The iPad Air, Apple's versatile tablet, has seen several iterations since its introduction in 2013. With each new release, users eagerly await design changes and improvements. One question that often arises is: "Is the new iPad Air the same size as the old one?" Let's delve into the dimensions of the iPad Air models to find out.
Before we compare the sizes, let's briefly recap the iPad Air models. The first iPad Air was released in 2013, followed by the iPad Air 2 in 2014, the iPad Air (3rd generation) in 2019, and the latest iPad Air (4th generation) in 2020.
Dimensions of the iPad Air Models
The iPad Air's dimensions have seen some changes over the years, but they have generally maintained a similar form factor.
Here's a comparison of the length, width, and thickness of the iPad Air models:
| Model | Length (mm) | Width (mm) | Thickness (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPad Air (1st gen) | 240 | 169.5 | 7.5 |
| iPad Air 2 | 240 | 169.5 | 6.1 |
| iPad Air (3rd gen) | 250.6 | 174.1 | 6.1 |
| iPad Air (4th gen) | 247.6 | 178.5 | 6.1 |
Length and Width: Similar but Not Identical
The length and width of the iPad Air models have seen some fluctuations. The first three generations have the same length and width, but the latest iPad Air (4th generation) has a slightly different width.
The iPad Air (4th generation) is slightly wider than its predecessors, measuring 178.5 mm compared to 169.5 mm. This change is likely due to the new model's larger display, which has a 10.9-inch screen compared to the 9.7-inch screens of the previous models.
Thickness: Consistent Across Generations
Despite the changes in length and width, the thickness of the iPad Air models has remained consistent at 6.1 mm across the iPad Air 2, iPad Air (3rd generation), and iPad Air (4th generation). The first iPad Air was slightly thicker at 7.5 mm.
This consistency in thickness is a testament to Apple's commitment to maintaining a sleek and portable design for the iPad Air.
Screen Size: A Notable Difference
While the physical dimensions of the iPad Air models have seen some changes, the screen size has seen a more significant shift.
The iPad Air (4th generation) features a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, which is larger than the 9.7-inch displays of the previous models. This increase in screen size is a notable change that sets the latest iPad Air apart from its predecessors.
Resolution: Improved but Not Radically Different
The iPad Air (4th generation) has a resolution of 2360 x 1640, which is higher than the 2048 x 1536 resolution of the previous models. However, the pixel density remains similar, with the latest iPad Air having a pixel density of 264 ppi compared to the 264 ppi of the iPad Air (3rd generation).
This means that while the latest iPad Air has a higher resolution, the difference in sharpness and clarity is not immediately noticeable to the human eye.
The iPad Air (4th generation) offers a larger, more immersive display than its predecessors, but it maintains a similar form factor, making it a worthy upgrade for those looking for a larger screen without sacrificing portability.
In the end, the new iPad Air is not the same size as the old one in terms of screen size, but it maintains a similar form factor in terms of physical dimensions. The latest iPad Air offers a larger display without significantly increasing its thickness or weight, making it a compelling choice for those looking for a portable yet powerful tablet.