The iPad Air 5, although being packed with the powerful M1 processor utilised in the iPad Pro, did not get the warm greeting that most iPads generally enjoy. As a pleased owner of the iPad Air 5 for two and a half months, I performed tests on its build quality and strength, and I am here to offer my results. In this post, we will review the iPad Air 5 from two perspectives: potential iPad users and existing iPad owners considering to upgrade.
Design and Size
In terms of style and size, the iPad Air 5 stays unaltered from its predecessor, the iPad Air 4. It includes the same body, size bezels, 10.9-inch display, and button arrangement with Touch ID built into the power button. The two-speaker arrangement likewise stays the same. While the new colors are colourful and enticing, if you currently possess an iPad Air 4, there is no compelling incentive to upgrade based merely on the style and size. However, for those wishing to upgrade from a previous iPad model or move from a rival tablet manufacturer, the decrease in bezels and elimination of the home button may be attractive.
Speaker Configuration
One odd element of the iPad Air 5 is its speaker setup. Despite having four speaker grills, the iPad Air 5 only has two speakers situated at the bottom when held in landscape mode. While the speakers give acceptable audio quality for content consumption and gaming, there is a possible problem while playing games that involve holding the tablet with pressure on the speakers. This may result in muffled sound, and turning the tablet upside down to fix the problem causes issues with the location of the Apple Pencil and the power button.
Display
The iPad Air 5 includes a standard 60 hertz display with the same resolution, size, and pixel density as the iPad Air 4. While the display is good with no complaints over the previous two and a half months, it does not provide any noticeable improvements over its predecessor.
Performance and Comparison
Where the iPad Air 5 really excels is in its performance, owing to the strong M1 processor, which is on par with the iPad Pro. The iPad Air 5 provides exceptional performance for applications including as content production, gaming, and multitasking, making it a perfect option for power users. However, when compared to other tablets on the market, such as the Samsung Galaxy Tab S series, the iPad Air 5's style and features may not stand out as much, particularly given the difference in speaker setup and the lack of high refresh rate screens.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the iPad Air 5 delivers great performance with its M1 processor, making it an attractive alternative for power users. However, in terms of appearance, size, and display, there are no substantial modifications from its predecessor, the iPad Air 4. Existing iPad Air 4 owners may not find enough reasons to upgrade based purely on these characteristics. Prospective iPad customers and those wishing to upgrade from prior iPad models or move from other tablet manufacturers may find the decrease in bezels and elimination of the home button enticing. However, the speaker arrangement may cause some issues for specific use scenarios. As with any technological product, it is crucial to consider individual requirements and preferences while making a purchase choice.
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