is a common topic for anyone looking for a good, budget-friendly iPad. 

In this article, you’ll find a simple comparison between the iPad Air 2 and iPad 5th Gen, including performance, display, battery life, and camera differences. 

We’ll break down what makes each tablet unique and help you determine which one is better suited to your needs. 

If you’re unsure which iPad to choose, continue reading to find clear answers and make an informed decision for your next device.

Quick Insights ⚡:

• iPad 5th Gen is faster (A9 chip vs A8X in Air 2)
• Similar 9.7” Retina display, but 5th Gen lacks screen lamination
• iPad Air 2 is slimmer and has a laminated, anti-reflective screen
• Both have Touch ID, but the 5th Gen gets longer iOS support
• Choose 5th Gen for longer software life, or Air 2 for a thinner build

iPad Air 2 vs iPad 5th Gen: Key Differences at a Glance

When choosing between the iPad Air 2 and the iPad 5th Gen, you will notice differences in performance, design, and camera features. The iPad 5th Gen is newer and packs a faster chip, while the Air 2 has a slimmer body.

Spec Sheet Comparison Table

Both iPads have similar displays and camera specifications. The biggest changes are the newer processor in the iPad 5th Gen and its slightly heavier build.

Model History & Release Dates

The iPad Air 2 came out in late 2014. It was known for being thin and light for its time. The design remains modern, featuring a laminated screen for enhanced visuals.

The iPad 5th Gen arrived in early 2017. It kept the same screen size but used faster hardware. Apple kept the price lower by omitting features such as the laminated display and anti-reflective coating.

If you care about using a more up-to-date device, the iPad 5th Gen is newer and supported for a longer time with iPadOS.

Who Should Consider Each iPad?

Choose the iPad Air 2 if you prefer the lightest body and a slim design. If you need a budget device primarily for light use, it remains a solid choice. The Air 2’s thinner shell and laminated display give it a premium touch.

Choose the iPad 5th Gen for a faster day-to-day experience. It is better for apps and web browsing because of the A9 chip. It will likely get software updates for longer since it is newer.

If you prioritize performance and longer support, opt for the iPad 5th Gen. If you're looking for a lighter, thinner iPad for media and reading, the Air 2 is worth considering.

📌 Also Read: iPad Keyboard Not Working? 10 Fixes You Should Try Today

iPad Air 2 vs iPad 5th Gen - Design & Display Differences

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The iPad Air 2 is slimmer and lighter, while the iPad 5th Gen feels stronger and fits a more modern look. The display quality, button placement, and port options significantly impact your day-to-day use.

Physical Build, Thickness & Weight

The iPad Air 2 is one of the thinnest iPads available, measuring only 6.1 mm in thickness and weighing approximately 437 grams for Wi-Fi models. 

The iPad 5th Gen has a thicker build, measuring around 7.5 mm, and is noticeably heavier, weighing approximately 469 grams. You might feel the weight difference after holding each device for an hour.

If you prefer a lightweight tablet for reading or holding one-handed, the Air 2 will likely feel more comfortable. Both use aluminum for the body, but the 5th Gen looks more like recent iPads with slightly cleaner lines. There's no big difference in how tough either feels in the hand.

Quick facts:

• iPad Air 2: 6.1mm thick, 437g (Wi-Fi)
• iPad 5th Gen: 7.5mm thick, 469g (Wi-Fi)

Screen Quality - Lamination, Color, Anti-Reflective

The screen on the iPad Air 2 is fully laminated, putting the display closer to the glass. This means less glare, and colors appear to "pop" more when compared side by side. The Air 2 also features an anti-reflective coating, which reduces light reflections and enhances visibility in bright rooms or outdoors.

The iPad 5th Gen features a non-laminated display, resulting in a small air gap between the glass and the screen. 

This can make tapping sometimes sound "hollow" and can show more glare. Color accuracy is decent on both, but the Air 2’s display looks just a bit sharper.

Display features:

• Air 2: Laminated, anti-reflective, sharper visuals
• 5th Gen: Non-laminated, no extra coating, more screen glare

Buttons, Ports & Touch ID Location

Both iPads feature a home button with Touch ID, but the placement and style are nearly identical. The volume buttons and power button placements don’t differ significantly. The key difference is the ports.

The iPad Air 2 and 5th Gen both use the older Lightning port for charging and syncing. Neither model has USB-C. If you use headphones, both include a 3.5 mm headphone jack.

Key points:

• Home button and Touch ID at the front bottom
• Lightning port for charging (no USB-C)
• The headphone jack is included on both

Think about which features matter most. A lighter, thinner Air 2 might be a better fit if you're looking for easy portability. The 5th Gen offers a sturdier feel and similar button layout with the same basic ports.

📌 Also Read: How Old Is the iPad Air 2? A Simple Guide for Apple Users

iPad Air 2 vs iPad 5th Gen—Performance & Software Support

When comparing the iPad Air 2 and the iPad 5th Gen, you will notice significant differences in performance, update support, and how the devices handle apps. These points are crucial when deciding which tablet best suits your needs in 2025.

Chipset, RAM & Real-World Speed

The iPad Air 2 uses an Apple A8X processor with 2 GB of RAM. The iPad 5th Gen comes with an A9 chip and also has 2 GB of RAM.

The A9 chip in the iPad 5th Gen is a little faster than the A8X found in the Air 2. Day-to-day, this can mean shorter app load times and better results when multitasking with several tabs or apps open.

For light gaming and basic tasks, both models perform well, but the iPad 5th Gen is less likely to slow down with up-to-date apps.

If you often use newer or more demanding apps, the faster A9 chip and slightly improved graphics in the 5th Gen offer a smoother overall experience.

iPadOS Support & Updates

The iPad Air 2 stopped getting new iPadOS updates after version 15. The iPad 5th Gen received support up to iPadOS 16. As of mid-2025, Apple does not provide major software updates for either device.

Security updates may still be available for a short time, but you will not receive new iPadOS features on either model. If you want full, long-term support, it is better to look for a newer iPad.

Older software means some new apps may not work, especially if they need the latest iPadOS features.

Storage Options & App Compatibility

You can choose the iPad Air 2 with storage capacities of 16, 32, 64, or 128 GB. The iPad 5th Gen is available in 32 GB or 128 GB options.

Consider how much storage you need for photos, videos, and apps. Larger storage is helpful if you keep many apps, files, or download lots of media.

• App compatibility: Most popular apps are still compatible with both devices, but newer ones may require iPadOS 16 or later.
• Performance needs: If you want to run new or resource-heavy apps, you may find the iPad 5th Gen handles them a bit more smoothly.
• Storage picks: For the best value, choose at least 64 GB (or ideally 128 GB) to have room for updates, media, and files.

Choose your model based on how often you upgrade, what apps you use, and how long you want your tablet to keep up with your daily tasks.

📌 Also Read: iPad Air vs. iPad Pro: Which Tablet Should You Get?

iPad Air 2 vs iPad 5th Gen - Camera, Audio & Connectivity

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Both the iPad Air 2 and iPad 5th Gen look similar, but they have some key differences that affect how you take photos, listen to audio, and connect to networks or accessories. 

If you care most about video calls, movies, or using modern accessories, it's essential to pay attention to these changes.

Rear & Front Camera Differences

The rear camera on both iPads is 8 megapixels, which is good for simple photos and scanning documents. 

The photo quality is almost the same, so you won't notice a significant difference for regular picture-taking.

On the front, both devices come with a 1.2-megapixel camera. This camera is fine for basic FaceTime calls and selfies, but it does not capture as much detail as newer models. 

If you use your iPad for video calls or online classes, the experience is similar on both.

The iPad 5th Gen does not improve the camera hardware from the Air 2. The main difference is in processing power, so photo and video apps might run a bit smoother on the newer 5th Gen.

Speakers, Mics, and Headphone Jack

Both iPads feature dual speakers at the bottom edge, allowing for stereo sound only when the device is held in portrait mode. 

The audio quality is average, working fine for YouTube or games, but not as rich as iPads with four speakers.

You still get a 3.5 mm headphone jack on each device. Wired headphones and older headsets will work without needing adapters.

For sound recording, both devices feature a built-in microphone located near the camera, which is sufficient for voice memos or calls.

 Neither version offers a great studio-level recording, but your needs for basic video chat or note-taking will be met.

Wi-Fi, Cellular & Accessory Support

Both the iPad Air 2 and the iPad 5th Gen support standard Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n/ac) connections. This lets you connect to modern home networks at normal speeds.

Each has models with cellular options, using Nano-SIM cards. If you want mobile data, both can get you online while away from Wi-Fi.

Accessory support is similar. You get a Lightning connector for both charging and data transfer. Both devices support Bluetooth, so you can use wireless headphones, speakers, or keyboards.

If you want to use the Apple Pencil, neither is compatible. For smart keyboard cases, only newer iPads have the needed connectors.

In summary, you will not see significant connectivity advances when moving between these two models, but both provide the basics for staying connected at home or on the go.

📌 Also Read: Best iPad Apps To Enhance Your Digital Experience in 2025

iPad Air 2 vs iPad 5th Gen - Battery, Charging & Overall Value

The iPad Air 2 and iPad 5th Gen both offer solid performance, but differ in small ways that could impact your daily use, especially when it comes to battery life, charging convenience, and resale value. 

Knowing these differences helps you determine which one best suits your lifestyle and budget.

Battery Life in Everyday Use

The battery life for both the iPad Air 2 and iPad 5th Gen is similar. You can expect approximately 10 hours of Wi-Fi usage for either model during activities such as browsing, streaming, or using apps.

If you use heavy apps, the battery may drain slightly faster, especially on the older Air 2. Over the years, the battery inside any device will lose some strength, so a used Air 2 may not hold a charge as long as the 5th Gen.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Both tablets have similar battery ratings, but the newer iPad 5th Gen often holds up a bit better if you buy used, thanks to slightly newer hardware.

Charging Methods, Power Adapter, and Port Differences

Both iPads use a Lightning port for charging and data. You will receive a standard 10W or 12W charger in the box, depending on your region and the date of purchase.

Neither tablet supports fast charging, so refilling from zero to full usually takes a little over two hours. You can use most old iPhone or iPad Lightning cables and chargers to power either device.

Unlike newer iPads with USB-C, these models stick to the older Lightning system. This could matter if you already use USB-C for other devices or want faster charging.

Key points:

• Both use Lightning ports
• Typical charging time is a bit slow
• No fast charging or USB-C compatibility

Price on the Used Market & Long-Term Value

The iPad Air 2 usually sells for less than the 5th Gen on resale sites because it is older and may have more wear. If you want to spend as little as possible, the Air 2 is the more affordable option upfront.

However, the iPad 5th Gen holds its value better over the years. It also gets extra support from some apps and security updates a bit longer than the Air 2.

Things to consider:

• Air 2 is more budget-friendly, but lower resale value
• 5th Gen costs more, but keeps its price longer
• Latest apps and updates may work better on the 5th Gen

If your budget is tight, the Air 2 does the job for less money. If you want a longer-lasting device that resells for more, the 5th Gen is worth considering.

iPad Air 2 vs iPad 5th Gen: Which Should You Buy?

The iPad Air 2 and iPad 5th Gen look similar but have several key hardware and performance differences. Choosing between them depends on what you need most, such as speed, camera quality, and how you plan to use your iPad.

Pros & Cons Summary Table

The iPad 5th Gen features a newer processor for improved speed and extended software support. The iPad Air 2 is a bit thinner and lighter, with a slightly better screen thanks to full lamination.

User Profiles: Students, Light Users, Families

If you are a student, the iPad 5th Gen has a faster processor for basic schoolwork and apps. It will receive software updates for longer, which helps with security and enables the use of new features.

Light users, like people who mostly browse, watch videos, or check email, may find both iPads work well. If you're concerned about weight and screen glare, the Air 2 is easier to hold and features a laminated display that appears better in bright light.

For families, the iPad 5th Gen is often a safer choice. It’s newer, can run newer apps, and may last longer because it gets updates. 

If you have already found a cheap Air 2, it can still work, but it might not last as many years before being out of date.

Simple Checklist: What Matters Most to You?

• Want a faster iPad that lasts longer? Pick the iPad 5th Gen.
• Need better screen visuals and a lighter feel? Pick the iPad Air 2.
• Care about future app and software updates? The iPad 5th Gen is the safer bet.
• Only using it for web, video, and email? Either device will work, but the Air 2 is cheaper and lighter.
• Need to save money? The Air 2 usually costs less if buying used.
• Using accessories made for new models? iPad 5th Gen has better compatibility.

Choose the iPad that best suits your needs. Consider speed, screen size, and the desired duration before making a purchase.

Conclusion

When looking at the iPad Air 2 and the iPad 5th Gen side by side, you notice some key differences and similarities.

The iPad 5th Gen offers better performance and supports the original Apple Pencil, which is useful for note-taking or drawing. You’ll also experience improved processing speed, enabling you to run newer apps with reduced lag.

The iPad Air 2 remains very thin and light, making it easy to carry. Its display is bright and clear, but it does not support the Apple Pencil. Both models are similar in size, but the 5th Generation is slightly heavier.

For most users in 2024, these devices may seem somewhat outdated. Newer apps and iPadOS updates may not work well on them, and you might miss out on the latest features.

If you need a stylus or want a small performance boost, the iPad 5th Gen is the better pick. If you value a slim and light design, the Air 2 could still meet your needs.

If your budget allows, consider choosing a new iPad model from the 9th Generation or later. These newer models offer increased speed, improved displays, and extended software support. This can help you to get more use out of your device over time.

❓Frequently Asked Questions

The iPad Air 2 and iPad 5th Gen have different chipsets, display types, and accessory compatibility. Their features and hardware may affect which device works best for your needs.

Which is faster - iPad Air 2 or 5th Gen?

The iPad 5th Gen is a bit faster than the iPad Air 2.It uses the A9 chip, while the Air 2 has the older A8X chip. Apps and games usually run smoother on the 5th Gen because of the newer processor.

Does iPad Air 2 support Apple Pencil?

No, the iPad Air 2 does not support any version of the Apple Pencil. This feature was not added until later iPad models. You can use basic capacitive styluses, but not the Apple Pencil.

Does iPad Air 2 have a better display than 5th Gen?

The iPad Air 2 features a fully laminated display, which means the screen appears closer to the glass and has reduced glare. The iPad 5th Gen does not have a laminated display, so reflections are more noticeable. Both have similar resolutions, but the Air 2’s screen appears slightly sharper to most users.

Can I use Apple Pencil or a keyboard with either?

You cannot use the Apple Pencil with either the iPad Air 2 or iPad 5th Gen. Both work with Bluetooth keyboards and some attachable cases, but neither has a Smart Connector. You will need to connect keyboards wirelessly.

Can you still get repairs for Air 2 or 5th Gen?

It may be more challenging to obtain official repairs from Apple for these older models, notably the iPad Air 2. Some third-party repair shops can still address common issues, such as screen or battery replacements. Support for parts and software updates from Apple is limited for both devices.