13-Inch M2 iPad Air Review: The ULTIMATE iPad?

In my 13-inch M2 iPad Air review, I reveal what Apple’s latest addition to the iPad lineup is like. I also answer a really important question: which one wins in the battle of M2 iPad Air vs M4 iPad Pro?

GET A PEEK BEHIND THE SCENES: 

JOIN MY SUBSTACK

CHECK OUT MY OTHER CHANNEL

JOIN THE CREATOR ACADEMY

BECOME A PATRON (IF YOU’RE NOT ALREADY)!

FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA

SOME OF MY FAVOURITE THINGS
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Some of the links below will direct you to the Amazon website.

MY FREE ONLINE COURSES

LISTEN TO/WATCH THE EIGHT OR SIXTEEN PODCAST

WHAT IS THIS CHANNEL ALL ABOUT?
I have zero interest in deep spec dives or long-winded comparisons. I review laptops, smartphones, tablets, headphones and the latest tech based on real experience. I'll tell you how it'll make you feel, whether or not it's worth your time (and money) and help you find the tech you need to get stuff done.

WHO AM I?
I'm a UK-based tech reviewer. Watch my videos to find the tech you need, without the jargon.

GET IN TOUCH

Oh, and some of the links in this description are affiliate links from which I earn a small commission!

CHAPTERS
00:00 - Intro
02:09 - Specs and pricing
03:43 - Design and display
07:41 - Accessories
11:18 - M4 iPad Pro vs M2 iPad Air
13:08 - Conclusion

[MarkEllisReviews]

Are you an iPad Air or iPad Pro kinda person 🤔

[kori]

The M2 iPad Air makes a pretty great secondary monitor, as well. Plus, you can still use it to perform iPad duties. Good option, for sure.

[ericrusconi]

The only reason I’ve bought ipad pro’s in the past is because of the larger 13 inch screen. Now that the iPad Air has a 13 inch screen, I’ll never need to buy the pro version in the future.

[JayJay-skiu]

“The camera system you won’t use.” love it 🤣

[m.hreels]

I am still on the fence about which iPad to get because I really want to wait for the next iPad mini. At the same time, when I went to the Apple Store, I kind of fell in love with the new 11-inch iPad Air model. For the longest time, I was wondering why they couldn't put the Final Cut app on the iPad mini. However, after having hands-on experience with the iPad Air, I realized that the mini would be too small to even interact with Final Cut on it to begin with. So, I think I'm going to end up getting the 11-inch iPad Air. It's still small enough where it's not as gigantic as the 13-inch model and it's not nearly as expensive as the iPad Pros. This video really helped. Thank you.

[amarachibigelow]

It's nice that you are giving the other ipads a fair chance instead of only favoring the pro.

[snapperurban]

Great video. Think I’m going to buy an iPad Air 13” it looks incredible and I’ll save a bit too.

[BSDjunkie]

Completely agree about the iPad Mini. There is something about the size and form about it that makes it such a pleasant device to use. I still own the original iPad mini and it still works! Of course it is stuck on iOS 9 I believe, but I LOVE being able to run some older games on it such as Flappy Bird and Zuma’s Revenge.

[Bruceneuman]

Bought the iPad Air over the Pro to be able to use my Magic Keyboard. I did not need a new iPad given what I do with it but wanted an M series device to be able to take advantage of the coming AI features. I always go for at least 256 Gb storage. I do not know why but I do. It is a step up over my old iPads, very quick etc. I also went for the new Pencil Pro, another improved device. With iPads, I go for the 11” (I do have a Mini, although I could easily give it up), which is the most versatile in my opinion. Simply a great tablet for work and home. I use it 80% of the time. Just a great device.

[YuriUK]

My dilemma is now is choosing if I have a need to upgrade from my iPad Air 4th Gen to new iPad Air 13inch. I really like my 3 year old iPad Air and the only reason I will benefit is a bigger screen, in past I downsized from iPad Pro 12, 9 first gen to my now iPad Air 4th gen and the reason was because my old iPad Pro 12, 9 did bent little in the middle
I’m so confused what should I do now 🤔

[babydadoo]

Another issue with top placement of FaceTime camera: I just got a refurbished M1 12.9 iPad Pro (2 weeks before they announced the recent iPad event….sigh) and I am left handed.

Every time I try to unlock my new iPad I am covering the camera with my dominant hand, which I used to pick up the iPad. It minor, but also annoying.

The new placement of the camera would help me out a tonne.

[jhydhan]

For me it needs to be the size of the iPad mini, hopping for the iPad 7 soon. I use my iPad Pro 12.9 for movie

[harveymphotography]

Mark, I've not seen one review of the new camera position when using the iPad in the portrait position, could you show us how FaceTime looks . Cheers

[sycann]

My dilemma is different: should I get the wifi or wifi+cellular option?
Colour: blue or starlight?😅

[richardschembri]

if this is the iPad Air is the Ultimate iPad, should you just not go and buy a M2 pro iPad from the Apple refurbished store, because you rthen get a much better screen, and you still get a full apple warranty, and it will probably be cheaper. I do agree that the iPad Mini 6 is my favorite iPad of all time.

[leajtick]

Honestly i think a refurbed M2 Pro is a better buy than the M2 Air… mini LED screen, face ID and thunderbolt alone make it a superior product!

[fidelrm]

Wouldn’t a refurbished m1 or m2 12.9inch iPad Pro be better for about the same price?

[HiTechGuy]

Nice comparison; thx! How about the 2 M2 iPads? The new Air and the 6th gen Pro?

[MrFiddler]

Thinking about the iPad Air. I have 2018 11" iPad Pro which is giving up the ghost (won't charge, out of warranty, $500 repair) - it seems like a good time to upgrade. It served me well, the only downfall was that as I began using music reading apps the notation was smaller than optimal for my aging eyes. I like that the Air has a larger size - ideal for my use - but by the time I buy one, a case, the new pencil we're close to $1, 000. Would I be better off buying a refurbished 5th or 6th generation Pro?

[brotherurth]

To me it’s a no brainier, the 13” Air wins, it’s basically Pro Lite, the difference in price means I can get the Pencil Pro as well, that’s a win win as far as I’m concerned.