Apple iPad Air 2019 WiFi (3GB + 256GB) Review | 168 Data compared

The TechRadar review of the 2019 iPad Air describes it as a powerful, cost-effective device that reuses the design and performance features of the 2017 iPad Pro 10.5, powered by the A12 Bionic chip. The 10.5-inch laminated Retina display and support for the Smart Keyboard are highlighted as top features, along with the retention of the 3.5mm headphone jack. However, the tablet features an older design with wider bezels, and it is limited to the first-generation Apple Pencil, which the review criticizes for its charging method. Additionally, it lacks the quad-speakers and 120Hz display found on more expensive models. For the full, detailed review, visit TechRadar.

T3 describes the 2019 Apple iPad Air as an ideal, powerful mid-range tablet for most users, featuring a high-quality 10.5-inch True Tone display and A12 Bionic chip performance. Key advantages include its lightweight design, Smart Keyboard compatibility, solid battery life, and the retention of a 3.5mm headphone jack. However, the review notes drawbacks such as reliance on the first-generation Apple Pencil, average speakers, and the absence of USB-C or Face ID.

The 2019 iPad Air is characterized by Tech Advisor as a "superb all-round package" bridging the gap between budget and professional models, boasting a high-quality 10.5-inch laminated Retina display with True Tone and superior A12 Bionic performance. Key advantages include compatibility with the first-gen Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard, combined with 64GB base storage and strong battery life. However, the design is considered dated, utilizing thick bezels and a physical home button rather than the modern, slim design found on Pro models. Further compromises noted include a mediocre 8MP rear camera without 4K, dual speakers lacking true stereo separation, and reliance on the Lightning connector. Ultimately, the review identifies the device as a "Goldilocks" option offering essential premium features at a competitive price point, positioning it as an ideal choice for users needing performance above the entry-level iPad without the high cost of a Pro model.

The What Hi-Fi? review positions the 2019 Apple iPad Air as the "sweet spot" in Apple's lineup, featuring a 10.5-inch laminated display and the powerful A12 Bionic chip. It is lauded for its "exemplary" picture quality, True Tone technology, and dynamic, punchy audio performance. However, noted drawbacks include bottom-edge speaker placement that lacks stereo separation in landscape, the older Lightning port, and support only for the first-generation Apple Pencil. What Hi-Fi?

Trusted Reviews describes the 2019 iPad Air as a "fantastic device" that fills the gap between budget and Pro models, utilizing a slim 10.5-inch design derived from the 2017 iPad Pro. While maintaining a premium, portable build, the design is considered dated due to large bezels and a physical Touch ID home button. The tablet features an excellent 500-nit Retina display with True Tone, alongside the powerful A12 Bionic chip for superior performance. Key advantages include solid all-day battery life, the inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack, and compatibility with the first-generation Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard, making it versatile for users. However, the 2019 iPad Air makes compromises with a 60Hz screen rather than 120Hz ProMotion, and relies on a Lightning port rather than USB-C. Additional drawbacks noted are the average 8MP rear camera with no 4K recording, and a dual-speaker setup that lacks the immersive quality of the Pro's quad-speaker system. Furthermore, the first-generation Apple Pencil's awkward, plug-in charging method is highlighted as a negative compared to modern magnetic alternatives.

The 2019 Apple iPad Air acts as a premium, mid-range bridge between the base iPad and the iPad Pro, featuring a fast A12 Bionic chip and a 10.5-inch laminated Retina display with True Tone and P3 wide color support. It supports the Smart Keyboard and first-generation Apple Pencil, providing a lightweight, productive experience. Key cons include the lack of a 120Hz ProMotion display, a 60Hz limit causing minor lag with the Pencil, and underwhelming bottom-firing speakers. The device is highly recommended for users seeking superior performance over the entry-level model without the high cost of the Pro, notes PCMag.

The 2019 10.5-inch iPad Air serves as a powerful "middle-child" device, utilizing the 10.5-inch iPad Pro chassis to offer a laminated display, True Tone technology, and support for the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard. Driven by the A12 Bionic processor, the device provides excellent performance, long battery life, and 64GB of base storage at a $499 starting price. MacworldKey pros highlighted include the retained headphone jack, high-quality screen, and a 7MP front camera designed for modern video calling. Conversely, cons compared to the Pro lineup include the lack of 120Hz ProMotion, no quad-speaker setup, and continued reliance on the Lightning connector rather than USB-C. MacworldDespite utilizing larger bezels with a physical home button, the 2019 iPad Air is considered the best-value tablet for most users due to its balance of performance and price.

The 2019 iPad Air (3rd Gen) bridges the gap between the standard iPad and Pro models, featuring a 10.5-inch laminated Retina display with True Tone, powered by the A12 Bionic chip. Pros include supporting the first-gen Apple Pencil, a Smart Connector for keyboards, and the retention of a 3.5mm headphone jack. Conversely, the device retains older, large-bezel design aesthetics with Touch ID, uses a Lightning port rather than USB-C, and features stereo speakers on only one side, making it a "pro-lite" option.

The PhoneArena review characterizes the 2019 Apple iPad Air as a powerful, high-value, 10.5-inch mid-range tablet that combines a sleek 6.1mm aluminum design with the high-performance A12 Bionic chip for exceptional, "buttery responsive" gaming and multitasking. The 10.5-inch Retina display is a standout feature, offering laminated, True Tone, and P3 color-accurate visuals, while supporting both the first-gen Apple Pencil and the Smart Keyboard. However, the device utilizes an older design that includes a Lightning port, lacks Face ID in favor of Touch ID, and offers only two bottom-firing speakers. Additional cons highlighted in the review include mediocre 8MP camera performance, particularly in low-light, and a "painstakingly long" 235-minute recharge time for its above-average battery. Storage options are limited to 64GB or 256GB with no microSD expansion, forcing a significant price increase for more capacity. Despite these drawbacks, PhoneArena rates the tablet 4/5, positioning it as the ideal choice for mainstream users seeking pro-level performance without the professional price tag.

The 2019 Apple iPad Air is positioned as a "middle-child" device, offering a high-quality 10.5-inch Retina display with True Tone in a lightweight, one-pound design. It functions as a cost-effective, versatile laptop alternative for mainstream users, featuring fast A12 Bionic performance, an improved 7MP front camera, and compatibility with the first-gen Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard. Key advantages include the laminated display's superior brightness and the comfortable typing experience provided by the optional $159 Smart Keyboard. However, the device utilizes a dated physical design with large bezels and a traditional Home button, while sticking with a Lightning port rather than USB-C. While facing competition from the lower-cost base iPad and the high-end Pro, the 2019 Air is recommended as a "Goldilocks" choice for users needing better performance and screen quality without the premium price tag. It delivers a premium experience, bridging the gap between value and high-end productivity.

The 2019 Apple iPad Air acts as a bridge between the standard iPad and Pro models, offering high-level performance via the A12 Bionic chip, a 10.5-inch True Tone display, and compatibility with the Apple Smart Keyboard and first-gen Pencil. Key drawbacks include the reliance on the older, awkwardly charged first-gen Apple Pencil and a legacy design featuring large bezels, a Touch ID button, and only two bottom-firing speakers. Offering roughly 80 percent of the Pro’s capability for a lower cost, this tablet is ideal for mainstream users needing power for entertainment and productivity rather than professional-grade features.

The 2019 iPad Air 3 is positioned as a "Semi-Pro" device, bridging the gap between budget and pro models by leveraging the 10.5-inch iPad Pro design with a 6.1mm thin body and a laminated 10.5-inch Retina display featuring True Tone. Powered by the A12 Bionic chip, it excels in performance, offering 4K video editing and high-end gaming capabilities, while supporting the Apple Smart Keyboard and first-generation Apple Pencil. Despite these strengths, the device lacks 120Hz ProMotion technology, features only dual speakers, and utilizes a less-convenient charging method for the Pencil. Copy

According to the iMore review, the 2019 iPad Air 3 is positioned as a "Goldilocks" device, bridging the gap between the entry-level iPad and the Pro models with a 10.5-inch laminated Retina display and the powerful A12 Bionic chip. Key advantages include support for the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard, making it a versatile, highly portable productivity tool. The device excels as a "digital notebook" that holds up well for everyday tasks, boasting a 3.5mm headphone jack and reliable Touch ID. However, the design is dated by modern standards, featuring large bezels and a Lightning port instead of USB-C. Furthermore, it lacks the ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate and the superior quad-speaker system found on the higher-end iPad Pro models. Copy

According to Mashable, the 2019 iPad Air is a "pro-level" device designed for mainstream users, featuring a 10.5-inch laminated display, True Tone support, and high performance powered by the A12 Bionic chip. Key pros include this powerful chip supporting intense tasks, and a significantly improved, fully laminated screen over the base iPad, all while maintaining a slim, 1-pound, 10-hour battery life. However, the 2019 iPad Air has notable limitations, such as utilizing the aging Lightning port instead of USB-C and featuring an average 8-megapixel camera. It supports the first-gen Apple Pencil with its less-than-ideal charging method, lacking the refined stylus experience of Pro models. Ultimately, Mashable characterizes the tablet as a high-performance, cost-effective alternative to the iPad Pro, offering a superior screen and faster processor than the standard 9.7-inch iPad of its time. The 2019 Air bridges the gap between budget and pro models by offering premium features at a mid-range price point.

The 2019 Ars Technica review of the iPad Air (3rd gen) and iPad mini (5th gen) positions the devices as ideal balances of performance and value, featuring the A12 Bionic chip, laminated True Tone displays, and Pencil support. The 10.5-inch Air offers a mid-sized alternative to the Pro, while the 7.9-inch mini stands out for portability, both delivering high-end speed for games and productivity. Despite drawbacks like the older design with large bezels, reliance on the Lightning connector, and lack of ProMotion, both tablets are recommended for their strong performance. Ars TechnicaFor more details, visit Ars Technica

The 2019 Apple iPad Air acts as a high-performance middle-ground tablet, utilizing a 10.5-inch design with a laminated, anti-reflective display and the powerful A12 Bionic chip. Key advantages include its lightweight profile (456g), True Tone technology, and support for the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard. However, drawbacks noted in the review include the lack of a 120Hz ProMotion screen, only two speakers instead of four, and frustrating storage tiers.