Apple knows that tablets will be the future of computing, and it has upgraded the iPad Air line with features that make it slightly better than the current iPad Pro. While it does not get the latter’s 120hz ProMotion display or dual rear cameras, the iPad Air has its fair share of features that make it an ideal alternative for those who are looking for a powerful tablet.
Here’s what you get with the iPad Air:
An all-new A14 Bionic processor. Touted as the first 5nm processor in the industry, the A14 Bionic packs a six-core design that promises up to 40% CPU boost and 30% graphics boost compared to its predecessor. Aside from its Hexa-core CPU, the A14 Bionic has a 16-core Neural Engine, Quad-core GPU, and a total of 11.8 billion transistors. That makes the iPad Air more powerful than the current crop of iPad Pros, which use an A12Z Bionic processor.
The new processor gives the 2020 iPad Air support for WiFi 6 and 5Gbps data transfers, along with a USB-C port that supports up to 20w wired charging and up to 60 percent better LTE connectivity.
A bigger display with thinner bezels. Apple bumped up the 2020 iPad Air’s Liquid Retina display to 10.9 inches with a 2360 x 1640 resolution. You get features like a True Tone and an anti-reflective coating, and the bigger display translates to slimmer bezels like the 2020 iPad Pro. While you don’t get FaceID, Apple brings back TouchID—relocating it this time on the power button like most mid-range Android phones in the market today.
Upgraded cameras. While you only get a single rear camera in the 2020 iPad Air, the module is the same 12-megapixel camera found on the 2020 iPad Pro. That means you are getting features like 4K video recording and improved video stabilization. The front camera is a 7-megapixel one, and you get stereo speakers for an immersive audio experience.
New color options. Apple wants to make itself a hip and cool company, so it is introducing the 2020 iPad Air with new colors. Aside from the usual Space Grey, Silver, and Rose Gold color options, you get funkier color options like green and sky blue, making the 2020 iPad Air the most colorful iPad to date.
A fairly good price. For all that the 2020 iPad Air has to offer, it starts at Php 33,990 for the WiFi-only 64GB model. The 256GB model bumps up the price to Php 42,990, while LTE connectivity makes both variants Php 8k more expensive. Throw in a folio keyboard (which is priced at Php 9,990), and the 2020 iPad can stand as a powerful 2-in-1 and a potential alternative to the 2020 MacBook Air. All models should be available next month.
One last thing: aside from the all-new iPad Air, Apple also updated its entry-level iPad with a more powerful A12 processor—the same one used on the 2019 iPad Air and 2019 iPad Pro. That gives the entry-level iPad Neural Engine capabilities, making it twice as better as its predecessor in terms of GPU performance. Pricing remains the same, starting at Php 18,990 for the WiFi-only 32GB model.
