iPad Air Lets Talk about iPad air 4

[snakes-]

I am wondering most people only talking over the iPad pro.
Are some iPad air 4 owner here?
Maybe I buy one end of the year. Woukd be nice to hear about it and read some opinions.

 

[Crow_Servo]

There are a number of members here with the latest Air, myself included.

My wife has the M1 iPad Pro, so I’m able to compare them at times.

I’ve owned the Air since it launched and I’ve enjoyed it thoroughly.

I like the Touch ID in the power button for sure. The performance isn’t lacking in the least. It has a solid screen, but the backlight is slightly better on the Pro. The speakers are pretty good, but not as full sounding or as loud as the Pro. Still, the Air is better than the base iPad in virtually every category.

Overall, it’s a quality device, but if you want the best, that’s the Pro. Air is the next best thing.

 

[snipr125]

I got my Air 4 on Day 1 release and just love it. In essence it is the same as a Ipad Pro 2018/2020 but without 120 mhz screen, 4 speaker stereo and Face ID. You still get very good 2 speaker stereo audio , and power button Touch ID which is exclusive to the Air 4 at the moment, and works perfectly. With the Air 4 you also get the modern and more efficient A14 bionic chip which gives you faster single core performance on par with the new M1 chip and also superior neural engine machine learning, so will feel snappier in day to day tasks than the A12 X/Z in Pro 2018/2020 models. GPU performance is about equal, but the Ipad Pro 2018/2020 will perform about 10% faster in multicore processes due to having 2 extra cores. The 2021 M1 Ipads offer more performance in every metric though.

The Air 4 can also use all the same peripherals as the Pro models, like the Magic Keyboard and Pencil 2, and also uses the same USB C port for connecting drives etc. In terms of the screen, i think i got lucky with mine as it is almost perfect with no light bleed that some other members have had, and side by side to an Pro 11, the liquid retina screen is practically identical in terms of colour accuracy and contrast etc.

Overall though, the Air 4 is a fantastic ipad that will please the vast majority of people, as Apple designed it this way, to appeal to the masses at a reasonable price. You even get 5 colours to choose from, even Rose gold (basically pink).

 

[sananda]

I got the iPad Air in November last year. I paid £848 for 256Gb and a Pencil. But if I were buying today I'd pay £968 for the 11" Pro and Pencil because I think the faster chip, better speakers and FaceID together would be well worth the extra money. Whereas when I bought my Air I felt the 2020 iPad Pro was essentially the same as the 2018 iPad Pro and that didn't seem like good value.

 

[Crow_Servo]

I got the iPad Air in November last year. I paid £848 for 256Gb and a Pencil. But if I were buying today I'd pay £968 for the 11" Pro and Pencil because I think the faster chip, better speakers and FaceID together would be well worth the extra money. Whereas when I bought my Air I felt the 2020 iPad Pro was essentially the same as the 2018 iPad Pro and that didn't seem like good value.

Totally agree. I would’ve gladly purchased the 2020 Pro last year if it had impressed me, but it was so lackluster. Granted, the Air has less RAM than the 2020 Pro, but I don’t find that RAM has ever been an issue for me based on my use cases. I was more focused on having the latest processor with the newer design and even a selection of color choices as opposed to just gray and silver.

My next iPad will be a Pro I’ve decided, but I don’t know when I‘ll be upgrading. Next year’s Pro would have to be amazing for me to consider getting it. The Air 4 is an excellent device that will feel relevant for a while. They’d have to announce a game changer iPadOS next year for me to think I need a more powerful iPad so soon.

 

[1BadManVan]

I am wondering most people only talking over the iPad pro.
Are some iPad air 4 owner here?
Maybe I buy one end of the year. Woukd be nice to hear about it and read some opinions.

To be fair, the air got lots of topics about it when it was first released, just how the forums work. Latest and greatest piece of Apple tech released take over the forum for awhile lol.

Air 4 is a great piece of tech, a great mix of pro features. I had originally got one when they first came out but my screen had issues and once I returned it they were out of stock. I decided to hold out for the new pro, my first pro and I’m loving it. But if I didn’t have the screen issue with my Air 4, I would be happily rocking it still today.

 

[Oogler]

I've been highly considering the Air 4, most likely purchasing it in the next few days. My only hang-up is the 64GB vs the 256. It's about $160 difference via Apple with a keyboard and pencil. Is the 256 worth that? My primary use case is web browsing, media consumption and note taking. On rare occasions I'll be downloading movies to it for trips but one or two would be sufficient. Maybe an occasional game but not much.

I'm slightly worried a couple years down the road I'll be kicking myself for only having 64GB, but that cost difference has me debating. I use my phone to download YouTube videos on for on the go and that won't change so it'll very much be mostly used for notes, pdf's etc.

Seems everyone here is happy with the Air tho, which is re-assuring considering I talked myself out of the 11" Pro due to the cost. I just don't need the M1 or those extra features.

 

[0128672]

I have a 64GB Air 4, haven't used even half of the storage yet, and use iCloud Drive for most things. I use it primarily for browsing, games, media, Procreate and Pixelmator. I considered the 256GB but at the time, the 64GB was on sale for $50 off, and 256GB would be overkill for my usage. It's been about 6 weeks and I'm delighted with this iPad. I use it with the new Logitech Combo Touch.

 

[Crow_Servo]

If you use iCloud, you can probably get away with 64GB. I don’t like going that small on storage at this point, though. I feel 128GB is the perfect amount, which is not available on the Air (or the Mini). The Pro’s base storage is plenty. But most people see the Air as a good value if you’re going for 64GB. If you want more than 64GB, most would recommend going with the Pro.

I’m an opposite example, though. I chose 256GB on the Air in 2020 instead of 128GB on the 2020 Pro. I got the cellular model, so at the time it saved me about $70 plus tax. Not much, but I really didn’t want last year’s Pro. But with this year’s Pro, the cellular model is $50 more, so it’s $120 more for a 128GB Pro 11” compared to 256GB on the Air.

If you’re going WiFi-only, it’s only a $50 difference between the base Pro and higher storage Air. Very close in price, but still if you don’t care about the Pro features you can save yourself $50 and get double the storage compared to a base Pro. Either is a great purchase. It’s probably best not to overthink it.

 

[Shirasaki]

I’m into 512GB territory so iPad Air is practically out. But 2 years ago, I could see myself going to iPad Air with 256GB storage and save quite a bit which could be used for magic keyboard to boost experience. I’m not a fan of micromanaging local storage, so the bigger the better.

 

[Username-already-in-use]

The Air 4 is a great device. It has a fast processor and it performs most iPad tasks speedily. If you can get by with lower storage options then it’s good value for money.

Some of the higher storage options in the Air will then begin to take you into the 11” iPad Pro price territory.

 

[Oogler]

Thanks for the replies, I appreciate it. Think I'll end up with the 64GB. I use my phone for so much other stuff I should be able to manage the memory fine, albeit I agree with @Shirasaki that I hate micromanaging local storage, but I think I can get by. I missed the sales not long ago offering $50-75 off and I'm kicking myself for it.

Right now the difference, under the education deal between the 64GB Air and the 128GB 11" Pro is $265.36 which includes a pencil 2nd gen and smartfolio keyboard, and that is a bit hard to swallow for my use case scenario. Are the benefits of the pro and double storage over the base Air that big?

 

[leifp]

I talked myself into the 11" M1 Pro based on perceived future tech. Something I berate others for. If Apple doesn't add multi-display support (not mirroring!) in the next year or so (and the Pro/TB3 connection doesn't allow for superior throughput to the Air/USB 3) I will be that silly git that ended up paying a pretty upgrade fee for the 120Hz display alone... (this device will rarely be used to watch movies and it would be even more rare that I'm not using headphones).

I know, I know. This is a forum about the iPad Air 4 and I don't have one. But if I'd listened to my own advice, that would be the one I'd have purchased...

 

[leifp]

Thanks for the replies, I appreciate it. Think I'll end up with the 64GB. I use my phone for so much other stuff I should be able to manage the memory fine, albeit I agree with @Shirasaki that I hate micromanaging local storage, but I think I can get by. I missed the sales not long ago offering $50-75 off and I'm kicking myself for it.

Right now the difference, under the education deal between the 64GB Air and the 128GB 11" Pro is $265.36 which includes a pencil 2nd gen and smartfolio keyboard, and that is a bit hard to swallow for my use case scenario. Are the benefits of the pro and double storage over the base Air that big?

I think the 64GB will be sufficient to your use-case. And I think you can comfortably purchase the Air over the Pro.

The main difference, long term, in the models you're considering is that the A14 Air 4 has 4GB RAM and the Pro has 8GB... historically, that's been the OS cut-off point...

 

[Username-already-in-use]

Thanks for the replies, I appreciate it. Think I'll end up with the 64GB. I use my phone for so much other stuff I should be able to manage the memory fine, albeit I agree with @Shirasaki that I hate micromanaging local storage, but I think I can get by. I missed the sales not long ago offering $50-75 off and I'm kicking myself for it.

Right now the difference, under the education deal between the 64GB Air and the 128GB 11" Pro is $265.36 which includes a pencil 2nd gen and smartfolio keyboard, and that is a bit hard to swallow for my use case scenario. Are the benefits of the pro and double storage over the base Air that big?

It sounds like the Air 4 is the right device for you.

 

[Shirasaki]

Thanks for the replies, I appreciate it. Think I'll end up with the 64GB. I use my phone for so much other stuff I should be able to manage the memory fine, albeit I agree with @Shirasaki that I hate micromanaging local storage, but I think I can get by. I missed the sales not long ago offering $50-75 off and I'm kicking myself for it.

Right now the difference, under the education deal between the 64GB Air and the 128GB 11" Pro is $265.36 which includes a pencil 2nd gen and smartfolio keyboard, and that is a bit hard to swallow for my use case scenario. Are the benefits of the pro and double storage over the base Air that big?

Both keyboard and Apple Pencil are nice add ons but I would not go for both if my budget could only afford iPad Air as I could hardly justify paying that much for a keyboard and Apple Pencil for a very consumer-oriented iPad.
From using magic keyboard and Apple Pencil with iPad Pro, I can say the experience upgrade is massive, but again, those are very expensive accessories that seems out of place for iPad Air, which is more cost friendly.

 

[11235813]

My guiding principle is, if you're going to be making money with iPad, buy the pro. If it's an entertainment device, go with Air.

 

[Oogler]

Both keyboard and Apple Pencil are nice add ons but I would not go for both if my budget could only afford iPad Air as I could hardly justify paying that much for a keyboard and Apple Pencil for a very consumer-oriented iPad.
From using magic keyboard and Apple Pencil with iPad Pro, I can say the experience upgrade is massive, but again, those are very expensive accessories that seems out of place for iPad Air, which is more cost friendly.

I ended up ordering the Air 4 64GB, Smart folio keyboard and pencil 2 yesterday. Waiting on delivery. The cost wasn't a make or break decision as far as budget goes but rather was the cost worth it for my needs and I didn't really "want" to spend that much money. The feedback here definately helped tho so I appreciate it.

@11235813 that is a fantastic point!

 

[Shirasaki]

My guiding principle is, if you're going to be making money with iPad, buy the pro. If it's an entertainment device, go with Air.

Or if you have storage needs that are more than 256GB.

 

[darngooddesign]

I tried both, but ultimately went for the 11” Pro because it’s better than the 11” Air for my needs. The Pro being more expensive dosen’t matter in the grand scheme because I expect to get at least five years out of this one like I did with my 9.7” iPP.

 

[joeblow7777]

I am wondering most people only talking over the iPad pro.
Are some iPad air 4 owner here?
Maybe I buy one end of the year. Woukd be nice to hear about it and read some opinions.

The Air 4 is a fantastic device! I’ve had one since launch and I’m very happy with it.

But of course, this is a forum of Apple enthusiasts, so the newest, shiniest, product with the latest specs is always going to get the most attention.

 

[wolfboy]

My wife has the Air and I have the Pro 11. Honestly, I'm not a fan of the Air. I don't like the Touch ID on it...with a case on, the unlock rate is very hit and miss and just awkward to unlock.

If she wasn't so dead set with a hard budget, I would've just spruced for a 2020 Pro or something. They're almost the same price when on sale.

 

[CTHarrryH]

I agree that I don't like the Touch ID on the power button. That is really only thing I don't like about it.

 

[Crow_Servo]

I’d like it better if it had both Face ID and Touch ID. I think the idea of Touch ID embedded in the power button is great and creative, but it’s nice to have choice, and it’s obvious that the absence of Face ID is more of a cost saving measure than just an innovative idea Apple decided to implement. That’s especially apparent when you realize the ‘21 Pro doesn’t have the Touch ID option.

 

[PlayUltimate]

I like the Air. And was hoping to upgrade from an Air 2 to an Air 3. Was not happy that the Air 3 used the gen 1 pencil; so waited another year for the 2020 Pro. If the Air 4 was available, I would have bought that in a heart beat.
My daughter though just bought an 11” M1 Pro. she was looking at the Air but thought 64G. was too small. She briefly considered the 256Air but for about $50 more she could get the 11”Pro 128GB. Made sense to me.