Apple iPad Air 4 Review : A Comprehensive Guide
The Apple iPad Air 4, launched in September 2020, marks a significant upgrade from its predecessors in both design and functionality. It combines the power and features of the iPad Pro with a more affordable price point, making it an attractive option for a wide range of users. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the features of the iPad Air 4, compare it with earlier models, and discuss its advantages and potential drawbacks.
Key Features of the iPad Air 4
The iPad Air 4 has been lauded for its sleek design, powerful performance, and versatile capabilities. Below is a detailed table highlighting its key features:
Feature | Description |
Display | 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone and P3 wide color |
Processor | A14 Bionic chip with Neural Engine |
Camera | 12MP rear camera, 7MP FaceTime HD front camera |
Audio | Stereo speakers |
Biometrics | Touch ID integrated into the top button |
Battery Life | Up to 10 hours of web surfing on Wi-Fi or watching video |
Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6, optional LTE, USB-C port |
Operating System | iPadOS 14 and up |
Dimensions | 247.6 x 178.5 x 6.1 mm |
Weight | 458 grams (Wi-Fi), 460 grams (Wi-Fi + Cellular) |
Storage Options | 64GB, 256GB |
Apple Pencil | Supports 2nd generation Apple Pencil |
Smart Keyboard | Compatible with the Magic Keyboard and Smart Keyboard Folio |
Colors | Silver, Space Gray, Rose Gold, Green, Sky Blue |
We are curently selling a superb Grade A iPad Air 4th Gen – you can see it here
Display
The 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display is one of the standout features of the iPad Air 4. With a resolution of 2360 x 1640 pixels, True Tone, and P3 wide color support, it delivers sharp and vibrant visuals that are ideal for everything from watching movies to editing photos.
Performance
The A14 Bionic chip powers the iPad Air 4, making it one of the most powerful tablets on the market. This chip ensures smooth performance whether you’re multitasking, playing graphics-intensive games, or using demanding apps like video editing software.
Camera
While tablets are not typically known for their camera capabilities, the iPad Air 4 does a commendable job. The 12MP rear camera is capable of 4K video recording, while the 7MP front camera ensures clear and crisp video calls.
Audio
The stereo speakers on the iPad Air 4 provide a rich and immersive audio experience, making it great for watching movies, playing games, or listening to music.
Biometrics
Apple has integrated Touch ID into the top button of the iPad Air 4, offering a secure and convenient way to unlock the device and authenticate purchases.
Battery Life
With up to 10 hours of battery life, the iPad Air 4 can easily get you through a full day of use, whether you’re working, studying, or playing.
Connectivity
The inclusion of Wi-Fi 6 ensures faster and more reliable internet connectivity. For those who need it, there’s also an option for LTE connectivity. The USB-C port enhances the device’s versatility, allowing for faster charging and the connection of a wide range of peripherals.
Operating System
Running on iPadOS 14, the iPad Air 4 benefits from a host of features designed to enhance productivity and creativity. These include improved multitasking, new widgets, and enhanced Apple Pencil functionality.
Accessories
The iPad Air 4 supports the 2nd generation Apple Pencil, which attaches magnetically to the side of the tablet for easy storage and charging. It is also compatible with the Magic Keyboard and Smart Keyboard Folio, making it a versatile tool for both creative and professional use.
Comparison with Previous iPad Air Models
To understand how the iPad Air 4 stands out, let’s compare it with the earlier models: iPad Air 1, iPad Air 2, and iPad Air 3.
Feature | iPad Air 1 | iPad Air 2 | iPad Air 3 | iPad Air 4 |
Release Date | November 2013 | October 2014 | March 2019 | September 2020 |
Display | 9.7-inch Retina, 2048 x 1536 | 9.7-inch Retina, 2048 x 1536 | 10.5-inch Retina, 2224 x 1668 | 10.9-inch Liquid Retina, 2360 x 1640 |
Processor | A7 | A8X | A12 Bionic | A14 Bionic |
Rear Camera | 5MP, 1080p video | 8MP, 1080p video | 8MP, 1080p video | 12MP, 4K video |
Front Camera | 1.2MP FaceTime HD | 1.2MP FaceTime HD | 7MP FaceTime HD | 7MP FaceTime HD |
Audio | Stereo | Stereo | Stereo | Stereo |
Biometrics | None | Touch ID | Touch ID | Touch ID integrated in top button |
Battery Life | Up to 10 hours | Up to 10 hours | Up to 10 hours | Up to 10 hours |
Connectivity | Wi-Fi, LTE | Wi-Fi, LTE | Wi-Fi, LTE | Wi-Fi 6, optional LTE |
Ports | Lightning, 3.5mm headphone jack | Lightning, 3.5mm headphone jack | Lightning, 3.5mm headphone jack | USB-C |
Dimensions (mm) | 240 x 169.5 x 7.5 | 240 x 169.5 x 6.1 | 250.6 x 174.1 x 6.1 | 247.6 x 178.5 x 6.1 |
Weight | 469 grams (Wi-Fi), 478 grams (Wi-Fi + LTE) | 437 grams (Wi-Fi), 444 grams (Wi-Fi + LTE) | 456 grams (Wi-Fi), 464 grams (Wi-Fi + LTE) | 458 grams (Wi-Fi), 460 grams (Wi-Fi + LTE) |
Storage Options | 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB | 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB | 64GB, 256GB | 64GB, 256GB |
Apple Pencil | Not supported | Not supported | Supports 1st generation | Supports 2nd generation |
Smart Keyboard | Not supported | Not supported | Supported | Supports Magic Keyboard and Smart Keyboard Folio |
Evolution of the iPad Air
iPad Air 1
Released in 2013, the iPad Air 1 introduced a thinner and lighter design compared to previous iPads. It featured the A7 chip and maintained the 9.7-inch Retina display with a resolution of 2048 x 1536 pixels. It lacked biometric authentication and had basic camera capabilities.
iPad Air 2
The iPad Air 2, launched in 2014, improved upon its predecessor with the A8X chip and an even thinner profile. It was the first iPad to include Touch ID, enhancing security and convenience. The display remained the same size and resolution, but the device saw improvements in performance and camera quality.
iPad Air 3
The 2019 iPad Air 3 brought significant upgrades, including the A12 Bionic chip and a larger 10.5-inch Retina display. This model supported the first-generation Apple Pencil and introduced compatibility with the Smart Keyboard. It featured improved front and rear cameras and continued the trend of being lightweight and portable.
iPad Air 4
The iPad Air 4 represents the most substantial leap in the Air lineup. With the A14 Bionic chip, it offers unmatched performance. The 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, USB-C port, and support for the second-generation Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard make it a versatile and powerful device. The new design, reminiscent of the iPad Pro, combined with multiple color options, makes it a standout model.
Advantages of the iPad Air 4
Performance
The A14 Bionic chip is a game-changer, providing desktop-level performance in a tablet. This makes the iPad Air 4 suitable for a wide range of tasks, from everyday browsing to professional-grade video editing.
Display
The Liquid Retina display offers exceptional color accuracy and clarity, enhancing the user experience whether you’re consuming media or creating content.
Design
The modern design, with its slim bezels
In conclusion the iPad Air 4 is one of my favorite iPads. Not only does it look and feel good to use but it has a lovely bright vibrant screen. It’s also future proofed or a good few years. As far as repair ability goes we see few of these for batteries (they seem to last well) and the screens seem durable – they aren’t a common repair compared to a lot of iPad models.