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iPad Air vs iPad | MacRumors Forums
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All iPads iPad Air vs iPad
Jul 4, 2009
Hi all!
My apologies if this has been discussed but I’m looking into getting a new iPad. My current one doesn’t hold a charge anymore so I think I will trade in.
I haven’t kept up with iPad news but I normally like to get the latest technology. My options are current iPad Air or the current iPad. Which one is better? I’ll be using it for basic stuff apps, notes with Apple Pencil, and web browsing. Nothing too crazy.
Thanks!
My apologies if this has been discussed but I’m looking into getting a new iPad. My current one doesn’t hold a charge anymore so I think I will trade in.
I haven’t kept up with iPad news but I normally like to get the latest technology. My options are current iPad Air or the current iPad. Which one is better? I’ll be using it for basic stuff apps, notes with Apple Pencil, and web browsing. Nothing too crazy.
Thanks!
Reactions: Username-already-in-use and curdy
1BadManVan
macrumors demi-god
Well for your usage the iPad 9 is more then enough power wise. The Air 4 gives you stereo speakers, slighter larger laminated display and support for the 2nd gen Apple Pencil. So most likely you have a gen 1 pencil and would have to get the gen 2 pencil for the air 4 as well.Hi all!
My apologies if this has been discussed but I’m looking into getting a new iPad. My current one doesn’t hold a charge anymore so I think I will trade in.
I haven’t kept up with iPad news but I normally like to get the latest technology. My options are current iPad Air or the current iPad. Which one is better? I’ll be using it for basic stuff apps, notes with Apple Pencil, and web browsing. Nothing too crazy.
Thanks!
Overall the Air 4 will last you a bit longer because it has a newer processor and more ram but only 1 gen newer, A13 vs A14. Both have 64gb base storage and the gen 9 actually has a nicer front facing camera
Last edited: Jan 8, 2022
Reactions: scupking, Richard8655 and ms.annette
Jul 4, 2009
Thank you so much!
1BadManVan
macrumors demi-god
No problem, good luck with it! I just got my mom a 9th gen for Christmas and she loves it. I splurged and got the M1 proThank you so much!
Reactions: ms.annette
Chaparral02
macrumors regular
Jan 30, 2021
The ipad air has a better laminated screen and uses the gen 2 apple pencil and the air also has faster USB-C chargingMy options are current iPad Air or the current iPad. Which one is better?
Thanks!
And the ipad Air also works with the apple magic keyboard if this interests you..
Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro 12.9‑inch (5th generation) - British English - White
Magic Keyboard delivers an amazing typing experience, has a built-in trackpad, and provides front and back protection. Buy now at apple.com.
www.apple.com
Reactions: ms.annette
curdy
macrumors regular
Jul 5, 2009
I would go for the Air as well. Better processor (which would hopefully last you longer), and to me, a nicer form factor.
Good luck! Let us know what you end up deciding.
Maybe you can also spoil yourself with a Gen 2 Apple Pencil as well, if you don't already have one.
Good luck! Let us know what you end up deciding.
Maybe you can also spoil yourself with a Gen 2 Apple Pencil as well, if you don't already have one.
Reactions: ms.annette
Username-already-in-use
macrumors 6502
May 18, 2021
If you can afford it, I would go Air 4 with the Apple Pencil 2. It would be a far more enjoyable experience than a base iPad and Pencil 1st generation.
Reactions: imanidiot and ms.annette
Jul 4, 2009
Richard8655
macrumors 68000
I'd say the regular iPad 9 is more than enough for your needs. The Retina display is already excellent, and to me as good as laminated. The processor should be good for quite a long time, and the money saved from not buying the more expensive Air 4 could go to upgrade to the next iPad sooner. Keep in mind this is an iPad fan forum, and of course you'll get recommendations for the higher end model.
Best if you could compare both in person.
Best if you could compare both in person.
Reactions: snipr125 and ms.annette
Digitalguy
macrumors 68020
Apr 15, 2019
2,074
1,756
Contrary to what some people think the air 4 is probably the worst value in the iPad line right now.... It's the oldest and probably the one that will be updated the soonest (Spring) with double the storage and more RAM and a newer CPU. I'd say if you need an iPad now, get the iPad 9, it's a much better value for the money and will keep its value much better if you want to resell it after 1-2 years. If you want the newer accessories or want something for the long term, the pro 11 is a better value even if more expensive (it has basically double everything, storage, ram, speed, screen refresh etc) for 25% more...
Madhatter32
macrumors 6502a
Apr 17, 2020
1,635
For your use case : "I’ll be using it for basic stuff apps, notes with Apple Pencil, and web browsing. Nothing too crazy" I would definitely go with the regular iPad 9 and pocket the difference, which is pretty significant. I doubt most casual users would really notice the difference and the iPad 9 is a great device.
Reactions: ms.annette
uknation87
macrumors regular
Sep 14, 2016
For the cost of the Air, you could probably find a refurbished Pro on the Apple Web site for about the same price. Something else to consider for sure.
That being said, the "entry level" Ipad is really more than enough for you're using it for. I still use the Gen 6 for basically everything you mentioned.
The good news is you have lot's of options. Good luck!
That being said, the "entry level" Ipad is really more than enough for you're using it for. I still use the Gen 6 for basically everything you mentioned.
The good news is you have lot's of options. Good luck!
EugW
macrumors G4
Jun 18, 2017
10,546
7,838
Performance-wise, the iPad 9 is more than sufficient for your needs and has cheaper accessories, but the iPad Air is a nicer machine with nicer accessories.
However, it's now 2022, and the iPad Air hasn't been updated since 2020, if that matters to you. No guarantees, but it is likely a new iPad Air will be released this year. Typical release periods are spring and fall.
However, it's now 2022, and the iPad Air hasn't been updated since 2020, if that matters to you. No guarantees, but it is likely a new iPad Air will be released this year. Typical release periods are spring and fall.
Reactions: ms.annette
DcGamer05
macrumors regular
Mar 27, 2011
iPad 9 3gb memory vs 4gb in the air. And you can get the air from Walmart for $539 and if you have a Walmart card you get another 5% back so it comes to roughly 500. It’s an ok deal the pro is better but for the price difference you can get a case and an Apple Pencil. iPad 9 is nice but not as future proof as the air. A13 vs A14 and 3gb vs 4gb. Yes the iPad 9 has a better FaceTime camera but overall the air is better if you can get it for the right price
just picked up an air from Walmart it’s wonderful the screen is great speed is great. Feels like a pro for slightly less money. The 60hz screen doesn’t bother me. I just upgraded from an iPad gen 5. The difference is night and day. My vote is for the air
just picked up an air from Walmart it’s wonderful the screen is great speed is great. Feels like a pro for slightly less money. The 60hz screen doesn’t bother me. I just upgraded from an iPad gen 5. The difference is night and day. My vote is for the air
Reactions: ms.annette, The-Real-Deal82 and Richard8655
1BadManVan
macrumors demi-god
Issue is you can get an iPad 9 for $200 less than the air, which is due for an upgrade this year.iPad 9 3gb memory vs 4gb in the air. And you can get the air from Walmart for $539 and if you have a Walmart card you get another 5% back so it comes to roughly 500. It’s an ok deal the pro is better but for the price difference you can get a case and an Apple Pencil. iPad 9 is nice but not as future proof as the air. A13 vs A14 and 3gb vs 4gb. Yes the iPad 9 has a better FaceTime camera but overall the air is better if you can get it for the right price
just picked up an air from Walmart it’s wonderful the screen is great speed is great. Feels like a pro for slightly less money. The 60hz screen doesn’t bother me. I just upgraded from an iPad gen 5. The difference is night and day. My vote is for the air
Reactions: ms.annette
Zazoh
macrumors 65816
Had the Gen 3 Air. Bought Gen 4 Air for rest of family. (3 of them) I waited for iPad Mini. Got it, don’t like the size, waiting on Gen 9. The only thing I’m anticipating missing is USB port as I occasionally plugged it in to LG 4k Monitor to stream TV.
But, I’ll let y’all know. 😀
But, I’ll let y’all know. 😀
Reactions: ms.annette
Digitalguy
macrumors 68020
Apr 15, 2019
2,074
1,756
More like $250-300 depending on sales of eitherIssue is you can get an iPad 9 for $200 less than the air, which is due for an upgrade this year.
Reactions: ms.annette
YanniDepp
macrumors 6502a
Dec 10, 2008
The base iPad does have three advantages over the iPad Air:
- Better front camera, with Center Stage
- Headphone jack
- Pretty much half the price
Reactions: Zazoh, snipr125, ms.annette and 2 others
EugW
macrumors G4
Jun 18, 2017
10,546
7,838
Good points, but this also strongly points to an iPad Air update sooner rather than later.Better front camera, with Center Stage
Reactions: BigMcGuire and ms.annette
YanniDepp
macrumors 6502a
Dec 10, 2008
Since they’ve put Center Stage in the base iPad, it’s definitely coming to the next Air. No doubt about it.
Who knows if there will be a new Air later this spring or if it’ll be delayed by all these supply constraints going on.
But if you want a new iPad right now, it’s a bonus point for the base iPad.
Who knows if there will be a new Air later this spring or if it’ll be delayed by all these supply constraints going on.
But if you want a new iPad right now, it’s a bonus point for the base iPad.
Reactions: BigMcGuire and ms.annette
DcGamer05
macrumors regular
Mar 27, 2011
I don’t see apple updating the air anytime soon maybe fall no expert just a guess. they’re all great machines period. Whatever you get you will be happy
Reactions: ms.annette and Username-already-in-use
I had a similar choice back last January. I only really use my iPad for web browsing and watching content, but treated myself to the Air 4 as I got it for £540. It’s a lovely iPad and can’t find anything about it I dislike.
The entry level iPad is great value for money though and you won’t go wrong with either.
The entry level iPad is great value for money though and you won’t go wrong with either.
Reactions: Username-already-in-use and ms.annette
Digitalguy
macrumors 68020
Apr 15, 2019
2,074
1,756
Rumors point to the opposite, Spring upgrade together with the iPhone SE. I don't see many supply constraints with the air, as the main constraint for Apple has been miniled, which is only for the proI don’t see apple updating the air anytime soon maybe fall no expert just a guess. they’re all great machines period. Whatever you get you will be happy
Reactions: ms.annette
Jul 4, 2009
Wow! Y’all are so helpful. I appreciate it 😘
Reactions: Richard8655
Jul 4, 2009
BTW, I teach 2nd grade so I’ll be using it a lot at work to test my kids. Our online reading assessment works best on iPads.
Reactions: Richard8655
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