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iPad Air iPad vs iPad Air

iThinkurBeats

iThinkurBeats

macrumors member
Original poster
May 8, 2015
50
47
I saw a video from a YouTuber who claimed the iPad Air was the best iPad for everything.
I wanted to know what a basic iPad can't do compared to an iPad Air?
I'm not referring to speed, but rather what it can't do in terms of features.
Thanks
 
rui no onna said:
The display is not fully laminated (has an air gap)
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Does the non-laminated screen limit what you can "do" on the iPad versus the Air or Pro? I'm interpreting that as the OP's question. (I agree that using an Apple Pencil would be a more satisfying experience on the Air or Pro, but it can still be done.)
 
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CharlesShaw said:
Does the non-laminated screen limit what you can "do" on the iPad versus the Air or Pro? I'm interpreting that as the OP's question. (I agree that using an Apple Pencil would be a more satisfying experience on the Air or Pro, but it can still be done.)
Click to expand...
No, it doesn't
 
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Keyboard options (which may or may not be better, depending on your opinion of such things), laminated display, P3 color gamut on your display, the speed of M3 vs. A16, Apple Pencil Pro support vs. Apple Pencil 1st Generation Support (since both support the USB-C Apple Pencil and neither support the 2nd Generation Apple Pencil), a 13-inch display option (though, if you're only interested in 10.9/11-inch iPads, that's a moot point), Apple Intelligence (for whatever that's worth), Stage Manager (for whatever that's worth), the ability to run Final Cut Pro (for whatever that's worth), faster USB-C transfer speeds, Wi-Fi 6E instead of 6, and a 1TB storage capacity (if that's something you really need on your iPad).

There are definitely features on the Air that the standard iPad doesn't have. Whether you have a practical need for any of them is a completely different discussion.
 
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Yebubbleman said:
Keyboard options (which may or may not be better, depending on your opinion of such things), laminated display, P3 color gamut on your display, the speed of M3 vs. A16, Apple Pencil Pro support vs. Apple Pencil 1st Generation Support (since both support the USB-C Apple Pencil and neither support the 2nd Generation Apple Pencil), a 13-inch display option (though, if you're only interested in 10.9/11-inch iPads, that's a moot point), Apple Intelligence (for whatever that's worth), Stage Manager (for whatever that's worth), the ability to run Final Cut Pro (for whatever that's worth), faster USB-C transfer speeds, Wi-Fi 6E instead of 6, and a 1TB storage capacity (if that's something you really need on your iPad).

There are definitely features on the Air that the standard iPad doesn't have. Whether you have a practical need for any of them is a completely different discussion.
Click to expand...
Despite the non-laminated display, you can barely tell it's laminated. The colors and volume are also excellent. I don't miss my Air.
IMG_9804.jpeg
 
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The Air really seems like the sweet spot to me. The external monitor support (especially with iPadOS 26) makes it all that much better. However, if you don't need that, the standard iPad is still great. It lacks Apple Intelligence, but honestly, after playing around with Image Playground when it first came out, I don't really use Apple Intelligence on my iPad at all.

For my needs, the jump from iPad Air to iPad Pro doesn't seem worth it, as the I don't think I'd notice most of the "Pro" features in my day-to-day use. I was talking to someone recently who said they're considering trading in their Pro for a standard iPad the next time it's updated.

So I think this YouTube video you saw was probably right, the iPad Air is the best iPad for everything, but if you don't need everything, just get the regular iPad.
 
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Madmic23 said:
For my needs, the jump from iPad Air to iPad Pro doesn't seem worth it, as the I don't think I'd notice most of the "Pro" features in my day-to-day use.
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Hehe, it's impossible not to notice Face ID on the Pro in day-to-day use, unless you only use a passcode.
 
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Yebubbleman said:
I'll definitely agree that the non-laminated display is less and less pronounced nowadays (especially when compared to those with the previous [home button/lightning] design).
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Agreed. The last non-laminated screen I used was a 2017 5th gen (with white bezels) that I quickly swapped for a 10.5 Pro. Seeing the 2025 iPad under bright lights last week was a pleasant surprise.
 
I disagree that non laminated screen is a non issue. I hate air gapped screens. Honestly that is the biggest issue for me.

That being said the new iPad is very nice.

However you can buy the m3 air for $449 on Amazon right now. Why would you not spend the extra hundred for a better screen, speakers, and much, much better processor and ram. 128gb base model is great.

So while the iPad is a great basic iPad for a little more you get a much more capable tablet and with more ram and m3 air and it will last a longer due to the better processor and more ram. Might as well pay a little more now and keep your iPad longer and have more enjoyment with better features while you own it.

I bought a 5th gen iPad Air and it is still running great. I am sure it will last another few years before it will need to be replaced. My m1 is still better than a16. I am sure there are a lot of m2 airs out there gently used that cost as much or less than a new iPad.
 
Technerd108 said:
So while the iPad is a great basic iPad for a little more you get a much more capable tablet and with more ram and m3 air and it will last a longer due to the better processor and more ram.
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While not many would consider the price difference between iPad and iPad Air to be "a little more" it's understandable why those who read tech blogs for entertainment feel better when they buy what the majority of the commenters deem to be more capable, even if they don't need it and never utilize said capabilities. Think all the iPad Pro's docked in Magic Keyboards sitting unused on a desk somewhere.
 
For me it’s the non reflective screen.

I did use iPad 5th gen and I couldn’t stand that every single light coming through the windows reflecting on the screen.

Maybe if you sitting in a completely dark room it’s good.
 
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