iPad Air 2 vs iPad 6th Gen: Which iPad Should You Buy?
Stuck between two classic iPads? The decision between the iPad Air 2 and the iPad 6th Gen can be tricky. Both tablets offer a compelling experience, but they cater to different needs and budgets. This comparison will help you navigate the choices and find the perfect fit for your digital life.
The iPad Air 2, known for its sleek design and portability, was a game-changer when it was released. Its successor, the iPad 6th Gen, builds on that foundation with updated features and performance enhancements. We’ll delve into the specifics to help you understand the strengths of each model.
Whether you’re a student, a creative professional, or simply looking for a reliable tablet for everyday use, this guide will provide the insights you need. We’ll examine the key differences in performance, display quality, and overall value. Let’s find out which iPad reigns supreme in this head-to-head battle!
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | iPad Air 2 | iPad 6th Gen |
|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2014 | 2018 |
| Screen Size | 9.7 inches | 9.7 inches |
| Resolution | 2048 x 1536 pixels | 2048 x 1536 pixels |
| Processor | A8X chip | A10 Fusion chip |
| RAM | 2GB | 2GB |
| Storage Options | 16/64/128 GB | 32/128 GB |
| Operating System | Upgradable to iPadOS | iPadOS |
| Front Camera | 1.2MP | 1.2MP |
| Rear Camera | 8MP | 8MP |
| Apple Pencil Support | No | Yes (1st generation) |
| Weight | 437 grams (Wi-Fi) / 444 grams (Cellular) | 469 grams (Wi-Fi) / 478 grams (Cellular) |
| Touch ID | Yes | No |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Processor
- iPad Air 2: Powered by the A8X chip with 2GB of RAM. It offers decent performance for everyday tasks and older apps, but can struggle with demanding games and multitasking. Its age is a significant drawback.
- iPad 6th Gen: Features the A10 Fusion chip with 2GB of RAM. The A10 Fusion provides a noticeable performance boost over the A8X, handling newer apps and games more smoothly. It’s a much more capable device.
- Winner: iPad 6th gen
Display
- iPad Air 2: Boasts a 9.7-inch Retina display with a resolution of 2048 x 1536 pixels. The display is bright and sharp, offering a good viewing experience. However, it lacks features like True Tone.
- iPad 6th Gen: Also has a 9.7-inch Retina display with the same resolution as the Air 2. The display is good, but lacks modern features like True Tone that are common in more recent iPads.
- Winner: Tie
Design and Build Quality
- iPad Air 2: Features a slim and lightweight design, making it easy to carry. Build quality is generally good, but the design is dated compared to newer iPads.
- iPad 6th Gen: Shares a similar design to the Air 2, with a focus on affordability. Build quality is still solid, but the design is a bit older.
- Winner: Tie
Cameras
- iPad Air 2: Equipped with an 8MP rear camera and a 1.2MP front-facing camera. The cameras are adequate for basic photos and video calls, but performance is limited by the age of the hardware.
- iPad 6th Gen: Also features an 8MP rear camera and a 1.2MP front-facing camera. The camera performance is similar to the Air 2, sufficient for casual use.
- Winner: Tie
Storage Options
- iPad Air 2: Offered in various storage options, often starting at 16GB, which can be limiting today. Higher storage configurations are preferable.
- iPad 6th Gen: Available with storage options starting at 32GB, which is a better starting point than the Air 2. Offers more space for apps and media.
- Winner: iPad 6th gen
Battery Life
- iPad Air 2: Provides decent battery life for its age, typically lasting around 10 hours of web browsing or video playback. Battery life may degrade with age.
- iPad 6th Gen: Offers similar battery life to the Air 2, providing a full day of use for many users. Battery health will vary depending on usage.
- Winner: Tie
Apple Pencil Support
- iPad Air 2: Does not support the Apple Pencil. This limits its use for creative tasks and note-taking.
- iPad 6th Gen: Supports the 1st generation Apple Pencil, adding versatility for drawing, writing, and navigation.
- Winner: iPad 6th gen
Operating System and Software Support
- iPad Air 2: Limited software support as it is older. It may not receive the latest iOS updates.
- iPad 6th Gen: Receives more software updates compared to the Air 2, ensuring better compatibility with newer apps and features.
- Winner: iPad 6th gen
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Performance | iPad 6th Gen |
| Apple Pencil Support | iPad 6th Gen |
| Software Support | iPad 6th Gen |
| Value (Considering Current Market Prices) | iPad Air 2 (Potentially) |
| Features | iPad 6th Gen |
What They Have in Common:
- Screen Size and Resolution: Both iPads feature a 9.7-inch Retina display with the same resolution, providing a similar visual experience for browsing, watching videos, and reading.
- Rear Camera: Both models share an 8MP rear camera, capable of capturing photos and videos at comparable quality levels, suitable for casual photography and video recording.
- Operating System: Both devices are capable of running the latest iPadOS, ensuring access to the newest features, security updates, and app compatibility.
- RAM: Both iPads come with 2GB of RAM, which is sufficient for multitasking and running most apps smoothly, although performance differences may exist due to the processor.
- Wi-Fi and Cellular Options: Both iPad models offer both Wi-Fi only and Wi-Fi + Cellular versions, giving users the flexibility to choose the connectivity option that best fits their needs.
iPad Air 2 vs iPad 6th Gen Buying Guide
Performance and Processing Power
The iPad 6th generation boasts a newer and more efficient processor, the A10 Fusion chip, offering a significant performance boost compared to the iPad Air 2’s A8X chip. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved overall responsiveness. The A10 Fusion handles more demanding tasks with ease, making it a better choice for gaming and running resource-intensive applications. The Air 2, while still functional, may experience occasional lag or slowdowns when compared side-by-side.
Display Quality
Both iPads feature Retina displays, but the iPad 6th generation’s display might have slight improvements in color accuracy and brightness compared to the Air 2. However, the differences are subtle, and both devices provide a crisp and vibrant viewing experience suitable for watching videos, browsing the web, and reading text. The Air 2’s display is still perfectly adequate for most users. The viewing experience is very similar for both devices.
Design and Portability
The iPad Air 2 is known for its thinner and lighter design, making it slightly more portable and comfortable to hold for extended periods. The iPad 6th generation is a bit thicker and heavier. However, the difference is negligible for many users. Both tablets are sleek and stylish, but the Air 2’s design is more refined. Both offer a good form factor that is easy to carry around.
Storage Options
When considering storage, the iPad 6th generation often offered more base storage options compared to the Air 2. This is crucial if you plan to store a large number of apps, photos, videos, or other files on your tablet. The Air 2 came with a smaller base storage model in most cases. Choosing the correct storage size depends on your individual needs and how you intend to use the iPad.
Camera Capabilities
The iPad 6th generation generally has a slightly improved camera compared to the Air 2, with better image quality and video recording capabilities. However, both tablets are equipped with cameras that are suitable for video calls and casual photography. The improvements are not drastic for the average user. The front-facing cameras are adequate for video conferencing.
Software and Updates
The iPad 6th generation, being the newer model, is likely to receive software updates for a longer period compared to the iPad Air 2. This means you will have access to the latest features, security patches, and app compatibility for a longer duration. The Air 2, while still receiving some updates, may eventually reach its end-of-life support sooner. Staying up-to-date with the latest software is important for security and optimal performance.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPad Air 2 If…
- You find a good deal on a used or refurbished model and are on a tight budget.
- You primarily need a tablet for basic tasks like web browsing, email, and media consumption.
- Touch ID is important to you.
Buy iPad 6th gen If…
- You want the latest software support and performance improvements.
- You plan to use an Apple Pencil for note-taking, drawing, or other creative tasks.
- You prioritize a slightly newer processor for better overall performance and app compatibility.
- You prefer a newer device with potentially longer-term software support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which iPad is faster?
The iPad 6th generation is faster due to its more advanced A10 Fusion chip, offering improved performance in app loading, multitasking, and overall responsiveness. The A8X in the Air 2 is still capable, but the 6th gen delivers a more fluid experience, especially with demanding applications and games. The performance difference is noticeable in daily use.
Does the iPad Air 2 have a better design?
The iPad Air 2 is known for its thinner and lighter design, making it feel more premium and portable. While both are stylish, the Air 2’s design is slightly more refined. However, the iPad 6th generation’s design is still modern and functional. The choice depends on personal preference and desired portability.
Which iPad has the better display?
Both iPads have Retina displays, but the iPad 6th generation might offer slightly better color accuracy and brightness. The differences are not significant, and both provide a crisp and vibrant viewing experience. The Air 2’s display is still excellent for most users. Both are great for video and reading.
Which iPad is better for gaming?
The iPad 6th generation, with its A10 Fusion chip, is better for gaming. It handles demanding games with smoother performance and faster loading times. While the Air 2 can play games, the 6th gen provides a more enjoyable and lag-free gaming experience. You will notice a performance difference.
Which iPad has a better camera?
The iPad 6th generation typically has a slightly improved camera compared to the Air 2, offering better image quality and video recording capabilities. The difference isn’t huge, but the 6th gen camera provides slightly better results. Both are capable of video calls and casual photography.
Which iPad has longer software support?
The iPad 6th generation, being newer, will receive software updates for a longer period. This ensures access to the latest features, security patches, and app compatibility. The Air 2 is still supported, but its support lifespan is shorter. This is an important consideration for long-term use.
Which iPad is more affordable?
The iPad Air 2 is generally available at a lower price point, as it’s an older model. This makes it a more budget-friendly option. The iPad 6th generation, being newer, might be more expensive. The price difference depends on the condition and availability of each device.
Final Verdict
The iPad 6th generation emerges as the superior choice due to its faster processor, improved performance, and longer software support. While the iPad Air 2 remains a capable device, the 6th generation offers a more modern and refined experience, especially for demanding tasks and long-term use. The performance improvements make it a worthwhile upgrade.
Winner: iPad 6th Gen