Apple relies on the same 2048 x 1536 Retina display that past iPads were built around, but the Air 2's display remains an exceptional performer for a variety of tasks. In our testing, onscreen text cleanly displayed, and high-resolution photos had vibrant color reproduction.

The Apple iPad Air 2 display was also a reliable performer in Laptop's benchmarking testing. The Air 2's display had a brightness rating of 368 nits, which was comparable to other premium tablets. Nits are a measurement used to evaluate the screen's brightness level.

With its mark of 11 hours and 8 minutes, the Google Pixel C tested battery life falls in line with comparable premium tablets, which regularly break the 10-hour mark in Laptop's testing. Physically, the Pixel C's design falls generally in line with comparable premium tablets, but with its dimensions of 9.5 x 7 x 0.27 inches and weight of 1.14 pounds, the Pixel is marginally heavier and thicker than other top tablets.

Still, we found the tablet to be excellent to use in our hands-on testing thanks to its stellar build quality.

The Apple iPad Mini 4 tablet computer's display performance is also good. Its resolution and brightness rating of 412 nits makes it easy to read and game on.

However, while the Mini has excellent color accuracy and fidelity, the screen still has the same 2048 x 1536 resolution as past iPad Minis. Considering that comparable premium tablets have started using displays with higher pixel density, the iPad Mini's screen shows some signs of age.

Despite the lack of major upgrades, the Apple iPad Air 2 holds a spot as one of the best tablets on the market. During Laptop's testing, in which a tablet loops through webpages at a constant brightness, the Air 2 lasted for nine hours and 20 minutes before powering down.

While this mark is in line with Apple's advertised Wi-Fi browsing battery life of up to 10 hours, the iPad Air's battery is a step behind other multimedia tablets that tout battery lifespans of more than 10 hours.

While these scores are slightly outclassed by more current tablets, the Apple iPad Air 2 showed it still has excellent specifications during our hands-on testing. The tablet smoothly switched between tasks like web browsing and games.

In "Epic Zen Garden," a high-end iOS gaming tech demo, we could navigate through the in-game world without any technical hiccups or performance slowdown. The Air 2 is also a strong performer in Laptop Mag's battery test, although the tablet isn't without its limitations.

Apple iPads have generally been shining examples of high-end tablet performance, and on the strength of its numbers, the Apple iPad Air 2 is still a worthy member of the iPad family. While the Air 2 shows its age compared to the best tablets, it has much to offer home users thanks to its solid battery life, compact dimensions and strong performance ceiling.

Even with the tablet computer's 9.7-inch screen, it sports a weight of only 0.96 pounds. While it's not the lightest in comparison to other 9-inch tablets, the Apple iPad Air 2 has a thickness of only 0.24 inches.

In hands-on testing, we found the Air 2 to be sturdily constructed and easy to handle thanks to its rounded edges.

The Apple iPad Air 2 solid aluminum body is durable and excellently built. While the iPad Air 2 processor is still fast enough for most home users, it no longer provides best-in-class performance.

With its premium components and great build quality, the iPad Air 2 is capable of handling work and play without a misstep. At first glance, the Apple iPad Air 2 is closer to a refresh than a dramatic upgrade of its predecessor. The tablet computer has the same slim design and aluminum backing used on the first iPad Air.

10 Tablets with the Longest Battery Life Apple iPad Air 2 The industry standard for tablets is also one of the longest lasting, with 9 hours and 20 minutes of endurance. The Apple iPad Air 2 also boasts a gorgeous display in a super-thin design.

The A8X chip ensures zippy performance. A sharper camera will capture all your precious moments. And, while the competition is catching up, Apple still maintains the best tablet-friendly app selection on the market.

Best Apple iPad Air 2 Cases Apple Smart Cover Who better than Apple to make a cover for the iPad? The company's lightweight Smart Cover has a hinge that magnetically connects to the tablet.

Since it's just a front cover (no back), you won't have to worry about adding extra bulk to your slate. Available in seven colors (black, white, pink, yellow, green, blue and (Product)RED).