The iPad Air (4th generation), launched on October 23, 2020, represents a significant advancement in Apple’s tablet offerings. With its A14 Bionic chip, it delivers outstanding performance, enabling faster processing speeds and enhanced graphics capabilities, perfect for multitasking.
Boasting a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone technology, the iPad Air offers exceptionally vibrant colors and sharp visuals, ensuring an immersive user experience. Available in two storage options, 64GB starting at $599 and 256GB for $749, it caters to students, professionals, and creatives alike.
Whether for entertainment or productivity, this tablet sets a new benchmark for mid-range tablets with its performance, versatility, and style. In this review, we’ll explore key features, use cases, and why it’s a standout choice for anyone looking for a high-performance tablet.
Table of Contents
- iPad Air (4th generation) Key Specifications
- Release date and price
- Design and Build Quality
- Display Excellence
- Performance and Processor
- Software and Features
- Camera and Audio: Versatile and Clear
- Battery Life
- Comp: iPad Air (3rd Gen) vs iPad Air (4th Gen) vs iPad Air (5th Gen)
- Conclusion: A Powerful and Stylish Tablet
iPad Air (4th generation) Key Specifications
Release date and price
The iPad Air (4th generation) was officially released on October 23, 2020, marking a significant upgrade in Apple’s tablet lineup. Priced starting at $599 for the base model with 64GB of storage, the iPad Air offers impressive performance and versatility. For those needing additional storage, the 256GB variant is available for $749.
Design and Build Quality
The iPad Air (2020) features a slim, lightweight design reflecting Apple’s commitment to elegance and functionality. Measuring 247.6 x 178.5 x 6.1 mm and weighing 458g for the Wi-Fi model or 460g for the LTE variant, it is highly portable and comfortable. Its aluminum back and frame exude a premium feel, while the glass front ensures durability.
Available in five vibrant colors—Space Gray, Silver, Rose Gold, Green, and Sky Blue—it appeals to a wide range of users. The iPad Air supports the 2nd-generation Apple Pencil, making it an excellent tool for creatives and professionals.
Moreover, the top-mounted fingerprint sensor, integrated into the power button, allows for secure and convenient authentication. However, the absence of a 3.5mm headphone jack may be a drawback for some users, aligning with Apple’s recent design trends.
Display Excellence
The 10.9-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD is one of the best features of the iPad Air (2020). With a resolution of 1640 x 2360 pixels and a pixel density of approximately 264 PPI, the display produces vibrant colors and sharp details, making it ideal for various tasks such as streaming, browsing, and creative projects.
The screen achieves an impressive screen-to-body ratio of around 81.3% and offers a typical brightness of 500 nits. It is protected by scratch-resistant glass with an oleophobic coating, ensuring both durability and resistance to fingerprints.
The True Tone technology further enhances the display by adjusting the color temperature to match ambient lighting, reducing eye strain during extended use.
Performance and Processor
At the core of the iPad Air (4th Generation) lies the A14 Bionic chip, powering seamless multitasking. This advanced 5nm chip integrates a 6-core CPU, 4-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine for performance. Compared to its predecessor, the A14 Bionic delivers a 40% CPU boost and 30% better graphics capabilities.
It ensures the iPad Air efficiently manages demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and creative applications effortlessly. The A14 Bionic’s impressive speed makes it suitable for productivity, entertainment, and multitasking in a lightweight design. This processor also enhances efficiency, extending the battery life for all-day usage reliability.
With this processing power, the iPad Air (4th Generation) is not just a tablet for casual use but also a capable device for productivity and creative work. Whether you are editing 4K videos, creating digital art, or working on complex documents, the iPad Air delivers smooth and responsive performance.
Software and Features
Running on the iPad, the iPad Air (4th Generation) benefits from a range of features designed to enhance productivity and usability. Multitasking is a breeze with Split View and Slide Over, allowing users to work on multiple apps simultaneously. The iPad Air also supports the Magic Keyboard, providing a laptop-like experience with a floating design and built-in touchpad.
Another significant feature is the integration of Touch ID into the top button for quick verification. This integration ensures secure authentication without compromising the sleek all-screen design, enhancing user convenience and security. This is the first iPad to feature Touch ID in this form, ensuring smooth unlocking and purchase processes. With Touch ID in this top button location, users can enjoy seamless access and greater device security.
Camera and Audio: Versatile and Clear
The iPad Air (4th Generation) features a 12 MP rear camera with an f/1.8 aperture, capable of capturing 4K video at 60 fps. This is a significant upgrade from previous models, offering improved photo and video quality. The camera includes features such as Smart HDR and improved image regulation, making it suitable for a range of photography and video recording needs.
The front-facing camera is a 7 MP True Depth camera with 1080p HD video capability, making it perfect for FaceTime calls and selfies. The iPad Air also includes stereo speakers that deliver clear and absorbing audio, enhancing the overall multimedia experience.
Battery Life
Apple claims up to 10 hours of battery life for the iPad Air (4th Generation) when browsing the web or watching videos over Wi-Fi. This estimate holds up well in real-world usage, providing reliable all-day performance for most tasks. The device supports 20W fast charging, allowing for quicker recharges compared to earlier models.
Charging is done via the USB-C port, which is a notable upgrade from the Lightning port found on older iPads. The USB-C port also supports a wide range of attachments and connectivity options, including external displays and storage.
Comp: iPad Air (3rd Gen) vs iPad Air (4th Gen) vs iPad Air (5th Gen)
Here’s the detailed, unique, and SEO-optimized comparison of the iPad Air (3rd generation), iPad Air (4th generation), and iPad Air (5th generation), presented in a tabular format:
| Feature | iPad Air (3rd Gen) | iPad Air (4th Gen) | iPad Air (5th Gen) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finish | Space Gray, Silver, Gold | Space Gray, Silver, Rose Gold, Sky Blue, Green | Space Gray, Blue, Pink, Purple, Starlight |
| Display | 10.5" Retina Display | 10.9" Liquid Retina Display | 10.9" Liquid Retina Display |
| Resolution | 2224 x 1668 pixels at 264 ppi | 2360 x 1640 pixels at 264 ppi | 2360 x 1640 pixels at 264 ppi |
| Brightness | 500 nits | 500 nits | 500 nits |
| Chip | A12 Bionic | A14 Bionic | M1 Chip |
| CPU | 6-core | 6-core | 8-core |
| GPU | 4-core | 4-core | 8-core |
| Neural Engine | 8-core | 16-core | 16-core |
| Main Camera | 8MP Wide Camera | 12MP Wide Camera | 12MP Wide Camera |
| Video Recording | 1080p at 30 fps | 4K at up to 60 fps | 4K at up to 60 fps |
| Front Camera | 7MP FaceTime HD | 7MP FaceTime HD | 12MP Ultra-Wide with Center Stage |
| Authentication | Touch ID (Home Button) | Touch ID (Top Button) | Touch ID (Top Button) |
| Audio | Stereo Speakers | Landscape Stereo Speakers | Landscape Stereo Speakers |
| Connectivity | Lightning Port | USB-C Port | USB-C Port |
| Wireless Technology | Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.0 | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0 | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Cellular | 4G LTE | 4G LTE | 5G |
| Apple Pencil Support | 1st Generation | 2nd Generation | 2nd Generation |
| Keyboard Compatibility | Smart Keyboard | Magic Keyboard, Smart Keyboard Folio | Magic Keyboard, Smart Keyboard Folio |
| Weight (Wi-Fi model) | 1.0 lbs (456g) | 1.0 lbs (458g) | 1.02 lbs (461g) |
| Battery Life | Up to 10 hours | Up to 10 hours | Up to 10 hours |
| Storage Options | 64GB, 256GB | 64GB, 256GB | 64GB, 256GB |
| Colors | 3 Colors | 5 Colors | 5 Colors |
The iPad Air series has seen remarkable progress, evolving significantly from the 3rd to 5th generations. Each upgrade focused on enhancing performance, improving design, and introducing advanced features for various user needs. The iPad Air (3rd Generation) introduced the Retina display, True Tone technology, and the A12 Bionic chip for smooth performance.
The iPad Air (4th Generation) offered a Liquid Retina display, an A14 Bionic chip, and Apple Pencil (2nd Generation) support. iPad Air (5th Generation) delivered a game-changing M1 chip, 5G connectivity, and cameras with Center Stage functionality. This guide helps you decide the best iPad Air, considering display, performance, and connectivity advancements.
Conclusion: A Powerful and Stylish Tablet
The iPad Air (4th Generation) successfully combines modern design, powerful performance, and advanced features into a highly capable tablet. With its sleek design, high-resolution display, and A14 Bionic chip, it’s a top-tier option for balanced performance and affordability.
Whether you’re a student, professional, or casual user, the iPad Air (4th Gen) offers versatility. The iPad Air (4th Gen) offers a premium experience tailored to a wide variety of needs. Its compatibility with accessories like the second-generation Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard enhances overall versatility.
FAQs: iPad Air (4th Generation) Review: Powerful Performance
How old is an iPad Air 4th generation?
The iPad Air 4th generation was released on October 23, 2020. As of January 2025, the iPad Air 4 is approximately 4 years old. Despite its age, it remains a powerful and highly rated device in the Apple lineup, with a sleek design and impressive performance.
Is the iPad Air 4 or 5 better?
The iPad Air 5, released in March 2022, brings notable upgrades over the iPad Air 4, including the M1 chip, which offers faster performance and improved efficiency. The iPad Air 5 also features a 5G connectivity option, making it better for users who need high-speed mobile data. However, the iPad Air 4 still offers excellent performance for most tasks and is often more affordable. If you need the latest tech and enhanced performance, the iPad Air 5 is the better choice, but the iPad Air 4 remains a solid option for many.
What size case is the iPad Air 4th generation?
The iPad Air 4th generation has a screen size of 10.9 inches. When purchasing a case for this device, make sure to select one specifically designed for the iPad Air 4th generation (10.9-inch). The case should fit the device’s dimensions of 9.74 x 7.02 x 0.24 inches (247.6 x 178.5 x 6.1 mm).
What generation is the newest iPad?
As of January 2025, the newest iPad is the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th generation) and iPad Pro 11-inch (4th generation), both of which were released in October 2022. These devices are equipped with Apple's M2 chip, offering the latest performance and features for users seeking the highest level of power and functionality.
Is iPad Air 4 fast?
Yes, the iPad Air 4 is fast! Powered by the A14 Bionic chip, it delivers excellent performance for everyday tasks, gaming, and creative projects. While not as powerful as newer models with M1 or M2 chips, the iPad Air 4 is still highly efficient and handles multitasking and demanding apps smoothly. It’s a fast and reliable device for most users.
