Introducing The Skyline Of Tablets: Ipad Air 4 Vs. Ipad 8th Gen – Which One Takes The Crown?
What To Know
- Two of the most popular models in the iPad lineup are the iPad Air 4 and the iPad 8th Gen.
- The iPad 8th Gen, on the other hand, is powered by the A12 Bionic chip, which is still a capable processor but not as powerful as the A14 Bionic.
- The iPad Air 4 and iPad 8th Gen have similar camera systems, with a 12MP rear camera and a 7MP front-facing camera.
In the realm of tablets, Apple’s iPads reign supreme, offering a seamless blend of power, portability, and versatility. Two of the most popular models in the iPad lineup are the iPad Air 4 and the iPad 8th Gen. Both devices offer compelling features, but they also have distinct differences that may influence your purchase decision. In this comprehensive guide, we will compare the iPad Air 4 and the iPad 8th Gen across various aspects to help you determine which one is the perfect fit for your needs.
Design and Display
The iPad Air 4 and iPad 8th Gen sport different designs, reflecting their respective positions in Apple’s tablet hierarchy. The iPad Air 4 boasts a sleek and sophisticated design with slim bezels, a premium aluminum body, and a compact form factor. It’s available in a range of stylish colors, including Space Gray, Silver, Rose Gold, Green, and Sky Blue.
In contrast, the iPad 8th Gen features a more traditional design with thicker bezels and a plastic back. It’s available in two classic colors: Space Gray and Silver. While the iPad 8th Gen may not be as visually striking as the iPad Air 4, it’s still a solid and functional device.
When it comes to the display, the iPad Air 4 has a clear advantage. It features a stunning 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 2360 x 1640 pixels. The display is bright, vibrant, and offers excellent color reproduction. The iPad 8th Gen, on the other hand, has a more modest 10.2-inch Retina display with a resolution of 2160 x 1620 pixels. While the display is still good, it’s not as sharp or vibrant as the one on the iPad Air 4.
Performance and Hardware
Under the hood, the iPad Air 4 packs a powerful A14 Bionic chip, the same chip found in the latest iPhones. This chip delivers blazing-fast performance, making the iPad Air 4 a powerhouse for demanding tasks like video editing, gaming, and multitasking. The iPad 8th Gen, on the other hand, is powered by the A12 Bionic chip, which is still a capable processor but not as powerful as the A14 Bionic.
In terms of storage, the iPad Air 4 comes in two storage options: 64GB and 256GB. The iPad 8th Gen offers more storage options, including 32GB, 128GB, and 256GB. Both devices support up to 1TB of external storage via a USB-C or Lightning port.
Camera System
The iPad Air 4 and iPad 8th Gen have similar camera systems, with a 12MP rear camera and a 7MP front-facing camera. The rear camera on both devices can shoot 4K video at 60fps and 1080p video at 240fps. The front-facing camera can shoot 1080p video at 60fps.
While the camera systems on both devices are capable, they’re not as advanced as the camera systems found on some smartphones. If you’re looking for a tablet with a top-notch camera, you may want to consider the iPad Pro models.
Battery Life and Charging
The iPad Air 4 and iPad 8th Gen both offer excellent battery life, lasting up to 10 hours on a single charge. However, the iPad Air 4 has a slight edge in battery life due to its more power-efficient A14 Bionic chip.
Both devices support fast charging, but the iPad Air 4 supports faster charging speeds. With a 20W charger, the iPad Air 4 can charge up to 50% in just 30 minutes. The iPad 8th Gen, on the other hand, supports 18W fast charging, which is still respectable but not as fast as the iPad Air 4.
Software and Features
The iPad Air 4 and iPad 8th Gen both run iPadOS 14, Apple’s latest operating system for iPads. iPadOS 14 brings a host of new features and improvements, including a redesigned home screen, improved multitasking, and new widgets.
Both devices also support the Apple Pencil, which allows you to draw, write, and take notes with precision. The iPad Air 4 supports the second-generation Apple Pencil, which magnetically attaches to the side of the device and charges wirelessly. The iPad 8th Gen supports the first-generation Apple Pencil, which requires a Lightning connector for charging.
Accessories
The iPad Air 4 and iPad 8th Gen support a wide range of accessories, including keyboards, cases, and styluses. However, there are some key differences to note.
The iPad Air 4 supports the Magic Keyboard, a versatile keyboard case that features a backlit keyboard, a trackpad, and a floating design. The iPad 8th Gen does not support the Magic Keyboard, but it does support the Smart Keyboard, a more basic keyboard case without a trackpad.
Both devices support the Apple Pencil, but as mentioned earlier, the iPad Air 4 supports the second-generation Apple Pencil, while the iPad 8th Gen supports the first-generation Apple Pencil.
Which One Should You Buy?
The iPad Air 4 and iPad 8th Gen are both excellent tablets, but they cater to different needs and budgets.
If you’re looking for a premium tablet with a stunning display, powerful performance, and a sleek design, the iPad Air 4 is the way to go. It’s ideal for users who demand the best in terms of performance and features.
If you’re on a tighter budget or you’re looking for a more basic tablet for everyday tasks like browsing the web, checking email, and watching videos, the iPad 8th Gen is a great choice. It offers solid performance, a good display, and a long battery life at a more affordable price.
Questions We Hear a Lot
1. Which device has a better display?
The iPad Air 4 has a better display than the iPad 8th Gen. It features a larger and sharper Liquid Retina display with a higher resolution.
2. Which device is more powerful?
The iPad Air 4 is more powerful than the iPad 8th Gen. It’s powered by the A14 Bionic chip, which is faster and more efficient than the A12 Bionic chip found in the iPad 8th Gen.
3. Which device has a better camera system?
The iPad Air 4 and iPad 8th Gen have similar camera systems, with a 12MP rear camera and a 7MP front-facing camera. Both devices can shoot 4K video at 60fps and 1080p video at 240fps.
4. Which device has a longer battery life?
The iPad Air 4 and iPad 8th Gen both offer excellent battery life, lasting up to 10 hours on a single charge. However, the iPad Air 4 has a slight edge in battery life due to its more power-efficient A14 Bionic chip.
5. Which device supports faster charging?
The iPad Air 4 supports faster charging than the iPad 8th Gen. With a 20W charger, the iPad Air 4 can charge up to 50% in just 30 minutes. The iPad 8th Gen supports 18W fast charging, which is still respectable but not as fast as the iPad Air 4.