Introduction
The iPad Air (4th Generation), unveiled in September 2020, marked a significant leap in Apple’s mid-tier tablet lineup. It combined power, style, and versatility, placing it closer to the more premium iPad Pro series while maintaining its affordability. Apple designed the device to cater to a broad spectrum of users, including students, creatives, and professionals who required a balance between performance and cost.
Design
One of the most striking features of the iPad Air (4th Gen) is its design overhaul. For the first time, the iPad Air adopted the flat-edged chassis seen in the iPad Pro, giving it a modern and premium look. It featured narrow bezels around its 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, making it a significant upgrade from its predecessor, the iPad Air (3rd Gen). This change not only enhanced the aesthetics but also increased the screen size without enlarging the overall footprint.
The tablet came in five stunning colors: Space Gray, Silver, Rose Gold, Green, and Sky Blue. This colorful lineup was a departure from the usual grayscale options, appealing to younger audiences and those who wanted more personalized devices.
Apple also replaced the traditional Home button with Touch ID integrated into the power button at the top, a first for any Apple device. This design choice offered a seamless and secure unlocking experience while maximizing screen real estate.
Display
The 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display on the iPad Air (4th Gen) was another highlight. It featured True Tone technology, P3 wide color support, and 500 nits of brightness, making it perfect for watching movies, editing photos, or browsing the web. The screen offered sharp and vibrant visuals with a resolution of 2360 x 1640 pixels, ensuring a high-quality viewing experience.
Although it lacked the ProMotion technology (120Hz refresh rate) found in the iPad Pro, the display was still fluid and responsive, especially for everyday tasks and creative endeavors like drawing or note-taking.
Performance
Under the hood, the iPad Air (4th Gen) was powered by the A14 Bionic chip, which was the same processor introduced in the iPhone 12 lineup. Built on a 5-nanometer process, the A14 brought significant improvements in performance and efficiency. With a 6-core CPU, 4-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine, the iPad Air was a powerhouse capable of handling demanding apps, multitasking, and light gaming.
This chip made the iPad Air suitable for creative workflows like photo and video editing, 3D modeling, and even coding. The A14 Bionic also enhanced AI-driven features, enabling real-time image processing, advanced machine learning, and augmented reality (AR) applications.
Accessories and Ecosystem
The iPad Air (4th Gen) expanded its compatibility with Apple’s growing ecosystem of accessories. For the first time, the iPad Air supported the 2nd Generation Apple Pencil, making it an excellent tool for artists, designers, and students. The magnetic attachment and wireless charging feature made the Pencil more convenient to use and carry.
In addition, the tablet was compatible with the Magic Keyboard, which transformed it into a laptop-like device. The keyboard featured a trackpad and a floating design, offering a premium typing experience. For those seeking lighter accessories, the Smart Keyboard Folio was also an option.
The device also supported the USB-C port, replacing the Lightning connector, which opened the door to faster data transfers and compatibility with a wider range of peripherals, including external drives, cameras, and monitors.
Cameras
The iPad Air (4th Gen) featured a single 12MP rear camera, which delivered excellent photo and video quality for a tablet. It supported 4K video recording at 60fps and Smart HDR, making it a reliable tool for casual photography and videography. The rear camera was particularly useful for scanning documents, taking quick shots, or recording high-quality videos.
On the front, the 7MP FaceTime HD camera offered sharp and clear video calls, selfies, and AR experiences. It supported 1080p video recording at 60fps, making it suitable for remote work, online classes, and virtual meetings.
Software
The iPad Air (4th Gen) shipped with iPadOS 14, which was optimized for multitasking, Apple Pencil functionalities, and enhanced productivity. Features like Scribble, which allowed users to convert handwritten text into typed text, and Split View for multitasking made the iPad Air a versatile device for both work and play.
Over time, the tablet has received regular updates, ensuring compatibility with the latest apps and features introduced in newer versions of iPadOS.
Battery Life
Apple promised an all-day battery life, and the iPad Air (4th Gen) delivered. With up to 10 hours of web browsing or video playback, the device was reliable for a full day of use. The 20W USB-C charger included in the box ensured faster charging compared to older models.
Price and Target Audience
The iPad Air (4th Gen) launched with a starting price of $599 for the base model (64GB, Wi-Fi). While this was higher than the standard iPad, it was still more affordable than the iPad Pro, making it an ideal choice for users who wanted pro-level features without the premium price tag.
This tablet targeted a wide range of users:
- Students: Its lightweight design, Apple Pencil support, and productivity apps made it perfect for note-taking and studying.
- Creatives: The powerful A14 chip and accessory support allowed artists, designers, and video editors to work on the go.
- Professionals: With Magic Keyboard compatibility and multitasking features, it served as a capable laptop replacement for light to moderate workflows.
Limitations
Despite its many strengths, the iPad Air (4th Gen) had some limitations:
- Storage Options: The base model started with only 64GB, which could feel insufficient for many users. The next option was 256GB, with no middle ground.
- No Face ID: While Touch ID was efficient, the absence of Face ID felt like a missed opportunity, especially given its inclusion in the iPad Pro series.
- No 120Hz Display: The lack of ProMotion technology might deter users accustomed to smoother displays.
Conclusion
The iPad Air (4th Generation) was a game-changer in Apple’s tablet lineup. It offered a perfect balance of design, performance, and functionality, making it a versatile choice for a wide audience. With its modern design, powerful A14 Bionic chip, and compatibility with premium accessories, the iPad Air (4th Gen) set a new standard for mid-range tablets.