Apple iPad Air 11 (2024) vs. Google Pixel Tablet: A Deep Dive Comparison
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing raw performance and a mature tablet ecosystem, the Apple iPad Air 11 (2024) is the clear winner. The M2 chip delivers a substantial advantage in demanding tasks. However, the Google Pixel Tablet offers a compelling alternative for those deeply invested in the Google ecosystem and prioritizing smart home control.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Apple iPad Air 11 (2024) | Google Pixel Tablet |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | N/A |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | N/A |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66, 71 - A2903 | N/A |
| 5G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 70, 71, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - A2903, A2904 | - |
| EDGE | - | No |
| GPRS | - | No |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G - cellular model only | - |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2024, May 07 | 2023, May 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, May 15 | Available. Released 2023, June 20 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame | Glass front, aluminum frame, aluminum back |
| Dimensions | 247.6 x 178.5 x 6.1 mm (9.75 x 7.03 x 0.24 in) | 258 x 169 x 8.1 mm (10.16 x 6.65 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | eSIM (cellular model only) | No |
| Weight | 462 g (1.02 lb) | 493 g (1.09 lb) |
| - | Stylus support | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating | - |
| Resolution | 1640 x 2360 pixels (~264 ppi density) | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~276 ppi density) |
| Size | 11.0 inches, 357.6 cm2 (~80.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.95 inches, 347.7 cm2 (~79.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Liquid Retina IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) | IPS LCD |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x3.48 GHz performance cores and 4 efficiency cores) | Octa-core (2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Apple M2 | Google Tensor G2 (5 nm) |
| GPU | Apple GPU (9-core graphics) | Mali-G710 MP7 |
| OS | iPadOS 17.4, upgradable to iPadOS 26.1 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM, 1TB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| - | UFS 3.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 12 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 12 MP, f/2.0, 122˚ (ultrawide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@25/30/60fps; gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS (cellular model only) | No |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1 Gen2, DisplayPort, magnetic connector | USB Type-C 3.2 (Gen 1), magnetic connector |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (top-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer | Accelerometer, gyro, compass, proximity (accessories only) |
| - | Ultra Wideband (UWB) support | |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 45W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 7606 mAh (28.93 Wh) | Li-Po 7020 mAh (27 Wh) |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Space Gray, Starlight, Purple, Blue | Porcelain, Hazel, Rose |
| Models | A2902, A2903, A2904, iPad14,8, iPad14,9 | GA06156-EU, GA06157-EU, GA06158-EU |
| Price | About 700 EUR | About 670 EUR |
Apple iPad Air 11 (2024)
- Significantly faster M2 chip for demanding tasks
- 45W fast charging for minimal downtime
- Mature iPadOS ecosystem with a vast app library
- Accessories (Apple Pencil, Magic Keyboard) sold separately, adding to the overall cost
- Potentially higher price point compared to the Pixel Tablet
Google Pixel Tablet
- Seamless integration with Google Home and smart home devices
- Docking station functionality transforms it into a smart display
- More affordable price point
- Slower 15W charging
- Tensor G2 chip is less powerful than the M2 for demanding tasks
- Android tablet app ecosystem is less mature than iPadOS
Display Comparison
While specific display specs (resolution, panel type) are missing for both, the iPad Air 11 likely benefits from Apple’s display calibration expertise, offering superior color accuracy. The Pixel Tablet’s display is geared towards comfortable viewing, but the iPad Air 11’s M2 chip could drive higher refresh rate displays in future iterations, a feature currently absent on the Pixel Tablet. Bezels are likely comparable, given both devices target a similar price bracket.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is limited. However, Apple typically prioritizes camera quality in its iPad line, suggesting the iPad Air 11 will offer superior image and video capture capabilities. The Tensor G2’s image signal processor (ISP) is strong, but the iPad Air 11 likely benefits from Apple’s computational photography algorithms and potentially larger sensor sizes. The Pixel Tablet’s camera is likely geared towards video calls and casual snapshots, while the iPad Air 11 aims for more versatile photographic performance.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. Apple’s M2, built on a second-generation 5nm process, features an octa-core CPU with four high-performance cores clocked at 3.48 GHz. This architecture prioritizes sustained performance, crucial for video editing or 3D rendering. Google’s Tensor G2, also a 5nm chip, utilizes a tri-cluster configuration (Cortex-X1, A78, and A55 cores) optimized for AI and machine learning tasks. While the Tensor G2 excels in tasks like voice recognition and image processing, the M2’s raw CPU and GPU power provide a significant advantage in computationally intensive workloads. The iPad Air 11’s likely use of LPDDR5X RAM further enhances memory bandwidth, contributing to smoother multitasking.
Battery Life
The iPad Air 11’s 45W wired charging is a significant advantage over the Pixel Tablet’s 15W charging. This translates to substantially faster charging times, minimizing downtime. While battery capacity is unknown for both, the M2 chip’s efficiency could offset a potentially smaller battery size in the iPad Air 11. The Pixel Tablet’s slower charging speed necessitates longer periods plugged in, potentially impacting its usability for on-the-go users.
Buying Guide
Buy the Apple iPad Air 11 (2024) if you need a powerful tablet for creative work, demanding games, or professional applications, and value Apple’s established app ecosystem. Buy the Google Pixel Tablet if you prefer a tablet that seamlessly integrates with your Google Home setup, serves as a smart display when docked, and offers a more affordable entry point into the tablet space.