Apple iPad Air 13 2024 (8GB + 128GB) Review | 168 Data compared

The 2024 iPad Air M2 expands Apple’s mid-range lineup with a new 13-inch model, offering a large, laptop-like display and "ludicrously fast" performance via the M2 chip. Key improvements highlighted in The Guardian’s review include the relocated 12MP landscape webcam, compatibility with the Apple Pencil Pro, and a robust 10-hour battery life. While the device is praised for its high-quality Liquid Retina screen and sustainable, recycled aluminum design, it lacks the 120Hz ProMotion and OLED technology found in the more expensive Pro models. Additional compromises mentioned include the reliance on Touch ID rather than Face ID, and the limitations of iPadOS as a full laptop replacement.

The Apple iPad Air 13-inch (2024) offers a "fresh and familiar" large-screen experience, acting as a more affordable alternative to the M4 Pro model while featuring a svelte 6.1mm design and a new landscape-oriented front camera. Driven by the powerful M2 chip, this model doubles the base storage to 128GB and provides a 600-nit, 13-inch Liquid Retina display that is brighter than its 11-inch counterpart. Key pros include the immersive display, high-level performance for creative apps, and improved base storage value, though it is limited by a 60Hz screen refresh rate, the lack of ProMotion/OLED, no Face ID, and a lack of Wi-Fi 7 support.

The 2024 iPad Air, particularly the new 13-inch model, offers a high-performance, cost-effective alternative to the Pro line with 30% more screen space and a faster M2 chip. Notable improvements include a landscape-positioned front camera, extended battery life surpassing 13 hours, and support for the Apple Pencil Pro. However, the device maintains a 60Hz LCD screen rather than OLED, lacks FaceID, and offers limited upgrades for existing M1 users.

The 2024 Apple iPad Air, deemed a top choice for casual users by PCMag, introduces a new 13-inch model alongside the 11-inch version and upgrades to the M2 chip for improved performance, starting at 128GB of storage. The design features a relocated 12MP landscape-oriented camera for better video calls and supports the new Apple Pencil Pro, enhancing its creative capabilities. While it offers exceptional speed for its price point, the display remains a 60Hz LCD rather than ProMotion OLED, and battery life can drop significantly during heavy usage, notes the review. For more details, visit PCMag.

The 2024 Apple iPad Air, available in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes, bridges the gap between base and Pro models by offering the M2 chip in a familiar design, featuring 128GB base storage and a landscape front camera. Pros include high-end performance, improved storage, and an added size option, while cons consist of restricted 60Hz screen refresh rates, continued use of Touch ID instead of Face ID, and incompatibility with older Apple Pencils. Despite the lack of an OLED panel, the M2 chip ensures excellent performance for demanding tasks and future Apple Intelligence features, with battery life lasting through a full day of mixed use.

The 2024 iPad Air (6th Gen), featuring a new 13-inch option and a landscape-oriented front camera, offers a Pro-like, premium experience at a more accessible price point. Pros include the powerful M2 chip, support for the Apple Pencil Pro, and increased base storage (128GB), while cons include the lack of Face ID and a 60Hz screen refresh rate. The device is deemed an excellent all-around tablet, although it remains constrained by iPadOS and accessory compatibility compared to the iPad Pro line.

The Apple iPad Air 13-inch (M2, 2024) is identified as the premier "pro-level" tablet for most users, delivering a large 13-inch Liquid Retina display and powerful M2 chip performance similar to the 2022 iPad Pro, but at a more competitive price point. Key advantages include the landscape-oriented front camera, support for the Apple Pencil Pro, improved dual-speaker audio, and a welcome increase to 128GB base storage. However, the device lacks a high-refresh-rate ProMotion display (limited to 60Hz), uses LCD instead of OLED technology, features Touch ID instead of Face ID, and offers shorter battery life than the M4 Pro.

The 2024 M2 iPad Air is positioned by CNET as the superior value "Pro" model for most users, offering high-end performance with options for a 13-inch screen and a landscape front-facing camera. Key advantages include the powerful M2 chip, Apple Intelligence compatibility, and a more accessible price point compared to the top-tier Pro models. However, notable compromises include the lack of ProMotion (120Hz) or OLED technology, a Touch ID sensor instead of Face ID, and slightly heavier weight. Additionally, the device requires the new Apple Pencil Pro and can reach premium prices when fully configured. Copy

The 13-inch Apple iPad Air (2024) offers a large-screen experience with M2-powered "Pro-like" performance, including Apple Pencil Pro support and a landscape-oriented camera, all at a more accessible price point than the Pro model. Key strengths include excellent construction, reliable battery life, and a bright 600-nit IPS display that is flicker-free. However, users lose out on ProMotion 120Hz, Tandem OLED technology, Face ID, and Thunderbolt speeds, sticking to a 60Hz display and Touch ID. While the 128GB starting storage is a welcomed update, the cost increases significantly with accessories, making it a powerful yet compromising alternative to the M4 iPad Pro. Copy

Paul Thurrott’s review of the 13-inch iPad Air M2 highlights the device as a powerful, more affordable alternative to the Pro line, offering the M2 chip's "snappy" performance for creators and impressive, long-lasting battery life. While the 13-inch display provides expansive screen real estate for media consumption, it lacks the 120Hz ProMotion technology and superior brightness found in higher-end models. Ultimately, the review suggests that while the large form factor is great for productivity, its weight and potential cost with accessories—which can rival a MacBook Air—make it best suited for those specifically needing a large-screen tablet over a traditional laptop. Copy

The Android Authority review of the 2024 Apple 13-inch iPad Air characterizes it as a new, high-value standard for large-screen tablets, featuring a 600-nit Liquid Retina display and a repositioned landscape camera that enhances utility. Powered by the M2 chip, the device provides "pro-level" performance, including improved speakers and a doubled 128GB base storage, without the higher cost of the Pro lineup. However, key drawbacks include the absence of a 120Hz ProMotion display, limited brightness in direct sunlight, and a heavy, unwieldy form factor for extended handheld use. Copy

The 13-inch iPad Air (M2, 2024) provides a large, 12.9-inch Liquid Retina display and powerful M2 performance as a cost-effective alternative to the Pro models. Key advantages include its vibrant display and support for the Apple Pencil Pro, though it lacks 120Hz ProMotion, limiting it to 60Hz. While highly capable, the device can become hot under heavy loads, and the 12MP rear camera produces lackluster results in low light. For the full, detailed review, visit IGN. Copy

The 2024 Apple iPad Air (M2) bridges the gap between base and Pro models, offering a new 13-inch display option and powerful, smooth performance for multitasking via the M2 chip. Notable improvements include a landscape-oriented front camera, though the design is now heavier and thicker than the current iPad Pro. While praised for its speed, the device lacks a 120Hz ProMotion screen, sticking with a 60Hz LCD panel rather than OLED. Furthermore, compatibility is limited to the new, pricier Apple Pencil Pro, excluding older accessories. Ultimately deemed an incremental update, the M2 iPad Air is recommended for users needing a large screen without the Pro's high cost, though high accessory prices can push it toward MacBook Air cost territory. Copy

The Ars Technica review positions the M2 iPad Air as the "everything iPad," highlighting the new 13-inch model, significantly faster M2 chip, and doubled 128GB base storage as major upgrades that make it the most practical choice for most users. Pros include high-quality build, support for the Apple Pencil Pro, and a redesigned landscape front-facing camera, though the display remains LCD rather than OLED. Cons center on the lack of 120Hz ProMotion, incompatibility with the new Magic Keyboard, and iPadOS limitations that prevent the powerful hardware from fully replacing a laptop. Ars Technica Copy

The 2024 Apple iPad Air, featuring the M2 chip and available in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes, serves as a high-performance "Goldilocks" tablet balancing price with pro-level capabilities. Key advantages highlighted by Reviewed include the landscape-oriented front camera, support for the Apple Pencil Pro, and a vibrant Liquid Retina display. Limitations include the high cost of accessories, 128GB base storage, and iPadOS restrictions in multitasking compared to a traditional laptop. Overall, the device offers excellent, future-proof performance for most users, though it lacks the 120Hz display and Face ID found on the Pro model. Reviewed Copy

The 2024 Apple iPad Air (M2) is positioned as a high-performance, accessible tablet, featuring a significant power boost from the M2 chip, a new 13-inch model option, and a redesigned landscape front-facing camera. Key pros include greatly increased speed for creative tasks, support for the Apple Pencil Pro, and a base storage upgrade to 128GB, all within a high-quality, bright Liquid Retina display, say T3. However, the device is held back by a 60Hz LCD screen lacking ProMotion, the reliance on Touch ID rather than Face ID, and inherent iPadOS limitations, with T3 noting it is actually heavier and thicker than the current M4 iPad Pro. Copy