iPad 1.2MP FaceTime camera in 2020 - what!?

[marty1980]

One of the features I have overlooked for the base iPad is the front facing camera. Today I was comparing iPads to see the changes between last gen and what was announced yesterday. I noticed that the new iPad Air has the same 7MP camera that seems to have been around forever for iDevices. Then I noticed the base iPad is using a 1.2MP sensor... what!!?

This just took me by surprise and really kills my normal recommendation to people to buy an iPad. Kind of... It’s still better than an Android tablet, but it could be argued that FaceTime calls are a big deal. I’m blown away that the sensor is so pathetically low spec.

One thing I’d like Apple to improve upon going forward is upgrading the front cameras on all iPads. The LiDAR is handy for niche use cases. The rear camera is mostly useless. The front is something most iPad users will actually use. Time to step it up a notch (pun intended).

 

[ericwn]

It’s easy. It’s an up sell for those that believe selfies are of interest to the world.

I hear you of course, nicer video calls are good to have.

 

[AutomaticApple]

I hear you of course, nicer video calls are good to have.

Yeah, especially in the middle of a global pandemic.

 

[ericwn]

Yeah, especially in the middle of a global pandemic.

Yeah, I need more camera resolution on Zoom because of COVID.

 

[RevTEG]

I could be wrong, but I would think many of us that are using the iPad for video conferencing or recording video projects are not buying the entry level iPad. Nothing wrong with the entry iPad but it seems pretty clear it’s intended buyer isn’t really someone using it for more intensive work Related projects. Again, I could be wrong.

 

[AutomaticApple]

I could be wrong, but I would think many of us that are using the iPad for video conferencing or recording video projects are not buying the entry level iPad. Nothing wrong with the entry iPad but it seems pretty clear it’s intended buyer isn’t really someone using it for more intensive work Related projects. Again, I could be wrong.

What about students?

 

[Darajavahus]

I think the not laminated screen is the biggest deal-breaker for this iPad.

 

[Yebubbleman]

One of the features I have overlooked for the base iPad is the front facing camera. Today I was comparing iPads to see the changes between last gen and what was announced yesterday. I noticed that the new iPad Air has the same 7MP camera that seems to have been around forever for iDevices. Then I noticed the base iPad is using a 1.2MP sensor... what!!?

This just took me by surprise and really kills my normal recommendation to people to buy an iPad. Kind of... It’s still better than an Android tablet, but it could be argued that FaceTime calls are a big deal. I’m blown away that the sensor is so pathetically low spec.

One thing I’d like Apple to improve upon going forward is upgrading the front cameras on all iPads. The LiDAR is handy for niche use cases. The rear camera is mostly useless. The front is something most iPad users will actually use. Time to step it up a notch (pun intended).

You're not wrong about any of this. They're trying to position this iPad as a "low-cost" option. The sad thing is that it's still not affordable for most public school districts. Most of them still go with Chromebooks because at least those are affordable. But Apple has somewhat delusional thinking about what's actually affordable ESPECIALLY during a pandemic where unemployment rates are through the roof.

 

[phillytim]

A lowly 1.2MP selfie sensor is a plus for those of us who are insecure about our looks. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

 

[james10in]

You're not wrong about any of this. They're trying to position this iPad as a "low-cost" option. The sad thing is that it's still not affordable for most public school districts. Most of them still go with Chromebooks because at least those are affordable. But Apple has somewhat delusional thinking about what's actually affordable ESPECIALLY during a pandemic where unemployment rates are through the roof.

couldnt have said this any better.. you are right with every word