I'll try keep this brief...
My mum has a 2nd gen iPad air which I'm looking to replace for her. Choices are between a 2022 5th gen iPad Air 256gb for approx $1300 or a 2021 9th gen iPad 256gb for approx $800.
From what I understand the Air is slightly lighter and slightly larger screen with better display/resolution. I'm not really tech savvy so is the extra $$$ for the Air worth it? She'd be using it for mainly email, fb and messenger, photos, streaming content and some simple game apps.
Other main consideration is that it's nice for her to use and not going to become outdated too soon.