With a flurry of new device launches, Apple has given many consumers food for thought as the specifications on the new iPad Air (2020) 4th Gen prove. Why buy a more expensive Pro model, when you could have an Air?
The full list of devices announced:
Apple iPad Air (2020) 4th Gen
Making the above statement was hard to do as a devout iPad Pro owner and user. But the truth is unless you need that main dual-lens camera on the Pro or a 1TB storage space, you’ll want to save your money and maybe, buy the new Air.
The Pro does have other redeeming features that some power users will demand from a tablet such as better photography modes, Face ID or better audio.
But with both devices supporting the latest Apple add-ons, being nearly identical in size and only a 0.1″ difference in displays, the $/£200 cheaper Air 4th Gen, looks to be a winner.
Apple iPad Air 4th Gen Overview
With the gap between the 11″ Pro and new Air being small, there is a huge void between it and the entry-level 8th Gen iPad. And, a welcome step up from the previous Air model.
The display, processor, and camera are the stand out upgrades along with the omission of the home button. Apple has done away with the big bottom bezel which used to house the button, moved Touch ID into the lock button on the upper edge and adopted a much more Pro look to the Air.
A14 Performance Boost
Inside the new iPad Air, Apple has spearheaded the specifications with the new A14 Bionic chip with Neural Engine. This new chip is a big step up from the previous model and will ensure the 4th Gen Air performs even during the most labour intensive tasks.
As many apps become more intuitive and allow us to do more with an iPad, Apple needed to boost the Air up from the A12, used last time.
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Apple claims the new chip gives a 40% boost in performance which will improve the high-end gaming iPad users can access through Arcade and perform 4k video editing, all from the tablet.
And to improve the interaction with the iPad Air and harness this performance, the 4th Gen model supports the new Magic Keyboard and 2nd Gen Apple Pencil.
Choosing between the new Air and current 11″ Pro really is going to be difficult!
New Display & Camera
At just 2g more in weight and a near-identical size, Apple has added a new larger screen to the iPad Air 2020 Specifications. Out has gone the smaller 10.5′ Retina and in has come a larger 10.9″ Liquid Retina Display with an improved 2224×1668 resolution at 264 ppi.
To achieve this, the Home button has been removed to thin out the bezel, and the Touch ID function has been built into the power button on the top edge of the iPad.
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At the back is an upgraded 12MP camera which supports the usual photo modes such as burst, Panorama and Smart HDR for your photos. Content creators will be pleased to learn the new Air can now record video in 4K up to 60fps!
Finally, Apple has removed the Lightning Port and replaced it with USB-C for charging and data transfer.
The new iPad Air 4th generation, as with other iPad’s, be configured to your own specification, with a choice of 64 or 256GB options in either WiFi or WiFi+Cell.
iPad Air features a completely new thin and light design in five gorgeous finishes: silver, space grey, rose gold, green, and sky blue.
Apple
Apple iPad 8th Gen v iPad Air 4th Gen Specifications
| iPad 8th Gen | iPad Air 4th Gen | |
| Dimensions (mm) | 250.6 x 174.1 x 7.5 | 247.6 x 178.5 x 6.1 |
| Weight (g) Wifi WiFi + Cell | 490 495 | 458 460 |
| Colours | Silver Space Grey Gold | Silver Space Grey Rose Gold Green Sky Blue |
| Storage (gb) | 32 128 | 64 256 |
| Display | 10.2″ Retina | 10.9″ Liquid Retina |
| Main Cam | 8MP 1080p HD Video | 12MP 4k Video |
| Chip | A12 | A14 |
| Apple Pencil (sold separately) | 1st Gen | 2nd Gen |
| Keyboard (sold separately) | Smart Keyboard | Smart Keyboard Magic Keyboard |
| FaceTime HD Cam | 1.2MP | 7MP |
| Speakers | 2 | 2 |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 | 5 |
| Battery | Up to 10 Hours | Up to 10 Hours |
| Charging Type | Lightning | USB-C |
| Prices (from) | $329 £329 | $599 £579 |
