The new M2 iPad Air from Apple is finally here and the first test reports have already arrived. With a powerful M2 chip and an attractive price-performance ratio, the iPad Air stands out from the competition. Below you will find out everything you need to know about the new iPad Air, based on the first test reports.
After the announcement of the new iPads last week, the press has now published the first reviews for the M2 iPad Air. The balance between powerful hardware and a reasonable price is particularly praised. Let's take a closer look at the experts' opinions and find out why the M2 iPad Air is called "the iPad to buy".
M2 iPad Air review
Engadget: “The iPad to buy”
Loud Engadget the new M2 iPad Air is the "iPad to buy." While the M4 iPad Pro is hard to recommend due to its high price, the iPad Air offers a "compelling mix of features at a reasonable price." The review highlights the storage upgrade for the base model (now with 128GB) and the new 13-inch version.
But for the rest of us, there's still the iPad Air, which offers about 80 percent of the iPad Pro for a lot less money. And for the first time, there's a big-screen iPad at a much more affordable price. My heart may want an iPad Pro, but my head (and my wallet) agree that the iPad Air is the far more affordable option.
ArsTechnica: "The iPad for everything"
ArsTechnica calls the M2 iPad Air the "iPad for everything." The report emphasizes that the entry-level iPad is likely sufficient for most buyers, but the new Air offers the full iPad experience at a much lower price than the iPad Pro. The M2 chip is "powerful enough to do everything people currently use iPads for."
The 13-inch Air in particular could be of interest to people who want to replace their laptop with an iPad. The screen is big enough and the device is certainly fast enough. The price is OK, but you have to factor in the cost of a keyboard.
CNET: Compatibility with Apple Pencil Pro
Also CNET seems to agree with other reviewers. One important point is compatibility with the Apple Pencil Pro, as the Apple Pencil 2 does not work with the new iPad Air.
The new Pencil Pro costs the same as the Pencil 2 (149 euros), which is great, except… the new Air won't work with your old Pencil 2, so you'll have to buy a Pencil Pro or use the weaker USB-C Pencil stylus.
The Verge: Recommendation for the entry-level iPad
The Verge recommends the entry-level iPad, which has just been reduced in price, instead of the new iPad Air.
Aside from a few specific scenarios, I wouldn't advise you to buy this year's iPad Air. Not because it isn't great - it is great! It's just that for $250 less, you can get the basic iPad, which is just as good at all the usual iPad activities.
Prices and availability
Prices for the iPad Air start at 699 euros for the 11-inch version and 949 euros for the 13-inch version. The new iPad Air offers an attractive combination of price and performance, making it an interesting option for many users.
Impressive hardware and attractive price
The new M2 iPad Air is an impressive device with top-notch hardware and an attractive price-performance ratio. With the powerful M2 chip and the new OLED display, the iPad Air sets new standards in the tablet market. Despite some criticisms, such as the lack of compatibility with the Apple Pencil 2, the iPad Air offers an excellent overall package. If you are looking for a powerful yet affordable iPad, the M2 iPad Air could be just the thing for you. (Image: Apple)
