Written by Gijs
Edited on
12 September 2024
·
13:18
Compare the Apple iPad (2018) to the Apple iPad Air (2019)
It can be tricky choosing the right iPad with 4 different models currently available: the iPad, iPad Air, iPad Mini, and iPad Pro. Can't decide between the Apple iPad (2018) and Apple iPad Air 2019? In this article, I'll explain the differences between these 2 tablets. Note: the iPad (2018) is only available as a refurbished device at Coolblue. The iPad Air (2019) is no longer available.
No longer available, view the newer models
Expert review iPad (2022)
Compare the Apple iPad (2018) to the Apple iPad Air (2019)
| Apple iPad (2018) | Apple iPad Air (2019) | |
|---|---|---|
| Screen | 9.7-inch Retina display | 10.5-inch Retina display |
| Processor | A10 Fusion chip | A12 Bionic chip |
| Unlock | Touch ID | Touch ID |
| Compatibility Apple Pencil | Apple Pencil 1 | Apple Pencil 1 |
| Camera | 8-MP | 8-MP |
| FaceTime camera | 1,2-MP | 7-MP |
| Storage capacity | 32 and 128GB | 64 and 256GB |
| Colors | Silver, Space Gray, and Gold | Silver, Space Gray, and Gold |
The processor
Apple iPad (2018): use 2 apps simultaneously without problems
The Apple iPad (2018) has the A10 Fusion chip. The performance of this chip is 40% faster than that of its predecessor, the A9 chip. Switching between apps is fast and I can easily use 2 apps at the same time. The A10 Fusion chip also gives improved 4G support. This doubles download speeds from 150Mbps to 300Mbps, so pages will load faster.
Apple iPad Air 2019: edit photos and videos without slowing down
The A12 Bionic processor of the Apple iPad Air 2019 is even faster than that of the Apple iPad (2018). With the A12 processor, I can effortlessly work in different apps at the same time and edit photos and videos without it slowing down. We also see this chip in the latest iPhone Xs smartphones. The A10 chip of the Apple iPad (2018) is found in the iPhone 7, so it's a lot older and slower than the A12 Bionic chip.
The screen
Apple iPad (2018): with Apple Pencil 1 support
The Apple iPad (2018) has a 9.7-inch Retina display and supports Apple Pencil (1st generation). This makes the iPad extremely versatile. I can draw and sketch on the display to let out my creativity. I can also use it for my work or studies by highlighting words and making handwritten notes, turning the iPad into my own notepad. The screen doesn't support True Tone and doesn't have an anti-reflective coating.
Apple iPad Air 2019: True Tone, anti-glare coating, and suitable for Apple Pencil 1
The Apple iPad Air 2019 also has a Retina display. The display is a little larger though, as it's 10.5 inches. The screen also supports True Tone, which makes the colors look lifelike in all circumstances. The display of the iPad Air 2019 is laminated, so the glass plate is placed exactly on the screen. The anti-reflective coating allows me to also use the iPad Air 2019 outside in bright sunlight. The iPad Air 2019 is also suitable for the Apple Pencil 1.
Other differences
Of course, the iPad Air 2019 is flatter (6.1mm vs 7.5mm) and lighter (456g vs 469g) than the iPad (2018). The iPad Air 2019 also supports Apple's Smart Keyboard, thanks to the Smart Connector. The Apple iPad (2018) only works with Bluetooth keyboards. On top of that, the 7-megapixel selfie camera of the iPad Air 2019 is a lot better than the 1.2-megapixel selfie camera of the iPad (2018). The Apple iPad Air 2019 comes in 64GB and 256GB versions, while the Apple iPad (2018) has either 32GB or 128GB of storage capacity.
Conclusion
Both tablets support the Apple Pencil (1st generation) and have Touch ID. There are still some improvements in the iPad Air 2019 that make me prefer the iPad Air 2019 over the iPad (2018), though. The screen is better, the processor is a lot faster, and the tablet is thinner and lighter. The A12 Bionic chip is so powerful that I'm sure that I'll be using the Apple iPad Air 2019 for the coming years without it becoming too slow.
Article by Gijs
Apple Expert.
