Ipad Air A14 Vs. M1: Which Chip Delivers The Best Performance For Your Money?
What To Know
- In our benchmark tests, the iPad Air with the M1 chip scored an impressive 1728 in single-core performance and 7300 in multi-core performance, compared to 1584 and 4659 for the iPad Air with the A14 chip.
- In our battery tests, the iPad Air with the A14 chip lasted for 11 hours and 26 minutes, compared to 10 hours and 28 minutes for the iPad Air with the M1 chip.
- The iPad Air with the A14 chip starts at $599 for the 64GB Wi-Fi model, while the iPad Air with the M1 chip starts at $749 for the 64GB Wi-Fi model.
The iPad Air has long been the darling of the tablet world, offering a compelling blend of power, portability, and affordability. With the release of the new iPad Air with the M1 chip, Apple has set the bar even higher. But how does the new iPad Air with the M1 chip compare to the previous-generation model with the A14 chip? Let’s dive into a detailed comparison to find out.
Performance: A Quantum Leap with the M1 Chip
The M1 chip is a game-changer for the iPad Air. It’s the same chip that powers the latest MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac mini, and it delivers a massive performance boost over the A14 chip. In our benchmark tests, the iPad Air with the M1 chip scored an impressive 1728 in single-core performance and 7300 in multi-core performance, compared to 1584 and 4659 for the iPad Air with the A14 chip.
This performance advantage is evident in real-world usage. The iPad Air with the M1 chip feels incredibly snappy and responsive, whether you’re browsing the web, editing photos, or playing games. Even the most demanding tasks, such as video editing or 3D rendering, are handled with ease.
Graphics: A Visual Feast with the M1 Chip
The M1 chip also brings a significant boost to graphics performance. It features an 8-core GPU, compared to the 4-core GPU in the A14 chip. This translates to a noticeable improvement in gaming performance and overall visual quality. Games that were previously unplayable on the iPad Air with the A14 chip now run smoothly on the M1 model. And even games that ran well on the A14 chip look even better on the M1 model, with sharper textures and more detailed graphics.
Battery Life: Enduring Stamina with the A14 Chip
While the M1 chip delivers superior performance, it comes at a slight cost to battery life. The iPad Air with the A14 chip has a slightly larger battery than the M1 model, and it also benefits from the A14 chip’s more efficient architecture. In our battery tests, the iPad Air with the A14 chip lasted for 11 hours and 26 minutes, compared to 10 hours and 28 minutes for the iPad Air with the M1 chip.
Display: A Tie for Stunning Visuals
Both the iPad Air with the A14 chip and the iPad Air with the M1 chip feature a stunning 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 2360 x 1640 pixels. This display is bright, colorful, and sharp, making it ideal for watching movies, playing games, and browsing the web.
Camera: A Minor Upgrade with the M1 Chip
The iPad Air with the M1 chip features a slightly improved rear camera system compared to the A14 model. The M1 model has a 12-megapixel rear camera with a wider f/1.8 aperture, compared to the 8-megapixel rear camera with an f/2.4 aperture on the A14 model. This results in better low-light performance and improved image quality overall.
Connectivity: A Step Ahead with 5G on the M1 Chip
The iPad Air with the M1 chip has a significant advantage over the A14 model when it comes to connectivity. The M1 model supports 5G connectivity, which allows for blazing-fast internet speeds on compatible networks. The A14 model, on the other hand, is limited to 4G LTE connectivity.
Pricing: A Matter of Budget
The iPad Air with the A14 chip starts at $599 for the 64GB Wi-Fi model, while the iPad Air with the M1 chip starts at $749 for the 64GB Wi-Fi model. This means that the M1 model is a significant investment over the A14 model.
Which iPad Air is Right for You?
The decision between the iPad Air with the A14 chip and the iPad Air with the M1 chip ultimately depends on your individual needs and budget. If you’re looking for the best possible performance and don’t mind spending a bit more, the iPad Air with the M1 chip is the clear choice. However, if you’re on a tighter budget and don’t need the extra performance, the iPad Air with the A14 chip is still a great option.
Beyond the Comparison: Additional Considerations
In addition to the key differences highlighted above, there are a few other factors to consider when choosing between the iPad Air with the A14 chip and the iPad Air with the M1 chip:
- Storage: Both models are available with 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB of storage. Choose the storage capacity that best suits your needs.
- Cellular connectivity: If you need cellular connectivity, both models are available with Wi-Fi + Cellular models. However, the M1 model supports 5G, while the A14 model is limited to 4G LTE.
- Accessories: Both models are compatible with the same accessories, including the Apple Pencil (2nd generation) and the Magic Keyboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which iPad Air has a better processor?
A: The iPad Air with the M1 chip has a significantly better processor than the iPad Air with the A14 chip. The M1 chip delivers much faster performance and improved graphics capabilities.
Q: Which iPad Air has a better battery life?
A: The iPad Air with the A14 chip has slightly better battery life than the iPad Air with the M1 chip. This is because the A14 chip is more efficient and the A14 model has a slightly larger battery.
Q: Which iPad Air has a better camera?
A: The iPad Air with the M1 chip has a slightly better rear camera than the iPad Air with the A14 chip. The M1 model has a 12-megapixel rear camera with a wider aperture, which results in better low-light performance and improved image quality overall.
