Apple iPad Air 5

Apple’s iPad Air 5, released in 2022, represents a fine balance between performance and portability, offering a versatile experience for both work and play. Priced at an Australian RRP of $929 for the 64GB Wi-Fi model, it’s an appealing choice for those looking to invest in a device that can handle a variety of tasks with ease.

At the heart of the iPad Air 5 is the M1 chip, a significant upgrade from its predecessor. This powerful chip, also found in Apple’s MacBook Air and iPad Pro, delivers impressive performance, making multitasking smoother and more efficient. Whether you’re editing videos, playing graphics-intensive games, or running multiple apps simultaneously, the M1 chip ensures everything runs seamlessly. This level of power, previously reserved for higher-end devices, makes the iPad Air 5 a strong contender in the tablet market.

The design of the iPad Air 5 remains sleek and lightweight, weighing just 461 grams and measuring 6.1 millimetres in thickness. This makes it highly portable and easy to carry around, whether you’re commuting or travelling. The 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display offers a stunning visual experience with a resolution of 2360 x 1640 pixels. This means sharp text and vibrant colours, enhancing everything from watching movies to reading eBooks. The True Tone technology and P3 wide colour gamut further improve the viewing experience by adjusting the display to match the ambient lighting and producing more accurate colours.

One of the standout features of the iPad Air 5 is its compatibility with the second-generation Apple Pencil. This accessory turns the tablet into a powerful tool for artists, designers, and note-takers, offering a natural and precise drawing experience. The iPad Air 5 also supports the Magic Keyboard, which provides a comfortable typing experience and a trackpad for improved navigation, transforming the tablet into a capable laptop replacement.

The rear camera on the iPad Air 5 is a 12MP wide camera that can capture high-quality photos and 4K videos. This is complemented by the 12MP Ultra Wide front camera, which is particularly useful for video calls and selfies. The front camera also features Centre Stage, a feature that automatically pans and zooms to keep you centred in the frame during video calls. This is particularly useful for virtual meetings and calls with family and friends, ensuring you stay in focus even if you move around.

In terms of connectivity, the iPad Air 5 includes Wi-Fi 6 for faster and more reliable internet connections. For those who need cellular connectivity, there is also a model that supports 5G, allowing for ultra-fast download and streaming speeds. This makes the iPad Air 5 a great option for those who need to stay connected on the go.

The battery life of the iPad Air 5 is also noteworthy, offering up to 10 hours of surfing the web using Wi-Fi and up to 9 hours of browsing using a cellular data network on the cellular model. This ensures that the device can last through a full day of use without needing to be recharged. When it does need to be charged, the USB-C port provides fast charging capabilities, allowing you to quickly top up the battery.

Running on iPadOS, the iPad Air 5 benefits from Apple’s robust ecosystem, offering seamless integration with other Apple devices. This includes features like Handoff, which allows you to start a task on one device and continue it on another, and Sidecar, which lets you use the iPad as a second display for your Mac. The iPadOS also brings a range of multitasking features, such as Split View and Slide Over, making it easier to use multiple apps simultaneously.

Security is handled by the Touch ID sensor, integrated into the top button. This provides a fast and secure way to unlock the device and authenticate purchases, ensuring your data remains protected.

Overall, the iPad Air 5 stands out as a versatile and powerful tablet that can cater to a wide range of needs. Whether you’re looking for a device for creative work, productivity tasks, or entertainment, the iPad Air 5 delivers a premium experience in a portable and stylish package. With its combination of powerful performance, high-quality display, and compatibility with a range of accessories, it offers excellent value for its price.

This description was last updated July 2024