Yesterday company Apple introduced without further ado new iPad. Without indexes and names - just a 9.7-inch iPad. The main feature is a more affordable price: the tablet is cheaper by $70 in the basic 32 GB package. However, the differences don't end there.

Let's start with the fact that the new iPad is not an update. iPad Air 2. A number of signs show that Apple had to make the iPad a little worse to keep the cost down. Hence the main conclusion: the company sees a decrease in demand for the iPad and is trying to make tablets more affordable. So the new iPad is just a cheaper iPad, without the "updated" or "improved" prefixes. This is confirmed by the fact that Apple is now selling iPad mini for $399 with 4 times the storage size: 128 GB instead of 32 GB.

If we return to the device itself, then the first difference is in the physical parameters. The new iPad is 1.5 mm thicker and several tens of grams heavier. Not so noticeable, but the difference is still there.

In fact, this is where it all ends: the price and external changes. It is said that a new and improved A9 processor is inside the tablet, but the information has not been confirmed yet. It is also unknown whether the camera or other components have changed. Things have only gotten worse, according to The Verge: in fact, the new iPad looks more like the original iPad Air. In particular, the novelty does not even have an improved anti-glare coating on the screen, as in the iPad Air 2.

In other words, the iPad became cheaper not only because Apple became kinder and decided to lower prices. The company just made the iPad Air 2 a little worse. So if you need a more modern iPad, then it's better to take the Air 2. If there is no difference, the novelty will do.

What about the iPad Pro?

You can compare the new product with the iPad Pro only on one basis - a 9.7-inch screen. For the rest, you should still trust Apple: iPad Pro is a tool for professionals who need a more powerful tablet for solving various kinds of tasks.

The main differences: a more powerful A9X processor, improved hardware, the most modern display, cameras, support for Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard. The new iPad doesn't have any of that. True, we also have a significant difference in price - $ 270: the simplest version of the iPad Pro will cost $ 599, excluding the cost of accessories. And still no pink.

So what to buy?
For simple use, the new iPad is suitable - it has all the necessary functions, and most importantly, it is really cheaper and the difference is almost six thousand rubles, which is quite a lot.

If there is a desire to take a thinner device, there is still time to purchase the iPad Air 2, since there are enough of them on the market.

There should be no questions if the tablet is the main gadget for work. In this case, only the iPad Pro with all accessories.

In the tablet market lately everything is quite clear. Due to the fact that a huge number of smartphones have already surpassed these gadgets, manufacturers began to produce only special models. Someone focused on special functionality, someone tried to bring the tablet closer to the PC, someone created an unprecedented design. One way or another, it is now possible to purchase this device without problems, since everyone can find their own device in a certain price category and with the necessary technical characteristics.

It happens that an excellent model appears on the market, but a year later the manufacturer releases an older modification. And the owners of the first device do not know whether they should change their gadget to an updated one. It was the same with Apple. Therefore, a comparison is made for iPad Air 2 and iPad Air. In order to adequately assess the changes that have occurred with this tablet, we will consider each separately.

New generation

The arrival of the iPad Air in 2013 marked the beginning of a new generation. It would seem that all the usual functions have remained in place, but the body has become “airier”, and the “stuffing” is noticeably faster. The new model has definitely become better looking, working and attracting a lot of attention to itself.

Improved new generation

A year later, an updated one was released. Comparing it with the previous model seems to be a thankless task, because at first glance no updates are noticeable. But if outwardly the tablets are really similar, inside with the release of the second modification everything has become much better.

External differences

With the release of the iPad Air, changes from the previous line have become noticeable. It has become more strict, but retains the style, complemented by a silver edging and a black / white frame around the screen. In general, similar features with the iPad mini immediately became noticeable, but the main advantage of the new tablet was its size.

Of course, not everyone needs such a large screen. But even if we compare the dimensions of the “airy” tablet with the iPad, then the difference is colossal. Firstly, it has become thinner, and it is noticeable. Secondly, it has become less wide. Thirdly, the weight has become less by almost 150 grams. And even if these figures may not seem radically different to everyone, they are very noticeable in life.

But if we compare the iPad Air and iPad Air 2, then, as mentioned earlier, the changes are not particularly noticeable. The fact is that the main transformation concerns only weight and thickness. At the time of release, the brand new iPad Air 2 has become thinner by 1.4 mm, now the size of the side end is only 6.1 mm, which looks very attractive. Well, the weight also became less - 437 grams. There is even an opinion that changing the mass of the tablet has affected the comfort of use, now the back and arms are much less tired.

Color differences and details

Continuing the comparison between iPad Air and iPad Air 2, there are a few more external details to pay attention to. The first model of the new generation was supplied in two color variations: silver and dark gray. The new version received a new-fangled golden one in addition to the two familiar colors. Of course, increasing the choice of body shade is just a positive marketing ploy. By the way, many owners of golden iPhones gladly bought a tablet from the "apple" manufacturer to match their tone.

In appearance, the display orientation lock button has also changed. Now it is not there at all, most likely, it has disappeared for the sake of the thickness of the case. Now in its place is a small microphone hole. The "Home" key has not changed outwardly, but received an additional Touch ID, which, by the way, in "apple" devices is needed not only to unlock, but also to pay for purchases in the play store.

Screen

In iPad Air 2 and iPad Air, it would seem that screen comparison is not necessary, since external signs are invisible. The diagonal here is 9.7 inches, the resolution is 2048x1536 pixels. But the second gadget received a special touch screen, which was developed in tandem with lamination technology. The manufacturer has ensured that the layer between the glass and the matrix has disappeared. This is what helped make the device thin.

Also, this technology has led to some kind of illusion that the image seems to hover over the tablet. The second version received an anti-reflective coating that improves the visual effect even in the brightest light.

Technical equipment

Mini 2 - iPad Air in performance, in principle, will not give anything. In both models, the processor is A7 on two cores with a frequency of 1300 MHz. The PowerVR version of the G6430 is responsible for the graphics. RAM 1 GB, internal can be from 16 GB to 128 GB. We can safely say that in terms of technical equipment these are the same gadgets.

But things are a little better with the iPad Air 2. Here, by default, the OS is the eighth version. The processor is improved - A8X, which runs on two cores with a frequency of 1.5 GHz. PowerVR is also head and shoulders above the GXA6850 and runs on eight cores. RAM has also become more - 2GB. Built-in to choose from can be from 16 GB to 128 GB.

If we take a comparison of the iPad 4 and iPad Air 2, then the new model is significantly superior to the fourth generation. The iPad 4 has a slightly weaker processor - A6X with a frequency of 1.4 GHz. The GPU is younger - PowerVR SGX 554MP4. RAM, as in the iPad Air, only 1 GB. By the way, the tablet does not support 128 GB memory cards.

Giant

You can also recall another model with which you can make another pair - this is the iPad Air 2 and iPad Pro. Comparison of these tablets, though not entirely justified, but still they are "brothers" in the shop, and therefore can be opposed to each other.

The first and obvious difference is the appearance. iPad Pro has a screen size of 12.9 inches, which is almost comparable to some Apple laptops. This giant also works on iOS 9.x. The processor here has become a generation higher. The A9x works in tandem with the M9 at a frequency of 2.2 GHz. The RAM in the pro version is as much as 4 GB, which is now very valuable. But all these improved qualities significantly increase the price tag.

Camera

Returning to the iPad Air 2 and iPad Air, the comparison is worth continuing with a focus on the camera. It has changed significantly compared to the older model. In the second version of the tablet, the main one received 8 megapixels, while the first modification had only 5 megapixels. Also, the new camera was equipped with a special technology with a sensor and improved optics, which significantly affected the quality of the pictures.

There are also new functions such as Slow Motion. Now you will not surprise anyone with slow motion, but then it was a great addition to the new lens. As a result, all the innovations made photos of high quality, with improved color reproduction, detail, etc.

The front camera also added a little - instead of 0.3 megapixels, it received 1.2 megapixels. Of course, this option is not entirely good, especially for 2017.

Sound

With this characteristic there were not very striking changes. iPad of any generation has a great audio speaker. But the iPad Air 2 is noticeably louder, making it easy to watch movies and listen to music together. Externally, the dynamics have changed in two models. The iPad Air had two speakers in two rows of holes, but now, for the sake of a thin body, they made two stereo speaker grills on either side of the charger connector.

autonomy

The battery size has also changed. Again, due to the desire to make the body thinner, the battery of the second model received 7184 mAh. While the first model has 8827 mAh. As a result, continuous searches on the Internet, watching videos and listening to audio discharge the iPad Air in 12-13 hours, and the iPad Air 2 in 10 hours.

Although such changes were not positive, Apple is almost the only one who managed to fit such a powerful battery into a thin case. In addition, the manufacturer turned out to be a successful compromise between the autonomy and weight of the gadget.

conclusions

Of course, now for the iPad Air 2 and iPad Air, the comparison is irrelevant, since both models have been on the market for more than two or three years. Nevertheless, there are still those who doubt the choice between these two tablets.

Then you should consider two situations: if you are the owner of the iPad Air, or if you just decide to purchase a gadget from Apple. Let's take a look at the second option. If you just decided to purchase an "apple" tablet and choose between these models, then in the battle of iPad Air vs iPad Air 2 comparison is superfluous, the newer device becomes the winner in any case.

The explanation for this is simple: whatever one may say, but the iPad Air 2 is much better than its predecessor. It is thinner, prettier, inside it has an updated processor and a new version of the graphics adapter. He received more RAM, as well as an improved camera. In general, he overtakes his older model in everything.

But if you are the owner of the iPad Air, then buying the second version may be pointless. Of course, although the changes are noticeable, they are almost the same models. It makes sense to look at newer devices. Indeed, after the release of the iPad Air 2, the iPad Pro, which we already talked about, as well as the compact iPad mini 4, already appeared on the market. And in 2016, a variation of the iPad Pro was introduced, but with a slightly smaller 9.7-inch screen.

By the way, it is the latest model that is now considered the most popular. It turned out to be a little different than the previous ones, not only in terms of technical characteristics, but also externally. In addition, this tablet received excellent technical specifications, support for a proprietary stylus and Split View mode.

After a thoughtful article on the iPad Air (2019) versus the old iPad Pro 10.5, it's time to look at the new tablet in a different plane. And compare it not with the top-end iPad of the previous generation, but with the basic iPad (2018). This is a relatively simple, but very successful tablet.

Apple iPad Review (2018): Popular tablet

Alexander Pobyvanets

Which one is prettier and more comfortable

Outwardly, they are very similar to each other: the iPad Air (2019) is slightly larger, but it is thinner and lighter than the iPad (2018). Does 1.4mm thick and 13g weight matter? Sure, the new Air feels nicer, but it also costs more.

What's up with the screens

The display sizes differ, but not by much. The iPad Air (2019) has a larger 10.5-inch screen, while the iPad (2018) has a smaller 9.7-inch screen.

The iPad Air (2019) has a higher resolution but has the same dot density as the iPad (2018). This means that you will not feel the difference, and you will not have to complain about the graininess of the Retina display.

But the differences are not only in this. For example, the iPad (2018) has a screen made using older technology: it has an air gap - while the iPad Air (2019) does not. And the image quality is noticeably better and higher, especially if you put the tablets next to each other.

Less glare, more visible data on the screen when viewed from an angle. Plus, support for the P3 color gamut and True Tone technology. Its essence is that, depending on the lighting, the tablet changes the color temperature and selects the optimal value.

Which is more powerful

According to the filling, this is the layout. iPad (2018) received not the newest, but still powerful Apple A10 Fusion processor and 2 GB of RAM. Just like in the iPhone 7. For comparison, the very fresh iPad Air (2019) has an Apple A12 processor. And this is the level of the iPhone XS or XR.

Another thing is that in practice the feeling of using tablets is highly dependent on the tasks. Judging by the stories of acquaintances, few people are involved in editing videos or editing photos in large volumes on a tablet. Therefore, for watching videos on the couch or reading social networks, the performance of the iPad (2018) is enough for the eyes. With games, by the way, there will be no problems either.

Another thing is that tablets are usually bought for a long time and, unlike smartphones, they are used for 4-5 years, and not 1-2 years. Therefore, it makes sense to buy a device more expensive if you plan to use it as a media and entertainment center to the fullest.

Where is more memory

For the iPad (2018), Apple offers 32GB or 128GB of storage, while the iPad Air (2019) gets 64GB or 256GB. In my opinion, living with 32 GB in 2019 is already hard, especially if you plan to play on your tablet or watch videos while downloading movies. Heavy content eats up a lot of space, so life is much more fun with 64 GB.

What about the cameras

In terms of the camera, perhaps the tablets are the same. At least, judging by the characteristics, there are the same 8-megapixel sensors with f / 2.4 aperture and the ability to record video in Full HD.

But the front camera is definitely better in Air (2019): it has a 7-megapixel sensor against the ancient 1.2-megapixel in iPad (2018).

Data protection

There is no Face ID system in “popular” tablets yet: this privilege remains exclusively with the iPad Pro. Therefore, simpler models use the Touch ID scanner. Moreover, the iPad (2018) has a first-generation sensor from the times of the iPhone 5s.

As for the iPad Air (2019), there were no details yet, but given that the tablet is an almost complete copy of the iPad Pro 10.5, then there was already a second-generation scanner. It works faster, so it's more pleasant to use it.

Where the sound is louder

If you look at the specifications, then stereo speakers are announced for both models. How much they differ in sound quality, I can’t say, you need to listen. Another nice feature: both tablets received a 3.5 mm audio jack, unlike the more expensive Pro-series models.

Accessory support

Both tablets work with Apple Pencil. The main thing is not to confuse the stylus! Because now Apple has a first-generation stylus, and now they have a second-generation stylus designed for the iPad Pro. So choose accessories carefully.

The advantage of the iPad Air (2019) is that you can connect a keyboard to it via the Smart Connector and type texts. Therefore, if you plan to use the tablet not only for watching YouTube videos, but also want to work with it, then it makes sense to look towards the iPad Air (2019).

Work on the Internet

A distinctive feature of the iPad Air (2019) is eSIM support. It is possible that the new generation technology will work in Russia very soon. Function, as they say, "in reserve". In any case, you can put the usual SIM-card. You can also put it in the iPad (2018), but it does not know how to work with eSIM.

Almost waited: eSIM will appear in Russia officially

Ilya Kichaev

Also on the side of the iPad Air (2019) is Bluetooth version 5.0 versus 4.2 in the iPad (2018).

What's up with the battery

According to Apple, the results are the same: tablets can withstand up to 9 hours of browsing the Internet on a mobile network, and if you use Wi-Fi, it turns out an hour longer.

The price decides

iPad (2018) costs $329 or 25,414 rubles, while iPad Air (2019) is priced at $499 or 42,990 rubles.

The price, as usual, decides, so if you need a modern and not very expensive iPad, it makes more sense to buy an iPad (2018). Moreover, the difference in price is about 18 thousand rubles. And this, for a moment, is the price of the new iPhone SE.

For the provided Apple iPad (2018) we thank the friendliest gadget store

Before the fanfare of the presentation of the new Apple Internet tablet, which received its own naming of the iPad Air, had died down, queues of those who had waited a bit with the purchase of the iPad 4 were ready to fill the points of sale. A year later, everything changed, and the owners of the now penultimate model seriously thought about the need transition to a brand new light model, which attracts by its name. Whether it is worth investing in an update, or the cycle of apple devices is meaningless - it is known in the comparison of the iPad Air and iPad 4.

Definition

iPad 4 is an Internet tablet introduced by Apple in October 2012. Replaced the third generation iPad New.

iPad Air is an Internet tablet introduced by Apple in October 2013. Replaced the fourth generation iPad 4.

Comparison

The difference between the iPad Air and iPad 4 is a year of developer research. And they really turned out to be different, although one should not expect any revolutions in the world of Internet tablets. The main forces were thrown on the design, because outwardly the new iPad from the outdated model is very easy to distinguish. Firstly, it is thinner and lighter, and stylistically close to mini. The Air measures 240 x 169.5 x 7.5mm while the iPad 4 measures 241.2 x 185.7 x 9.4mm. And if in the hands of the layman a couple of millimeters will not create a significant advantage, then the weight of the new iPad, reduced by almost 200 g (459 g versus 652 g), will definitely please the owner. In addition to being slightly smaller, the iPad Air also looks sleeker thanks to narrow bezels around the screen. This also works in favor of the viewing area.

iPad Air

Attentive potential buyers will notice another touch to the portrait: the Air has two speakers at the end, with a Lightning port between them. How effective this solution is is up to users to judge, but stereo in this configuration seems to be nothing more than a tribute to innovation. There are no other external changes, and both generations of iPads remain undeniably recognizable.

Apple assures that Air is an update in everything. Until sales have begun, and there are only a few who really twirled the next iPad in their hands, it's hard to believe in it. In any case, Apple promises us a faster and more responsive sensor, faster WiFi data exchange, better shooting in the dark, and in general to be “ahead of the rest” again. And the graphics are as much as 72 times more powerful! Do you believe? In any case, the Air has a new graphics processor - PowerVR G6430. And, of course, Air simply must have unique features that are not available to owners of the iPad 4 that have aged so quickly.

Until you get a look, you can only believe the facts, and they show major updates only in design and hardware platform. Ignoring the fashion trends of the tablet market, Apple has not provided its iPad Air with a multi-core processor - two cores are still working for the benefit of the user. True, the processor is now new, branded Apple A7, and its architecture is sic! - 64-bit. This means that under certain conditions it will process information faster. Accordingly, one can hope to no longer see the “stupid” iPads. In iPad 4, the processor is also dual-core, but only A6, inferior in many respects to the chips of competitors. The clock frequency of the Air processor is slightly lower than that of its predecessor - 1.3 GHz versus 1.4 GHz, however, this does not affect performance. But the presence of a coprocessor - in Air it is M7 - is the main, main feature that can, if not stir up satisfied iPad 4 owners, then make them envy. The coprocessor offloads the main one from background processes, for example, processing sensor indicators, and accordingly improves performance. And the power consumption of the platform is also reduced, so that the thin and light battery - another feature of the Air and its difference from the iPad 4 - allows you to work without recharging for longer. Although in practice the matter is limited to the same standard ten hours.

Another point, perhaps important for travelers: unlike the fourth iPad, Air received an update to the LTE module, and now fourth-generation networks in different countries will be available for connection. The WiFi module has also been improved, and 300 Mbps is now the officially declared data exchange rate. Is this so - we'll see for ourselves better, in December, when the iPad Air goes on sale in Russia.

Naturally, the iPad Air comes with the new iOS 7 operating system, while the iPad 4 has to be updated to it. According to those who had the opportunity to drive the new interface, it has become much more friendly and understandable. So those who switched from Android Air may find it very easy to learn, and the iPad 4 is very inconvenient.

Judging by the moment of the beginning of sales, both the iPad Air and the iPad 4 started with exactly the same prices for different configurations. Now the cost of the fourth one, due to removal from the assembly line, may decrease in many stores that sell the leftovers.

Findings site

1. iPad Air is thinner, smaller and lighter than iPad 4.
2. The iPad Air has thinner bezels on both sides of the screen.
3. iPad Air delivers faster performance with a 64-bit A7 processor and co-processor.
4. The processor clock speed of the iPad Air is slightly lower than that of the iPad 4.
5. The power consumption of the iPad 4 hardware platform is higher than that of the iPad Air.
6. The iPad Air has improved wireless modules.
7. The iPad Air has two stereo speakers.
8. iPad Air ships with iOS 7, iPad 4 requires an update.

Designed to replace the iPad Air 2 in the existing line of tablets. The company did not think too long about the name and called the novelty simply - "iPad". What are the differences between the new iPad and iPad Air 2.

Display

Speaking about the quality of the new screen, it is worth highlighting a few points. First, the 2017 iPad doesn't get the full-laminated anti-glare display that was one of the iPad Air 2's features, but Apple claims the screen is significantly brighter than its predecessor. However, the company does not go into details of technical specifications. Apparently, the screen brightness of the iPad 2017 will be similar to the 9.7-inch iPad Pro.

The company did not explain the reason for the refusal of the laminated screen with anti-reflective coating in the iPad 2017, but, apparently, this decision is due to the desire to reduce the cost of the device.

Specifications

In terms of performance, the new iPad is ahead of the iPad Air 2, which debuted in 2014. The novelty is equipped with a dual-core Apple A9 processor with a clock speed of 1.85 GHz (the same chip is equipped with iPhone SE, iPhone 6S and 6S Plus) and M9 coprocessor.

In turn, the iPad Air 2 received a tri-core Apple A8X chip clocked at 1.5 GHz, an M8 coprocessor, and 2 GB of RAM. iPad 2017 has a similar amount of RAM.

Battery and battery life

Another difference between the new iPad model and the iPad Air 2 is the size of the battery, which is bigger in the 2017 iPad. However, despite the increased battery size, the battery life of the device is claimed by the manufacturer at 10 hours, the same as that of the iPad Air 2.

The battery capacity of the iPad 2017 is 32.4 Wh, while the iPad Air 2 is 27.62 Wh. Apple notes that the improvements are unlikely to be noticeable, since a brighter screen and a powerful processor require more resources, and increasing the size of the battery will hardly affect the battery life of the device.

Design

Unlike the iPad Air 2 (6.1 mm \ 437 g), the new tablet is thicker and heavier (7.5 mm \ 469 g). The thickness of the new product has increased by 20%, and while in general this can not be called a serious drawback, cases and accessories available for the iPad Air 2 will not fit the iPad 2017.

Price

The price of the new 9.7-inch iPad is one of its main selling points. The cost of the tablet is 24,990 rubles for the version (Wi-Fi only), equipped with 32 GB of internal memory and 34,990 rubles (Wi-Fi + Cellular). Versions with a 128 GB drive will cost users more - 31,990 rubles (Wi-Fi only) and 41,990 rubles (Wi-Fi + Cellular).