iPad Air vs. Base iPad: Which Should You Buy?
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Apple has two great, affordable iPads that most people consider: the base iPad and the iPad Air. Over time, these iPads have always been relatively similar, making it a rather interesting debate. With current deals, there’s only $150 between these two iPads, which really begs the question: should you pay more for the iPad Air or save some money with the base iPad?
The case for iPad Air
For $150 more, the iPad Air comes with a lot more tech at a sub-$500 price.To be exact, the iPad air is currently on sale for $449. Base iPad, conversely, comes in at $299.
First things first, if you care about a more premium Apple Pencil experience, the iPad air wins there. It offers support for Apple Pencil Pro, which gains you additional features like pressure sensitivity, double tap functionality, haptics, squeeze, and more.
iPad Air also has a laminated,P3 color display – offering a more premium display experience,where the glass comes right up to the pixels.The cheaper iPads have an air gap, and don’t have the same antireflective coating as the iPad Air.
If you want a more laptop-like experience, iPad Air will do a lot better there. iPad Air supports a laptop-style Magic Keyboard, whereas the base iPad only supports the Magic Keyboard Folio, similar to a Microsoft Surface.
Lastly, iPad Air supports Apple Intelligence and packs the M3 chip. The base iPad only has an A16 chip, and does not support Apple Intelligence.
Apple iPad (10th Generation) Review: Still a Great Value in 2024
The 10th-generation iPad remains a compelling option for many buyers, even with newer models available. Released in October 2022,it brought a meaningful redesign and performance boost compared to its predecessor. But how does it hold up in late 2024? Let’s take a closer look.
What’s New with the 10th-Gen iPad?
Apple gave the 10th-generation iPad a ample makeover. It ditched the classic home button in favor of a modern, edge-to-edge Liquid Retina display. This larger 10.9-inch screen is a noticeable advancement, offering more immersive viewing for videos, games, and creative tasks. It’s a brighter, more vibrant display than previous base-model iPads.
Under the hood,the A14 Bionic chip provides a solid performance increase. While not the latest and greatest, it’s still plenty powerful for everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, email, and light gaming. You won’t be maxing out demanding games,but it handles most things with ease.
Key Features
- Display: 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone
- Chip: A14 Bionic chip with Neural Engine
- Storage: 64GB or 256GB
- Cameras: 12MP Wide back camera, 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, optional 5G
- Port: USB-C
- Colors: silver, Blue, pink, Yellow
The Good
There’s a lot to like about the 10th-generation iPad. The redesigned display is fantastic, and the A14 Bionic chip delivers smooth performance. The improved cameras are a welcome addition,especially the front-facing camera with Center Stage,which keeps you in frame during video calls. It’s a versatile device that can handle a wide range of tasks.
Perhaps the biggest draw is the price. It’s often available at a discount, making it an incredibly affordable entry point into the iPad ecosystem. You get a lot of value for your money.
The Not-So-Good
It’s not perfect. The base model with 64GB of storage can fill up quickly, especially if you plan on downloading a lot of apps or storing photos and videos. You might want to consider the 256GB model if storage is a concern.
The first-generation Apple Pencil support requires a USB-C to Lightning adapter for pairing and charging,which is an extra expense and a bit clunky.Also, the Magic Keyboard folio is sold separately and adds a significant cost to the overall package.
Who is it for?
The 10th-generation iPad is ideal for students, casual users, and anyone looking for a versatile tablet without breaking the bank. It’s great for taking notes, browsing the web, streaming movies, and staying connected with family and friends. It’s a solid choice for those new to the iPad world.
Is it still worth buying in 2024?
Absolutely. While newer iPads offer more power and features, the 10th-generation iPad remains a fantastic value. If you don’t need the latest and greatest, it’s a great way to experience the iPad ecosystem without spending a fortune. keep an eye out for deals, and you can snag one for an even better price.
You can learn more on 9to5Mac.
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