Apple iPad Air M4 Review: Is It Still the Best Premium Tablet? (2026)

The Apple iPad Air M4 is a powerhouse tablet that continues to impress, offering a blend of performance, portability, and versatility that makes it a top choice for Apple enthusiasts and tech-savvy individuals alike. With a starting price of £599, it's a compelling option for those seeking a premium tablet without breaking the bank.

One of the standout features of the iPad Air M4 is its powerful M4 chip, which is a significant upgrade from its predecessor, the M3. This chip, also found in the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, delivers exceptional performance, making the tablet up to 21% faster than the M3 model and up to 60% faster than the M1. This level of speed is impressive, especially considering the tablet's competitive price point. The M4 chip, coupled with 12GB of RAM, ensures that the iPad Air M4 can handle demanding tasks with ease, whether it's editing video, manipulating images, or simply multitasking.

The tablet's wireless capabilities are also noteworthy. It includes Apple's N1 wifi, Bluetooth, and Thread chip, which provide fast and reliable connectivity. These chips make the iPad Air M4 one of the fastest wifi7-equipped devices, ensuring that users can stay connected and productive, even when on the go. The tablet's USB-C (USB3) port further enhances its connectivity options, allowing for easy data transfer and charging.

In terms of design, the iPad Air M4 maintains the sleek and lightweight profile that has become synonymous with the iPad Air series. It is still only 6.1mm thick and weighs under half a kilogram, making it easy to carry around. The Touch ID power button, crisp and bright Liquid Retina display, and stereo speakers contribute to a premium feel and an immersive user experience.

The iPad Air M4 also excels in terms of sustainability. Apple has made significant efforts to ensure that the tablet is environmentally friendly. It contains at least 30% recycled content, including various metals and materials. The battery is designed to last for over 1,000 full charge cycles with at least 80% of its original capacity, and it can be replaced for a reasonable cost. Additionally, Apple offers trade-in and free recycling schemes, further emphasizing its commitment to sustainability.

However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. The iPad Air M4 is priced higher than some of its competitors, such as the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE and the MacBook Neo. It also lacks multi-user support and a kickstand, which are features found in the iPad Pro. The starting storage capacity is only 128GB, which may be a limitation for users who require extensive storage.

In conclusion, the Apple iPad Air M4 is a premium tablet that offers exceptional performance, portability, and versatility. Its powerful M4 chip, fast wireless connectivity, and sustainable design make it a compelling choice for Apple users and tech enthusiasts. While it may have some minor drawbacks, such as its price and limited storage, the overall package is impressive, and it continues to be a top contender in the tablet market.

Apple iPad Air M4 Review: Is It Still the Best Premium Tablet? (2026)
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