iPad Air M4 review: Powerful, polished and surprisingly sensible

In March, Apple unveiled the latest iteration of the iPad Air, now powered by the M4 chip, which brings significant performance enhancements noticeable in daily tasks. While the design, display, and overall user experience remain largely unchanged, this updated model continues to provide high-end performance without the hefty price tag typically associated with such capabilities. Having used the 11-inch Apple iPad Air with the previous M3 chip for almost a year, I found it to be an indispensable tool for both work and leisure. With the introduction of the 13-inch iPad Air M4, I was initially skeptical about the larger size; however, it turned out to enhance productivity in ways I hadn't anticipated. Let's explore the performance of the iPad Air M4, who it is best suited for, and whether the investment of Rs 59,900 is justified. The design of the iPad Air M4 closely mirrors that of its predecessor, featuring the same aluminum casing and a Liquid Retina display available in both 11-inch and 13-inch variants. Measuring 6.1mm in thickness and weighing 464 grams, it comes in four understated colors: Space Grey, Starlight, Blue, and Purple. Despite the lack of design updates, the iPad Air M4 maintains a sophisticated aesthetic that aligns with its price point. Equipped with a landscape-oriented camera setup that supports Apple’s Centre Stage feature, the absence of Face ID remains a notable drawback. Instead, the device utilizes Touch ID integrated into the power button for security. The 13-inch model, which I tested, offers a different visual experience compared to the 11-inch version, although it still employs an IPS LCD panel rather than OLED technology, resulting in lower brightness and less deep blacks than some competitors. While Apple's recent iPhone 17 received a ProMotion display with a 120Hz refresh rate, the iPad Air still operates at a standard 60Hz, which feels like a missed opportunity. In my experience, the 11-inch model is more practical for both entertainment and productivity due to its portability, whereas the 13-inch version resembles a laptop, making it more suitable for professional use. Using the iPad Air without the Magic Keyboard limited my productivity. If you plan to utilize the 13-inch model for work, investing in the Magic Keyboard is advisable for maximizing its potential. The tablet features a quad speaker system that delivers immersive audio, complemented by a 12MP ultra-wide front camera and a 12MP rear camera, both capable of decent image and video quality for video calls and scanning documents. At its core, the iPad Air M4 boasts last year's M4 chip, which includes an 8-core CPU and a 9-core GPU built on a 3nm process, alongside a RAM upgrade to 12GB. In typical usage scenarios—such as browsing, streaming media, and multitasking between applications—users may not perceive a significant difference compared to the M3 variant. However, the added memory shines during demanding tasks, such as running AI applications or handling multiple browser tabs, where the device performs fluidly. Gaming on the 13-inch model is manageable, but it may not be the most comfortable choice for extended play sessions. Nevertheless, demanding tasks like gaming and photo editing remain smooth, positioning the iPad Air M4 as a strong contender for users seeking high performance without the premium price tag typically associated with pro-level devices. On the software front, the iPad Air M4 runs on iPadOS 26, which introduces several features designed to enhance user experience. Apple's ecosystem remains a significant advantage, facilitating seamless productivity and continuity for users already invested in their products. However, it still lacks a full desktop-like experience, with some limitations in window management and no support for multiple user accounts. Battery performance is commendable, with Apple claiming up to 10 hours of usage, which is achievable even under heavy workloads. The device charges via USB-C at a maximum of 20W, which, while not the fastest, is reasonable considering the tablet's capabilities, taking about 2.5 hours to reach full charge. In conclusion, the iPad Air M4 presents a well-rounded and reliable tablet option, delivering near-professional performance without the exorbitant price tag. With its robust M4 chip, ample RAM, and user-friendly software, it is well-suited for both productivity and casual use. However, potential buyers should be aware of a few compromises: the absence of Face ID, a capped refresh rate, and the trade-offs between the two display sizes. Ultimately, the iPad Air M4 balances entertainment, productivity, and everyday use effectively, making it a compelling choice for a range of users.