First of all, let's focus on the protagonist - the new iPad Air (2024). This sixth-generation product sits somewhere between the iPad Pro series and the regular version, offering an 11-inch and a 13-inch version for the first time. Compared to the 10.9-inch iPad in 2022, the difference between the two is worth noting.
The M2 chip upgrade, which jumped from the A14 Bionic and injected power into the new iPad Air (2024). It is equipped with an 8-core CPU, a 9-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine for higher performance and a smoother tablet experience. This chip also performs well in the 2022 iPad Pro.
The addition of Apple Intelligence support, Apple's AI technology highlight earlier this year, will put the iPad Air in the spotlight for years to come. The larger screen and P3 wide color gamut with anti-reflective coating enhance visual enjoyment.
In addition, the iPad Air (2024) introduces the Apple Pencil Pro for the first time, which is richer than the Apple Pencil with the USB-C port. Storage has also been dramatically increased to meet the needs of creatives and gamers, up to 1TB.
Although the price is $250 higher than the 2022 model, the M2 chip, AI support, and a bigger and better display make the new iPad Air worth the price. What's more, it is two years newer than the iPad and supports more iPadOS versions in the future.
At the same time, the 13-inch iPad Air offers a larger screen and battery capacity, with performance comparable to that of an 11-inch.
The iPad Pro (2024) starts with an exclusive Apple M4 chip, which is unmatched in the Mac lineup, with a 10-core CPU, a 10-core GPU, and an advanced 16-core Neural Engine, setting a new tablet performance record. It also features an Ultra Retina XDR display for exceptional contrast and brightness.
Like the iPad Air (2024), the iPad Pro (2024) supports the Apple Pencil Pro, comes with a new Magic Keyboard that mimics the Macbook keyboard, and a thin and light design. But prices have increased accordingly, starting at $999, and whether or not you get the best value for your money depends on individual needs.
Now we turn in the opposite direction and consider buying an older iPad (2021). Although Apple has discontinued, there is still supply from third parties. The 2021 iPad has an A13 Bionic chip, a 10.2-inch screen, and more, but it is less expensive, usually under $250, making it a good choice for users on a budget.
While not recommended as a workhorse tablet, it's still ideal for first-time iPad users or home backups.
Finally, we recommend the Amazon Fire Max 11 and the Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2 as alternatives to the iPad (2022). The former, as a budget Android tablet, has a 2K screen and up to 14 hours of battery life, making it suitable for kids and busy people. The latter is a more powerful Android option, with an 11.2-inch OLED screen and a Snapdragon 870 processor, which is extremely cost-effective.
Whether you're looking for an Apple ecosystem or an Android experience, these tablets offer value over the older iPad (2022).
Post by Tom