Apple has retired its iPad Air 2 without much fanfare, substituting the tablet for a new version, simply named iPad. This 9.7-inch tablet will replace the iPad Air 2 and take its place just below the iPad Pro models.
Apple has discontinued the sale and production of the iPad Air 2, but it can still be bought from retailers. The 9.7-inch iPad, however, has just been launched on Apple's official website.
The following is a comparison between the iPad Air 2 and the new 9.7-inch iPad.
Display And Screen Size
The iPad Air 2 has a 9.7-inch screen with a display resolution of 2,048 x 1,536 pixels and 264 ppi. The new iPad carries the same screen resolution and size, but Apple claims that the new product's display is brighter.
While the difference cannot be spotted by just looking at the new iPad, users may have to line them side-by-side to see whether the claims are true or not.
It is noteworthy that the iPad Air 2 had an anti-reflective glare coating, which is absent in the latest iPad.
Processor And RAM
The iPad Air 2 runs on an A8X chipset, working in tandem with the M8 motion co-processor. It contained 2 GB of RAM. The new iPad, however, works on a faster, smoother 64-bit A9 processor. Even though it is not as powerful as the A9X processor housed in the iPad Pro, it is still an improvement.
Storage
The iPad Air 2 comes in two variants i.e. the 32 GB model and the 128 GB version. The new iPad has the same storage configuration.
Camera
The iPad Air 2 is fitted with an 8-megapixel primary camera and a 1.2-megapixel secondary shooter. These are quite adept at taking clear, precise pictures.
The new iPad has the same camera specs, depriving it of the superior camera found in the iPad Pro series.
Battery And OS
The iPad Air 2 has a non-removable Lithium-Polymer 27.62 Watt-hour battery, with 10 hours of multimedia usage. The new iPad comes with 32.4 Watt-hour Li-Po battery, offering the same usage as the iPad Air 2.
Both the iPad Air 2 and the new 9.7-inch iPad run on iOS 10.
Price
The 32 GB iPad Air 2 has been removed from Apple's website, but is available from other retailers. The new 9.7-inch iPad is available for sale at Apple's website at a starting price of $329.
In conclusion, it is apparent, that the new iPad is almost the same as the iPad Air 2. In other words, Apple has perhaps relaunched the iPad Air 2 with a price cut and a slightly better processor.
Therefore, customers should not expect to see much difference between the two Apple tablets. It remains to be seen whether this newer, cheaper version of the iPad manages to become as popular as its predecessor.
