During its latest keynote , Apple unveiled two new tablets. On one side, the 8th generation iPad ( the new iPad ), a smooth evolution of the entry-level model. On the other, the iPad Air 4 , which bears a clear resemblance to the iPad Pro . A quick overview of these two new iPads – and the new features of iPadOS 14 .
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The iPad Air 4 (or iPad Air 2020) is probably the most interesting of the 2 models unveiled by Apple. Unlike its predecessors, it abandons the “traditional” iPad design. So out go the traditional side borders and hello to a large (almost) borderless screen , like on the iPad Pro . This change in format allows an increase in the size of the screen, which goes from 10.5 inches to 10.9 inches .
But here’s the thing: while the iPad Pro can be unlocked using facial recognition (Face ID), the new iPad Air from 2020 uses fingerprints thanks to a reader placed… on the edge of the device. , inside the power button.
A point that is not without reminding us of certain smartphones from the Android world, notably Sony . Will this “new” unlocking mode also appear in the next iPhones? Not impossible.
The new iPad Air 4 adopts the dimensions of the 11-inch iPad Pro to the millimeter , and therefore measures 178.5 mm wide, 247.6 mm long and only 6.1 mm thick. All for a weight of 458 g for the Wifi version (and 460 g for the Wifi + Cellular version).
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The difference between the iPad Air and iPad Pro starts to widen with their screen. Thus, the 11-inch iPad Pro keeps the advantage in terms of refresh rate (120 Hz versus 60 Hz) and maximum brightness. (600 nits vs. 500).
Similarly, the iPad Pro has a slightly larger screen: 11 inches versus 10.9 inches , due to slightly thicker bezels on the iPad Air. In a somewhat marginal way, the iPad Pro’s screen resolution is a tad higher than that of the new iPad Air: 2388 x 1668 pixels versus 2360 x 1640 pixels. .
However, both models feature an IPS panel (not OLED).
Good point for creatives: this new iPad Air is compatible with the 2nd generation Apple Pencil , in the same way as the latest iPad Pros. This addition will obviously appeal to Adobe Photoshop users or Fresco – and there are many of them.
Still in the productivity department, this new iPad Air can also be accompanied by the Magic Keyboard , thus transforming it into a real portable workstation.
On the photo side, this new iPad Air 4 plays the sobriety card . Here, there is no dual photo module, nor LiDar sensor. Apple opts for a single 12 Mpx rear sensor , topped by an f/1.8 aperture lens .
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The whole thing should be able to film in 4K at 24, 30 or 60 fps, with 2 slow motion modes at 120 or 240 fps . A configuration that was already found on the iPad Pro… 1st generation.
The front camera, meanwhile, displays 7 Mpx , and is accompanied by a lens opening at f / 2. It allows filming in Full HD (1080p) at 60 i / s . According to Apple, this module must be more efficient when the brightness decreases. Note that the iPad Air 4 does not have Portrait mode with the front camera – which is however the case with the iPad Pro.
To power its new iPad Air, Apple is equipping it with its brand new A14 chip – whereas the iPad Pros of spring 2020 have to make do with an “old” A12Z chip. This new processor should offer a very high level of performance. It should also be part of the next iPhones of 2020 , which Apple is due to announce at an event next October .
Last but not least , the iPad Air abandons the traditional Lightning port, and opts (finally!) for a USB Type C connector . In fact, it should therefore be possible to connect a USB-C screen to the iPad Air. This model is also compatible with Wifi 6 .
