iPad Air (3rd Generation) Full Review: Features and Performance

The iPad Air (3rd Generation), released in March 2019, strikes a balance between power and portability with its 10.5-inch Retina display featuring True Tone for enhanced color accuracy. Equipped with the A12 Bionic chip, it delivers exceptional performance for multitasking and creative tasks.

Supporting the first-generation Apple Pencil and smart keyboard, it enhances productivity. Available in 64GB and 256GB storage options, the iPad Air (3rd Generation) offers an attractive mix of features for both students and professionals seeking a versatile tablet experience.

iPad Air (3rd Generation) Key Specifications

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Release Date and Price

The iPad Air (3rd Generation) was officially released on March 29, 2019. At launch, the pricing for the iPad Air (3rd Generation) was as follows: the base 64GB Wi-Fi model was priced at $499, while the 256GB Wi-Fi model was available for $649.

For those opting for cellular connectivity, the 64GB Wi-Fi + Cellular model was priced at $629, and the 256GB Wi-Fi + Cellular model was available for $779.

Design and Build Quality

Apple has always been known for its premium design, and the iPad Air (3rd Generation) is no exception. With a slim 6.1mm profile, it is lightweight and feels solid in hand. Weighing only 456g for the Wi-Fi model, it’s easy to carry around for extended periods, whether you’re at work, in school, or traveling.

The iPad Air (3rd Gen) is made from a combination of glass and aluminum, making it feel sturdy and refined. It has rounded edges and smooth curves, and the aluminum back adds to its premium look and feel. The iPad comes in three attractive colors: Space Gray, Silver, and Gold. It’s available in two models, one with Wi-Fi only and another with Wi-Fi + Cellular capabilities.

Apple has kept the overall design minimal, maintaining the same iconic look as the earlier iPad models. The device features the traditional Touch ID fingerprint sensor located at the front for easy unlocking.

Display: Stunning Retina Quality

The iPad Air (3rd Generation) has a 10.5-inch Retina display, delivering vibrant colors and sharpness. The screen resolution of 1668 x 2224 pixels offers 265 pixels per inch, ensuring excellent visual clarity. Its high pixel density guarantees that images and text look crisp, even when viewed up close.

True Tone technology adjusts the screen’s color balance to match surrounding lighting for optimal comfort. This feature makes the display easier on your eyes while delivering accurate and vibrant color reproduction. The screen is protected with scratch-resistant glass and an oleophobic coating for durability and usability. The oleophobic coating prevents fingerprints and smudges, keeping the display clean and easy to use

Performance and Processor

The heart of the iPad Air (3rd Generation) is the A12 Bionic chip. This powerful chip is built on a 7nm architecture, delivering a remarkable combination of performance and efficiency. It contains six cores, with two high-performance Vortex cores clocking at 2.5 GHz and four power-efficient Tempest cores running at 1.6 GHz. This setup ensures that the tablet runs smoothly, whether you’re gaming, multitasking, or using professional apps.

Along with the A12 chip, the tablet includes the Apple GPU with four cores, ensuring impressive graphical performance for demanding applications and games. The GPU’s capability is particularly noticeable when playing high-end games like PUBG or Fortnite, where smooth graphics and seamless gameplay are a must.

This combination of the A12 chip and GPU makes the iPad Air 3 an excellent choice for both everyday users and those who require more power, such as graphic designers or video editors.

RAM and Storage

The iPad Air (3rd Generation) comes with 3GB of RAM, which is more than sufficient for multitasking and switching between applications. While not as much as some of the higher-end models, the RAM provides a fluid experience for a variety of tasks. The device comes with two storage options: 64 GB and 256 GB. However, there is no microSD card slot, so you’re limited to internal storage.

While the 64GB version may be adequate for users who mainly use their tablet for browsing, social media, and video streaming, users who plan to store larger files, such as videos, music, or extensive document libraries, should consider the 256GB model for extra space.

iPadOS 18.2.1 Software

The iPad Air (3rd Generation) runs iPadOS 18.2.1, an optimized version of iOS designed specifically for iPads. iPadOS brings several features like Split View and Slide Over for improved multitasking, enhanced file management, and Apple Pencil support for creative professionals. The software also supports gesture-based navigation and a more intuitive interface, making it easier to use.

Apple also continues to provide regular software updates, ensuring that the iPad Air 3 remains up-to-date with the latest features and security patches.

Cameras: Functional and Adequate

While tablets aren’t typically known for their camera performance, the iPad Air (3rd Generation) includes decent cameras for everyday use.

Rear Camera: 8MP with HDR

The iPad Air (3rd Generation) is equipped with an 8MP rear camera with an f/2.4 aperture. While it may not match the quality of smartphone cameras, it can still take sharp and clear photos for casual use. The camera includes features like HDR (High Dynamic Range), which helps improve image quality in difficult lighting conditions.

Additionally, it can record video in 1080p at 30fps, which is more than sufficient for standard video recording and even casual vlogging.

Front Camera: 7MP with HDR

The 7MP front camera is perfect for video calls, FaceTime, and selfies. It also supports HDR for better-quality images in different lighting. The front camera can record video at 1080p at 30 fps, making it an excellent choice for virtual meetings or online classes.

Connectivity and Features

The iPad Air (3rd Generation) offers solid connectivity options, making it suitable for various tasks.

Wi-Fi and Cellular Connectivity

The Wi-Fi model supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac for fast wireless connectivity. For those who need internet access while on the go, the Wi-Fi + Cellular model supports LTE (4G), ensuring that you can stay connected no matter where you are. However, the device does not support 5G connectivity, as it predates that standard.

Bluetooth 5.0

The iPad Air 3 features Bluetooth 5.0, which allows for a faster and more stable connection with accessories like headphones, keyboards, and the Apple Pencil.

Other Features

It supports a range of sensors, including the front-mounted fingerprint sensor for security, an accelerometer, a gyro, a compass, and a barometer. These sensors make the device responsive to various actions, such as screen rotation and movement tracking.

The iPad Air 3 also retains the 3.5mm headphone jack, which is a welcome feature for users who prefer wired headphones over Bluetooth.

Audio and Speakers

The iPad Air (3rd Generation) is equipped with stereo speakers, providing a good audio experience for watching videos, listening to music, or playing games. The sound quality is clear and loud enough for casual listening, but it doesn’t have the advanced features found in the iPad Pro’s speakers, such as Dolby Atmos support.

If you’re an audiophile or want a more immersive sound experience, you can easily connect a set of quality headphones or external speakers via the headphone jack or Bluetooth.

Battery Life

The iPad Air (3rd Generation) boasts impressive battery life, with Apple claiming up to 10 hours of usage for web browsing, video playback, or listening to music on Wi-Fi. In practical terms, the device consistently meets these expectations, making it a reliable option for extended use throughout the day.

This long-lasting battery is ideal for users who need their tablet to perform well without frequent recharging.

Comparison: iPad Air (1st Generation) vs iPad Air 2 vs iPad Air (3rd Generation)

Here is a detailed comparison of the iPad Air (1st Generation), iPad Air 2, and iPad Air (3rd Generation) presented in a tabular format.

This comprehensive comparison highlights the evolution of the iPad Air series, helping you choose the best model for your needs. The iPad Air (3rd Generation) stands out as the most capable and future-proof choice, especially for users who value performance and modern features.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Powerful A12 Bionic Chip: Ensures smooth performance for a wide range of tasks.
• Stunning 10.5-inch Retina Display: Offers clear and sharp visuals with True Tone technology.
• Impressive Battery Life: Up to 10 hours of multimedia use.
• Sleek and lightweight design: easy to carry around and use for extended periods.
• Stereo Speakers and 3.5mm Jack: Good audio quality and support for wired headphones.

Cons:

• No Face ID: Lacks the advanced biometric security found in newer iPads.
• Limited Storage Options: There is no expandable storage, and the maximum available storage is 256 GB.
• No 5G Support: Does not support the latest 5G connectivity.

Conclusion