Apple has officially launched the iPad Air M3 in India, leading to significant price reductions for the previous-generation iPad Air M2. If you’re looking for a high-performance tablet without breaking the bank, now is the perfect time to grab one. The iPad Air M2 is available at Vijay Sales for Rs 56,900, down from its original price of Rs 59,900. However, if you use an SBI or ICICI bank card, you can avail of an additional discount, bringing the price down to an attractive Rs 52,900.
With this price drop, the big question arises: Should you buy the iPad Air M2, or is the new iPad Air M3 worth the upgrade? Let’s explore the key differences, performance aspects, and value-for-money factors to help you decide.
iPad Air M2 vs. iPad Air M3: Which One Should You Buy?
Performance and Hardware Upgrades
The iPad Air M3 is powered by Apple’s latest M3 chip, which Apple claims is nearly twice as fast as the M1 chip and up to 3.5 times faster than devices running the A14 Bionic chip. This upgrade makes it a powerhouse for high-performance tasks like video editing, gaming, and multitasking.
On the other hand, the iPad Air M2 still offers exceptional performance for most users. If you’re upgrading from an iPad 9, iPad 10, or any older model, the M2 chip will handle your daily tasks like web browsing, streaming, document editing, and light gaming with ease. However, if you already own an iPad Air M1, upgrading to the iPad Air M3 would make more sense due to the enhanced processing power.
Design and Display: What’s the Difference?
Despite the internal upgrades, the iPad Air M2 and M3 share similar external designs, including Touch ID embedded in the top button. Unlike the iPad Pro lineup, Face ID is absent on both Air models.
Display Specifications:
- 11-inch variant: 500 nits of brightness
- 13-inch variant: 600 nits of brightness
- P3 Wide Color and True Tone technology for superior visual quality
Both models feature a Liquid Retina display, making them great for watching movies, reading, and digital artwork.
Camera and Multimedia Capabilities
The iPad Air M3 offers a slightly enhanced camera system compared to its predecessor. Here’s what you get:
- 12 MP front camera with Center Stage for better video calls
- 12 MP rear camera with 4K video recording at 60fps
- Slow-motion recording at 1080p and 240fps
For casual users, the iPad Air M2 still provides excellent camera performance, making it suitable for online meetings, virtual classes, and social media.
Magic Keyboard Enhancements and Accessories
Apple has introduced a new Magic Keyboard with the iPad Air M3, bringing a 14-key function row for quick shortcuts. However, it uses less premium materials compared to the Pro version.
If you’re planning to use the iPad Air M2 for work or study, the original Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil support ensure a seamless experience.
Who Should Buy the iPad Air M2?
The discounted price of Rs 52,900 makes the iPad Air M2 a compelling choice for budget-conscious buyers who want Apple’s powerful M2 chip without spending extra on the latest model. If you own an older iPad Air 4, iPad 9, or iPad 10, upgrading to the M2 model will provide a noticeable boost in performance and efficiency.
However, if you need faster processing speeds for intensive tasks like 4K video editing, AR applications, or high-end gaming, investing in the iPad Air M3 might be a better long-term option.
Final Verdict: Is the iPad Air M2 Still Worth It?
Absolutely! The iPad Air M2 at Rs 52,900 offers an incredible value-for-money deal, especially with bank discounts. It’s still a powerful and future-proof device that can handle everyday tasks, professional workloads, and entertainment effortlessly. Unless you specifically require the M3’s performance boost, the iPad Air M2 is a great buy in 2024.
FAQs
1. Is the iPad Air M2 still worth buying in 2024?
Yes! At Rs 52,900, the iPad Air M2 remains an excellent choice for users who need high performance at a lower price. It’s ideal for students, professionals, and casual users.
2. What is the difference between the iPad Air M2 and M3?
The iPad Air M3 has a faster M3 chip, improved camera capabilities, and a new Magic Keyboard with function keys. However, the iPad Air M2 still provides outstanding performance at a lower cost.
3. Can I use the Apple Pencil with the iPad Air M2?
Yes! The iPad Air M2 supports the Apple Pencil (2nd generation), making it great for note-taking, drawing, and designing.
4. Where can I buy the iPad Air M2 at the discounted price?
You can buy the iPad Air M2 for Rs 52,900 at Vijay Sales when using an SBI or ICICI bank card.
5. Should I upgrade from an iPad Air M1 to an iPad Air M2?
If you already own an iPad Air M1, upgrading to the M2 version may not be necessary. However, users with older iPads (9th or 10th gen) will see a significant boost in performance.
