Apple New IPad Air Versus Other iPad Models — Comparison
On March 8th, Apple introduced a new iPad Air during its “Peek Performance” event. While the design is comparable to the previous-generation Air, Apple has made a few tweaks.
For starters, the iPad Air now has the same lightning-fast M1 CPU as the latest iPad Pro. The new Air also has a 12MP front camera, up from 7MP on the previous generation, and Apple’s Center Stage function, which can track you in the picture during video conversations. On the cellular devices, there’s also a 5G connection, a USB-C connector that’s up to twice as fast as the previous generation’s, and 10Gbps data transfer capabilities.
The new 10.9-inch iPad Air starts at $599, just like the previous-generation tablet did — but notice that the LTE variants are $20 extra. While it won’t be available until March 18th, Apple, B&H Photo, Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T will begin taking preorders on Friday, March 11th.
Is the iPad Air Worth Buying?
It is worth mentioning that many of Apple’s existing tablets have similar characteristics, such as compatibility for Apple’s aforementioned Center Stage function and similar battery life. Before you buy, think about if one of the smaller, less expensive iPads, like as the 10.2-inch iPad or 8.3-inch iPad Mini, would be a better fit for your needs, even if neither is powered by an M1 processor or compatible with the Magic Keyboard or Smart Keyboard Folio.
The current entry-level iPad, for example, starts at $329 and has 64GB and 256GB of storage, a 3.5mm audio connection (which the new iPad Air lacks), and up to 10 hours of battery life. If the absence of 5G support, the A13 Bionic chip, compatibility with just the first-generation Apple Pencil, and lack of USB-C on that iPad is a deal-breaker, there’s still the new iPad Mini. For $499, you’ll get a more affordable iPad with the A15 Bionic processor which is capable of handling complex tasks such as file sharing — the same chip found in Apple’s recently announced iPhone SE and current iPhone 13 lineup — and support for the second-generation Apple Pencil, which, unlike its predecessor, charges while magnetically docked to the side of the iPad.
The 2021 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pros, which start at $799 and $1,099, respectively, and feature all the iPad Air offers and more, are at the top of the iPad range. While only the 12.9-inch model has a Mini LED screen, both sizes provide up to 2TB of storage and a quicker 5G mmWave connection. The new iPad Air, however, does not support mmWave. They also include ProMotion compatibility, which automatically adjusts refresh rates up to 120Hz to improve display quality while lowering power consumption. This enables for better responsiveness when using the Apple Pencil for a more fluid drawing experience, as well as a smoother gaming experience with a maximum 120Hz refresh rate option.
Additionally, both iPad Pros have a superior megapixel front camera with a 10MP ultra-wide camera; a four-speaker system (vs. two in the current iPad Air, iPad Mini, and iPad Air); and Thunderbolt / USB 4 and USB-C capability. Plus, if you don’t like Touch ID, there’s Face ID, which lets you unlock your iPad Pro with your face.
