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.
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 (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!
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