OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Tablets Methodology v1.0
Tablets Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Tablets Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Tablets Methodology v1.0

Apple iPad Air 2 (2GB + 16GB) Review | 168 Data compared

Avg. price:~£430RAM capacity:2 GBInternal storage:16 GBScreen size:9.7 inchesChipset:Apple A8X

Apple iPad Air 2 (2GB + 16GB) Review: Compare 168 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Tablets category and whether it is worth buying.

Apple iPad Air 2 (2GB + 16GB)
6.1/10

Overall score

Score
6.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the smartphone's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best Tablets on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
Score components

90%

5.8

Technical score

10%

8.9

User score

â–¼Worse than 54% of tablets
6.8

Value for money

Value for money
6.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
Score components

70%

6.1

Overall score

30%

8.3

Price

â–¼Worse than 63%
5.8

Technical score

Technical score
5.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare Tablets based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
Score components

22%

4.5

Performance

20%

5.9

Display

16%

6.2

Camera

14%

4.8

Battery

12%

6.7

Connectivity

8%

8.7

Software & Features

5%

6.0

Design

3%

5.7

Audio & Multimedia

â–¼Worse than 59%
8.9

User score

User score
8.9/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
When it matters
When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 86% of models
Score components

70%

8.4

User ratings

30%

10

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–²Better than 86%
  • apple-ipad-air-2-2gb-16gb
  • apple-ipad-air-2-2gb-16gb
  • apple-ipad-air-2-2gb-16gb
apple-ipad-air-2-2gb-16gb
apple-ipad-air-2-2gb-16gb
apple-ipad-air-2-2gb-16gb
Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
Available versions:
2GB + 16GB2GB + 32GBCheck price2GB + 64GBCheck price2GB + 128GBCheck price
Loading category ranking...

Tablets model ranking

Ranked #347 of 1,145 models in Tablets (Overall score)

Technical Specifications of tablet Apple iPad Air 2 (2GB + 16GB)

Technical score
Technical score
5.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare Tablets based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
Score components:

22%

4.5

Performance

20%

5.9

Display

16%

6.2

Camera

14%

4.8

Battery

12%

6.7

Connectivity

8%

8.7

Software & Features

5%

6.0

Design

3%

5.7

Audio & Multimedia

5.8
User score
User score
8.9/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
When it matters
When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 86% of models
Score components

70%

8.4

User ratings

30%

10

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
8.9
Popularity
Popularity
10/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the smartphone.
When it matters
When you prefer to purchase a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 92% of models
Popularity:
Apple iPad Air 2 (2GB + 16GB) has a user popularity of 10 points, which is lower than 91.8% of Tablets.
10
Value for money
Value for money
6.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
Score components:

70%

6.1

Overall score

30%

8.3

Price

6.8
RAM capacity
2 GB
Market range: <2 GB – >12 GB
This tablet has a RAM capacity of 2 GB which is smaller than the RAM capacity of 60.9% of tablets and equal to that of 15.6% of tablets.
Process node
20 nm
Market range: <4 nm – >40 nm
This tablet is built on a 20 nm process node, which is larger than the node size used in 56.1% of tablets and equal to the node used in 1.4% of tablets.
Internal storage
16 GB
Market range: <0 GB – >250 GB
This tablet has an internal storage capacity of 16 GB which is smaller than the storage of 78.5% of tablets and equal to that of 15% of tablets.
Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score
398 points
Market range: <233 points – >2.3k points
This tablet scored 398 points in Geekbench 6 (single-core) which is lower than the score of 71.6% of tablets and equal to the score of 0.1% of tablets.
Chipset
Apple A8X
This tablet uses the Apple A8X chipset, which is more advanced than the chipsets in 84.1% of tablets and equal to those in 0.2% of tablets.
Show more
Screen resolution
2048×1536
This tablet has a screen resolution of 2048×1536 which is higher than that of 68.7% of tablets and equal to that of 3.8% of tablets.
Refresh rate
60 Hz
Market range: <60 Hz – >120 Hz
This tablet supports a refresh rate of 60 Hz which is equal to that in 73.8% of tablets.
Display type
IPS LCD
This tablet uses a IPS LCD display type. 17% of tablets use this display technology.
Pixel density
264 ppi
Market range: <149 ppi – >291 ppi
This tablet has a pixel density of 264 ppi which is higher than that of 71% of tablets and equal to that of 5.9% of tablets.
Display glass type
?
Show more
Optical image stabilization
no
This tablet does not support optical image stabilization. 0.4% of tablets include OIS.
Main camera megapixels
8 MP
Market range: <3.15 MP – >13 MP
This tablet has a main camera resolution of 8 MP which is higher than that of 36.5% of tablets and equal to that of 31.8% of tablets.
Front camera megapixels
1.2 MP
Market range: <1.2 MP – >9 MP
This tablet has a front camera resolution of 1.2 MP which is lower than in 86.3% of tablets and equal to that in 4.8% of tablets.
Main camera aperture
f/2.4
This tablet has a main camera aperture of f/2.4 which is narrower than that of 69.8% of tablets and equal to that of 17.6% of tablets.
Optical zoom
N/A
Show more
Battery capacity
7,340 mAh
Market range: <4k mAh – >10.1k mAh
This tablet has a battery capacity of 7,340 mAh which is larger than the batteries in 63.1% of tablets and equal to those in 0.2% of tablets.
Charging speed
12 W
Market range: <10 W – >60 W
This tablet supports charging speeds of 12 W which is slower than in 58.9% of tablets and equal to speeds in 1.5% of tablets.
Battery life
10 hours
Market range: <6 hours – >16 hours
This tablet has a battery life of 10 hours, which is longer than that of 39.1% of tablets and equal to that of 20.5% of tablets.
Wireless charging
no
This tablet does not support wireless charging. 1.5% of tablets support wireless charging.
Fast charging
no
This tablet does not support fast charging. 49.7% of tablets support fast charging.
Show more
LTE support
yes
This tablet supports LTE. 36.8% of tablets include LTE connectivity.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This tablet supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 0.2% of tablets offer Wi-Fi support.
GPS
yes
This tablet supports GPS. 17.3% of tablets include GPS functionality.
5G connectivity
no
This tablet does not support 5G connectivity. 11.1% of tablets support 5G.
NFC
no
This tablet does not support NFC. 10.9% of tablets support NFC.
Show more
Operating system
iPadOS
This tablet uses the iPadOS operating system, which is more advanced than the one used by 94.6%.
Update support duration
long
This tablet offers long update support, which is longer than the support period of 80% of tablets and equal to that of 20% of tablets.
Direct OS updates
yes
This tablet receives direct OS updates. 20.3% of tablets receive direct updates.
On-device AI
no
This tablet does not support on-device AI. 28.3% of tablets support this capability.
App tracking protection
yes
This tablet includes app tracking protection. 71.8% of tablets include app tracking protection.
Show more
IP rating
not rated
This tablet has an IP rating of not rated which is lower than that of 16.3% of tablets and equal to that of 83.7% of tablets.
Weight
437 g
Market range: <315 g – >730 g
This tablet weighs 437 g which is lighter than 70.3% of tablets and equal to the weight of 0.3% of tablets.
Backlit keyboard
no
This tablet does not support a backlit keyboard. 9.8% of tablets support backlit keyboards.
Keyboard accessory
yes
This tablet supports a keyboard accessory. 15.8% of tablets support this option.
Pen latency
N/A
Show more
Number of microphones
2
Market range: <0 – >5
This tablet includes 2 microphones, which is more than in 55.1% of tablets and equal to the number in 32.7% of tablets.
aptX Adaptive
no
This tablet does not support aptX Adaptive. 6.9% of tablets offer this codec.
Dolby Atmos support
no
This tablet does not support Dolby Atmos. 31.5% of tablets support Dolby Atmos.
N. of speakers
2
Market range: <1 – >6
This tablet includes 2 speakers, which is more than in 9.8% of tablets and equal to the number in 60.9% of tablets.
FM radio
no
This tablet does not include an FM radio. 19% of tablets offer FM radio functionality.
Show more

Apple iPad Air 2 (2GB + 16GB) vs the average tablet

246810TotalPerformanceDisplayCameraBatteryConnectivitySoftware & FeaturesDesignAudio & Multimedia
  • More capable chipset
    This tablet uses the Apple A8X chipset, while the average tablet uses MediaTek MT8169A.
    Apple A8X vs MediaTek MT8169A
  • More advanced operating system
    This tablet has a more advanced operating system than the average tablet (iPadOS vs Android). Operating system choice shapes app support, updates, and ecosystem features.
    iPadOS vs Android
  • Faster storage type
    This tablet uses SSD storage, while the average tablet uses eMMC. Storage technology still varies widely across tablets.
    SSD vs eMMC
  • Longer update support
    This tablet offers longer update support than the average tablet (long vs medium). The average tablet gets medium of update support.
    long vs medium
  • Includes anti-reflection coating
    This tablet has anti-reflection coating, the average tablet does not. 24.7% of tablets use anti-reflection coating.
  • Higher screen resolution
    This tablet has a higher screen resolution than the average tablet (2048×1536 vs 1920×1200). The average tablet resolution is 1920×1200.
    2048×1536 vs 1920×1200
  • 17.9% higher pixel density
    This tablet has a higher pixel density than the average tablet (264 ppi vs 224 ppi). The average tablet has pixel density of 224 ppi.
    264 ppi vs 224 ppi
  • Includes app tracking protection
    This tablet includes app tracking protection, the average tablet does not. 28.3% of tablets offer app tracking protection.
  • 2.08x more popular
    Apple iPad Air 2 (2GB + 16GB) is more popular than the average tablet (10 vs 4.8).
    10 vs 4.81
  • 11.3% higher user score
    User score
    8.9/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
    When it matters
    When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Apple iPad Air 2
    the average tablet
    Apple iPad Air 2 (2GB + 16GB) has a higher user score than the average tablet (8.91 vs 8.000).
    8.91 vs 8
  • More capable chipset
    This tablet uses the Apple A8X chipset, while the average tablet uses MediaTek MT8169A.
    Apple A8X vs MediaTek MT8169A
  • Faster storage type
    This tablet uses SSD storage, while the average tablet uses eMMC. Storage technology still varies widely across tablets.
    SSD vs eMMC
  • 4 more GPU execution units
    This tablet has more GPU execution units than the average tablet (8 vs 4). The average tablet has 4 GPU execution units.
    8 vs 4
  • Includes anti-reflection coating
    This tablet has anti-reflection coating, the average tablet does not. 24.7% of tablets use anti-reflection coating.
  • Higher screen resolution
    This tablet has a higher screen resolution than the average tablet (2048×1536 vs 1920×1200). The average tablet resolution is 1920×1200.
    2048×1536 vs 1920×1200
  • 17.9% higher pixel density
    This tablet has a higher pixel density than the average tablet (264 ppi vs 224 ppi). The average tablet has pixel density of 224 ppi.
    264 ppi vs 224 ppi
  • 15 nits higher typical brightness
    This tablet has a higher typical brightness than the average tablet (415 nits vs 400 nits). The average tablet reaches 400 nits typical brightness.
    415 nits vs 400 nits
  • 43 ppi higher screen sharpness
    This tablet has a higher screen sharpness than the average tablet (264 ppi vs 221 ppi). The average tablet has screen sharpness of 221 ppi.
    264 ppi vs 221 ppi
  • Supports slow-motion recording
    This tablet supports slow-motion recording, the average tablet does not. 37.5% of tablets offer slow-mo.
  • 11.6% larger battery capacity
    This tablet has a higher battery capacity than the average tablet (7,340 mAh vs 6,580 mAh). The average tablet battery has capacity of 6,580 mAh.
    7,340 mAh vs 6,580 mAh
  • Supports AirPlay
    This tablet supports AirPlay, the average tablet does not. 7.6% of tablets are AirPlay compatible.
  • Includes fingerprint scanner
    This tablet offers a better fingerprint scanner setup than the average tablet (yes vs no). Fingerprint scanner quality still varies a lot between tablets.
    Fingerprint scanner in the home button.
  • More advanced operating system
    This tablet has a more advanced operating system than the average tablet (iPadOS vs Android). Operating system choice shapes app support, updates, and ecosystem features.
    iPadOS vs Android
  • Longer update support
    This tablet offers longer update support than the average tablet (long vs medium). The average tablet gets medium of update support.
    long vs medium
  • Includes app tracking protection
    This tablet includes app tracking protection, the average tablet does not. 28.3% of tablets offer app tracking protection.
  • Allows app offloading
    This tablet allows app offloading, the average tablet does not. 26.4% of tablets support app offloading.
  • 1.9 mm thinner
    This tablet is thinner than the average tablet (6.1 mm vs 8 mm). The average tablet is 8.0 mm thick.
    6.1 mm vs 8.0 mm
  • 10.8% lighter
    This tablet is lighter than the average tablet (437 g vs 490 g). The average tablet weighs 490 g.
    437 g vs 490 g
  • 1 more microphone/s
    This tablet has more microphones than the average tablet (2 vs 1). The average tablet has 1 microphones.
    2 vs 1
  • 3.8 MP lower front camera megapixels
    This tablet has less front camera megapixels than the average tablet (1.2 MP vs 5 MP). The average tablet has 5 MP front camera resolution.
    1.2 MP vs 5 MP
  • No USB Type-C
    This tablet lacks a USB Type-C port, the average tablet includes one. 53.4% of tablets use USB Type-C.
  • 2 GB less RAM
    This tablet has less RAM capacity than the average tablet (2 GB vs 4 GB). The average tablet has 4 GB of RAM.
    2 GB vs 4 GB
  • 3 fewer CPU threads
    This tablet has less CPU threads than the average tablet (3 vs 6). The average tablet has 6 CPU threads.
    3 vs 6
  • 25% lower CPU speed
    This tablet has a lower CPU speed than the average tablet (1.5 GHz vs 2 GHz). The average tablet has CPU speed of 2 GHz.
    1.5 GHz vs 2 GHz
  • 75% less storage
    This tablet has less internal storage than the average tablet (16 GB vs 64 GB). The average tablet provides 64 GB of internal storage.
    16 GB vs 64 GB
  • No manual white balance
    This tablet does not allow manual white balance adjustments, the average tablet does. 51.6% of tablets include white balance controls.
  • No camera/mic privacy toggles
    This tablet lacks camera and microphone privacy toggles, the average tablet includes them. 56.2% of tablets offer these toggles.
  • 65.4% more expensive
    Apple iPad Air 2 (2GB + 16GB) is more expensive than the average tablet (£430 vs £260).
    £430 vs £260
  • 2 GB less RAM
    This tablet has less RAM capacity than the average tablet (2 GB vs 4 GB). The average tablet has 4 GB of RAM.
    2 GB vs 4 GB
  • 3 fewer CPU threads
    This tablet has less CPU threads than the average tablet (3 vs 6). The average tablet has 6 CPU threads.
    3 vs 6
  • 25% lower CPU speed
    This tablet has a lower CPU speed than the average tablet (1.5 GHz vs 2 GHz). The average tablet has CPU speed of 2 GHz.
    1.5 GHz vs 2 GHz
  • 75% less storage
    This tablet has less internal storage than the average tablet (16 GB vs 64 GB). The average tablet provides 64 GB of internal storage.
    16 GB vs 64 GB
  • 44.2% lower Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score
    This tablet achieves a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score than the average tablet (1,055 points vs 1,891 points). The average tablet scores 1,891 points in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    1,055 points vs 1,891 points
  • No big.LITTLE architecture
    This tablet does not use a big.LITTLE architecture, the average tablet does. 51.3% of tablets use a big.LITTLE architecture.
  • 45.4% lower Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score
    This tablet achieves a lower Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score than the average tablet (398 points vs 729 points). The average tablet scores 729 points in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    398 points vs 729 points
  • 30.8% slower GPU clock
    This tablet has a lower GPU frequency than the average tablet (450 MHz vs 650 MHz). The average tablet has GPU frequency of 650 MHz.
    450 MHz vs 650 MHz
  • Worse GPU
    This tablet uses the PowerVR GXA6850 GPU, while the average tablet uses the stronger Mali-G51. GPU choice is one of the main performance differences between tablets.
    PowerVR GXA6850 vs Mali-G51
  • 266 MHz slower RAM speed
    This tablet has a lower RAM speed than the average tablet (1,600 MHz vs 1,866 MHz). The average tablet has RAM speed of 1,866 MHz.
    1,600 MHz vs 1,866 MHz
  • 14.1% lower memory bandwidth
    This tablet has a lower memory bandwidth than the average tablet (12.8 GB/s vs 14.9 GB/s). The average tablet has memory bandwidth of 14.9 GB/s.
    12.8 GB/s vs 14.9 GB/s
  • 42.9% larger process node
    This tablet uses a larger process node than the average tablet (20 nm vs 14 nm). The average tablet uses a process node of 14 nm.
    20 nm vs 14 nm
  • 0.4 inches smaller screen size
    This tablet has a lower screen size than the average tablet (9.7 inches vs 10.1 inches). The average tablet has screen size of 10.1 inches.
    9.7 inches vs 10.1 inches
  • 50% lower touch sampling rate
    This tablet has a lower touch sampling rate than the average tablet (60 Hz vs 120 Hz). The average tablet has touch sampling rate of 120 Hz.
    60 Hz vs 120 Hz
  • 3.8 MP lower front camera megapixels
    This tablet has less front camera megapixels than the average tablet (1.2 MP vs 5 MP). The average tablet has 5 MP front camera resolution.
    1.2 MP vs 5 MP
  • No manual white balance
    This tablet does not allow manual white balance adjustments, the average tablet does. 51.6% of tablets include white balance controls.
  • Narrower main camera aperture
    This tablet has a worse main camera aperture than the average tablet (f/2.4 vs f/2.2). The average tablet uses f/2.2 main camera aperture.
    f/2.4 vs f/2.2
  • 33.3% slower charging speed
    This tablet supports slower charging than the average tablet (12 W vs 18 W). The average tablet supports charging speed of 18 W.
    12 W vs 18 W
  • No USB Type-C
    This tablet lacks a USB Type-C port, the average tablet includes one. 53.4% of tablets use USB Type-C.
  • No face recognition
    This tablet does not have face recognition, the average tablet does. 56% of tablets support face recognition.
  • Older Bluetooth version
    This tablet uses an older Bluetooth version than the average tablet (4.2 vs 5). The average tablet uses Bluetooth 5.0.
    4.2 vs 5.0
  • No camera/mic privacy toggles
    This tablet lacks camera and microphone privacy toggles, the average tablet includes them. 56.2% of tablets offer these toggles.
  • No multi-user mode
    User score
    8.9/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
    When it matters
    When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Apple iPad Air 2
    the average tablet
    Apple iPad Air 2 (2GB + 16GB) does not support multi-user mode, the average tablet does. 73.6% of tablets allow multiple user profiles.
  • No widgets
    This tablet does not support widgets, the average tablet does. 93.5% of tablets support widgets.
  • No dark mode
    This tablet does not support dark mode, the average tablet does. 57.2% of tablets have dark mode.
  • 2 points lower iFixit repairability score
    This tablet has a lower repairability score than the average tablet (2 points vs 4 points). The average tablet repairability score is 4 points.
    2 points vs 4 points
  • 5 older release date
    This tablet is an older model than the average tablet (2014 vs 2019).
    October 2014
    2014 vs 2019
  • 40 mm taller
    This tablet is taller than the average tablet (240 mm vs 200 mm). The average tablet is 200.0 mm tall.
    240 mm vs 200.0 mm

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

5.0
Tech Spree
≈ estimated
22/05/2022
Hands-on review · performance, software support and battery
Verdict
Apple iPad Air 2 is fine for light everyday use, but future updates are unlikely, so better options exist.
8.0
eGadgets4u
≈ estimated
11/03/2015
Hands-on review · gaming performance and heat
Verdict
Apple iPad Air 2 is a great choice for game lovers, with smooth performance, though it gets warm under heavy gaming.
9.5
ZONEofTECH
≈ estimated
14/01/2015
Hands-on review · design, display, camera and battery
Verdict
Apple iPad Air 2 is missing nothing essential and is the best tablet anyone has made.
8.0
Marques Brownlee
≈ estimated
11/11/2014
Hands-on review · performance, build and speaker tests
Verdict
Apple iPad Air 2 is a very good tablet overall, though upgrading from the first Air is only worth it for some.
8.5
Jon Rettinger
✓ explicit
06/11/2014
Hands-on review · a week as main tablet, battery tests
Verdict
Apple iPad Air 2 is Apple's best iPad yet and a worthwhile upgrade from older models, though not a must for first-generation Air owners.
9.0
PhoneArena
≈ estimated
27/10/2014
Hands-on review · battery, camera and display tests
Verdict
Apple iPad Air 2 is still a strong buy, though Air owners have little reason to upgrade.
9.0
DetroitBORG
≈ estimated
24/10/2014
Unboxing and review · benchmarks, battery and speaker tests
Verdict
Apple iPad Air 2 looks the same, but its thinner design, faster chip and Touch ID make a big difference.
8.0
MobileTechReview
≈ estimated
23/10/2014
Hands-on review · apps, games and upgrade advice
Verdict
Apple iPad Air 2 is not worth upgrading from the first Air, but it is a big step up for older iPad owners.
8.0
Hun Sakkada
≈ estimated
13/04/2021
Gaming test · PUBG and high-graphics games
Verdict
Apple iPad Air 2 still runs demanding games well, so it suits gaming; choose the larger storage version.
8.0
The Wall Street Journal
≈ estimated
22/10/2014
Short review · outdoor screen, camera and battery tests
Verdict
Apple iPad Air 2 is a worthy upgrade for older iPad owners, but it still falls short as a basic work companion.
Overview video
Not graded yet

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

T
theverge.com
21/10/2014
Summary of the review
Apple iPad Air 2 review - The Verge
W
wired.com
21/10/2014
Summary of the review
iPad Air 2 review - Tablet Review | WIRED
T
theguardian.com
23/10/2014
Summary of the review
Apple iPad Air 2 review: Apple's best tablet yet, but is that enough?
T
trustedreviews.com
27/10/2014
Summary of the review
iPad Air 2 Review - Trusted Reviews
W
whathifi.com
31/10/2014
Summary of the review
Apple iPad Air 2 review | What Hi-Fi?
S
stuff.tv
31/10/2014
Summary of the review
Apple iPad Air 2 review - Stuff
T
techradar.com
07/06/2021
Summary of the review
iPad Air 2 review - TechRadar Would you like a similar list for iPad Air 2 accessories or a comparison with its predecessor?
T
techadvisor.com
15/08/2017
Summary of the review
iPad Air 2 review: Apple's Old Tablet is Still One of The Best
E
expertreviews.co.uk
28/02/2019
Summary of the review
iPad Air 2 review: Replaced by Apple's latest 9.7in iPad
4
4g.co.uk
2014
Summary of the review
iPad Air 2 Review - 4G.co.uk Would you like me to find specific technical benchmarks or battery life comparisons from these reviews?
U
uk.pcmag.com
22/10/2014
Summary of the review
Apple iPad Air 2 Review - PCMag UK
M
macstories.net
04/02/2015
Summary of the review
iPad Air 2 Review: Why the iPad Became My Main Computer
M
macworld.com
22/03/2016
Summary of the review
iPad Air 2 review, one year on: Still the best mid-size tablet - Macworld CNET
P
pcmag.com
21/10/2014
Summary of the review
Apple iPad Air 2 Review | PCMag
U
uk.pcmag.com
13/06/2018
Summary of the review
Apple iPad Air 2 - PCMag UK
I
itpro.com
18/05/2016
Summary of the review
Apple iPad Air 2 Review: Is it still worth buying? - ITPro
0
01net.com
23/10/2014
Summary of the review
Test: Apple iPad Air 2, un peu moins autonome, tellement plus puissant - 01net
(Translated)Show original
J
journaldugeek.com
27/10/2014
Summary of the review
Test: Apple iPad Air 2 - Journal du Geek
(Translated)Show original
M
mac4ever.com
05/11/2014
Summary of the review
Test de l'iPad Air 2 - Mac4Ever
(Translated)Show original
I
igen.fr
24/10/2014
Summary of the review
Test de l'iPad Air 2 - iGeneration
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: November 2026 · How we calculate this

What customers like about Apple iPad Air 2 (2GB + 16GB)

  • Exceptionally thin (6.1mm) and lightweight design, making it easy to hold for long periods.
  • High-quality laminated Retina display with a significantly effective anti-reflective coating.
  • Introduction of Touch ID for improved security and ease of use.
  • Strong performance for its era, supported by 2GB of RAM which improved multitasking and tab management.
  • Improved 8MP rear camera that takes sharp photos and supports slow-mo video.

What customers don't like about Apple iPad Air 2 (2GB + 16GB)

  • Very slow charging process, with some users reporting it can take several hours to reach a full charge.
  • No option for expandable storage via microSD, forcing users to rely on the internal capacity.
  • Device can become warm or 'heat up' during extended periods of use.
  • Single-sided speaker placement lacks the immersive audio quality found in newer Pro models.
  • Lack of support for modern Apple accessories like the Apple Pencil.

Verdict

The Apple iPad Air 2 (16GB) is a legacy 9.7-inch tablet featuring a 2048 x 1536 Retina display with a fully laminated, anti-reflective coating. It is powered by the A8X triple-core chip and 2GB of RAM, making it the first iPad to double its memory for better multitasking. Key features include a 6.1mm ultra-thin aluminum chassis, a Touch ID fingerprint sensor, an 8MP rear iSight camera with 1080p video, and a 1.2MP FaceTime HD camera. Main pros include its exceptionally portable design, vibrant display quality, and reliable 10-hour battery life. However, major cons include the restrictive 16GB of non-expandable storage, lack of modern software support (capped at iPadOS 15), and the absence of a headphone-jack-free or USB-C compatible architecture found in newer models.

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