The "1-Minute" Review
Verdict
A capable tablet with strong performance and a good all-around design, suitable for various tasks.What's good
- Strong performance
- Beautiful design
- Clear sound system
- Great battery life
- Easy to use interface
What's bad
- No Face ID
- Fingerprint scanner only
- Protruding camera
- Limited display refresh rate
- Higher cost with extras
Design
The iPad Air 11 (2024) maintains an elegant and classic look with its aluminum unibody construction. Despite being slightly heavier than some competitors, it remains lightweight at 462 grams and fits comfortably in your hand. The tablet's durability shines through its premium build, though the back panel can catch fingerprints.
One standout design feature is the relocated front camera to the long edge, which enhances landscape video calls. Reviewers appreciated this sensible change, with one saying, "The relocation greatly improves video chats." Six new muted colors add a mild touch without the previous vibrancy. However, Apple's decision to retain the protruding camera causes mixed feelings, especially with the lack of Face ID, which some miss from the Pro models.
Display(s)
The display boasts a high-quality IPS panel with 2360×1640 resolution, ensuring clarity and detail. With rich colors and excellent viewing angles, you'll enjoy movies, gaming, and work on this stunning screen. Reviewers laud its brightness, stating it "doesn't tire the eyes," making it ideal for both day and nighttime use.
It supports HDR10 for realistic visuals and covers the full DCI-P3 color space, delivering lifelike hues. Though the refresh rate is 60 Hz, many appreciate the consistency and eye comfort of the IPS over more vivid OLED alternatives.
Performance
The Apple iPad Air 11 (2024) delivers remarkable performance, effortlessly handling heavy apps and complex tasks. Reviewers highlight its "lightning fast" speed in all usage scenarios, often surpassing premium desktop computers.
With the M2 processor, it outshines its predecessors, allowing you to experience smooth multitasking without lag. Experts emphasize its ability to open pages in an instant and maintain high frame rates when scrolling heavy directories.
Gamers will appreciate its robust graphics, though the 60 Hz display may not fully showcase the tablet's potential in 120 FPS modes. Its state-of-the-art performance, coupled with substantial battery endurance, positions it as a top choice for those desiring a blend of power and portability.
Software & Storage
The Apple iPad Air 11 (2024) elevates your experience with its simple and intuitive interface. You'll find transitioning between apps and tasks seamless, thanks to its impressive RAM management that keeps everything running smoothly in the background.
Experts emphasize the Air's ability to handle multiple tasks "%without unloading programs in the background," enhancing the multitasking experience.
The interface also adapts apps specially for the iPad, allowing you to utilize tools for creativity with ease. Its software brings more capabilities to your fingertips compared to other systems.
Cameras
The iPad Air 2024's camera captures excellent 4K video, providing smooth stabilization in well-lit conditions, which is seldom found in other tablets. Experts highlight its ability to record detailed videos and capture superior photos for documents and virtual meetings.
But the camera struggles in low light, leading to grainy photos, and the lack of Face ID might disappoint some users. Reviewers note, "in low-light settings, the image becomes grainy," stressing limitations in dim environments while still delivering impressive overall performance.
Battery
The Apple iPad Air 11 2024 gives you up to 10 hours of battery, which allows for a full day of productive work or entertainment. Games or processor-heavy tasks may drain the battery faster, hinting at a need for frequent charges during intensive use.
USB-C charging ensures ease, as it matches many other devices, eliminating cable chaos. Reviewers from Macwelt acknowledged this, adding that "USB-C is your charging port here, and given how that's the standard for pretty much everything, that's easy enough to work with, too."
Consider how your usage patterns may influence your charging frequency to get the most out of the iPad Air 11.
Audio
The tablet features four high-quality speakers that produce clear, three-dimensional sound. "The sound from the four speakers is high quality, loud, three-dimensional, with well-perceived low frequencies," experts highlight. This makes watching movies and playing games truly immersive.
For calls, the speakers ensure your voice comes through crisp and clear, reducing any potential misunderstandings or communication issues. This is crucial for video conferences and online meetings, where clarity is key.
Overall, the tablet's audio capabilities enhance both entertainment and calling experiences, making it a top choice for users who value sound quality.
The Bottom Line
This device offers a solid and appealing design that fits nicely in your hands, with a non-slip feel. However, be prepared for the camera to stick out without a case. The tablet's screen provides excellent views and real-world colors, appealing to users who might prefer classic displays over OLED. Reviewers note, "For most people, we’d argue this tablet is everything they’d probably need," indicating its balanced qualities. Despite the need for an upgraded pencil, the device remains quick and effective for creative work.
What the Critics Are Saying...


- Chris Hall, AVForumsThe iPad Air offers plenty of power, an undeniably premium design and a tablet experience that’s first class. The larger display is the real appeal here, giving you a larger iPad experience without having to pay the premium price of the iPad Pro. But the smaller model sits in competition with the re...


- Ben Johnson, Pocket TacticsThe iPad Air M2 may not be a massive upgrade to the previous generation, but with a new bigger size and an excellent Apple Pencil upgrade, it’s the iPad that will suit most people looking for a capable tablet that doesn’t break the bank.


- Marc Saltzman, USA TodayNot underpowered. Not overpriced for its quality. It's just right. The 2024 iPad Air is a great pick for anyone who wants a new iPad but might not need the advanced display, power, and price that come with this year’s iPad Pro.


- Leigh :) Stark, PickrAll are niggles and none are absolute deal-breakers. Collectively, there’s little here that would do to dissuade. Whether you’re upgrading from a lower iPad or just outright going for a new tablet focused on more than mere content consumption, this year’s iPad Air is a winner. Te M2 iPad Air is a so...


- Maria Diaz, ZDNetThe new iPad Air may be an iterative upgrade on paper, but several features make it still the tablet most people should buy.
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