Apple iPad Air 2020 Review: Fast Processor and Pro Design
Right so Apples done something clever here. Theyve taken most of what makes the iPad Pro special and stuffed it into a device that costs significantly less. The 2020 iPad Air is basically a Pro in all but name and I mean that as a compliment.
Lets start with what matters most. The A14 Bionic chip. This is the same processor Apple built for the iPhone 12 and its an absolute monster. Were talking the first consumer chip built on a 5-nanometer process which sounds like marketing speak until you see it in action. Apps launch instantly. Heavy workflows like video editing dont make the device break a sweat. Games that used to stutter run smooth as butter.
In benchmarks the A14 actually outperforms the A12Z in the 2020 iPad Pro in single-core tasks. Let that sink in. The cheaper tablet has a faster processor in some scenarios. Apple clearly wasnt messing about when they designed this thing.
The display has gone all Pro as well. Gone is the thick bezel design of previous iPad Airs. Youre getting a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina screen that goes nearly edge-to-edge. Its not the 120Hz ProMotion display from the Pro line so scrolling isnt quite as silky. But honestly unless youre coming from a ProMotion device youre not going to notice or care.
Touch ID has moved to the power button which is a first for iPads. Works surprisingly well once you get used to reaching for it. Face ID would have been nice but would have added cost and this tablet is all about hitting a price point.
Speaking of ports Apple finally killed Lightning on the Air. USB-C is here and its glorious. Proper data transfer speeds. The ability to connect external displays and accessories without dongles. This is how all iPads should work and now the entry-level is the only holdout.
The second-generation Apple Pencil works with the Air now too. It magnetically attaches to the side for charging and pairing. If youve ever dealt with the absurdity of the first-gen Pencil sticking out of an iPad like a weird antenna youll appreciate how much better this system is.
Tech deals come and go but when Apple updates a product line this significantly its worth paying attention.
Camera system is serviceable. 12MP on the back 7MP on the front. Youre not buying an iPad for photography but video calls look fine and document scanning works well. The Pro models have LiDAR and an extra ultra-wide lens but unless youre doing AR work that matters less than youd think.
Storage options start at 64GB which feels stingy in 2020 when phones come with 128GB baseline. You really want to step up to the 256GB model if you can afford it. Theres no middle option which is annoying. Apple loves making you pay for storage upgrades.
So whos this for? Honestly almost everyone who was considering an iPad Pro for general productivity. Students. Artists who want Pencil support without Pro prices. Professionals who need a capable tablet for field work. The iPad Air 2020 handles all of it without complaint.
The only reasons to still go Pro are the 120Hz display larger size options and the extra cameras. If those dont matter to you and for most people they dont the Air is the smarter buy.
Apple priced this at 599 dollars for the base model. Thats not cheap but its 200 less than the Pro starts at. For that savings youre getting 95% of the experience. Math checks out.
Properly impressive device. Well done Apple.
