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Samsung’s newest tablets look awesome (check out all the Galaxy Tab S9 preorder deals), but Android isn’t for everyone. If you’re still eyeing an iPad purchase this summer, Amazon has reduced the M1 iPad Air (5th generation) by $100. That brings the 64GB WiFi-only model down to $499.99, while the 256GB WiFi model falls to $649.99.
These discounts are the best for the iPad Air with M1 yet. You won’t see these exact numbers in Amazon’s listings, but don’t be alarmed—the remaining discount will apply at checkout.
This is the cheapest iPad with M1
The iPad Air expertly balances portability and power
In our iPad Air review, we noted that its standout feature is undeniably the M1 chipset. This processor, strong enough to power modern MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models, offers substantial performance improvements over its predecessors.
The M1 jogs through any task you can think of without sweating, whether you’re browsing the web, editing 4K video, playing graphic-intensive games, or juggling multiple apps simultaneously. Some advanced apps like Final Cut Pro for iPad require M1 chips at minimum, so this is your best option for the money if you’re eyeing it for portable video editing.
Besides the powerful M1 chipset, the iPad Air also boasts a gorgeous 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display within its light and thin aluminum body. The display is sharp and vibrant, though not quite as impressive as the Pro Motion XDR display you’d get with the iPad Pro. But many happily eschew the added fidelity in favor of the travel-friendly size.
One potential drawback is the absence of Face ID, which is available on the more expensive iPad Pro models. However, Touch ID integrated into the power button provides a seamless and secure way of unlocking the device and authorizing payments.
The iPad Air runs on the latest version of iPadOS, offering robust multitasking features, great app support, and excellent integration with Apple’s ecosystem. Its compatibility with the Apple Pencil (7{dec8eed80f8408bfe0c8cb968907362b371b4140b1eb4f4e531a2b1c1a9556e5} off right now) and Magic Keyboard ($50 off) also makes it a compelling choice for creative and productive work alike.
