On September 15, 2020, Apple announced that a renewed iPad was added to the range. This tablet is already the eighth generation iPad and is simply called iPad by Apple itself. In common parlance, we often speak of iPad + the year in which the model was introduced, which for this device comes down to 'iPad 2020'.
The iPad 2020, not to be confused with another tablet announced during the Apple event in Cupertino: The iPad Air (number 4 already). This renewed iPad, what is different? And is it worth buying one?
What are the latest features?
The new iPad Air 2020 is the successor to the previous model from 2019 and has received a major makeover. The new model features an all-screen design with a stunning Liquid Retina display. It is powered by Apple's most advanced chip ever with support for Apple Pencil 2 and Magic Keyboard . The new iPad is available in a total of five colours.
The outside
From the outside, the iPad 2020 looks identical to its predecessor, the iPad 2019. They share the same 10.2-inch display and familiar design features like the home button, which is missing from more recent iPhones. While some might consider this design classic, others might see it as dated; however, the home button still allows for Touch ID unlocking. The iPad 2020’s aluminum chassis comes in three colors: silver, gold, and space gray. Internally, there’s a stark difference between the two models. The iPad 2019 uses an A10 Fusion Chip, the same chip that was inside the iPhone 7 series, while the iPad 2020 is powered by the more powerful A12 Bionic chip, also found in the iPhone Xr .
The iPad Air, on the other hand, has undergone a complete makeover and now looks more like the iPad Pro. Where the 2019 iPad Air had a rounded finish, the new model offers an angular shape. The striking new design has thinner bezels and has sacrificed the home button. In place of a Face ID, the iPad Air now has a Touch ID sensor built into the power button. The older Lightning connector has been replaced by a USB-C connector. The screen has been enlarged to 10.9 inches, which is ideal for watching movies and video. This Liquid Retina display is a slight improvement over the iPad 2020, although the sharpness of both displays is comparable.
As for colors, Apple has chosen two new hues for the iPad Air this year: green and sky blue. Both are refreshing additions to the color palette. The iPad Air has a 12-megapixel rear camera with Focus Pixels, while on the front there’s a 7-megapixel FaceTime HD camera, great for high-quality video calling.
Under the hood
The processor or chip of an iPad is the beating heart of the tablet, similar to the engine of a car. This chip performs crucial calculations that are essential for tasks such as playing games, loading websites, 3D modeling and memory management. These functions directly affect how quickly apps start up, function and how many activities you can perform at once. This in turn also affects the energy consumption of the tablet.
The iPad Air 2020 is known for its groundbreaking chip: the A14 Bionic. Apple's new chip is a first in the iPad Air 2020 and is the most powerful Apple has ever produced. Later this year, we also expect to see the same chip in the iPhone 12 . With Apple claims of a 40% faster CPU and 30% faster graphics than its predecessors, it makes the iPad ideal for heavy tasks such as 4K video editing, photo editing and music production. Gamers can connect their own controller and enjoy console-quality graphics. In short, with the A14 Bionic chip, almost anything is possible.
While the iPad 2020’s chip is more than twice as powerful as its predecessor, it may seem like overkill for the average user. However, for those who work a lot with augmented reality or play high-end games, this extra power is an absolute necessity.
The iPad Air 2020 comes standard with 64GB of storage, with support for up to 256GB. For most users, this will be more than enough. But if you do need more storage, iCloud offers a smooth solution, especially with its WiFi 6 support for speedy data transfers.
Apple Pencil and other features
- Like the iPad 2019, the iPad 2020 can handle the Apple Pencil . Older models lack this functionality. Especially users who like to draw on their iPad will enjoy this. Do you mainly use your iPad to surf the internet or watch movies? Or is it for the kids? Then you are probably better off with a model without Pencil support. They are just a bit friendlier to the wallet.
- The iPad 2020 also has a Smart Connector. These are the three dots on the edge of the iPad, which you need to connect a wireless iPad keyboard . This way you can use your iPad as a laptop. Handy for the writers among us!
- The front and rear cameras are fine, but not spectacular. What is a very welcome addition is the fast charger that comes with the iPad 2020. This allows you to charge your iPad a lot faster! A full battery lasts about a day.
Should I buy an iPad 2020?
Finally, the question: Should I buy one? Well, the iPad 2020 is a beautiful entry-level model. There is little to criticize about the way the tablet is built. However, we cannot say that this iPad has made great strides forward compared to previously released models. So what you can honestly ask yourself is whether a new iPad 2020 for € 389 is worth the price, when you can already buy a refurbished iPad 2017 for € 269, for example. Are you a real gamer? Or do you want to design on your iPad? Then consider an iPad Air or iPad Pro. These are tablets that are designed for the more demanding tasks. If you are not completely sure, you can always take a look at our comparison of the iPad 2019 and the iPad 2020 .
How can Leapp help you further?
At leapp, we understand that choosing the right iPad can be a challenge. That’s why we’re here to help. We’ll give you clear, concise information about the latest iPad and compare it to previous models. We’ll also advise you on whether the upgrade is worth it, depending on your needs and budget. What’s more, leapp offers a wide range of sustainable, refurbished Apple products that will make your daily life easier. And if you do get stuck, we’re always here to help. So what are you waiting for? Discover the latest iPad at leapp.nl today!
The iPad Air 2020 is for everyone
With the new iPad Air, Apple hopes to respond with a product that everyone can get started with. Whether you want to use it for work, are a student or are looking for an iPad for home use. It's all possible with the new iPad Air! With wide stereo sound, you can relax wonderfully with your favorite songs. Thanks to the connection with the Magic Keyboard, you can transform your iPad into a full-fledged desktop. And with the Apple Pencil, you can take notes like never before.
Still looking for more? For the real professionals and heavy users, there is only option one left, the iPad Pro . Fortunately, Leapp also has this in its range and by choosing refurbished you also contribute to the environment. How nice!
