Apple iPad Air M4 Review: The Leading Premium Tablet
The new Apple iPad Air M4 is a premium tablet designed to merge power with portability. It features several upgrades over its predecessor and retains a competitive price point within Apple’s product line.
Pricing and Availability
The iPad Air M4 is available at a starting price of:
- £599 (€649/$599/A$999) for the 11-inch model
- £799 (€849/$799/A$1,349) for the 13-inch model
This pricing is consistent with the previous M3 generation, ensuring that consumers receive advanced technology without a significant price increase.
Design and Build Quality
Maintaining the aesthetics of earlier models, the iPad Air M4 measures just 6.1mm in thickness. It weighs under 0.5 kilograms, making it lightweight and easy to transport. The sleek aluminum casing not only exudes quality but is also environmentally friendly, containing over 30% recycled materials.
Performance Specifications
This tablet packs impressive specifications that include:
- Processor: Apple M4 (8-core CPU/9-core GPU)
- RAM: 12GB
- Storage Options: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB
- Operating System: iPadOS 26.3
- Display: 11-inch or 13-inch Liquid Retina (264 ppi)
- Cameras: 12MP rear and 12MP Centre Stage webcam
- Connectivity: Wifi 7, 5G (eSim-only), Bluetooth 6, USB-C (USB3)
The M4 chip offers up to 21% increased performance compared to the M3 and 60% compared to the M1, making this tablet powerful enough for tasks such as video editing and gaming.
Battery Life and Usability
The iPad Air M4 supports at least 9 hours of heavy usage. It can last significantly longer when performing lighter tasks or web browsing. The USB-C port facilitates connectivity with various peripherals, expanding its usability beyond mere tablet functionalities.
Software Features
Running on iPadOS 26.3, the tablet features enhanced multitasking capabilities that resemble a more desktop-like experience. Users can enjoy flexible window sizing and easy access to an array of productivity and creative applications.
Environmental Considerations
Apple emphasizes sustainability in the design of the iPad Air M4. The device offers up to 1,000 charge cycles and can maintain at least 80% battery capacity through extensive use. Consumers can also benefit from Apple’s recycling and trade-in programs.
Conclusion
The Apple iPad Air M4 stands out as one of the leading premium tablets available. While it may not feature the absolute latest screen technology or Face ID, its performance, battery life, and vast library of applications make it a formidable choice. It is particularly recommended for those looking to upgrade from older iPad models, as the advancements provide significant improvements.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Impressive M4 chip performance, excellent battery life, high-quality display and speakers, USB-C connectivity, long software support.
- Cons: Relatively high price, lack of multi-user support, absence of Face ID, and only 128GB initial storage.
