Is Apple iPad Air 2 worth buying today

Introduction of Apple iPad Air 2

The iPad Air 2, launched by Apple back in 2014, was once celebrated as one of the thinnest and most capable tablets in its class, equipped with a powerful A8X chip, a laminated Retina display, and Touch ID. But now, more than a decade later, the tablet market has changed dramatically: newer iPads, powerful Android tablets, and budget slates dominate several price brackets. So the question arises — is it still a smart buy in India in 2025? The answer depends on how you plan to use it, how much you're willing to spend, and how you weigh risks like battery health and software support.

In this post, I'll break down the pros and cons of picking up a used or refurbished iPad Air 2 today, compare it with modern alternatives, and give a practical verdict — especially for Indian buyers.

Key Specifications at a Glance

Before evaluating its relevance today, let’s look at the core specs of the Air 2 (from Apple’s official documentation): 

• Display: 9.7-inch Retina (2048×1536, 264 ppi), fully laminated with anti-reflective coating. 

• Processor: Apple A8X (64-bit) + M8 motion coprocessor. 

• Memory / Storage: 2 GB RAM, storage variants include 16 / 32 / 64 / 128 GB. 

• Camera: Rear 8 MP iSight; front 1.2 MP FaceTime HD. 

• Battery: Around 7340 mAh → up to 10 hours of usage claimed by Apple. 

• Connectivity: Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac), optional cellular models. 

• Design & Build: Very slim (6.1 mm thick) and lightweight for a 9.7-inch device. 

On the software side, although the Air 2 is quite old, many used units are still running relatively recent versions of iPadOS (or at least, you may find them on iPadOS 15.x in some resale listings). 

What Makes the iPad Air 2 Still Attractive

Even after so many years, the iPad Air 2 has several strengths that may make it worthwhile — depending on your use case.

a) Sleek and Durable Design

The slim 6.1 mm chassis and premium aluminum build make the Air 2 feel very refined, even by today’s standards. It’s light, portable, and very comfortable to hold, whether you're reading, browsing, or watching content.

b) High-Quality Display

The 9.7-inch Retina display with full lamination means content feels very close to your fingers, and the anti-reflective coating significantly reduces glare. While it's not a modern mini-LED or OLED, for media consumption, reading, or sketching (with compatible styluses), it remains very usable.

c) Good Performance (for Light / Moderate Use)

The A8X was a powerful chip for its time. It still handles many lighter tasks — web browsing, YouTube, note-taking, reading, streaming — very well. Apple’s hardware-software integration ensures that even with just 2 GB of RAM, the iPad can feel snappy in many scenarios.

d) Mature Ecosystem

Because it's an Apple device, you get access to a wide range of iPad-optimized apps, reliable build quality, and compatibility with many accessories (cases, keyboards, styluses). For someone who already uses Apple products, the Air 2 integrates smoothly into the ecosystem.

e) Price (If Bought Refurbished or Used)

If sourced carefully, a refurbished or second-hand Air 2 can be very cost-effective. For example, Apple iPad Air 2 64 GB Cellular and other variants can be found in the Indian market at much lower prices than a brand-new modern iPad, especially if you are comfortable with used/refurbished devices. 

f) Lightweight for Productivity

For students, writers, or professionals who use a tablet for digital reading, note-taking, or light productivity (email, documents), the Air 2 can still serve as a secondary device quite well.

Cons: The Risks and Limitations in 2025

However, there are significant drawbacks when considering the iPad Air 2 today. Some of these are inherent to its age, and others are due to how the tablet market has evolved.

a) Aging Hardware & Limited Future-Proofing

The A8X, while capable, is now many generations behind Apple’s modern chips (M-series, A14/A15, etc.). For very demanding tasks — like heavy multitasking, advanced creative work, or newer games — the Air 2 may struggle.

b) Software Support Risks

Apple typically supports iPads for many years, but a device released in 2014 is nearing (or may already be beyond) its optimal support window. This means newer iPadOS versions might not be as stable, or some future features may not be supported. There's a risk that security updates slow down or stop.

c) Battery Health Concerns

A used or refurbished iPad Air 2 is likely to have undergone significant battery aging. Even with a healthy-looking second-hand unit, battery capacity may be degraded compared to original specs, which means real-world usage time could be substantially lower than 10 hours.

d) Storage Constraints

Many Air 2 units in the second-hand market come with limited storage (16 / 32 / 64 GB). Without expandable storage, you may run into space issues for apps, media, and downloads, especially if you plan to use it for reading, sketching, or as a media device.

e) Connectivity Limitations

Although the Air 2 supports modern Wi-Fi standards, its cellular variants do not support 5G. If you rely on mobile data, this could be a disadvantage compared to newer tablets.

f) Camera and Multimedia Limitations

The 8MP rear camera and 1.2MP front camera are serviceable, but they are not on par with modern tablet cameras. For photography, scanning, or video calls, newer iPads or other tablets offer significantly better image quality.

g) Cost of Repairs / Spares

Being an older model, spare parts (battery, screen) might be harder to source or more expensive. Additionally, repairs may not be as readily supported by authorized service centres.

Comparison with Modern Alternatives (India)

To understand whether the Air 2 is “worth it,” it helps to compare it with present-day alternatives.

a) Entry-Level New iPads

• Base iPad (9th/10th generation): These newer iPads offer newer chips, better performance, Apple Pencil support, and solid software support. While refurbished Air 2 may be cheaper, the longevity and performance of a new iPad might justify the higher cost.

b) iPad Air / iPad Air (M1 / M2 / M3)

• Modern iPad Air: With M-series chips, these are substantially more powerful, support larger accessories, and will likely receive updates for many years. If your budget allows, going for a more recent Air might be a better long-term investment.

c) Android Tablets

• Budget Android tablets: Brands like Samsung, Lenovo, and others offer 8–11” tablets at competitive prices. While Apple’s ecosystem is strong, Android tablets may offer better value, newer hardware, and 5G / LTE options in some cases.

d) Refurbished / Used iPads

• Refurbished Pro / newer-generation iPads: Depending on deals, you might find second-hand iPads that are more capable than the Air 2 and yet cheaper than a new one. Always check battery health, warranty, and seller reputation.

Who Should Consider Buying the iPad Air 2 Today

Given the pros and cons, the iPad Air 2 can still be a smart buy — but only for certain kinds of users:

• Students or Professionals on a Tight Budget: If you need a reliable tablet for reading, note-taking, or occasional productivity, a well-priced refurbished Air 2 could suffice.

• Casual Media Consumers: For streaming, web browsing, and content consumption, the Air 2’s screen is very usable, and the performance is generally good.

• Secondary Device Seekers: If you already own a laptop or a newer tablet, the Air 2 could act as a lightweight reading or sketching device without much cost.

• Apple Ecosystem Users: If you’re already invested in Apple products, the Air 2 fits into the ecosystem for app continuity, iCloud syncing, etc.

When You Should Avoid It

• Heavy Creators and Gamers: If you do graphic design, video editing, or play demanding games, the Air 2’s hardware will feel limiting.

• Long-Term Buyers: If you want a device that’ll last you many more years with guaranteed software updates, a newer iPad is a safer bet.

• Battery-Concerns: If you can’t be sure about the condition or health of a used battery, the cost of replacing it may negate the price savings.

• Connectivity Needs: If you need 5G or high-speed mobile data, this model may not serve you well.

Tips for Buying a Used / Refurbished iPad Air 2 in India

If you decide to go for the iPad Air 2, here are some tips to minimize risks:

1. Buy from Reputable Sellers: Use trusted refurbished / used marketplaces or local sellers with good reviews.

2. Check Battery Health: Ask for battery cycle count or check if possible. A degraded battery can drastically reduce usability.

3. Inspect Physically: Check for screen damage, scratches, or signs of water damage.

4. Test Software & Performance: Make sure it boots, runs apps smoothly, and doesn’t lag significantly.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth Buying in 2025?

To conclude — yes, the iPad Air 2 can still be worth buying in India in 2025, but only under the right conditions. Its slim design, good display, and decent performance make it a practical choice for students, media consumers, or as a secondary device — if you can source it at a good price, verify its condition, and are okay with the trade-offs.

However, if your budget allows, investing in a newer iPad might give you much better long-term value: more power, longer software support, and more modern features. The Air 2 is only really attractive now in the used/refurbished market, not as a recommended purchase from new-stock inventory.

FAQs of Apple iPad Air 2

Q.1. Is the iPad Air 2 still getting iPadOS updates?

It may still run relatively recent versions (like iPadOS 15.x), but long-term update support is limited due to its age.

Q.2. Can I use Apple Pencil with the Air 2?

The iPad Air 2 does not support newer Apple Pencil (Pencil 2); only older or third-party styluses may work, depending on model and compatibility.

Q.3. How is the battery life on a used Air 2 likely to be?

It depends on how much the battery has degraded. A well-used unit may have significantly less than the original ~10-hour runtime.

Q.4. Is 16 GB storage enough on the Air 2 now?

For light use (reading, web, streaming), maybe. But for apps, documents, or media, 64 GB or higher is safer.

Q.5. Should I choose a refurbished Air 2 or spend more on a newer iPad?

If you’re budget-conscious and can accept aging hardware, a refurbished Air 2 is reasonable. But for better performance, future-proofing, and longer software support, a newer iPad may be a better investment.