New mobile devices were introduced by two of the biggest brands on May 7, 2024. Apple revealed new iPad Air and iPad Pro models with significant upgrades in design and functionality. Meanwhile, Google introduced its Pixel 8a smartphone, a mid-range model in the 8 series line-up that boasts premium AI features. Here’s what you need to know.

Apple iPad Air is Now Available in a 13-inch Size

The new Apple iPad Air boasts significant upgrades from the previous generation models. First, it comes in a 13-inch size for the first time along with the standard 11-inch, both with a Liquid Retina display. Both are powered by the Apple M2 chip making them faster and more efficient. They can also run AI features like Visual Look Up, Subject Lift, and Live Text. They also come in new finishes: blue and purple alongside the starlight and space gray colours that have been standard in the line.

Other features include an ultra-wide front-facing 12MP camera with Center Stage that has been moved to the landscape edge of the tablet so it works better for video calls. They support 4K and 240 frames-per-second slo-mo video, and come with dual mics and landscape stereo speakers with Spatial Audio support. Apple says the 13-inch model offers double the bass, so it’s ideal for listening to music, watching movies and TV shows, and gaming.

You’ll also enjoy faster Wi-Fi and faster 5G for the Cellular models along with all-day battery life. Both models also work with the new Apple Pencil Pro and new Magic Keyboard.

The 11-inch model starts at $799 in Canada with 128GB storage and the 13-inch model at $1,099. Both are available for pre-orders now with official availability May 15.

Apple iPad Pro Gets the New M4 Chip

The most impressive new model in the line is the Apple iPad Pro, which jumps a generation to include the Apple M4 chip, which is also newly announced. As not only the thinnest iPad to date but also the thinnest Apple product ever, the 11-inch model is 5.3 mm thin and weighs less than a pound. The 13-inch model is 5.1mm and weighs about a pound and-a-quarter. Both feature a new tandem OLED screen, which consists of two OLED panels that combine to provide vivid brightness: that’s 1,000 nits for SDR and HDR content and 1,600 nits peak for HDR.

The M4 chip was chosen to facilitate AI functions, helping the tablet run faster and more efficiently. Apple says the M4 chip in the new iPad Pro can deliver the same performance as one with the M2 chip using just half the power.

It has a 12MP ultra-wide camera with Center Stage with the same landscape positioning and 12MP back camera employing an updated camera system with four studio-quality mics. One notable feature is the adaptive True Tone flash for document scanning. Using AI, the feature can automatically identify documents in the camera app and take multiple photos to remove shadows so you get a better scan.

Sticking with the USB-C connector, it supports Thunderbolt 3 and USB 4 for fast wired connectivity with external devices, along with Wi-Fi 6e; there are 5G cellular versions as well.

Also available starting May 15 but on pre-order now, the 11-inch iPad Pro starts at $1,399 in Canada for the Wi-Fi model, and the 13-inch iPad Pro starts at $1,799 for the Wi-Fi model. Both come in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB configurations.

iPad Accessories Complement the New Devices

There are new accessories for the iPads as well, including a new Apple Pencil Pro with squeeze functions and a custom haptic engine; a new Magic Keyboard with a floating design, aluminum palm rest, and larger, more responsive trackpad; and a new Smart Folio that attaches magnetically and supports multiple viewing angles.

Google Pixel Tablet Now Comes on its Own

Google didn’t release a new version of its Pixel Tablet, but there is some news on the tablet front: the device will now be available without the Charging Speaker Dock for $399 on its own, or about $150 off the price with the Dock. It will start shipping at that price starting May 14. It’s an interesting move since the Pixel Tablet was initially promoted as a device you could use both in the home like a smart home hub as well as on the go. While the Pixel Tablet still works as a smart home hub at home without the Dock, it makes the experience less unique. Nonetheless, buying the tablet on its own saves a bit of dough if you’re interested in checking it out. Additionally, the Pixel Tablet will be getting access to new AI features, including Circle to Search and the Gemini app. Read my review of the Google Pixel Tablet to learn more.

Google Pixel 8 Series Adds Affordable 8a Model

The big news from Google is the launch of the Google Pixel 8a, the more affordable variant in the new 8 series line-up that debuted last year. Much like the Google Pixel 7a, the Google Pixel 8a makes some concessions in features and build to bring the price down. But it’s still a feature-rich device that offers a similar experience to its bigger sisters, including access to plenty of AI features.

Equipped with a 6.1-inch Super Actua display with 120Hz refresh rate, the phone has rounded edges, a matte back, and polished aluminum frame. It offers an IP67 water and dust resistant design, a step down from the IP68 rating of the Google Pixel 8 Pro. AI features include Google Gemini, Best Take for choosing the best expression of each person in a group photo to stitch together the best photo, Magic Eraser (and Audio Magic Eraser for videos), Photo Unblur, and more.

The phone is powered by the same Google Tensor G3 chip and actually has a better main camera than the Google Pixel 8 Pro in terms of resolution at 64MP as well as a better front camera with 13MP resolution and a 13MP ultra-wide back camera. Super Res Zoom is included but only up to 8x.

A fun new AI feature is called Audio Emoji, which lets you add audible “emoji” to a voice call, like applause or laughing. Considering how rare casual voice calls are nowadays, though, the novelty here might wear off fairly quickly, but it’s still a fun new option within emoji culture.

Like other Pixel devices, the Pixel 8a is protected by the Titan M2 security chip and comes with built-in VPN. You’ll get seven years of software and security support with this phone as well.

Battle of the Mobile Platforms

It’s interesting that both Apple and Google launched new products on the same day, solidifying the continued competition between the rival platforms. In both cases, the new products represent entries that will help the brands capture a bigger audience. Apple’s new iPads will target power and creative users while Google will reach budget-concious Android users with its affordable Pixel 8a phone.

There’s a place in the market for both brands, and each offers a unique experience for users of their respective platforms.

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