Mobile Technology

iPad (2017) vs. iPad Air 2

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The iPad just replaced the iPad Air 2 in Apple's tablet lineup. Here's how the two stack up. 
The iPad just replaced the iPad Air 2 in Apple's tablet lineup. Here's how the two stack up. 
MicroSD
Stylus support
Keyboard connectivity
Fingerprint sensor
Cellular connectivity
Multitasking
Display resolution
Display size
Colors
Build
Weight
Size
Software
Processor
Built-in storage levels
Camera megapixels
Battery
Speakers
Release date
Starting price (full retail)
RAM
Processor
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Apple has axed the aging iPad Air 2 and replaced it with a refreshed 9.7-inch iPad (just iPad, no suffixes) that's slightly more affordable. The two are nearly indistinguishable from the outside, but their internals vary. Here's how their specs and features stack up.

Size

Size

When most mobile electronics are rushing to be thinner and lighter, the newer iPad actually adds a bit of thickness (though it's only 1.4 millimeters' worth, or about 0.06 of an inch), perhaps to accommodate its bigger battery. Other dimensions remain the same.

Weight

Weight

The newer tablet is heavier, too. The lightest iPad is nearly 7-percent heavier than the lightest iPad Air 2.

Build

Build

Nothing to compare here – these tablets have nearly identical aluminum unibodies.

Colors

Colors

They're also available in the same three neutral metallic color variants.

Display size

Display size

The display stands pat – both iPads have the same 9.7-inch diagonal dimension and 4:3 aspect ratio.

Display resolution

Display resolution

There have not been any significant improvements in display resolution or quality. Supposedly, though, the new model does have a brighter display.

Fingerprint sensor

Fingerprint sensor

Nor are there any new fingerprint sensor tricks – the Touch ID sensor is integrated into the home button on both devices.

Cellular connectivity

Cellular connectivity

The newer iPad retains the Wi-Fi-only and Wi-Fi + LTE options, so you can still use your cellular data plan to surf the web.

Keyboard support

Keyboard connectivity

The new iPad can connect to Bluetooth keyboard accessories (and should be compatible with most iPad Air 2 keyboards) but it doesn't add any support for OEM snap-in keyboards like with the iPad Pro. (There's no smart connector on either of these.)

Stylus

MicroSD

Nor does the new entry-level iPad offer Apple Pencil support.

Chip

Processor

In one of the biggest improvements over the Air 2, the 2017 iPad upgrades the older Apple-made A8X chip to a faster A9 processor. The A9 isn't the latest or greatest of Apple's mobile chipsets, but it is still amply capable for most apps and web surfing.

Note that the 1.85 GHz listed for the new iPad is a guess, based on the A9 chip in the iPhone 6s series. If it ends up being different after we run benchmarks, we'll update.

RAM

RAM

Apple hasn't confirmed the amount of memory in the new iPad (the company does not usually post RAM specs for its tablets or smartphones) but it very likely has the same 2 GB of RAM as the Air 2 and the 9.7-inch iPad Pro.

Storage

Built-in storage levels

Apple is finally doing away with all of its paltry 16 GB mobile devices. The newest iPad doubles the storage capacities of the Air 2.

MicroSD

Stylus support

Don't expect expandable storage options, however. Apple does not include microSD slots in these or any of its smartphones and tablets.

Camera megapixels

Camera megapixels

The camera resolution remains the same as well. It's rare to rely on a tablet for rear-facing photography, but we do wish the 1.2 MP selfie cam was made a little sharper. (iPads are handy for FaceTime or Skype video chat.)

Battery

Battery

The battery in the newer iPad is larger, but it retains the same battery life estimate of "up to 10 hours of web surfing." Of course, overall battery life can vary dramatically according to use.

Speakers

Speakers

There are no changes in speaker configuration – there are still two speakers placed below the home button.

Software

Software

Since this is Apple we're talking about, the iPad runs iOS 10.

Multitasking

Multitasking

And yes, iOS 10 allows for some iPad multitasking with split-screen, picture-in-picture and slide over window options.

Release

Release date

The latest iPad goes up for pre-sale on March 24, shipping and hitting stores the following week. The device it replaces was introduced in October 2014.

Starting price

Starting price (full retail)

Despite its incremental improvements, the refreshed iPad has a slightly lower price than its predecessor. Starting at US$329, it's clear that Apple is positioning this iPad to be its entry-level tablet. We've long thought there should be a more affordable, all-purpose iPad option, so it will be interesting to see whether or not this price drop drives sales.

We'll post a full-length review on the refreshed iPad in the near future. In the meantime, you can always revisit our assessment of the iPad Air 2. Or, for a look at a higher-end tablet that's still available, read about the 9.7-inch iPad Pro.

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2 comments
Jason
Heavier, more memory only because of the bloatware like wise the chip "speed" bigger battery with no gain? Ummmmm,
turbocomppro
The display comparison is incomplete. Although the new display is brighter, it is not laminated nor is there an anti-reflective coating on it compare to the Air 2. This makes a huge difference in display quality.