iPad Air 3 vs iPad Air 4: Which iPad Air Should You Buy?
Struggling to decide between the iPad Air 3 and the iPad Air 4? You’re not alone! Both tablets offer a compelling blend of performance and portability, making them popular choices for students, professionals, and anyone who enjoys on-the-go entertainment.
This in-depth comparison will break down the key differences between the iPad Air 3 and the iPad Air 4, helping you determine which model best suits your needs and budget. We’ll examine everything from the design and display to the performance and features to give you a clear picture.
Get ready to uncover the strengths and weaknesses of each device. We’ll explore the upgrades introduced with the iPad Air 4 and see how they stack up against the established capabilities of the iPad Air 3, so you can make an informed decision.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | iPad Air 3 | iPad Air 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 10.5-inch | 10.9-inch |
| Processor | A12 Bionic chip | A14 Bionic chip |
| RAM | 3GB | 4GB |
| Storage Options | 64GB, 256GB | 64GB, 256GB |
| Front Camera | 7MP | 7MP |
| Rear Camera | 8MP | 12MP |
| Video Recording | 1080p | 4K |
| Apple Pencil Compatibility | 1st Generation | 2nd Generation |
| Touch ID | Yes | Yes (on top button) |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Colors | Silver, Space Gray, Gold | Silver, Space Gray, Rose Gold, Green, Sky Blue |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- iPad Air 3: Features a 10.5-inch Retina display with True Tone technology. It offers a bright and vibrant viewing experience, suitable for everyday use. However, the bezels are relatively thick compared to newer models.
- iPad Air 4: Boasts a larger 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with thinner bezels and a more modern design. It also includes True Tone and offers a wider color gamut, resulting in a more immersive and visually appealing experience.
- Winner: ipad air 4
Processor
- iPad Air 3: Powered by the A12 Bionic chip, which provides decent performance for most tasks. It handles everyday activities like browsing, media consumption, and light gaming. However, it may struggle with more demanding applications.
- iPad Air 4: Equipped with the A14 Bionic chip, delivering significantly improved performance and efficiency. This allows for smoother multitasking, faster application loading, and better performance in graphically intensive games and creative tasks.
- Winner: ipad air 4
Design
- iPad Air 3: Features a design with thicker bezels and a Home button. It has a classic iPad look and feel. The design is functional but feels dated compared to the later generation.
- iPad Air 4: Showcases a redesigned look with thinner bezels, a larger display, and a Touch ID sensor integrated into the power button. This results in a more modern and premium aesthetic.
- Winner: ipad air 4
Connectivity
- iPad Air 3: Uses a Lightning port for charging and accessories. It supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 5.0. It lacks the versatility of the newer USB-C port.
- iPad Air 4: Features a USB-C port for charging, data transfer, and connecting to a wider range of accessories. It supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.0, offering faster and more reliable wireless connectivity.
- Winner: ipad air 4
Apple Pencil Support
- iPad Air 3: Compatible with the 1st generation Apple Pencil, which requires a separate charging and storage method. It’s functional, but the charging process can be a little clunky.
- iPad Air 4: Supports the 2nd generation Apple Pencil, which magnetically attaches and charges on the side of the iPad. This provides a more convenient and streamlined experience.
- Winner: ipad air 4
Camera System
- iPad Air 3: Includes an 8MP rear camera and a 7MP front-facing camera. The camera system is adequate for basic photography and video calls.
- iPad Air 4: Features a 12MP rear camera and a 7MP front-facing camera. The rear camera offers improved image quality and video recording capabilities.
- Winner: ipad air 4
Storage Options
- iPad Air 3: Available in 64GB and 256GB storage options. This can be sufficient for some users, but may limit the number of apps, games, and media that can be stored.
- iPad Air 4: Available in 64GB and 256GB storage options. Offers the same storage options.
- Winner: Tie
Price
- iPad Air 3: Generally available at a lower price point, especially on the used or refurbished market. This makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
- iPad Air 4: Typically costs more than the iPad Air 3, reflecting its newer features and improved performance.
- Winner: ipad air 3
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Processor | iPad Air 4 |
| Display | iPad Air 4 |
| Apple Pencil Compatibility | iPad Air 4 |
| Design | iPad Air 4 |
| Overall Performance | iPad Air 4 |
What They Have in Common:
- Screen Resolution: Both iPads offer a sharp and vibrant display, providing a great viewing experience for media consumption and productivity tasks.
- Storage Options: Both models are available in the same storage configurations, allowing users to choose between 64GB and 256GB options based on their storage needs.
- Wi-Fi and Cellular: Both the iPad Air 3 and iPad Air 4 offer Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity options, enabling users to stay connected wherever they go.
- Battery Life: Both iPads provide similar battery life, allowing for all-day use for typical tasks.
- Operating System: Both iPads run on iPadOS, offering a consistent user experience with access to the latest features and updates.
iPad Air 3 vs iPad Air 4 Buying Guide
Performance and Processing Power
The iPad Air 4 significantly outperforms the iPad Air 3 in terms of processing power. Equipped with the A14 Bionic chip, the Air 4 delivers a substantial boost in speed and efficiency compared to the A12 Bionic chip in the Air 3. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved performance in graphically intensive games and applications. The A14 also offers better power efficiency, leading to potentially longer battery life under similar usage scenarios. This upgrade makes the Air 4 a more future-proof choice for demanding users.
Display Quality and Features
While both iPads feature a Liquid Retina display, the iPad Air 4 introduces several display enhancements. The Air 4 boasts a slightly larger display due to its thinner bezels and a more modern design, offering a more immersive viewing experience. The Air 4 also supports a wider color gamut and True Tone technology, which automatically adjusts the display’s color temperature to match the ambient lighting. This results in more vibrant and accurate colors, making content look more appealing. The Air 3’s display is still good, but the Air 4 edges it out.
Design and Portability
The iPad Air 4 features a redesigned, more modern aesthetic compared to the Air 3. The Air 4’s design incorporates thinner bezels, a flat-edged design, and the relocation of the Touch ID sensor to the power button. This makes it look sleeker and more in line with current iPad Pro models. Both iPads are portable, but the Air 4 is slightly lighter and has a more premium feel, enhancing its portability. The Air 4’s design also allows for the use of the second-generation Apple Pencil.
Apple Pencil and Accessories Compatibility
The iPad Air 4 supports the second-generation Apple Pencil, which attaches magnetically to the side and charges wirelessly. This is a significant upgrade over the Air 3, which only supports the first-generation Apple Pencil, requiring a Lightning port for charging and pairing. The Air 4’s magnetic attachment is more convenient and user-friendly. The Air 4 is also compatible with the Magic Keyboard and other accessories designed for the newer iPad models. This gives a greater range of accessories for productivity.
Battery Life Comparison
Both the iPad Air 3 and iPad Air 4 offer impressive battery life, typically lasting through a full day of moderate use. In real-world testing, the Air 4 and Air 3 show similar battery longevity, although the A14 chip in the Air 4 is more power-efficient. This is especially true when performing intensive tasks. However, battery life can vary based on usage, display brightness, and other factors. It’s reasonable to expect similar overall battery performance from both iPads.
Price and Value for Money
The price difference between the iPad Air 3 and iPad Air 4 can vary depending on the condition and availability of used models. When these models were new, the Air 4 launched at a higher price point due to its upgraded features. However, the Air 3 is often available at a lower price, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. Considering the performance upgrades, the Air 4 offers a better value proposition for most users, but the Air 3 remains a viable option if budget is the primary concern.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPad Air 3 If…
- You’re on a tight budget and want a more affordable iPad.
- You don’t need the latest processor or features.
- You already own a 1st generation Apple Pencil.
Buy iPad Air 4 If…
- You want the latest processor for better performance and future-proofing.
- You prefer a larger display with thinner bezels.
- You want compatibility with the 2nd generation Apple Pencil.
- You desire a more modern design with the Touch ID on the top button.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between the iPad Air 3 and iPad Air 4?
The iPad Air 4 features a more powerful A14 Bionic chip, a redesigned chassis with thinner bezels, and compatibility with the second-generation Apple Pencil. It offers a larger display, improved performance, and a more modern design. The Air 3 uses the A12 Bionic chip, has thicker bezels, and supports the first-generation Apple Pencil. The Air 4 also supports the Magic Keyboard.
Which iPad is better for gaming?
The iPad Air 4 is better for gaming due to its more powerful A14 Bionic chip, which delivers faster frame rates and smoother gameplay in graphically demanding titles. The Air 4’s display enhancements also contribute to a more immersive gaming experience. While the Air 3 is capable, the Air 4’s superior performance makes it the better choice for serious gamers.
Does the iPad Air 4 have a headphone jack?
No, the iPad Air 4 does not have a headphone jack. Users will need to use Bluetooth headphones or a Lightning to 3.5 mm headphone jack adapter to listen to audio. The Air 3 does include a 3.5mm headphone jack. This is a key difference to consider for those who prefer wired headphones.
What is the battery life like on both iPads?
Both the iPad Air 3 and iPad Air 4 offer excellent battery life, typically lasting around 10 hours of web browsing or video playback. The A14 chip in the Air 4 is more power-efficient, so it may offer slightly better battery performance under heavy workloads. Battery life varies based on usage and settings.
Which Apple Pencil is compatible with each iPad?
The iPad Air 3 is compatible with the first-generation Apple Pencil, which charges via a Lightning port. The iPad Air 4 is compatible with the second-generation Apple Pencil, which charges wirelessly by magnetically attaching to the side of the device. The second-generation Pencil offers a more convenient charging and pairing solution.
Is the iPad Air 4 worth the extra cost?
The iPad Air 4 is generally worth the extra cost, especially if you prioritize performance, a modern design, and the convenience of the second-generation Apple Pencil. The improved performance, display enhancements, and updated design justify the price difference for most users. However, the Air 3 is still a capable device.
Can I use the Magic Keyboard with the iPad Air 4?
Yes, the iPad Air 4 is compatible with the Magic Keyboard, offering a more versatile and productive user experience. The Magic Keyboard attaches magnetically and provides a trackpad and backlit keys. The Air 3 is not compatible with the Magic Keyboard. This makes the Air 4 a more suitable choice for users who want a keyboard.
Final Verdict
The iPad Air 4 surpasses the iPad Air 3 in nearly every aspect, boasting a more powerful processor, a superior display, and a modern design. While the Air 3 remains a capable tablet, the Air 4’s performance upgrades and feature set make it the clear choice for most users seeking a premium tablet experience. The Air 4 offers a more future-proof and enjoyable experience.
Winner: iPad Air 4