As indicated by the thread title, is the new 2017 9.7" iPad really an upgrade from the iPad Air 2? What say you?
A9 > A8X
It has a better processor but the upgrades stop there. The new iPad is designed and priced to sell to the masses, that simply want an iPad and aren't concerned with things like a laminated display and an unnoticeable amount of added bulk. Most of these users can't even tell the difference between the display on their current iPad 2 and a Retina display.
This iPad isn't supposed to be an upgrade to the Air 2. It's designed and priced to win back education and sell like hot cakes overseas. Those who want the higher specs will either stick with their Air 2 or get a Pro.
The slightly better processor could be considered an upgrade but I don't imagine the enhancements will be noticed by anyone in real world use. So I have trouble calling it an upgrade. I think it's just a new low budget entry to increase sales.
So I am sporting a 32 GB "New iPad" (iPad 3) with zero issues. I can deal with the slower processor and non-lightning cable. It works.
Is it worth upgrading and passing this down to the daughter? Or just wait. I am patient.
Compared to the iPad 3, the new iPad is smaller, lighter, has a fingerprint sensor, has a brighter screen, has a much faster processor, has 2 GB of RAM compared to the 1GB in your iPad, and has better front and back cameras. It also has newer WiFi antennas, which will support much faster WiFi speeds.
It is not an upgrade. Think of the new iPad as the equivalent of the iPhone SE. If you had an iPhone 6 (iPad Air 2) you would upgrade to the 7 (iPad Pro). If you were coming for something much older or looking for something cheap then you go to the iPhone SE (iPad 2017)
It has a better processor but the upgrades stop there. The new iPad is designed and priced to sell to the masses, that simply want an iPad and aren't concerned with things like a laminated display and an unnoticeable amount of added bulk. Most of these users can't even tell the difference between the display on their current iPad 2 and a Retina display.