The Apple iPad Air 3, released in March 2019, marked a significant update in Apple’s mid-range tablet lineup. Positioned between the entry-level iPad and the high-end iPad Pro, the iPad Air 3 combined modern features with a refined design, making it an appealing choice for both casual users and professionals seeking a balance of performance and affordability.
One of the standout features of the iPad Air 3 was its 10.5-inch Retina display. This screen offered a resolution of 2224 x 1668 pixels, providing a sharp and vibrant visual experience with excellent color accuracy and clarity. The display was enhanced with True Tone technology, which adjusted the screen’s color temperature to match the ambient light, reducing eye strain and making for a more comfortable viewing experience. Additionally, the display supported wide color (P3) and had an anti-reflective coating, which minimized glare and made the tablet easier to use in various lighting conditions.
Under the hood, the iPad Air 3 was powered by the A12 Bionic chip with Neural Engine, which was a substantial upgrade from the previous generation’s A9 chip. The A12 Bionic featured a six-core CPU and a four-core GPU, delivering a significant boost in performance and graphics capabilities. This chip allowed the iPad Air 3 to handle demanding applications, multitasking, and high-performance games with ease. The inclusion of the Neural Engine also enabled advanced machine learning features, enhancing tasks such as image recognition and augmented reality experiences.
The iPad Air 3 supported the first-generation Apple Pencil, which offered users the ability to draw, take notes, and engage in creative tasks with precision. This compatibility made the iPad Air 3 a versatile tool for artists, students, and professionals who needed more interactive functionality without stepping up to the more expensive iPad Pro models.
In terms of design, the iPad Air 3 retained a similar aesthetic to its predecessors, with a slim and lightweight build that made it easy to handle. The tablet measured 6.1 millimeters in thickness and weighed approximately 456 grams for the Wi-Fi model, maintaining a balance between portability and functionality.
The camera setup included an 8-megapixel rear-facing iSight camera capable of recording 1080p HD video, and a 7-megapixel front-facing FaceTime HD camera, providing adequate quality for photography and video calls.
The iPad Air 3 launched with iOS 12, which brought various enhancements, including improved performance and new features such as Screen Time and Group FaceTime. These software improvements complemented the hardware upgrades, offering a seamless and intuitive user experience.
Overall, the iPad Air 3 (2019) Wi-Fi model successfully combined a high-quality display, powerful performance, and support for the Apple Pencil, making it a versatile and valuable option for a wide range of users. Its blend of features and performance solidified its position as a strong contender in Apple’s tablet lineup, catering to those who needed a capable device without the premium price of the iPad Pro.
