From what I've read about, the new iPad is kind of like an iPad "SE". It's the same thickness as the original iPad Air. No anti-reflective screen, the screen isn't laminated. The button placement is different so you can't use existing cases on it.
But research it and find out people's opinions as you seem to be doing. Personally, I'm sticking with my Air 2. Rose Gold 32 gb. With iOS 10.3.1 it's pretty nice