If you find that Apple’s iPad Pro models are too pricey for your needs, you have the standard iPad or the iPad Air as options. The iPad Air costs almost twice as much as the standard iPad. However, this does not mean the iPad Air is not a good tablet. Instead, it is closer to the iPad Pro models than the standard iPad. It offers the same processor as the iPad Pro but lacks some extra features that creative professionals may not need. These features include the dual-lens camera system and Apple’s ProMotion display technology.
Additionally, the price difference between the two models is significant. The iPad Air may be seen as a more premium version of the standard iPad, but it is not necessarily worth spending an additional $270 for its more powerful M1 processor. Furthermore, the iPad Air’s screen and design improvements may not be significant enough to justify the extra cost, even for casual users.
iPad Air Vs iPad
Design
The iPad Air features a thin-bezel design that is similar to the iPad Pro, making them look almost identical. However, the iPad Air is lighter than the iPad, weighing only 1 pound compared to the iPad’s 1.07 pounds. The iPad Air has a larger display, but the dimensions and thickness are nearly the same. Moreover, the Touch ID login feature on both models is secure, but the iPad Air moves this feature to the top button and uses a new gesture-based, button-free user interface.
Display
Both the iPad and the iPad Air come with high-quality displays. The Liquid Retina display of the iPad Air is more advanced than the Retina display of the iPad. It is slightly larger, has a wide color gamut and is fully laminated, making the touch screen experience superior. With a brightness of 500 nits, both displays are usable outdoors. However, the iPad Air’s display is less dazzling than the iPad’s display, making it better for viewing photos, videos, or playing games.
Performance
The iPad Air packs a powerful M1 processor that is on par with the processors found in the iPad Pro, MacBook Air, Pro, and Mac Mini. Although casual users may not necessarily require this level of power, the iPad Air offers a heightened sense of security as the M1 processor can run smooth apps and games for longer. The iPad, on the other hand, has an A13 Bionic processor that is capable of running regular apps, games, and streaming videos without any issues. However, its power is less than that of the iPad Air.
Battery Life
Both the iPad 2021 and iPad Air 2022 have similar battery lives. In battery tests, the standard iPad lasted 5 hours and 25 minutes while the iPad Air lasted for 4 hours and 53 minutes. However, in real-time use, both models tend to last significantly longer than in the battery tests.
Final Words
The choice between the iPad and the iPad Air largely depends on your budget. The iPad Air is superior in performance, display, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. It also supports the latest Apple accessories. However, it costs almost twice as much as the standard iPad. For those who only want to surf the web and watch videos or have a tight budget, the standard iPad is still an excellent tablet.
