Customer Ratings & Reviews

For this review I am comparing the iPad Air 5 to my Samsung TabS7 that I have used for about 1 year. I am also new to the Apple eco system (I will never give up my Pixel). I have been using the iPad Air 5 with 256GB for a little over one week. I had to purchase the Apple Pencil with it (a must for my needs) and a simple leather folio case from Torro to protect it. The case has a nice flap that keeps the Pencil secure in my work bag so I don't have to worry about losing it. Inside the box there is the iPad Air, a USB C cable, and a power brick. There is no micro sd slot and one USB C connection. The iPad Air is a beautiful device. The build quality is very nice. The aluminum body is cool to the touch and feels good in my hands. Amazingly it is both lighter and larger than the S7, and the squared sides are smoother, more refined to the touch. I also like that the power button is on the Top/Left side of the tablet. I don't have to worry about pressing the power button instead of the volume rocker. The case that I purchased does interfere slightly with the fingerprint sensor, but I have got used to it in a couple of days. I have recently heard that people are complaining about the build quality. They say Apple made the aluminum case thinner and the tablet creaks and flexes when people use it. I have not experienced this while taking notes, drawing on the tablet, or when holding it and watching content. I have not attempted to bend or flex it (why would anyone) and I have to wonder what people are doing with this tablet to get it to do that. The M1 chip handles every task and nothing slows this tablet down. The screen is beautiful. Colors are warm and rich. Text is easy to read and content watching is great. The bezels are there but minimal. There is a slight glare like on most tablets and you will want to keep a microfiber cloth handy to remove fingerprints. There are four speaker grills in the body of the iPad Air, but it only has two speakers. The sound quality is slightly tinny and not as rich or full when I compare it to the S7. Because it is shown as a device to be used for content creation and consumption I would have expected a better experience from the iPad. The sound isn't bad, but at this price point it should be much better. The camera is another area where the iPad is lacking. Both front and rear cameras are much better on the Tab S7 than the iPad. While the iPad does produce a picture that is better than it initially looks on the screen, it is just ok. It tends to produce pictures that are warmer (more yellow). The camera placement also takes some getting used to. The selfie camera is best in portrait mode and really takes some getting used to when used in landscape. Also, when taking a selfie, the image flips so that the picture is not a true representation. Again, for a tablet that is shown being used to create content I expected more. Using the iPad Air to take notes or draw on is an enjoyable experience. I use Sketchbook and Adobe and the apps seem to work and perform better on the iPad. I like the Apple Pencil more as an input device. It definitely feels more like a pencil or pen because of its' size, but is heavier than what I am used to using. I wish that Apple had made the texture more like the rubberized feeling S pen, but for size and screen contact, the iPad wins. The Pencil also has stronger magnets that hold it to the tablet more securely. I also like that the Pencil attaches to the top of the top/right side of the tablet. The double tap feature is another thing that I really like about the Pencil. The Pencil is not included with the iPad Air, so I had to spend an extra $130.00. As someone who needs the functionality the Pencil provide this was not an option. While there are less expensive pencil options, the mixed reviews caused me to pass on them. Battery life is also good. In the limited time I have been using the iPad Air I have not been able to deplete the battery. I can listen to music or podcasts while taking notes or drawing and still end up with a 40% charge at the end of the day. Something else I really like is the size of the widgets. The space required for each of the ones I use allows for better placement on the screen. I never thought I would have said that Apple allows for better customization, but it does on this tablet. I really like the iPad Air. It syncs flawlessly with my Mac Mini and MacBook Air. I can use it as an extra screen via Sidecar. It also functions as a drawing tablet while I work in Photoshop or Lightroom. These are benefits I cannot have with a non Apple tablet so I have to take that into consideration when reviewing this device. The initial cost plus the added cost needed to allow it to function for my needs made me want look at the iPad Air more critically. And to an extent I have. The added functionality though make it a great value for me. One final thing. If I did not need the integration I would have happily stayed with the Tab S7.

It was crucial to me to find an iPad that was compatible with the Apple Pencil (2nd generation), which I highly liked over all other pencils. This iPad is compatible with that specific pencil. I thought it was neat that the pencil could charge from the iPad instead of needing to be connected to a charger because it could attach to the iPad magnetically. My primary uses for this iPad are book writing, digital art, and note-taking. I use it for three to six hours every day, leave it on constantly, and only need to charge it once every three to four days. Even though it's not tiny, it's still smaller than a laptop and can fit in the big purse or tote that I use on a daily basis, so I carry it everywhere I go. It's excellent for digital artists, graphic designers, and/or students who need to take notes, study, work on projects, write papers, and much more (buy a typing keyboard case). When I use a pencil to sketch or create digital art, it moves across the computer as effortlessly as an ink pen does on paper. There is no lag, no weird effects, and everything appears exactly how I drew it on the screen.Furthermore, this is far superior to purchasing a graphic tablet and connecting it to a PC or laptop. Thus far, I haven't encountered any slowness when using the iPad for any purpose. I adore it so much; everything loads and syncs up really rapidly. But I probably won’t though since my phone has a hotspot and majority of the time I just connect it to that if I’m not at home to use wifi, still works like a charm. I am very pleased with my purchase and this was 100% worth the money. I haven’t nearly run out of storage or anything, I’m just afraid that I will create so many files or download so many apps that one day I MIGHT actually run out but that day is probably a long way away.

I made the mistake of buying a 2019 IPad with 64 GBs. I ran out of space and got tired of deleting apps. I decided to purchase the IPad Air with 256 GBs with M1 chip. This iPad Air is future proof now. Its runs blazing fast and bezels are less noticeable. The only negative is Face ID not included. It must be unlocked with Touch ID. I find it dumb that Apple left that feature out for the pro models.

I got this to stream movies on when I travel for work (which is all the time) and to design my knives on (hence, the Pen). Writing a review for an Apple product feels like I’m just repeating stuff everybody already knows but it’s true: these really are the standard in high-end tablets. The display is pure eye-candy. The colors look delicious. It’s fast and operates seamlessly. I also got Logitech’s case w/integrated keyboard so that now my iPad is a legit laptop replacement. Great setup.

The Apple - 10.9-Inch iPad Air (5th Generation) M1 chip Wi-Fi - 256GB - Space Gray is a great device for a portable way to do work and school. We have had no issues with Apple’s iPad Air 5th gen, this device has been great with virtual piano lessons for my daughter and to use for educational projects and activities. If you’re looking for something to not just consume content on but to help with educational purposes with school or homeschooling or evening doing virtual things like music lessons this iPad will get the job done.

Perfect iPad, size is just right, isn’t too heavy. Battery life is fairly good depending how you use it. I really enjoy doing a lot of reading on this iPad. It’s awesome for note taking as well. Has great sound to it too. Worth the buy

My 3rd Birthday gift to myself the size, space Just Perfect. Looks great runs smooth

The iPad Air is a great mid-level option between the entry base model and the Pro. We purchased this for my son’s gift to use in place of his laptop for school. It’s much more compact and lightweight than his 15.6” laptop resulting in a lighter and less full backpack. He also loves using for other games and apps. Definitely worth the money because it’s being used much more than his laptop.

Bought it specifically for work use. Works excellent for note taking. I was expecting the screen to be a bit larger, might need to upgrade to a pro, but not sure if I’m willing to pay the cost. Using this with the Apple Pencil 2 and endless paper app, it’s been amazing. Overall I’m satisfied how it handles. I go 3-5 days, with 4 hours a day before needing to Charge.

iPad Air (5th gen) works great! M1 chip = lightning-fast. Sleek design, vibrant display. iPad Air strikes the right balance between power and portability. If you’re looking for a tablet that can handle work and play, this is an excellent choice Highly recommend!

I was a little hesitant to get this tablet because I was considering a new 2-in-1 laptop instead, but since I was able to get my hands on an open box Air with a good storage size I decided to bite. I use Clip Studio Paint on it, and it runs well. I was able to make a few arts easily, and paired with the Apple Pen it’s surprisingly easy to get used to. It just took a bit to get used to a tablet after using a laptop after so many years, but what bothers me is that the tablet can only handle so much layers and high res canvases before exiting out of nowhere. If I had known it would have done that, I would have just gotten maybe a Surface instead, but this is a good compromise for the price. And unlike a laptop, it has a great battery life! I can actually draw for lets say ten hours straight without having to worry about keeping it constantly plugged in or having to listen to a really loud fan. Charges fast, too.

I recently retired and wanted to upgrade from my original iPad Pro. I didn’t require some of the features of the new iPad Pro so I asked the Best Buy rep to advise his recommendation. When he introduced the iPad Air 5th Gen I was sold! Super fast, crystal clear and state of the art. Thanks!!!

Worth every penny. It is so much easier to learn and excel with the ipad/ 2nd gen pencil / procreate. My art/design has improved, my time and business are more easily managed and focused in. Everything has benefited so much from it. Simple techniques you pick up in a youtube tutorial now and then stack up so fast. There are so many easy tools to use that people think I must’ve been naturally good and drawing and sketching my entire life. I can paint a little, and I have done newspaper and book layout design with some photo editing … but this is like - I can actually make anything

Has everything on it that I need. Large enough to watch my grandson’s baseball games games on, yet not to large to fit in my purse and take every where I go. Easy to use and customize to me needs. Camera makes great pictures. Great price.

I've had this for about 2 weeks now and so far I haven't experienced any problems. The box arrived with all the necessary parts. I purchased this as an open box so I was a little skeptical to receive a faulty device but the item was fine, really couldn't tell the difference between this and an "unopened box" based on the functionality. I set it up and synced it to my MacBook and it started working right away. I'm a student and only use this for note taking and studying. I purchased other parts I needed for maximum function and it's perfect for my purposes. I've had no problems with battery life, display is excellent. So far I don't have any complaints but I will update if something comes up. For now I'm very happy with my purchase, it was worth it!

As a long time Android user I have been reluctant to buy an iPad, but I'm glad I finally broke down and did it! I was looking for a tablet for particular musical and artistic things and reviews said that the iPad was the best for my needs. I got the Air with a larger storage capacity for a good volume of photos, videos and music. The apps I have downloaded so far have been great, from drawing programs to band setlist apps. I have been very pleased with the ease of use and look forward to becoming even more familiar with my iPad Air.

Ipad mini is best in both performance and its size. This very convincing size for students. Battery life is hood enough. Display is also very good. Overall I like this very much

I recently got the iPad Air because I needed a new laptop. After watching hours of reviews, I had decided to buy the iPad Air instead. I already had the iPad mini and I love the iPad mini. I decided to trade it in for the iPad Air and I can say that I love it way more than the iPad mini. The iPad mini was really tiny and I feel like like it’s more meant for books, I can watch movies and shows on my iPad Air without feeling like it’s too big it’s too small, I love love love the iPad Air.

I bought this iPad as a birthday gift for my 17 year old who will be college bound in another year. We are an Apple family. All three of us have iPhones, his Dad and I have iPads. He used my iPad to help him with a school assignment. He was using his school issued Chromebook, but using my iPad for research and reference. I decided then to get him one to get him through his senior year and college. I specifically requested the iPad with the largest memory. The Best Buy sales associate was very friendly, knowledgeable, and courteous. I will continue to use Best Buy for my all my electronic needs. My son will need a new laptop to go away to college with, his little Lenovo that he bought from Best Buy (with his own money) about 6 years ago, is a little outdated. See you again soon!

Love it! I've always needed something bigger for watching videos because I've been watching all my videos on my laptop or phone and sometimes I don't need to whip out the laptop for video. Love my tablet. Bestbuy had a great deal when I also traded in my old tablet. Its also great that it works so seamlessly with my other apple products and helps with projects and also drawing displays. Thank you so much!