Simply put, the iPad Air 4 may be Apple’s best iPad offering yet. Its upgraded aesthetics are on par with the Pro models, it packs a powerful processor under the hood, and it’s compatible with the new Magic Keyboard. I recently picked one up as an alternative to a Microsoft Surface. I usually go with Windows but there really are not many great portable options with build cell access that allow for complete access to remote files.
Design
Borrowing design elements from the iPad Pro, the iPad Air 4 Generation is an objectively great-looking tablet. It comes in multiple colorways, including blue, green, rose gold, silver, and gray. It did take me by surprise that it would feel like my iPad Pro but definitely a smart move because it made me want to buy it more.
One key design difference between the 3rd and 4th generation iPad Air is the home button removal. The iPad Air 4 generation loses the button but gains screen size, up to 10.9 inches compared to the 3’s 10.5.
Power and Battery
More than just a pretty face, the iPad Air 4 brings some serious power to the table. Apple’s A14 Bionic chip is one of the most powerful single-core tablet processors on the market, so this iPad easily handles strenuous multitasking. It tackles streaming, media editing, and gaming with ease.
While pushing this tablet to its limit can drain its 28.6 watt-hour battery in a hurry, it’s still rated as an all-day battery and can last over 8 hours on a single charge.
Magic Keyboard
Magic Keyboard integration sets this iPad apart from other tablets available today.
The Magic Keyboard’s design is second to none. Held fast by magnets, the keyboard is perfectly placed under the iPad, and the tactile feel of the keys mimics a real keyboard. Using the iPad Air 4 with the Magic Keyboard feels like using an actual laptop, making it an ideal choice for gamers transitioning to a tablet.
Overall
In 2021, the iPad air 4 with the magic keyboard is still a great option. Especially if you plan to get an unlocked one with cell service.
Altogether, this mighty tablet is a more than capable MacBook replacement. The iPad Air 4 with Magic Keyboard combines the portability of a tablet with the power of a laptop.
