Buying Guide: iPad Air (13-inch, 2024)

The process of buying an iPad can be overwhelming in 2024 with the multitude of models available and the nuanced differences between them. The iPad Air is a prime example of this dilemma. Equipped with a powerful M2 processor, the iPad Air falls short of the professional features offered by the iPad Pro. This positioning places it in a somewhat awkward middle ground between the basic iPad and the iPad Pro, leading some potential buyers to overlook the iPad Air in favor of other models. However, the reality is that the iPad Air is actually the best tablet for most users.

Despite using the M2 processor instead of the M4 chip found in the latest iPad Pro, the iPad Air still delivers exceptional performance, making it one of the top devices for activities like watching TV shows or reading. Additionally, with a starting price of $599, the iPad Air is comparable to the basic iPad in terms of affordability while offering superior performance. Ultimately, the iPad Air emerges as the standout iPad model, raising questions about the necessity of the basic iPad in Apple’s lineup.

iPad Air (13-inch, 2024) – Design

Living up to its name, the iPad Air boasts an incredibly slim design, measuring a mere 0.24 inches in thickness, which is even thinner than the iPhone 15 Pro Max. While slightly thicker than the iPad Pro, which measures 0.20 inches, the difference is minimal and does not detract from the device’s sleek profile.

At the top of the device, you’ll find the power button, which also serves as a TouchID fingerprint reader. While this means the iPad Air lacks FaceID support like the iPad Pro, the convenience of quickly unlocking the tablet in portrait mode for activities like gaming or reading is a significant advantage. The device features two speaker grilles at the top and bottom, even though it only has two speakers. Despite the misleading design, the speakers deliver impressive sound quality, enhancing the viewing experience for shows and movies.

On the back of the iPad Air, you’ll find a single-lens camera that may appear outdated by 2024 standards. While the camera bump is minimal, its lackluster performance raises questions about the necessity of including a rear camera on a device primarily focused on productivity and entertainment.

iPad Air (13-inch, 2024) – Display

Although the iPad Air foregoes the Tandem OLED display found in the iPad Pro, the device features a high-quality 2048p IPS display. With support for the P3 color gamut and a brightness of 600 nits, the display excels in providing vibrant colors and smooth motion for indoor viewing experiences. While it may struggle in dark scenes and bright lighting settings, the iPad Air’s display is perfect for enjoying movies and shows on the go.

Paired with the new Apple Pencil Pro, the iPad Air’s display offers a seamless note-taking experience. Despite lacking Apple’s ProMotion technology, the display’s responsiveness makes it ideal for writing and drawing, even if handwriting-to-text accuracy may vary based on individual writing styles.

iPad Air (13-inch, 2024) – Camera

The iPad Air features a single 12MP rear camera, which, while not exceptional, serves its purpose for tasks like capturing images for notes. The camera’s performance in low-light conditions may be lacking, emphasizing that the iPad Air is not intended for professional photography but rather for productivity and entertainment purposes.

iPad Air (13-inch, 2024) – Specs and Performance

Powered by the M2 chip, the iPad Air delivers solid performance for everyday tasks, making it a suitable option for most users. Although it may lag behind the iPad Pro’s M4 in benchmarks and gaming tests, the iPad Air remains a cost-effective alternative for those seeking reliable tablet performance.

With 8GB of RAM, the iPad Air may exhibit limitations in intensive workloads like video editing; however, the device is primarily designed for casual use rather than demanding creative tasks. The optimized iPadOS ensures smooth performance for web browsing and media consumption.

In real-world usage, the iPad Air impresses with its responsiveness and stability, even during prolonged gaming sessions. Users may want to consider investing in a protective case to mitigate heat buildup during extended use.

Purchasing Guide

The iPad Air is currently available starting at $599 for the 11-inch model and $799 for the 13-inch model. Additional storage configurations, with the 13-inch model offering up to 1TB of storage with cellular connectivity, are available at higher price points.