Battery life on this thing is INCREDIBLE. 8800 mah vs 7300 on the iPad Air 2 and Pro. More than a 20% increase. It's just like a tank, keeps going. I know it says 10 hours for the battery but you can easily get 12 hours out of it, if not more.
I can say, without question, that this is the longest lasting battery I have ever had. Apple FINALLY did what everyone has been begging them to do: sacrifice thinness for a bigger battery. And wow did it pay off.
My only complaint, if it's even that, is that you def need to use the included 2.4A charger. It charges relatively quickly with that (several hours for a full charge).
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First time ipad owner here - picked up the new ipad and my first reaction is that it feels a little cheap and bulky. However, I'm somewhat spoiled coming from a Samsung Tab S2 which is one of the thinnest and lightest tablets and has a great screen. But I wanted to switch to an ipad because the tablet experience on the S2 was subpar and I found myself reaching for my Iphone 7+ more often.
Is the Air 2 noticeably lighter and thinner feeling in hand? Not too concerned about the performance difference between the two, but would it be stupid to switch from the 2017 ipad to an Air 2?
Yes its bulky. But the battery is 50% bigger than your S2 and it shows.
The Air 2 feels better to hold and the screen is a little better, but only slightly.
Personally, I was ready to return my iPad over the screen quality and get an Air 2. Then I gave it more time, saw how incredible the battery life is, and decided to keep it. If battery life is at all a concern of yours, keep the iPad.