Unboxing of M2 iPad Air 2024

Jul 4, 2024

Unboxing of M2 iPad Air 2024

Overview

Models and Colors

  • Two sizes: 11-inch & 13-inch
  • Colors: Purple, Blue, Starlight, Space Gray

Prices

  • 11-inch model: $599 (Wi-Fi only); +$150 for cellular
  • 13-inch model: $799 (Wi-Fi only)

Unboxing 11-inch Model

Specifications

  • Base Model: 128GB (up from 64GB in 2022 M1 iPad Air)
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi Only
  • Accessories:
    • Braided USB-C to USB-C cable (Silver/Gray)
    • 20W USB-C Adapter

First Impressions

  • Color: Muted Purple
  • Build: Thicker (6.1mm) and heavier (1.02 lbs) compared to iPad Pro (0.98 lbs, 5.9mm thickness)

Unboxing 13-inch Model

Specifications

  • Base Model: 128GB
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi Only
  • Accessories:
    • Similar to 11-inch model: Braided USB-C to USB-C cable, 20W USB-C Adapter

First Impressions

  • Color: Light/Pastel Blue (looks gray in certain lighting)
  • Build: Like 11-inch but larger
  • Weight & Thickness: Same thickness (6.1mm) but obviously heavier due to larger size

Feature Comparison: 11-inch vs. 13-inch Models

General

  • Both have new landscape camera
  • Both equipped with Center Stage for video calls and FaceTime

Display

  • Both use Liquid Retina Display (LCD)
  • Features: P3 wide color gamut, True Tone, Anti-Reflective Coating

Processor & Performance

  • Both models: M2 Chip
  • Performance improvements:
    • 50% faster than M1 iPad Air
    • 3x faster than A12 iPad Air
  • New connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
  • Battery life: Equivalent to M2

Audio & Speaker Quality

  • Both: Dual studio-quality microphones, landscape stereo speakers
  • 13-inch model: Better sound quality due to double the bass

Miscellaneous

  • New Apple Pencil Pro: Compatible with both models, features haptic feedback and gyroscope for better precision

Setup Process

  1. Language and Region settings
  2. Option to connect to another device for quick setup
  3. Wi-Fi connection
  4. Software update to iPadOS 17.5
  5. Data and privacy settings
  6. Touch ID setup on the lock screen button
  7. Passcode setup
  8. Apps and data transfer options
  9. Apple ID and terms
  10. Automatic updates and location services
  11. Siri, Screen Time, and analytics options
  12. Display mode settings (light/dark/auto)

Use Cases

  • 11-inch Model: Better for note-taking, reading, portability
  • 13-inch Model: Better for gaming, video watching, large workspace tasks
  • Speakers' comparison: 13-inch has refined sound, more bass; 11-inch better treble

Conclusion

  • 11-inch: Highly portable, efficient for students
  • 13-inch: Ideal for media consumption and expansive workspace tasks
  • Both models offer high performance with M2 chip and new features like Center Stage camera and improved connectivity