Does iPad Air 4th Gen Have M1 Chip? Specs & Comparisons
So, you’re curious about the iPad Air 4th generation and whether it packs the processing power of Apple’s M1 chip? It’s a common question, and a crucial one if you’re considering buying or already own one. The iPad Air lineup has always aimed for a sweet spot, balancing performance and portability. Understanding the internal components is key to determining if it meets your needs.
This article will answer your burning question directly and then dive deep into the specifications, comparing the 4th generation to its successors and other iPads. We’ll explore the chipsets, performance benchmarks, and overall user experience to help you make an informed decision. We will clarify the capabilities of the iPad Air 4th gen.
Let’s get started and clear up any confusion! This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the information you need.
The Short Answer: Does the iPad Air 4th Gen Have an M1 Chip?
No, the iPad Air 4th generation does not have an M1 chip. It’s important to be clear about this right from the start. The iPad Air 4th gen was released in 2020, and it features the A14 Bionic chip, a powerful processor in its own right, but not the M1.
Understanding the A14 Bionic Chip
The A14 Bionic chip is a significant upgrade from the previous generation. Apple focused on improving both CPU and GPU performance, leading to a noticeable improvement in everyday tasks and more demanding applications. This chip is built on a 5-nanometer process, which means more transistors are packed into a smaller space, resulting in increased efficiency and performance.
Here’s a breakdown of what the A14 Bionic offers:
- CPU Performance: Up to 40% faster CPU performance compared to the previous generation iPad Air. This translates to quicker app launches, smoother multitasking, and snappier overall responsiveness.
- GPU Performance: Improved graphics performance, allowing for better gaming experiences and faster rendering of graphics-intensive applications.
- Neural Engine: A 16-core Neural Engine for advanced machine learning tasks. This enhances features like image recognition, voice assistant performance, and other AI-driven applications.
The A14 Bionic chip was a considerable leap forward when it was released, offering excellent performance for various uses.
Comparing the iPad Air 4th Gen to Other iPad Models
To fully understand the capabilities of the iPad Air 4th gen, let’s compare it to other iPad models, including those that feature the M1 chip and newer processors.
iPad Air 4th Gen vs. iPad Air 5th Gen
The iPad Air 5th generation is the successor to the 4th generation. The key difference is the M1 chip in the 5th generation. This results in a substantial performance boost, especially in tasks like video editing, graphic design, and running multiple demanding applications simultaneously.
Here’s a table comparing the two: (See Also: How Do I Get YouTube Back on My iPad? Simple Steps)
| Feature | iPad Air 4th Gen | iPad Air 5th Gen |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | A14 Bionic | M1 |
| CPU Performance | Very Good | Significantly Better |
| GPU Performance | Good | Excellent |
| Neural Engine | 16-core | 16-core |
| RAM | 4GB | 8GB |
| Storage Options | 64GB, 256GB | 64GB, 256GB |
| Display | 10.9-inch Liquid Retina | 10.9-inch Liquid Retina |
| Price (at launch) | Starting at $599 | Starting at $599 |
Key Takeaway: The iPad Air 5th generation offers a noticeable performance advantage due to the M1 chip, especially for power users. However, the iPad Air 4th gen remains a capable device for everyday use.
iPad Air 4th Gen vs. iPad Pro (m1 and M2)
The iPad Pro models, particularly those with M1 and M2 chips, represent the pinnacle of iPad performance. These devices are designed for professionals and users who require the most power available.
Here’s a comparison:
| Feature | iPad Air 4th Gen | iPad Pro (M1/M2) |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | A14 Bionic | M1/M2 |
| CPU Performance | Good | Exceptional |
| GPU Performance | Good | Outstanding |
| RAM | 4GB | 8GB/16GB (M1/M2) |
| Display | 10.9-inch Liquid Retina | 11-inch/12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR |
| ProMotion | No | Yes (120Hz refresh rate) |
| Storage Options | 64GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB |
| Price (at launch) | Starting at $599 | Starting at $799 (M1), Starting at $799 (M2) |
Key Takeaway: The iPad Pro offers significantly higher performance, more RAM, and features like ProMotion (120Hz refresh rate) and advanced display technology. It’s a better choice if you need the absolute best performance for demanding tasks. The M2 iPad Pro offers even more power.
iPad Air 4th Gen vs. iPad (9th/10th Gen)
The standard iPad models are more budget-friendly options. They offer good performance for everyday tasks, but they don’t match the performance of the iPad Air or Pro models.
Here’s a comparison:
| Feature | iPad Air 4th Gen | iPad (9th/10th Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | A14 Bionic | A13 Bionic/A14 Bionic |
| CPU Performance | Better | Good |
| GPU Performance | Better | Good |
| RAM | 4GB | 3GB/4GB |
| Display | 10.9-inch Liquid Retina | 10.2-inch Retina/10.9-inch Liquid Retina |
| Design | Modern, thin bezels | Thicker bezels, Home button/Modern design |
| Price (at launch) | Starting at $599 | Starting at $329/$449 |
Key Takeaway: The iPad Air 4th gen offers significantly better performance, a more modern design, and a superior display compared to the standard iPad models. The iPad 10th gen with the A14 Bionic narrows the performance gap but the Air is still the better choice.
Performance Benchmarks: A Closer Look
While specifications provide a good overview, performance benchmarks give us a more concrete understanding of how these devices perform in real-world scenarios. We can use benchmark scores to compare the performance of the A14 Bionic against the M1 and other chips. Popular benchmarking tools include Geekbench and 3DMark.
Geekbench: This tool tests the CPU and memory performance. The iPad Air 4th gen with the A14 Bionic typically scores around 1500-1600 in single-core tests and 4000-4200 in multi-core tests. The M1 chip in the iPad Air 5th gen and iPad Pro models scores significantly higher, with single-core scores exceeding 1700 and multi-core scores often surpassing 7000. (See Also: How Many Amps for iPad Charger: A Complete Guide)
3DMark: This benchmark focuses on graphics performance. The A14 Bionic in the iPad Air 4th gen scores around 5000-6000 in the Wild Life test. Devices with the M1 chip typically achieve scores of 8000 or higher, demonstrating the superior GPU capabilities.
These benchmarks highlight the performance difference between the A14 Bionic and the M1 chip. The M1 chip offers a noticeable advantage, especially in tasks that require significant processing power or graphics rendering.
Real-World Performance: What to Expect
Beyond benchmark scores, it’s essential to understand how these chips translate into real-world performance. What can you expect when using the iPad Air 4th gen with the A14 Bionic?
- Everyday Tasks: The iPad Air 4th gen handles everyday tasks such as web browsing, email, social media, and video streaming with ease. The device is responsive, and you’ll experience minimal lag.
- Multitasking: Multitasking is generally smooth, allowing you to switch between apps quickly. However, with only 4GB of RAM, you might experience some app reloading if you’re running many applications simultaneously.
- Gaming: The A14 Bionic provides a good gaming experience. You can play many popular games at high settings without significant performance issues. However, the M1 chip offers a smoother experience, especially for graphics-intensive games.
- Video Editing: While the iPad Air 4th gen can handle basic video editing tasks, more complex projects may take longer to render. The M1 chip is much better suited for professional-level video editing.
- Creative Applications: Applications like Procreate and Adobe Photoshop work well on the iPad Air 4th gen. However, you might experience performance limitations when working with large files or complex projects.
The iPad Air 4th gen provides a very good experience for most users. It strikes a good balance between performance and portability.
Is the iPad Air 4th Gen Still a Good Buy in 2024?
Considering the release of newer iPad models, is the iPad Air 4th gen still a good purchase in 2024? The answer depends on your needs and budget.
Pros:
- Price: The iPad Air 4th gen is often available at a lower price than newer models, especially if you’re looking at refurbished or used options.
- Performance: The A14 Bionic chip provides excellent performance for everyday tasks and many creative applications.
- Design: The iPad Air 4th gen has a modern design with thin bezels and a sleek look.
- Portability: It’s lightweight and easy to carry around.
Cons:
- No M1 Chip: The lack of the M1 chip means it won’t perform as well as newer iPad models in demanding tasks.
- RAM: The 4GB of RAM can be a limitation if you need to run many apps simultaneously.
- Availability: It might be harder to find a new iPad Air 4th gen compared to the latest models.
Who is it for?
The iPad Air 4th gen is a great option for: (See Also: Can iPad 5th Generation Be Updated? A Comprehensive Guide)
- Students
- Casual users
- People who want a good tablet for browsing, streaming, and light productivity tasks
- Those on a budget
If you need the absolute best performance or plan to use your iPad for demanding creative tasks, the iPad Air 5th gen or an iPad Pro model might be a better choice. However, if you’re looking for a capable tablet at a reasonable price, the iPad Air 4th gen remains a solid choice.
Factors to Consider When Buying
When deciding whether to purchase an iPad Air 4th gen, consider these factors:
- Your Budget: How much are you willing to spend? The iPad Air 4th gen is often more affordable than newer models.
- Your Use Case: What will you primarily use the iPad for? Everyday tasks, gaming, or creative work?
- Storage Needs: Consider how much storage you need. 64GB might be enough for some, while others might need 256GB.
- Battery Life: The iPad Air 4th gen offers good battery life, but it’s always worth considering how much you need to use the device.
- Availability: Check where you plan to buy the iPad and the availability of the model you want.
Evaluating these factors will help you determine if the iPad Air 4th gen is the right choice for you.
Alternatives to the iPad Air 4th Gen
Besides the iPad Air 5th gen, other tablets might be worth considering:
- iPad (9th/10th Gen): A more budget-friendly option.
- iPad mini 6: A more compact and portable iPad.
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S series: Android-based tablets with great features.
Researching these alternatives can give you more options to make sure you are getting the right tablet.
The Future of iPad Air
The iPad Air series is expected to continue evolving, with Apple continuously improving performance and features. The move to the M-series chips in the 5th generation has shown Apple’s commitment to providing high-performance tablets. We can expect future iPad Air models to continue to bridge the gap between the standard iPad and the iPad Pro.
The incorporation of more powerful chips, improved displays, and new features will likely make the iPad Air even more appealing to a broader range of users.
Conclusion
The iPad Air 4th generation does not have the M1 chip. It features the A14 Bionic chip, which provides excellent performance for everyday tasks and many creative applications. While not as powerful as the M1-equipped iPad Air 5th gen or iPad Pro models, the iPad Air 4th gen remains a capable tablet, especially considering its potential price point in the used or refurbished market. It’s a solid choice for students, casual users, and anyone looking for a balance of performance and portability. The decision of whether to buy one depends on your specific needs, budget, and the intended use of the device.
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