iPad Air review: Apple’s fifth-generation iPad, the iPad Air, with a weight starting at 469 grams (with the WiFi + Cellular version weighing 478 grams) features a 9.7-inch LED multi-touch display, 2048 x 1536 resolution, and a fingerprint-resistant coating. Under the hood, Apple’s primary slab has the fastest Apple processor to date, the A7 chip with 64-bit architecture and M7 motion coprocessor.

According to Phone Arena, which describes the iPad Air as a “remarkable device,” the new iPad is two times faster than its previous model, thanks to the new processor it possesses. In terms of dimensions, the iPad Air is only 7.5 millimeters thin and weighs just 469 grams. The gadget review and news site says that the iPad Air is the lightest slate of its kind.

The iPad Air also has an iSight camera, which can take detailed photos and 1080P Full HD video. The FaceTime HD front-facing camera is ideal for video chats and self portraits. Connectivity options for the unit include Wi-Fi and 4G LTE (for the cellular version). The tablet’s iOS 7 operating system is loaded onto the tablet, with iPhoto, iMovie, GarageBand, Pages, Numbers and Keynote apps.

CNET noted in that review that the iPad Air is “ridiculously fast.” It can even be said that the iPad Air is slightly faster than the newest iPhone. A known technical gauge, Geekbench, showed that the processor speed of the iPad Air is at 1.39GHz, compared to the iPhone 5S’s 1.29GHz.

Apps on the iPad load noticeably faster, especially with big games, CNET said. You’ll be able to jump into and out of levels far more quickly. There are also slightly higher frame rates in some games, though it was far less prevalent. Games will function much better on the unit and only go faster once most are customized for the 64-bit A7 CPU.

When surfing the web, web pages render more snappily, and overall responsiveness of the operating system is improved. The fourth iPad is already a great performer, but the new iPad Air takes it to the next level.

Battery life of the unit more than delivers. It’s promised 10 hour battery life, can actually be stretched to 13 hours and 10 minutes, as proven by a standard battery rundown test by CNET. The tech publication said that they were able to use the tablet for a very long time off the charger, and that it can easily go through a full day of heavy usage.

Starting at $499, the iPad Air is overall outstanding. The new iPad showed an increase in performance and a more solid battery life. The new exterior design also impresses big time. It is thinner than any tablet and it deserves to be lighter too. In both performance and aesthetic, the iPad Air scores big points for the large screen size tablet category.