Hey everyone! I ordered the iPad Air 5 on sale for $615 (normally $715 due to taxes). Unfortunately, the one I got has a back panel issue and creaks when I hold it, plus the display isn’t perfect either, so I’m returning it.
The problem is, it’s no longer on sale, so if I reorder, I’ll have to pay an extra $100. That’s the most my budget can handle.
I noticed the iPad Air 4 is also $615 here. I’m wondering if I even need the M1 chip and 8GB RAM for what I do, which is mainly note-taking, reading, drawing (I’m an interior architect and will use it as a drawing pad with my PC), movies, and FaceTime with family. Is the Air 5 worth the extra $100 for me, or would the Air 4 be just fine?
I also read that the build quality of the Air 4 is better. I’d like to keep whichever iPad I choose for at least 4 years.
Bela said:
If you’re keeping it for more than three years, the extra RAM in the Air 5 will make a big difference.
Is that more important than the Air 4’s better build quality?
I think people are overreacting about the build quality. I have the Air 5, and it’s fine. I even took it out of the case to check, and it seems sturdy to me.
@Bela
Not sure why this was getting downvoted. I’ve heard a lot of Air 5 owners say their unit didn’t have the creaking issue. It seems like only a small percentage of Air 5s are affected. The problem is real, but not as widespread as people think.
Bela said:
If you’re keeping it for more than three years, the extra RAM in the Air 5 will make a big difference.
You should also consider the M1. It’s much more powerful than the A14 in the Air 4, especially for graphics. I don’t understand why anyone would choose the Air 4 over the Air 5 unless they’re only using it for light stuff like media. In that case, even the basic iPad would work.
@Harley
What exactly is the issue? Are people pressing on the back and making contact with the battery? No one seems to be explaining why it’s such a big deal.
I have the starlight color, and I haven’t experienced it. But like I said, I wouldn’t be too concerned even if it did creak.
@Bela
When I saw it, the back would flex a little, which didn’t feel stable and sometimes even distorted the screen. This was during normal use, without putting any real pressure on it. The Air 4 felt way sturdier in comparison.
Bela said: @Bailey
Interesting. My starlight model doesn’t have that issue at all. Maybe the materials used in different colors are of different quality?
I don’t think that’s it. One of the Air 5s I saw with the issue was starlight too.
Harley said: @Bela
I’m not pressing it hard. When I just hold it, I can feel the back moving a bit. It feels loose.
What color is it? People say the blue and purple models have more issues. Mine’s starlight.
It sounds more like a materials thing than a quality control problem. If it was really serious, I’d expect Apple to issue a recall, but that probably won’t happen for a while.
@Bela
That’s exactly the problem for me and probably for the person who posted this. Apple hasn’t acknowledged it yet, so there’s no guidance on repairs or replacements. And it doesn’t feel dangerous, but it makes the iPad less enjoyable to use.
@Bailey
Apple definitely knows it exists. They test these things thoroughly during design. I’d say it’s intentional and not serious enough to cause damage. Even if you rested a heavy object on the back, I doubt it would cause any harm.
As for the creaking, that could lead to a recall if it’s severe. But for the back panel flexing, that’s probably not something to worry about.
@Bela
Apple also knew about the MacBook butterfly keyboard issue, and look how long it took them to admit that was a problem. Creaking and flexing aren’t intentional, they’re flaws. And the fact that the screen distorts along with the creak is a sign something is wrong. It’s a touchscreen, it shouldn’t warp when you hold it normally.
I tried both blue and starlight Air 5s, and both had the issue. Air 4? No problems at all.