iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series)
Shop iPad
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series)
Starting at
£243.92£579.00 new
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series)
Starting at
£481.05£749.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) and iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series)?
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and software updates. Refurbished, the iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) starts at £243.92, £237.13 less than the iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series). The iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) is the newer model, released in 2024.
Refurbished from
RAM
Screen size
Software updates
Weight
- The iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
- The iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) has a bigger screen: 13 inch vs 10.9 inch.
- Software updates: Until Sep 2027 on the iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series), Supported, up to iPadOS 27 on the iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series).
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) specs
The iPad Air 4 and iPad Air 6 differ mainly in performance, screen size, and storage options. The iPad Air 6 offers a larger 13 inch screen with higher resolution and brighter display, making it better for users who want more room for work or media. It has twice the RAM and a more powerful processor, suited to those running demanding apps or multitasking. The iPad Air 4 is a lighter, simpler device with a 10.9 inch screen and fewer storage options, ideal for everyday use and those who prefer a compact tablet. Both support iPadOS 18 and Apple Pencil, but the iPad Air 6 supports newer Apple Pencil models and has eSIM capability.
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) price
Colour
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) battery life and software updates
Durability is about how long you can expect software support and updates for each iPad Air. Both devices support iPadOS 18 but differ in how long updates will continue.
Software Updates Duration
The iPad Air 4 will receive software updates until September 2027, making it suitable for users who need reliable support for a few more years. The iPad Air 6 supports updates up to iPadOS 27, offering longer software support that benefits those wanting the latest features and security for many years ahead.
Maximum operating system supported
Software updates
Year of release
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) performance
Performance depends on the processor, RAM, and storage options. The iPad Air 6 has significant upgrades that impact speed, multitasking, and storage capacity.
Processor Power
The iPad Air 6 features the Apple M2 chip, providing more processing power compared to the iPad Air 4's Apple A14 Bionic. This means the iPad Air 6 handles demanding apps and multitasking more smoothly, suitable for users with intensive workflows or creative tasks.
RAM Capacity
With 8 GB of RAM, the iPad Air 6 can keep more apps open and maintain smoother performance during multitasking. The iPad Air 4 has 4 GB of RAM, which is enough for everyday use like browsing, streaming, and general apps but might be less suited to heavy multitasking.
Storage Options
Storage on the iPad Air 6 starts at 128 GB and goes up to 1 TB, providing plenty of space for large files, apps, and media. The iPad Air 4 offers 64 GB and 256 GB options, which suits users with moderate storage needs who do not require large capacity for files or apps.
Processor
RAM
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) screen
Screen quality differences affect how much you see, brightness levels, and the overall viewing experience. Both use Liquid Retina displays with True Tone and 60 Hz refresh rate.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPad Air 6 has a much larger 13 inch screen with a resolution of 2732 by 2048 pixels, providing a roomier workspace and sharper image detail. The iPad Air 4's 10.9 inch screen with 2360 by 1640 pixels suits users who prefer a more compact device for portability.
Brightness
The iPad Air 6 reaches 600 nits brightness, making it easier to use in brighter environments or to enjoy vivid visuals. The iPad Air 4 offers 500 nits brightness, which is still sufficient for indoor use and general viewing.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) camera
Audiovisual features determine camera quality and sound experience, important for video calls, photography, and media consumption.
Front Camera Resolution
The iPad Air 6 has a 12 megapixel front camera, capturing more detail for video calls and selfies. The iPad Air 4's front camera is 7 megapixels, suitable for everyday video calls and casual photos.
Rear Camera and Video
Both iPads have a 12 megapixel rear camera and support 4K video recording at 60 frames per second, allowing high-quality photos and videos for users who want to capture moments or create content.
Speakers
The iPad Air 4 has stereo speakers, while the iPad Air 6 has stereo speakers tuned for landscape use. This makes the iPad Air 6 better suited for watching videos or gaming in landscape orientation.
Front camera definition
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) size and design
Other practical differences include Apple Pencil compatibility, connectivity, size, and weight, which affect how you use and carry each device.
Apple Pencil Compatibility
The iPad Air 4 supports the Apple Pencil 2nd generation and Apple Pencil with USB-C, which covers standard stylus use. The iPad Air 6 works with Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil with USB-C, offering compatibility with newer stylus options that may provide additional features for creative users.
Connectivity Options
The iPad Air 4 uses Bluetooth 5.0 and has no SIM port, so it connects via Wi-Fi only. The iPad Air 6 supports Bluetooth 5.3 and offers an unlocked device with eSIM, giving more flexible mobile data options for users who need internet access on the go.
Physical Size and Weight
The iPad Air 6 is larger and heavier, measuring 280 mm tall, 214.9 mm wide, and weighing 617 g, making it better suited to use on a desk or at home. The iPad Air 4 is more compact at 247.6 mm tall, 178.5 mm wide, and weighs 458 g, which is easier to carry and hold for longer periods.
Wi-Fi Technology
The iPad Air 4 supports Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax, providing fast wireless connections indoors. The iPad Air 6 upgrades to Wi-Fi 6E 802.11ax, which can offer improved wireless performance with compatible networks.
120hz
Apple pen compatible
Bluetooth version
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Double sim
Face
Generation number
Headphones connectivity
Height
Lidar scanner
Minimum system requirements mac
Minimum system requirements windows
Promotion
Sim format
Touch
Weight
Width
Wifi technology
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) or iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series): which should you buy?
Buy the iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £243.92, £237.13 less than the iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series)
- you want a lighter build (458 g vs 617 g)
Buy the iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (13 inch vs 10.9 inch)
What our customers say
Customers using the iPad Air 4 appreciate its smooth performance and good storage options. Many mention how the device runs apps quickly and handles everyday use well, including browsing, video calls, and streaming. The screen brightness and quality meet their needs, and the battery life is often described as lasting a full day. Some note the slower charging speed compared to previous devices but overall the iPad Air 4 is seen as a reliable and solid choice with a fresh look.
Reviews for the iPad Air 6 highlight its strong performance thanks to the M2 chip, with smooth multitasking and fast app opening. The larger screen and vibrant colours are well received, making it suitable for work and media. Battery life is generally good though some users mention needing to recharge by evening. The device is praised for looking and feeling nearly new with minor marks noted in some cases. Setup can take a little longer due to updates.
Overall, the iPad Air 4 suits users looking for a lightweight, compact tablet for everyday tasks and moderate storage needs. The iPad Air 6 fits those who want a larger display, more power, and extended storage, ideal for more intensive use and creative work.
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) FAQs
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and software updates. The iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB. The iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) has a bigger screen: 13 inch vs 10.9 inch.
The iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £243.92 compared with £481.05 for the iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series).
The iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) gets updates until Sep 2027. The iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27.
The iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) adds more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB) and a bigger screen (13 inch vs 10.9 inch). Refurbished, it costs £237.13 more (from £481.05 vs £243.92).
Refurbished, the iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) comes in 64GB and 256GB, and the iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
