iPad AnandTech review of the iPad Air

[tmarks11]

...how much more will a 2gb ram cost compare to 1gb?

About $8.

But if they put in 2GB this time, you wouldn't be inspired to shell out another $500 in 12 months to get 2 GB with the Ipad Air 2 incremental upgrade ("tock" to the iPad Air's "tick").

There is deliberate method to Apple's "madness". Evil genius you might call it...

And if you want gold color...

 

[Donka]

Bear in mind, it's not just a case of dropping in some extra RAM at minimal cost. There are power requirements and also physical space limitations in such a constrained case! If there was a huge need for extra RAM, Apple could easily add that and charge a premium for it.
I actually have more of an issue with the pricing of each storage jump than I do the lack of supposed lack of RAM!

 

[Southernboyj]

The s4 doesn't run ANYWHERE near as smoothly as a 5s. That is absolute nonsense.

Normal S4? No. Google Edition S4.. Yes, yes it does.

 

[rui no onna]

Bear in mind, it's not just a case of dropping in some extra RAM at minimal cost. There are power requirements and also physical space limitations in such a constrained case! If there was a huge need for extra RAM, Apple could easily add that and charge a premium for it.

I'm actually curious, what's the power requirement of 2GB LPDDR3 compared to 1GB LPDDR3? Because same as NAND, I doubt the increase will be particularly significant as long as they're using just one package. I reckon this is more a case of "it's not really needed now and it's one more thing that would increase performance in a future version and make folks want to upgrade" kind of thing.

 

[Donka]

I'm actually curious, what's the power requirement of 2GB LPDDR3 compared to 1GB LPDDR3? Because same as NAND, I doubt the increase will be particularly significant as long as they're using just one package. I reckon this is more a case of "it's not really needed now and it's one more thing that would increase performance in a future version and make folks want to upgrade" kind of thing.

RAM is different from NAND. 2GB of RAM requires roughly twice the power of 1GB of the same specification of RAM because the whole RAM needs to be powered at all times. 32GB NAND for example uses roughly the same power as 16GB NAND because it is typically powered as data is read or written and it doesn't need to be powered at all times to store the data.

 

[dgreene196]

I'm actually curious, what's the power requirement of 2GB LPDDR3 compared to 1GB LPDDR3? Because same as NAND, I doubt the increase will be particularly significant as long as they're using just one package. I reckon this is more a case of "it's not really needed now and it's one more thing that would increase performance in a future version and make folks want to upgrade" kind of thing.

My only argument against this (having 2 GB vs. 1 GB RAM) as an upgrade tactic is that I'm not sure Apple has ever, in any announcement or advertisements for the iPhone or iPad discussed the amount of RAM a device had as a significant feature (and I could be wrong about this).

They do like to tout creating their own chips and how much faster each generation is than the one before, but RAM? Not a feature they're really selling.

As others have noted, the slowness Anand referenced in his review seemed to be due to iOS 7 more than the hardware. There are definite advantages to having more storage, but, if you want a new iPad, you have to live with the specs Apple chose for this year. For many, that will be adequate, but individual needs may force an examination of other options.

 

[Porkaysi]

in the end more ram is better but ram management is key, when limited to a certain amount 1 or 3 gb. anandtech had few apps and tabs open, he never went above 60% ram used. while the load was not that heavy id say its comparable to what an average person would have open at one time and it had a good amount to spare.
i do not think the one gig of ram will effect performance for most. i trade up every year with tech so its not a big deal, but for those who want to keep the device for a while it may be an issue. even with iOS 8 it should be fine, apple just jumped to 64 bit and a redesign, iOS 8 will add features but it won't be an over haul and shouldn't make a jump up in ram consumption.

 

[ABC5S]

While a no brainier in the sense that either one blows away my current Mini, BUT do I go for the larger screen Air vs. the new Mini? :confused:

Some are now jumping ship from the Mini to the full size because of the smaller size and a bit more difficult on the eyes. Since the Air is now smaller in dimensions and lighter, its almost a no brainer to get the Air for some. However, if you only use it on the go, than perhaps the Mini retina is the way to go.

 

[rui no onna]

RAM is different from NAND. 2GB of RAM requires roughly twice the power of 1GB of the same specification of RAM because the whole RAM needs to be powered at all times.

I realize 2GB would use more power than 1GB. However, I've actually looked at DRAM specs for desktop memory before and the increase in power consumption usually isn't 2x. It was like 50% or something. Granted on a device running on battery, every milliwatt counts.

And yes, Apple has never announced the amount of RAM for iOS devices but it's something that manifests after a couple of iOS upgrades. As I mentioned there's no hard need for a RAM upgrade now. Performance in iOS 7 is pretty good for the most part so there's no incentive for Apple to increase it. However, 2 or 3 iOS generations down, the 1GB RAM on the iPad would likely limit performance and start making the device feel sluggish so users are more inclined to upgrade.

 

[FrankySavvy]

you do realize in a year's time the iPhone 6 will be out right? ...
the 6th gen iPad will prolly mirror the iPhone 6's specs...lol. using your logic you'll never get an iPad.

This is a great point, I have a feeling apple wants to match most specs across the iPhone, iPad range, which means next fall, the iPad and iPhone will both get an A8 or whatever they call it....

 

[Donka]

I realize 2GB would use more power than 1GB. However, I've actually looked at DRAM specs for desktop memory before and the increase in power consumption usually isn't 2x. It was like 50% or something. Granted on a device running on battery, every milliwatt counts.

And yes, Apple has never announced the amount of RAM for iOS devices but it's something that manifests after a couple of iOS upgrades. As I mentioned there's no hard need for a RAM upgrade now. Performance in iOS 7 is pretty good for the most part so there's no incentive for Apple to increase it. However, 2 or 3 iOS generations down, the 1GB RAM on the iPad would likely limit performance and start making the device feel sluggish so users are more inclined to upgrade.

I got that info directly from a RAM manufacturer years ago while I was writing an article of RAM & Flash. It's not an exact science and I don't have all the details to hand but if you have double the exact same spec of RAM, the extra power required is the same again so roughly double the power consumption.
A quick G search found this:

http://superuser.com/questions/40113/does-installing-larger-ram-means-consuming-more-energy

 

[rui no onna]

http://superuser.com/questions/40113/does-installing-larger-ram-means-consuming-more-energy

That's if you're adding DIMMs. Obviously, increase is more or less linear since you're adding all the same parts when you add another DIMM. If you add more RAM by replacing the 1GB DIMM with a 2GB DIMM, then it's a different matter. Unfortunately, I can't find power consumption specifications for LPDDR3 RAM.

 

[redman042]

Android fanboys, please stop comparing iPad RAM to Android tablet RAM. The reason Android tablets have more RAM is because the Android OS plus all the stupid skins gobbles more RAM from the get-go (before any apps are loaded). It has more because it needs more.

 

[Donka]

That's if you're adding DIMMs. Obviously, increase is more or less linear since you're adding all the same parts when you add another DIMM. If you add more RAM by replacing the 1GB DIMM with a 2GB DIMM, then it's a different matter. Unfortunately, I can't find power consumption specifications for LPDDR3 RAM.

Yes but a 2GB DIMM will have twice as many memory modules as a 1GB DIMM of the exact same specification. Because all these memory modules need to be powered in RAM, a 2GB DIMM of the same spec would effectively require twice the power as a 1GB DIMM. A single DIMM versus 2 DIMMs may have a small benefit in power consumption because all the supporting components are on the same package and therefore not duplicated.

 

[mcdj]

About $8.

But if they put in 2GB this time, you wouldn't be inspired to shell out another $500 in 12 months to get 2 GB with the Ipad Air 2 incremental upgrade ("tock" to the iPad Air's "tick").

People have been saying the exact same thing since the ipad 2. Still no 2GB.

Or so says anandtech. I'm still waiting to hear how they determined there's only 1GB.

 

[Macalway]

So people, what are you going to do, use Android until Apple steps up? Or, no tablet at all?

I don't get it. I mean, complain sure, but get a grip....please

 

[rui no onna]

Yes but a 2GB DIMM will have twice as many memory modules as a 1GB DIMM of the exact same specification. Because all these memory modules need to be powered in RAM, a 2GB DIMM of the same spec would effectively require twice the power as a 1GB DIMM.

Not necessarily. It can just use higher density memory modules/dies. What's the power hit of doing that? No idea as unfortunately, I can't find a spec sheet.

I'm actually quite curious if sticking to 1GB RAM is a technical design decision or due to business reasons. I don't really mind either way. So far, the iPad's still nicer to use overall compared to my Android tablets.

 

[skillwill]

As always, a solid review from Anand. Has me almost thinking of waiting now as the iPad Air is basically a large screen iPhone 5S (which his review essentially confirmed).

Waiting for what? The next ipad will be "basically a large screen" iPhone 6. With this logic you'll never get an ipad

 

[Donka]

Not necessarily. It can just use higher density memory modules/dies. What's the power hit of doing that? No idea as unfortunately, I can't find a spec sheet.

I'm actually quite curious if sticking to 1GB RAM is a technical design decision or due to business reasons. I don't really mind either way. So far, the iPad's still nicer to use overall compared to my Android tablets.

That's why I said RAM of the exact same specification.
Power consumption may not even be a factor in Apple not going to 2GB and as long as the iPad performs well then I couldn't care less. I moved from the 4 to a mini a couple of months back and while I noticed the lack of RAM, it still runs the likes of iMovie & Garageband just fine on 512MB - two apps that by rights should tax the system at least a little bit! Just waiting on mini with retina reviews now...

 

[jps1012]

Personally I would prefer more ram with less battery. Just my preference.

 

[jmgregory1]

I find it quite strange that anyone who has not had a chance to use the new iPad Air is complaining about the lack of 2gb of ram. I just don't get the logic, or lack thereof. If you're using past performance of an older iPad, don't you think you should wait until you've actually used the new iPad before ASSUMING it will have the same "issues" that might (or might not) be related to the amount of ram?

 

[csrini1]

So people, what are you going to do, use Android until Apple steps up? Or, no tablet at all?

I don't get it. I mean, complain sure, but get a grip....please

No, we still buy the ipad air now, but continue complaining about no 2gb RAM,no 8gb camera or gold color option

----------

Personally I would prefer more ram with less battery. Just my preference.

I am also thinking the same, I dont mind 8 hour battery but need 2gb RAM.

 

[macduke]

I keep hearing people arguing about how the iPad Air has the same amount of RAM as before, which works fine and all that. You're completely wrong! For 64-bit apps (which are quickly being upgraded as it's pretty easy for devs to implement), the iPad Air uses 20-30% more RAM. So roughly 700-800MB. The 5th gen iPad Air is about halfway between the iPad 2 and iPad 3/4 on RAM. That's not sustainable. Here's to hoping iOS 8/9 has RAM compression like Mavericks. Not sure if that compression puts a big hit on the CPU, especially for mobile devices. Anyone know?

 

[xNYMetsx]

I find it quite strange that anyone who has not had a chance to use the new iPad Air is complaining about the lack of 2gb of ram. I just don't get the logic, or lack thereof. If you're using past performance of an older iPad, don't you think you should wait until you've actually used the new iPad before ASSUMING it will have the same "issues" that might (or might not) be related to the amount of ram?

Used a previous IPad with more ram and it had issues. Air will have a 20-30% greater footprint in ram

 

[richardmu]

Well if that's the case then Apple better get on the stick because Safari is the main culprit on mine. And I don't even visit sites with video etc. just forums, news etc. but I do pay bills and shop online and it gets really tiring having it crash while I'm in the middle of entering my credit card info or posting a long post.

Frankly I don't give a rat's you-know-what how the PS3 or XBox handles it. All I care about is how my iPad functions and I've been down this road. Like I said, I'll probably pick one up. But this time I'm returning at the first crash. I'm not spending $1000 for a wrestling match. I refuse to continually reboot to release memory just so I can read CNN or Reddit.

I use my iPad 2 every day and have done since it's release and do all the things
with it that you say you do. Never had a crash as far as I can remember. It just
works!

WTF do you do that is so different?