What am I missing here? Apple refurb store has the Air 2 16gb for $319 but are selling the new model at 32gb for $329? Was hoping to grab a discounted Air 2 after this release but the prices did not drop like I expected they would. Anyone know the differences between these two that would justify such similar pricing?
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
iPad iPad Air 2 vs. New iPad?
- Thread starter bsharrah
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Comparing the Air 2 to the new iPad is tough since the new model is a clear downgrade in some areas. The new model has a faster processor and more storage for the money. But the Air 2 is thinner, lighter, and has a significantly better display (laminated and anti reflective coating). So they both have their strong points, thus the similar pricing.
If it were me, I would get the Air 2 over the newer model since the A8X chip is still plenty fast and the screen is much nicer. I'd probably try to find one with more than 16 GB of storage though.
If it were me, I would get the Air 2 over the newer model since the A8X chip is still plenty fast and the screen is much nicer. I'd probably try to find one with more than 16 GB of storage though.
I noticed the new iPad is .29 inches thick as opposed to the iPad Air 2 which is .24 inches thick and am wondering what keyboard cases might be compatible with it? It seeems to be the same thickness as the original iPad Air.
I would like a backlit keyboard case and one that turns off the keyboard automatically when folded closed.
Any suggestions?
Bill
I would like a backlit keyboard case and one that turns off the keyboard automatically when folded closed.
Any suggestions?
Bill
Why should the Air2 price drop? Just because it's now no longer in production?
The Air2 has a better screen than the new iPad. Among other things...
I think you might want to look up the meaning of "predecessor".
As for the OP, if having the best screen quality is more important than having the better speed, storage, and longevity options, get the Air 2. If the reverse is true, get the new iPad. The new iPad is essentially the iPad Air 1 with a slightly improved processor(improved over the Air 2, I mean) and more memory (double the HD and double the internal memory).
Just purchased an iPad Air 2 128GB Space Gray ($399) from Best Buy (my backup iPad). Best Buy has the 32GB Air 2 for $299 in-store in some locations but they're out of stock in my area so for my dad's iPad upgrade (from iPad 3), I'm getting him the 2017 iPad 32GB by default.
I reckon the 2017 iPad is pretty much the iPad Air with upgraded specs (processor, RAM, TouchID, camera, 802.11ac, base storage, etc) at a new lower entry price. You could also look at it as an Air 2 with downgraded screen.
Exactly. That's clearly Apple's way of making an affordable product that gives the user of having an iPad that can perform similarly to Pro line, with the exception of the Pro features, with further expansion into the ecosystem with other products.
There are those who have no need for the Pro features and this iPad is exactly the middle ground for some. Some who wanted an iPad before, but opted out for the high price or Unwanted features, this is a perfect product on price point.
Yeah, I have zero use for the Pro features, but what kills this new one for me is the lack of the laminated screen. That makes a huge difference.
I have to question the reasoning and motives behind this new iPad.
Basic, no frills, designed to fill a specific entry level market? Why?
What happened to innovation? Of all the things Apple could be developing and releasing, they choose an entry level iPad with older technology?
Meanwhile the rest of the industry is full steam ahead.
I can speculate on why Apple is doing this, but feel the new iPad, red iPhone, etc., are just fillers. They felt they had to release something, so here ya go!
I should have kept my original iPad, and iPhone 5. I could walk around saying "hey look at my new iPad and iPhone SE". From the outside no one would know the difference.
You might be unduly harsh.
First, the red iPhone 7/+ has nothing to do with this new iPad.
This iPad is an entry level iPad to satisfy the people that are not interested in the fancy 'extras' which are packaged with the more expensive models. Features such as the ability to use the Apple pencil with this device, better speakers, more accurate color reproduction on the display, or better cameras to name a few examples.
If those features are of importance ...then this iPad is not for you.
Full steam ahead? There's a dearth of new premium high end Android tablets. Much like the PC market, the focus seems to be on the low end. I think Samsung may be the only manufacturer still making premium Android tablets.
I'm talking about things like innovation, for example a folding tablet? Maybe transparent screens like we see in all the movies? Things like that. Apple used to dream, now they tweek.
Others will set the new bar.
Who knows what they're trying to develop behind the scenes. However, game changing innovations like those? Lots of trial and error and likely a lot more time before they become ready for mass production. In the meantime, they need to keep selling products in order to fund R&D efforts.
The original iPad had an A9? And who cares if nobody can tell the difference from the outside? Not everything is about the bling.
Very obviously Apple is doing this i) to push the penetration of the iPad into a cheaper market, in the hopes that those users will pick up an iPad and that will lead to sales of other Apple products and ii) encourage those users who have been limping along with an older generation of iPad but don't need Pro features to cough up money for a new device.
I love my air 2, but that's some BS right there. Half the storage, and it's a refurb, and it's only $10 less? New one is a better deal at those prices.