What Can You Still Do with an iPad Air 2?
Considering the arrival of newer models, many opt to sell or recycle their iPad Air 2. Though it may not keep up with the latest trends, it still offers a range of functionalities that can be beneficial. Let’s explore what you can and can’t do with this device.
What You Can Do with an iPad Air 2
Despite its old age, the iPad Air 2 is still capable of performing several tasks. Here are some key functionalities you can still utilize:
Video Playback: Stream and play local videos should be no problem with the iPad Air 2. However, the resolution and quality may not be on par with modern standards. Social Media: Engage with your followers, share updates, and keep a tab on news from your favorite social media platforms. Office Applications: Perform tasks such as word processing, creating spreadsheets, and presenting slideshows. The device’s limited RAM and outdated processor may slow down some operations. Video Chat: Use popular platforms like FaceTime, Zoom, or Skype for video calls, albeit with less than optimal video quality due to the limitations of the camera. Basic Gaming: Play a limited selection of games, though many modern contemporaries will likely not be compatible. Performance may not be optimal, and some games may not run at all.What You Can't Do with an iPad Air 2
However, there are several functionalities that the iPad Air 2 simply cannot handle efficiently or at all. These include:
Advanced Applications: AR and AI apps that rely on advanced hardware or software capabilities may not be accessible. Apps that require a more powerful processor, more RAM, or specific hardware components won’t run well, or at all, on the iPad Air 2. Modern Features: The iPad Air 2 does not support Apple Pencil, making it incompatible with many advanced features such as note-taking and drawing applications. Even the latest features in iPadOS (updateable until June 2023) are not available, and its processor is significantly slower than modern devices, rendering certain apps and features inefficient or unusable. High-Performance Gaming: Games that require more than 2 GB of RAM or complex graphics will not run smoothly, if at all, on the iPad Air 2. This significantly limits your gaming experience.Why the iPad Air 2 is Outdated
Released in 2014, the iPad Air 2 is a very outdated device. Here are some points to consider:
The iPad Air 2’s lack of “bionic” in the processor name indicates an older and less powerful architecture. The device only has 2 GB of RAM, which is significantly lower compared to modern iPads that have 4, 6, or even 16 GB of RAM. Memory options range from 16 GB to 32 GB, making it the least flexible when it comes to storage. This limits the number of apps, documents, and media files that can be stored on the device. The iPad Air 2 is around 3 to 4 times slower than the current entry-level iPad, especially in tasks that require high processing power, such as AR and AI applications.Limitations in Use
Some performance issues with the iPad Air 2 include:
Lack of 90 Hz Screen: The iPad Air 2 is known for its lower refresh rate, which can affect the smoothness of animations and scrolling. Poor App Updates: Although the device can update apps, the process may be slower, and the user interface might lag, affecting the overall performance. Scrolling Issues: On remote desktops, scrolling can be jerky and unresponsive, leading to user frustration. Web Page Performance: Websites with thousands of comments might not load efficiently, leading to a frustrating user experience.Conclusion
While the iPad Air 2 still has its uses, its limitations make it a less desirable choice compared to newer models. Selling or recycling it could be a wise move if you are looking to update your device and take advantage of the latest features and performance. If you still wish to retain it, the functionalities it offers are still valuable for basic tasks and essential activities such as video playback, social media, and some gaming.