Design and Display
The 13-inch iPad Air, powered by the new M2 chip, has finally arrived. While Apple didn’t make many design changes this time around, the most important updates are found under the hood. The M2 chip delivers impressive performance and notable battery life that will keep users away from constant charging.
The iPad Air features a 13-inch, 2048 x 732-pixel resolution display. However, it’s worth noting that it’s actually a 12.9-inch panel, similar to the iPad Pro 2022’s model. The picture quality is impressive, with vibrant colors and sharp details. In ideal lighting situations, it can be difficult to distinguish between the iPad Air and the iPad Pro. However, in brighter lighting conditions, the iPad Pro shines.
The iPad Air is slim and lightweight, making it a great option for those who need a sleek and portable tablet for school or work. Both the 11-inch and 13-inch models have the same slimness, but the 13-inch version is slightly heavier. The design features familiar elements like volume buttons, a TouchID sensor, a Smart Connector, and a magnetic connector for the Apple Pencil.
Performance and Battery Life
The M2 chip in the iPad Air delivers impressive performance, as seen in benchmark tests where it scored similarly to some of the best laptops and gaming rigs. The chip’s capabilities are showcased in apps like Photomator, where features like “ML Enhance” and “Super Resolution” work quickly and efficiently.
Battery life on the iPad Air exceeds expectations, lasting significantly longer than what Apple claims. During a TikTok rundown test, the iPad Air lasted an impressive 13 hours and 10 minutes, three hours longer than expected.
Price and Variants
The iPad Air comes with a price tag of $1,049 for the model with 256GB of storage and cellular connectivity. However, there are more affordable options available. The WiFi-only model with 128GB of storage starts at $799, and the 11-inch model starts at $599.
Apple has also expanded the storage options for the iPad Air, offering 128GB, 512GB, and 1TB variants. This is an improvement from the previous-generation iPad Air, which only had 64GB and 256GB models.
Ports and Connectivity
The iPad Air features a USB-C port on the bottom, which supports fast data transfer speeds and can connect to an external display with up to 6K resolution. It also uses eSIM instead of a physical SIM tray for cellular connectivity.
Audio and Cameras
The iPad Air has dual landscape stereo speakers that provide optimal sound quality when held horizontally. While it may not match the booming sound of the iPad Pro’s quad-speaker setup, the audio on the iPad Air is crisp and clean. It gets sufficiently loud and can be enjoyed in medium-sized rooms.
The iPad Air features a 12MP world-facing wide camera and a 12MP ultra-wide selfie camera. While the cameras perform decently for capturing details and colors, they struggle with distant objects. The iPad Air does not have FaceID but does feature TouchID for secure authentication.
Is the iPad Air Worth it?
The new 13-inch M2 iPad Air is a suitable choice for several types of users. It’s perfect for students who need a spacious and lightweight device within the Apple ecosystem. It also caters to fledgling digital artists who require a capable easel for their creative pursuits. Additionally, it’s suitable for avid readers and individuals who work remotely indoors.
However, if users prioritize longer battery life and enhanced performance, the iPad Pro may be a better fit, especially for professional creators. The iPad Pro offers more advanced features and a larger display, catering to those with demanding workflows.
Overall, the iPad Air offers impressive performance, a sleek design, and excellent battery life, making it a worthwhile investment for many users within specific categories.
