iPad Is it still worth buying an iPad Air 2013 in 2019?

[truncus-pulmonalis]

I'm reconsidering the idea of buying an iPad Air 2013. Lack of budget is the main cause why I’m not looking better models.
I read about Apple support cancelation (there’s not gonna be iOS13; iPadOS13 will be actual in September).
So the last version of iOS is 12.4.
For how long this device will still be usable?
Jailbreak, would it help?
Finally, I would appreciate some reviews of iOS 12 experience. Cheers!

 

[*~Kim~*]

I would go for the cheapest device you can with 2GB. 1GB RAM seems to equal constant reloads in 2019.

Air 2 with A8X (2014) or 5th Gen with A9 (2017, but 2015 chip) both have the 2GB. Both of those are also getting iPad OS.

 

[truncus-pulmonalis]

I dont have a lot of cash...that’s the main problem. 120-140$ is my limit. For that money there’s no better model.

 

[EugW]

I dont have a lot of cash...that’s the main problem. 120-140$ is my limit. For that money there’s no better model.

Save up another $25-$50 and get the iPad Air 2, even if it means having to wait several months, if you can.

The iPad Air 1 will work but the 1 GB RAM is unpleasant due to the frequent Safari tab reloads. The Air 2 is better in every way. The SoC is way, way faster, and it has twice as much RAM. It’s also has a better screen and better speakers. The Air 2 also supports the full gamut of OS multitasking features, whereas the iPad Air only has limited support.

Also, iPadOS 13 is IMO a very important upgrade, with two of the most important aspects being desktop Safari browsing support and native external storage support. I’m not sure if desktop browsing will come to the final release of iOS 12 or not, but native external storage support will never come to iOS 12. As you know, the iPad Air 2 gets iPadOS 13, but the iPad Air does not.

Basically, Apple has drawn a line in the sand, with the bare minimum being the Air 2. This likely is directly due to the fact it is the first iPad with 2 GB RAM. The very noticeably faster SoC doesn’t hurt either.

BTW, in a few months, new iPads will be out, and that will put downward pressure on iPad pricing to help you achieve the goal of purchasing a reasonably priced iPad Air 2.

 

[AutomaticApple]

I dont have a lot of cash...that’s the main problem. 120-140$ is my limit. For that money there’s no better model.

You should be able to find a used iPad Air 2.

 

[EugW]

You should be able to find a used iPad Air 2.

It might be tough unless just Kijiji private sale. The pricing I was suggesting ($25-50 more than his budget, esp. after a few months when the 10.2” iPads are released) would be for refurbished with one month warranty or whatever.

 

[Shirasaki]

Unless you need an iPad straightaway, save up more for used iPad Air 2, or even iPad Pro first gen. A9 is pretty powerful, which will last you longer than A8X. Even if you have limited budget, save up for at least 64GB. 32GB and below is just too small room to play with in 2019, unless you use iPad for nothing but browsing and using web based apps, as well as a bit of messenger or WhatsApp. Again, because of your extra tight budget, you really need an iPad that can last as long as you possibly can. iPad Air 2013 won’t last you very long, plain and simple.

 

[psingh01]

I don't think it is worth it. Keep saving. Get a more recent one when you are able to afford it.

 

[Jimbo Limbo]

I used an iPad Mini 2 up until this past December. It is similar to the iPad Air, in that it also has 1 Gb of RAM. It was not functional. Do not spend money on an iPad Air, or Mini 2 or 3.

I was given an iPad mini 4 in December, and although it is not up to date, the 2 Gb of RAM makes everything function well. I also have an Air 2, it it functions great.

Keep saving!

 

[EugW]

Somebody in another forum asked if s/he should get an Air for $50 from a friend. At that price I said sure, it’s worth it, a good deal in fact.

At US$120-$140, not so much.

 

[JPack]

Agree with saving up for a newer iPad. You really don't want to be buying an iPad a second time because the first didn't meet your needs.

 

[Freakonomics101]

I have to agree with others about the Air 2. It’ll be worth saving up a bit more. IMO, it’s better than the 5th gen iPad. Laminated display and lighter in weight.