Apple iPad Air M4 Review: Speed Gains and Performance Tested
▼ Summary
– The new iPad Air’s primary upgrades are three new chips: an M4 processor, a C1X cellular modem, and an N1 chip for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread support.
– The iPad Air is positioned as Apple’s most compelling tablet for most people, offering good, repurposed Pro-level technology at a more reasonable price than the Pro model.
– While the M4 offers a noticeable performance boost over older models like the A14 Bionic, the upgrade is minor compared to last year’s M3 Air and won’t be noticeable in most daily tasks.
– The C1X cellular modem is a standout, providing significantly faster and more reliable cellular data speeds, especially in poor service areas, compared to other recent devices.
– The author recommends the iPad Air for most buyers, advising people to buy the best they can afford and keep it for many years to maximize the benefit of accumulated incremental upgrades.
For anyone considering a new tablet, the latest iPad Air presents a compelling case as the smartest choice for most users. It inherits premium technology from Apple’s previous flagship models, delivering excellent performance at a more accessible price point. While the upgrades this year are focused almost entirely on internal components, the cumulative effect for anyone upgrading from an older device is transformative. This model solidifies the iPad Air’s position as the best-value tablet in Apple’s lineup for the majority of buyers.
Apple’s strategy with the Air is clear: it becomes the home for top-tier technology after it cycles out of the Pro series. This operational approach often results in a device that offers fantastic capability without the premium cost. If you’re looking at new iPads today, the base model feels increasingly underpowered and limited, while the Pro offers extravagant features that exceed typical needs and budgets. The Air strikes that practical middle ground. Sure, it would be nice if the $599 starting price included 256GB of storage, and the 60Hz LED display can’t match the buttery smoothness of the Pro’s 120Hz OLED screen. The absence of Face ID is also a noticeable omission. Yet, these are understandable compromises to hit that attractive price.
The heart of this update is a trio of new chips: the M4 processor, a C1X cellular modem, and an N1 chip enabling Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. In performance tests, the M4 shows a respectable 20-25 percent boost in CPU tasks and a 10-15 percent gain in GPU performance over last year’s M3 model. For someone with a recent iPad Air, this difference is virtually imperceptible in daily use; apps launch at the same speed, and games run just as smoothly. The real performance leap is for those upgrading from a device several years old, like a 2020 iPad Air with an A14 Bionic chip. Compared to that, the M4 is dramatically faster, up to two and a half times quicker in some CPU tasks and over three times more powerful for graphics. You will absolutely feel that difference in everything you do, from simple animations to demanding applications.
The cellular performance, powered by the new C1X modem, is arguably the star of the show. For those who value constant connectivity, a cellular iPad is a game-changer, turning it into a truly portable hub for communication and content. In testing, the M4 Air consistently delivered the fastest cellular speeds among available devices, often significantly outperforming recent smartphones and other tablets in areas with poor signal. The other new chip, the N1, brings support for the latest wireless standards. For most users without a Wi-Fi 7 router, this won’t translate to a noticeable speed increase yet, and Bluetooth performance remains a familiar mix of reliability and occasional fussiness.
Navigating Apple’s current iPad lineup can seem confusing, but the logic is straightforward. The Pro is the undisputed best, packed with cutting-edge features for those who need them. The base iPad is the budget entry, but its value diminishes with each passing year without a substantial update. The Mini serves its dedicated niche perfectly. For everyone else, the iPad Air stands out as the ideal blend of capability and cost. The best approach with any iPad purchase is to buy the best model you can reasonably afford, use it for as many years as possible, and then enjoy the massive leap in performance when you finally do upgrade. This year’s Air, with its powerful M4 chip and exceptional cellular connectivity, is that perfect long-term investment for the vast majority of people.
(Source: The Verge)
