aApple offers a wide range of options for tablets in terms of sizes, prices, screens, and capabilities, but the iPad Air stands out as a straightforward choice. It is a premium large-screen iPad designed for users who want a high-quality device without breaking the bank compared to the iPad Pro.
Prices for the iPad Air start at £599 (€699/$599/AU$999) and come in two screen sizes: 11-inch and a larger 13-inch model for those who prefer bigger displays. Positioned in the middle of Apple’s tablet lineup, the iPad Air sits above the 10th generation iPad starting at £349 and below the new iPad Pro M4 starting at £999.
The 11-inch version of the iPad Air is a successor to the impressive M1 model from 2022, featuring a sleek design similar to the iPad Pro, a crisp screen, and stereo speakers. The 13-inch model, reviewed here, is 1.2x larger diagonally, offering a screen size similar to the previous generation iPad Pro.
The 13-inch iPad Air boasts a screen size equivalent to that of a laptop. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The Air’s screen is a significant improvement over the base iPad, offering a brighter and higher-quality display comparable to premium laptop screens like the MacBook Air and Surface Laptop. However, it lacks the advanced 120Hz miniLED or OLED technology found in the iPad Pro series, resulting in lower brightness, contrast, and smoothness compared to Apple’s top-of-the-line tablets.
The iPad Air features stereo speakers that deliver excellent sound for watching TV. With an aluminum body and glass front, the device feels sturdy and is only 1mm thicker than the ultra-slim iPad Pro. The webcam has been repositioned to the top edge in landscape mode, enhancing the video calling experience compared to previous iPad models.
The Touch ID sensor integrated into the power button works effectively, although not as versatile as Face ID on the iPad Pro. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
specification
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screen: 10.9-inch or 12.9-inch Liquid Retina display (264ppi)
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Processor: apple m2
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Ram: 8GB
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storage: 128, 256, 512GB or 1TB
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operating system: iPadOS 17.5
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camera: 12MP rear, 12MP selfie
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Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E (5G optional eSim only), Bluetooth 5, USB-C, Touch ID, smart connector
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size: 247.6×178.5×6.1mm or 280.6×214.9×6.1mm
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weight: 462g or 617g
M2 power supplies and accessories
The M2 chip delivers exceptional performance, handling a variety of tasks smoothly and efficiently. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The iPad Air now features the M2 chip, replacing the previous M1 chip, resulting in a 15% increase in performance. The tablet excels in multitasking and delivers impressive performance, outpacing many competing tablets and previous iPad models.
The device is capable of handling various tasks such as web browsing, note-taking, photo editing, and gaming with ease. The base model comes with 128GB of storage, double the capacity of its predecessor, providing users with ample space for their needs.
Running on iPadOS 17.5, the iPad Air offers a wide range of apps and supports external monitors, mice, and keyboards. While it provides a large app library, the software is limited compared to macOS, making it more suitable for tablet use rather than a full laptop replacement.
The battery life on the 13-inch version lasts up to 10 hours, accommodating various tasks such as work, browsing, and video streaming. The 11-inch model offers a similar battery life of 9-10 hours.
The iPad screen has a square aspect ratio, resulting in black bars when watching movies on the larger 13-inch model. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The iPad Air supports the Apple Pencil Pro, priced at £129 (€149/$129/AU$219), allowing users to take advantage of the stylus for various tasks. While it is compatible with the older Magic Keyboard, it does not support the new Magic Keyboard designed for the iPad Pro, offering additional functionality at a premium price.
sustainability
The recycled aluminum body of the iPad Air offers a sleek, durable, and environmentally friendly design. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Apple has not disclosed the exact lifespan of the iPad Air’s battery, but it is expected to last over 500 full charge cycles at 80% capacity or more. Battery replacements start at £175, and the tablet is designed to be repairable, with repair costs starting at £819 for out-of-warranty damage.
The iPad Air contains at least 20% recycled materials, including aluminum, copper, gold, tin, plastic, and rare earth elements. Apple assesses the environmental impact of its tablets in a detailed report accessible here. The company also offers trade-in and recycling programs, including for non-Apple products.
price
The 11-inch iPad Air M2 is priced at £599 (699 euro/$599/AU$999), while the 13-inch iPad Air M2 costs £799 (949 euro/$799/AU$1,299). The 5G version is £150 (€170/$150/AU$250) more expensive.
For comparison, the 10th generation iPad is priced at £349, the iPad Pro M4 at £999, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 at £799, and the M3 MacBook Air at £1,099.
verdict
The iPad Air offers a powerful and versatile tablet experience, ideal for users looking for a premium device with the functionality of a full computer. While not as affordable as the 10th generation iPad, nor as feature-packed as the iPad Pro M4, the iPad Air strikes a balance with its power, quality display, great speakers, and accessory options for a premium user experience.
Particularly, the 13-inch version of the iPad Air provides a large screen suitable for multimedia consumption or productivity tasks, making it a versatile choice for various users.
In summary, the iPad Air is an excellent choice for those who want a mid-sized premium tablet that can double as a computer when needed or prefer a large screen without the high price tag of the iPad Pro.
Strong Points: Choice of size, fast M2 performance, great battery life, great screen, USB-C, long software support life, plenty of apps, great speakers, landscape center stage camera, recycled aluminum, great accessories.
Cons: Expensive, lacks multi-user support, limited laptop replacement capabilities in iPadOS, requires a case for a kickstand, no Face ID, requires careful handling compared to cheaper alternatives.
Source: www.theguardian.com
