iPad 2025 vs. 2024 & 2022 – Which One Takes the Crown? [Summary]

2025-03-12T09:47:20+08:00

Technology is improving at a fast pace and it’s becoming harder to decide from so many options when you want to upgrade your device. Especially since the latest models of iPads have been announced, you might be wondering: Should you stick with what you have, or is it time to upgrade? If so, read this guide and find your answers!

Part 1. The Best iPad 2025: Top Apple Tablets to Consider Right Now

We believe Apple is an obvious choice when you’re thinking of upgrading your tablet. You can choose between the recently launched 2025 iPad A16, the 2024 iPad Air, or the older 2022 version. Now the question is, which one to choose from these options? Well, read on before making any choice!

Part 2. iPad Air 2025 vs. iPad Air 2024 Specs

Since these both are recent models, they require an in-depth comparison to help you make a choice. So, you can check out the detailed comparison between these machines in our dedicated guide.

Please check on this post：iPad Air 6th vs 7th: Is the New Model Worth the Upgrade?

Part 3. iPad A16 (2025) vs. Apple iPad (2022) Specs

Now, let’s see how the older version holds against the newer release:

Specification	iPad A16 (2025)	Apple iPad (10th gen,2022)
Processor	Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm)	Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm)
CPU	Hexa-core (2×3.46 GHz Everest and 4×energy-efficient cores)	Hexa-core (2×3.0 GHz Firestorm and 4×1.8 GHz Icestorm)
GPU	Apple GPU (5-core graphics)	Apple GPU (4-core graphics)
Display Size	11.0 inches	10.9 inches
Refresh Rate	60Hz	60Hz
Operating System	iPadOS 18.3.1	iPadOS 16.1
Price	Starting at $399 (128 GB)	Starting at $299 (64 GB)

iPad A16 (2025) vs Apple iPad (2022: Performance and Chip

We would say the ideal improvement in the new model is the A16 Bionic chipset, which offers improved performance over the older chip found in the 2022 model. Other than that, the extra RAM means you can handle your animations and play games better than on the older version.

iPad A16 (2025) vs Apple iPad (2022): Display Technology

To be honest, you get the same resolution and refresh rate on both devices. You can see the given table to know it yourself:

Specification	iPad A16 (2025)	Apple iPad (2022)
Display Size	11 inches	10.9 inches
Resolution	1640 x 2360	1640 x 2360
Refresh Rate	60Hz	60Hz
Display Technology	Liquid Retina	Liquid Retina

iPad A16 (2025) vs Apple iPad (2022): Design and Appearance

There isn't much difference camera-wise; you get the same lenses on both devices. But I must say the newer model feels lighter, thanks to its sleek dimensions and lightweight.

Specification	iPad A16 (2025)	Apple iPad (2022)
Dimensions	247.6 x 178.5 x 5.9 mm	248.6 x 179.5 x 6.1 mm
Weight	468 grams	487 grams
Rear Camera	12MP Wide	12MP Wide
Front Camera	12MP Ultra-Wide	12MP Ultra-Wide

iPad A16 (2025) vs Apple iPad (2022): Battery

In terms of battery, we do see a considerable jump due to the bigger size and a better chipset.

Battery	iPad A16 (2025)	Apple iPad (2022)
Type	Li-po	Li-po
Capacity	7693 mAh (28.93Wh)	Li-Po 7606 mAh (28.6Wh)

Apple iPad A16 (2025) vs iPad (2022): Price and Value for Money

Between both these devices, I would highly suggest getting the newer Apple iPad A16 (2025) because it is cost efficient and comes with better features. You only pay 50 more bucks and get a newer model with a better chipset, battery, and software improvements.

Apple iPad A16 (2025) vs Apple iPad (2022): Features and Expandability

Additionally, there are other things that matter to people with technical knowledge:

Feature	Apple iPad A16 (2025)	Apple iPad (2022)
Apple Pencil Support	1st Gen	1st Gen
Smart Connector	Yes	Yes
5G Support	Yes	No

Part 4. Apple iPad (2025) vs. Apple iPad Air (2025) Specs

Of course, the newer iPad 2025 is gonna perform better. However, the question is, how does it hold against the newer Air 2025? Let's see:

Specification	iPad A16 (2025)	Apple iPad Air (2025)
Processor	Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm)	Apple M3 (5 nm)
CPU	Hexa-core (2×3.46 GHz Everest and 4×energy-efficient cores)	Octa-core (4×performance cores and 4×efficiency cores)
GPU	Apple GPU (5-core graphics)	Apple GPU (9-core graphics)
Display Size	11.0 inches	11-inch or 13-inch
Refresh Rate	60Hz	60Hz or 90Hz
Apple Intelligence	No	Yes
Price	Starting at $399 (128 GB)	Starting at $599 for 11-inch/ $799 for 13-inch

iPad A16 (2025) vs Apple iPad Air (2025): Performance and Chip

Surprisingly, the M3 chip in the iPad Air (2025) is more powerful, which makes it better for professionals who need high-end performance. You also get 8 GB RAM in the Air version, so its gonna naturally perform better than its counterpart.

iPad A16 (2025) vs Apple iPad Air (2025): Display Technology

As for their displays, there isn’t much difference in the base versions. However, the 13-inches version of iPad Air has a relatively better resolution:

Specification	iPad A16 (2025)	iPad Air (2025)
Display Size	11 inches	11 inches/13 inches
Resolution	1640 x 2360	1640 x 2360/2048 x 2732 pixels
Display Technology	Liquid Retina IPS LCD, 500 nits	Liquid Retina IPS LCD, 600 nits

iPad A16 (2025) vs Apple iPad Air (2025): Design and Appearance

My personal aesthetic favors light designs, though that is simply my preference. Ultimately, your individual requirements will determine the best option for you.

Specification	iPad A16 (2025)	iPad Air (2025)
Dimensions	247.6 x 178.5 x 5.9 mm	247.6 x 178.5 x 6.1 mm/ 280.6 x 214.9 x 6.1 mm
Weight	468 grams	460 grams/616 grams
Rear Camera	12MP Wide	12MP Wide
Front Camera	12MP Ultra-Wide	12MP Ultra-Wide

iPad A16 (2025) vs Apple iPad Air (2025): Battery

Once again, there is no difference in the base models, but the battery size makes a huge jump in the 13-inches model:

Battery	iPad A16 (2025)	iPad Air (2025)
Type	Li-po	Li-po
Capacity	7693 mAH (28.93 Wh)	Li-Po 7606 mAh (28.6 Wh)/ 9705 mAh (36.59 Wh)

Apple iPad A16 (2025) vs Apple iPad Air (2025): Price and Value for Money

Both versions of the iPad Air come with better features but at a higher price point. You get extra RAM, a slightly better chipset, and Apple Intelligence by paying an extra $200 bucks. So, if performance is your priority, I'd say go for any of the Air models.

Apple iPad A16 (2025) vs Apple iPad Air (2025): Features and Expandability

I would be so disappointed if I didn't get additional features after paying more for the Air version. So, there are a few perks that you can enjoy in the Air 2025 version:

Feature	iPad A16 (2025)	iPad Air (2025)
Antireflective Coating	Not Available	Available
Apple Intelligence	Not Available	Available
Apple Pencil	USB-C	Apple Pencil Pro and USB-C

Conclusion

Ultimately, the chipset is key. The iPad A16 has the A16 Bionic, a clear upgrade from 2022's A14, for better performance. For top-tier power, the 2025 iPad Air with its M3 chip delivers superior speed and efficiency!

Before you move on to buying your desired product, don’t forget that you need protection from them. For that, ESR provides an extensive range of protectors and covers that you should try. Select any product and get an exclusive discount by adding the coupon code “blog20”!

Collection

Top Products

Top Features

iPad Air 11 Screen Protectors (2025)

● UltraFit Armorite

● UltraFit Classic

● Paper-Feel Tempered Glass Screen Protector

● Magnetic Edges

● Bubble Free

● Anti-Glare

iPad Air 13 Keyboard Case (2025)

● Rebound Magnetic Keyboard Case 360