iPad Air vs. iPad Air 2 - a comparison

Apple has released the second generation of the iPad Air. We make the comparison for you: iPad Air vs. iPad Air 2.

iPad Air vs. iPad Air 2 - the differences

The second generation of the iPad Air is the iPad Air 2. In our comparison you can see the technical differences between the two tablets.

• Processor: An iPad A7 chip with 64-bit architecture and M7 motion coprocessor works for fast performance. An A8X chip with a 64 ‑ bit desktop architecture of the second generation and M8 motion coprocessor is installed in the successor model.
• RAM: The iPad Air has one GB of RAM and the iPad Air 2 has two GB of RAM.
• Housing: The housing of both iPad Air models consists of aluminum, gorilla glass and plastic. The iPad Air has the dimensions 240 x 169.5 x 7.5 mm and weighs 469 grams. The iPad Air 2 is thinner and has the dimensions 240 x 169.5 x 6.1 mm. The iPad Air 2 is also a bit lighter at 437 grams.
• Display: The displays of both iPad Air models have a resolution of 1, 536 x 2, 048 pixels and thus have a pixel density of 264 ppi. Both displays are 9.7 inches tall and are of the IPS type. Due to the laminated display and the anti-reflection coating, the reflection decreases, the contrast appears higher, overall, the iPad Air 2 thus offers a much better display.
• Storage: You get the iPad Air with 16, 32, 64 and 128 GB of storage capacity. The iPad Air 2 is available with 16, 64 and 128 GB.
• Camera: In the iPad Air there is a 4.9 MPixel camera on board, which takes photos in the resolution 2560x1920 Px. Videos are shot in a resolution of 1920x1080 (Full HD). The iPad Air 2 has an 8-megapixel camera that takes pictures with 3264x2448 pixels. Videos are shot at 3840x2160 px. The front camera takes photos in a resolution of 1280x960 and that of the iPad Air 2 with 1920x1080 pixels.
• Colors: The iPad Air is available in space gray and silver. The iPad Air 2 is also available in gold.
• Additional functions: The iPad Air 2 has not only been improved, but also has some new functions. The built-in barometer and the "Touch ID" finger sensor are new. In addition, series pictures and slow-motion videos can also only be taken with the iPad Air 2.

Which iPad Air model to buy?

• Technically speaking, the iPad Air 2 is of course a little better. The iPad Air 2 scores particularly well with the camera, the slightly stronger processor and the RAM. The above-mentioned additional functions as well as the improved display speak clearly for the iPad Air 2. Nevertheless, the first iPad Air is a solid device.
• There are also some differences in price. The iPad Air with 16 GB costs around 350 euros, the iPad Air 2 with 16 GB is available from 420 euros. The difference is around 70 euros, the difference between the two top models with 128 GB and 4G is about 150 euros.
• In the end, you have to decide for yourself whether this surcharge is worth it. For 70 euros more you get a much newer and improved hardware. If you still cannot decide, you will find the iPad Air test and the iPad Air 2 test again here.

In the next practical tip you will find the great comparison between the iPad 2 and the iPad Air.