iPad Air (M4) Review: Powerful Performance, But Screen and Features Fall Short

The iPad Air (M4) delivers impressive performance with Apple's latest chip and solid multitasking features, but falls short in several key areas according to Engadget's review by Nathan Ingraham.

Performance and Hardware

The standout feature is undoubtedly the M4 chip, which provides exceptional speed and responsiveness. The tablet handles demanding apps and multitasking with ease, making it a capable productivity device. The hardware design remains sleek and portable, maintaining the iPad Air's reputation for being both powerful and easy to carry.

Software Experience

iPadOS 26 brings improved multitasking capabilities that work well with the M4's processing power. The combination allows for smoother app switching and better handling of multiple open applications simultaneously.

Critical Shortcomings

However, the review highlights several significant drawbacks:

Display Quality: The screen is described as needing improvement, suggesting it doesn't match the quality expected at this price point. This is particularly notable given that Apple's other recent devices have featured excellent displays.

Missing Features: The absence of Face ID is called out as a notable omission, especially for a device in this premium category. Users must rely on the Touch ID button instead.

Pricing Concerns: The review notes that the iPad Air can get "pricey," particularly when factoring in accessories like the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard, which are often necessary for productivity use cases.

Market Context

The iPad Air sits in a competitive tablet market where users must weigh its powerful internals against its shortcomings. While the M4 chip provides future-proofing for demanding applications, the display and feature gaps may give potential buyers pause, especially when compared to alternatives or even Apple's own iPad Pro lineup.

The review suggests that while the iPad Air (M4) is a capable device, it may not represent the best value proposition for all users, particularly those who prioritize display quality or biometric security features.