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why buy an ipad air 5 with 5G if you can't surf the internet?

why buy an ipad air 5 with 5G if you can't surf the internet? I am debating whether to get the Ipad Air 5 with or without 5G. Is it worth it to have a 5G model?



Posted on Jan 22, 2023 6:25 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jan 22, 2023 6:32 AM

Are you making reference to 5GHz WiFi (often incorrectly cited as “5G”) - or 5G Cellular?


All models of iPad are capable of both 2.4GHz and 5GHz WiFi. More recent WiFi+Cellular models of iPad have fifth generation 5G Cellular capabilities.


You should note that an iPad, whether a Cellular model or not, is not capable of directly accessing Cellular Voice or SMS/MMS Messaging features.


An iPad with either WiFi or Cellular connectivity alone can only access IP-data services. If you have added a DataSIM and appropriate Cellular data plan to a WiFi+Cellular model of iPad, the number associated with the SIM card is only used to identify your account for billing purposes. This number is not used for making calls or sending messages.


Consider also the functional differences between WiFi Only and WiFi+Cellular models of iPad. Only WiFi+Cellular models include GPS capabilities - which may impact any Apps or features that require accurate and consistent location data, such as Mapping. Purchase of a WiFi+Cellular model does not commit you to using Cellular connections, but provides this flexibility should it be needed.  WiFi Only models of iPad have no Cellular or GPS functions at all.


1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jan 22, 2023 6:32 AM in response to schewbe

Are you making reference to 5GHz WiFi (often incorrectly cited as “5G”) - or 5G Cellular?


All models of iPad are capable of both 2.4GHz and 5GHz WiFi. More recent WiFi+Cellular models of iPad have fifth generation 5G Cellular capabilities.


You should note that an iPad, whether a Cellular model or not, is not capable of directly accessing Cellular Voice or SMS/MMS Messaging features.


An iPad with either WiFi or Cellular connectivity alone can only access IP-data services. If you have added a DataSIM and appropriate Cellular data plan to a WiFi+Cellular model of iPad, the number associated with the SIM card is only used to identify your account for billing purposes. This number is not used for making calls or sending messages.


Consider also the functional differences between WiFi Only and WiFi+Cellular models of iPad. Only WiFi+Cellular models include GPS capabilities - which may impact any Apps or features that require accurate and consistent location data, such as Mapping. Purchase of a WiFi+Cellular model does not commit you to using Cellular connections, but provides this flexibility should it be needed.  WiFi Only models of iPad have no Cellular or GPS functions at all.


why buy an ipad air 5 with 5G if you can't surf the internet?

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