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Customer Review
Reviewed in the United States on May 18, 2024
Style: WiFi + CellularSize: 256GBColor: Space GrayConfiguration: Without AppleCare+Verified Purchase
Alright before the Apple Fan boys chime in... In my house I have every operating system you can think of. Adroid, iOS, Windows, Mac, and by trade I am a Linux Systems Administrator. So I like technology and they all have pros and cons about them. However, when it comes to this particular iPad Air gen 5, I think it's a poor value.
For tablets in the house I have a Galaxy Tab S8 plus and a Galaxy Tab S9 Plus. This tablet was supposed to replace the Tab S8+. I mainly use these for the kids.... entertainment on road trips, etc. But what I love about the Samung devices is that you can setup multiple accounts. So we were going to get rid of the S8+ and this iPad was going to be for my youngest but we alawys have the S9+ with all three user accounts on there (different Google IDs) if we want to use the Samsung. So best of both worlds right?
Well, I honestly find the Samsung tablets better in every way except for the App store. I will give Apple that, the App store and Apple Arcade is slightly superior to Android's Play Store and Play Pass, aside from that, here are my findings:
1. Battery life on this iPad is absolute garbage. The Samsung Tab S series is far superior in battery life.
2. Processing power, so this one is a bug-a-boo, I have no doubt that the M1 is the better Processor, however, it's not noticable for our use-case. But... I think this a negative for the iPad Air. The M1 was initially designed for the MacBooks and I assume is so good for a mobile devices like the iPad, I'd be willing to bet that's why the batter life is so terrible. I bet the iPad with the A14 Bionic has the best battery life. If that had better speakers I think I would've gone with that. I also think the M1 in this device runs hot compared to other tablets.
3. Display: Aside from the iPad Pro, the Samsung screens are far superior than the Air or the iPad.
4. Speakers: OK, better than the Tab S8+ but not the Tab S9+. The S9+ has the best speakers.
5. UI: So I am a big fan of the fact that Android gives you gestures just like the iPad does right out of the box, however, you have the option of going back to the three button navigation which I still love to this day. This is especailly good for children using the iPads.
6. Security: The Samsung devices come with both Face ID and Touch ID. The iPad Air only comes with Touch ID which is on a thin power button. So my thoughts on this is that for children Face ID is optimal. My 5 year year old always has dirty hands, so basically the touch ID never works and I have to have the iPad unsecured for her to be able to swipe to unlock to access it which is really annoying and if stolen will be a problem. The fact that this device cost as much as it does and doesn't have face ID is a joke. Also, the fact that you really can't setup multiple users with different Apple ID's is a friggin joke and is just a way for Apple to make more money by people buying their separate iPads. Multiple Users is already a thing on Samsung devices, and this iPad is rocking an M1, the same processor as MacBooks and you're telling me you can't get multiple user feature in iPad OS? Get outta here!
So I think that's about it and those are my observations. Hope this helps.
For tablets in the house I have a Galaxy Tab S8 plus and a Galaxy Tab S9 Plus. This tablet was supposed to replace the Tab S8+. I mainly use these for the kids.... entertainment on road trips, etc. But what I love about the Samung devices is that you can setup multiple accounts. So we were going to get rid of the S8+ and this iPad was going to be for my youngest but we alawys have the S9+ with all three user accounts on there (different Google IDs) if we want to use the Samsung. So best of both worlds right?
Well, I honestly find the Samsung tablets better in every way except for the App store. I will give Apple that, the App store and Apple Arcade is slightly superior to Android's Play Store and Play Pass, aside from that, here are my findings:
1. Battery life on this iPad is absolute garbage. The Samsung Tab S series is far superior in battery life.
2. Processing power, so this one is a bug-a-boo, I have no doubt that the M1 is the better Processor, however, it's not noticable for our use-case. But... I think this a negative for the iPad Air. The M1 was initially designed for the MacBooks and I assume is so good for a mobile devices like the iPad, I'd be willing to bet that's why the batter life is so terrible. I bet the iPad with the A14 Bionic has the best battery life. If that had better speakers I think I would've gone with that. I also think the M1 in this device runs hot compared to other tablets.
3. Display: Aside from the iPad Pro, the Samsung screens are far superior than the Air or the iPad.
4. Speakers: OK, better than the Tab S8+ but not the Tab S9+. The S9+ has the best speakers.
5. UI: So I am a big fan of the fact that Android gives you gestures just like the iPad does right out of the box, however, you have the option of going back to the three button navigation which I still love to this day. This is especailly good for children using the iPads.
6. Security: The Samsung devices come with both Face ID and Touch ID. The iPad Air only comes with Touch ID which is on a thin power button. So my thoughts on this is that for children Face ID is optimal. My 5 year year old always has dirty hands, so basically the touch ID never works and I have to have the iPad unsecured for her to be able to swipe to unlock to access it which is really annoying and if stolen will be a problem. The fact that this device cost as much as it does and doesn't have face ID is a joke. Also, the fact that you really can't setup multiple users with different Apple ID's is a friggin joke and is just a way for Apple to make more money by people buying their separate iPads. Multiple Users is already a thing on Samsung devices, and this iPad is rocking an M1, the same processor as MacBooks and you're telling me you can't get multiple user feature in iPad OS? Get outta here!
So I think that's about it and those are my observations. Hope this helps.
