Apple iPad Air (2GB + 32GB) Review | 168 Data compared

The 2024 Apple iPad Air (M2), reviewed by The Guardian, is a highly capable, mid-range tablet featuring a new 13-inch model that offers a larger screen for less money than the Pro. Powered by the M2 chip, it delivers a 15% speed increase, easily handling demanding tasks and multitasking. Key improvements include a landscape-oriented front camera, support for the Apple Pencil Pro, 128GB base storage, and a 10-hour battery life. However, the tablet retains a 60Hz LCD screen, which lacks the 120Hz ProMotion smoothness of the higher-end models, and still relies on Touch ID rather than Face ID. Additionally, it does not support the newest aluminium Magic Keyboard designed for the M4 Pro, and performance remains limited by iPadOS.

The 2024 Apple iPad Air, featuring a new 13-inch option and an M2 chip, bridges the gap between base models and the Pro lineup, offering high-end performance with improved 128GB base storage. Key improvements highlighted by Trusted Reviews include the landscape-oriented front camera and support for the Apple Pencil Pro. However, the device lacks a 120Hz ProMotion display and Face ID, keeping it distinct from the more premium iPad Pro.

The T3 review highlights the iPad Air (M2) as a high-performance, cost-effective alternative to the Pro, now available in a 13-inch model with a landscape-oriented front camera. Pros include the powerful M2 chip, 128GB base storage, and Apple Pencil Pro support, all housed in a lightweight, premium chassis. Key cons involve the 60Hz Liquid Retina display, lack of Face ID, incompatibility with the newest M4 Magic Keyboard, and limitations of iPadOS.

The 2024 Apple iPad Air, earning an Editors' Choice award, positions itself as a high-performance, mid-range tablet featuring the M2 chip, a new 13-inch model option, and doubled base storage of 128GB. It excels with powerful performance for creative apps, a relocated 12MP front camera for better video calls, and compatibility with the Apple Pencil Pro. However, notable drawbacks include the lack of a 120Hz ProMotion display, average battery life under heavy load, and the absence of Face ID.

The 13-inch Apple iPad Air (M2, 2024) is positioned as a high-performance, cost-effective alternative to the Pro series, featuring the M2 chip, 8GB of RAM, and a new 13-inch screen option. Key pros include the vibrant, color-accurate IPS display, support for the Apple Pencil Pro, improved landscape speakers, and a relocated webcam for better video calls. However, notable cons include a limited 60Hz screen refresh rate, the absence of Face ID, a 128GB base storage, and battery life that is outperformed by the M4 iPad Pro.

The 2024 iPad Air 6 (M2) acts as a "Goldilocks" tablet, offering Pro-level performance with a new 13-inch size option alongside the standard 11-inch model, boasting roughly 50% faster performance than its predecessor. Key advantages include the landscape-oriented front camera, base storage upgraded to 128GB, and Apple Pencil Pro support, all while utilizing the robust M2 chip for demanding tasks. However, the device maintains a 60Hz LCD screen lacking 120Hz ProMotion, uses Touch ID instead of Face ID, and requires specific, newer accessories, making it a powerful yet slightly constrained alternative to the Pro line. Tech Advisor

The 2024 M2 iPad Air, available in 11-inch and new 13-inch sizes, represents a solid, performance-focused middle ground that lacks the premium display and security features of the iPad Pro. Key improvements include the M2 chip, 128GB base storage, and a landscape-oriented front camera. While offering high performance and Apple Pencil Pro support, the device is hampered by a 60Hz LCD screen and continued reliance on Touch ID. The 2024 iPad Air brings Pro-level sizing to a lower price point but highlights the gap in display technology and accessories compared to the Pro lineup.

The CNET review of the 2024 iPad Air highlights the M2-powered tablet as the "Pro" model most users should buy, offering a premium experience at a lower price point than the high-end Pro. A major addition is the 13-inch display option, which brings a larger canvas to the Air lineup. Key pros include the powerful M2 chip, which ensures future-proofing for Apple Intelligence, the moved landscape-edge front camera, increased base storage of 128GB, and compatibility with the new Apple Pencil Pro. Conversely, the review notes significant cons, including the lack of OLED technology and 120Hz ProMotion, which are reserved for the more expensive Pro models. The review cautions that configuring the Air with 5G, higher storage, a Magic Keyboard, and a Pencil Pro can bring the total cost into MacBook price territory. Additionally, the new model is actually heavier and thicker than the M4 iPad Pro, and it lacks compatibility with the older Apple Pencil 2.

The 2024 Apple iPad Air, particularly in the new 13-inch format, offers a more spacious, laptop-like experience with improved landscape camera placement. Powered by the M2 chip, it delivers strong performance and enhanced battery life, while base storage has been upgraded to 128GB. Key pros include compatibility with the Apple Pencil Pro and its haptic feedback, alongside crisp, loud dual-stereo speakers. However, the device features a 60Hz LCD panel limited to 600 nits, lacking the advanced display technology and FaceID found in the Pro line. Cons noted in the review include a lack of backward compatibility with the 2nd-gen Apple Pencil and a slightly heavy design that challenges the "Air" branding. Despite these, the 2024 model provides a capable, more affordable alternative to the M4 Pro lineup.