Ipad Air Gen 3 Vs Gen 4: The Ultimate Showdown – Which One Reigns Supreme?
What To Know
- In the competitive world of tablets, Apple’s iPad Air series has carved a niche for itself as a compelling option for users seeking a balance between performance, portability, and affordability.
- The third and fourth generations of the iPad Air, released in 2019 and 2020 respectively, offer users a range of features and capabilities that cater to diverse needs.
- The Gen 4 takes things up a notch with a 12MP rear camera that boasts autofocus with Focus Pixels, a wider aperture for better low-light performance, and support for 4K video recording.
In the competitive world of tablets, Apple’s iPad Air series has carved a niche for itself as a compelling option for users seeking a balance between performance, portability, and affordability. The third and fourth generations of the iPad Air, released in 2019 and 2020 respectively, offer users a range of features and capabilities that cater to diverse needs. This comprehensive comparison delves into the key differences between the iPad Air Gen 3 and Gen 4, helping you make an informed decision when choosing your next tablet.
Design and Display: A Refined Aesthetic and Enhanced Visual Experience
Design: The iPad Air Gen 3 and Gen 4 share a similar design philosophy, featuring sleek aluminum bodies and slim profiles. However, the Gen 4 boasts a more refined aesthetic with narrower bezels, resulting in a larger screen-to-body ratio. This design choice enhances the overall viewing experience and makes the device feel more immersive.
Display: Both generations of the iPad Air feature a 10.5-inch Retina display with a resolution of 2224 x 1668 pixels. However, the Gen 4 introduces a significant upgrade with its Liquid Retina display, which offers higher brightness, improved color accuracy, and support for wide color gamut (P3). This results in more vibrant and lifelike visuals, making the Gen 4 an excellent choice for content consumption, graphic design, and other visually demanding tasks.
Performance: Unleashing the Power of the A-Series Chips
Processor: The iPad Air Gen 3 is powered by the Apple A12 Bionic chip, while the Gen 4 features the more advanced Apple A14 Bionic chip. The A14 Bionic chip offers a significant performance boost, delivering up to 40% faster CPU performance and 30% faster graphics performance compared to its predecessor. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and an overall more responsive user experience.
Memory: Both the iPad Air Gen 3 and Gen 4 offer 3GB of RAM, which is sufficient for most users. However, the Gen 4 is also available in a 4GB RAM configuration, providing an additional boost for users who demand the utmost performance and plan on running multiple demanding applications simultaneously.
Camera: Capturing Moments with Improved Optics
Rear Camera: The iPad Air Gen 3 features an 8MP rear camera with autofocus and support for 1080p video recording. The Gen 4 takes things up a notch with a 12MP rear camera that boasts autofocus with Focus Pixels, a wider aperture for better low-light performance, and support for 4K video recording. These improvements make the Gen 4 a more capable device for photography and videography.
Front Camera: Both generations of the iPad Air feature a 7MP front-facing camera with support for 1080p video recording. This camera is suitable for video calls, selfies, and unlocking the device using Face ID.
Battery Life: Powering Through Your Day
Battery Capacity: The iPad Air Gen 3 and Gen 4 both pack a 30.2-watt-hour battery. In terms of battery life, both devices offer similar performance, providing up to 10 hours of web browsing or video playback on a single charge. This makes them reliable companions for all-day use, whether you’re a student taking notes in class, a professional working on presentations, or a casual user enjoying multimedia content.
Storage Options: Accommodating Your Data Needs
Storage Configurations: The iPad Air Gen 3 comes in storage options of 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB. The Gen 4 expands the storage options to include a 64GB model, as well as 256GB and 512GB configurations. This wider range of storage options allows users to choose the capacity that best suits their needs, whether they store large amounts of photos, videos, apps, or other files.
Software and Features: Embracing the Latest iPadOS Innovations
iPadOS Support: Both the iPad Air Gen 3 and Gen 4 run on the latest version of iPadOS, Apple’s operating system specifically designed for iPads. This ensures access to the latest features and functionalities, including multitasking enhancements, improved note-taking capabilities, and a host of other productivity and creativity tools.
Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard Support: Both generations of the iPad Air support the Apple Pencil (1st generation) and the Magic Keyboard. These accessories enhance the tablet’s versatility, allowing users to take notes, draw, and type with ease. The Magic Keyboard also features a built-in trackpad, transforming the iPad into a laptop-like experience.
Which iPad Air is Right for You?
The choice between the iPad Air Gen 3 and Gen 4 ultimately depends on your individual needs and budget. If you prioritize a more refined design, a brighter and more vibrant display, improved performance, a better camera system, and the latest software features, the iPad Air Gen 4 is the way to go. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable option that still delivers solid performance and a great overall experience, the iPad Air Gen 3 is a compelling choice.
Beyond the Comparison: Exploring Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Which iPad Air has a better processor?
A: The iPad Air Gen 4 features the more advanced Apple A14 Bionic chip, which offers significantly faster performance compared to the A12 Bionic chip found in the Gen 3.
Q: Does the iPad Air Gen 4 have a better camera than the Gen 3?
A: Yes, the iPad Air Gen 4 has a 12MP rear camera with improved autofocus, a wider aperture, and support for 4K video recording, while the Gen 3 has an 8MP rear camera with 1080p video recording.
Q: Which iPad Air has a longer battery life?
A: Both the iPad Air Gen 3 and Gen 4 offer similar battery life, providing up to 10 hours of web browsing or video playback on a single charge.
Q: Is the iPad Air Gen 4 worth the extra cost over the Gen 3?
A: Whether the iPad Air Gen 4 is worth the extra cost depends on your needs and budget. If you prioritize a more refined design, a brighter display, improved performance, and a better camera system, the Gen 4 is worth considering. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable option that still offers a great experience, the Gen 3 is a solid choice.
Q: Which iPad Air is better for students?
A: Both the iPad Air Gen 3 and Gen 4 are excellent options for students. The Gen 3 is a more affordable choice that still offers solid performance and a great overall experience. The Gen 4, on the other hand, provides a more refined design, a brighter display, improved performance, and a better camera system, making it a more premium choice for students who demand the best.
