The New Apple iPad Air 2022 Has Landed

Mondo Admin / 09-03-2022 / News & Tips

Apple just announced the release and specs of the all-new iPad Air, powered by the incredible M1 chip. Here’s the details you’ve been waiting for.

PRESS RELEASE FROM APPLE

March 8, 2022

Apple introduces the most powerful and versatile iPad Air ever

The new iPad Air features the breakthrough M1 chip, ultra-fast 5G, a new front camera with Center Stage, and more.

Cupertino, California Apple today introduced the new iPad Air with the Apple-designed M1 chip, delivering a massive leap in performance. Available in a new array of colors, iPad Air also features the new Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage for a more natural video conferencing experience, a USB-C port with up to 2x faster transfer speeds, and blazing-fast 5G on cellular models — starting at the same affordable price. Advanced cameras and compatibility with the latest accessories enable users, including content creators, gamers, and students, to push the boundaries of creativity, productivity, and self expression. The new iPad Air is available to order beginning Friday, March 11, and will be in stores beginning Friday, March 18.

“Whether it’s a college student taking elaborate notes, a content creator working on their latest project, or a gamer playing graphics-intensive titles, users love iPad Air for its amazing performance and versatility in such a portable design,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. “With the breakthrough M1 chip, Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage, and ultra-fast 5G, iPad Air is now more powerful, more capable, and simply more fun than ever.”

M1 Brings a Massive Leap in Performance to iPad Air

The breakthrough M1 chip in iPad Air delivers a giant performance boost to even the most demanding apps and workflows, with incredible power efficiency and all-day battery life. The 8-core CPU delivers up to 60 percent faster performance, and the 8-core GPU delivers up to 2x faster graphics performance compared to the previous iPad Air. Combined with the CPU and GPU, a 16-core Neural Engine powers advanced machine learning (ML) functions that enable next-level experiences. From editing multiple streams of 4K video, to playing graphics-intensive games, redesigning a room in 3D, and more realistic augmented reality (AR), the performance of M1 enables users to do more than ever with iPad Air.

Ultra Wide 12MP Front Camera with Center Stage

The Ultra Wide 12MP front camera with Center Stage automatically pans to keep users in view as they move around. When others join in, the camera detects them too, and smoothly zooms out to include them in the conversation. So whether catching up with loved ones or learning remotely, Center Stage makes connecting more engaging than ever. With the addition of Center Stage to iPad Air, all iPad models now feature this magical experience.

The 12MP Wide camera on the back of iPad Air lets users capture sharp photos and 4K video, scan documents, and enjoy amazing AR experiences. An end-to-end solution for photo and video capture, editing, and sharing, iPad Air is an incredibly versatile and ultra-portable mobile studio.

Ultra-Fast 5G and Advanced Connectivity

Customers can do even more on iPad Air with faster wireless connectivity on the go. With 5G, iPad Air can reach peak speeds of up to 3.5Gbps in ideal conditions. With eSIM and Wi-Fi 6 support, iPad Air offers greater flexibility when users need to get connected — from accessing files, to backing up data, communicating with colleagues, or enjoying a movie with family and friends using SharePlay.

The USB-C port is now up to 2x faster than the previous generation, with data transfers up to 10Gbps, so importing large photos and videos is even quicker. The port connects iPad Air to a vast ecosystem of USB-C accessories, including cameras, external storage, and displays with up to 6K resolution.

All-Screen Design with the Liquid Retina Display and Touch ID

Loved for its thin and light design, the new iPad Air comes in a gorgeous array of colors: space gray, starlight, pink, purple, and a stunning new blue. iPad Air features a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display for an immersive visual experience, with 3.8 million pixels and advanced technologies, including 500 nits of brightness, full lamination, a P3 wide color gamut, True Tone, and an anti-reflective screen coating.

Combined with the Liquid Retina display, landscape stereo speakers in iPad Air deliver wide stereo sound for a great movie-viewing experience. Touch ID is built into the top button of iPad Air, delivering the same ease of use and secure authentication users know and love to unlock iPad Air, log in to apps, or use Apple Pay.

Accessories

Apple Pencil (2nd generation) turns iPad Air into a digital journal and sketchbook users can take anywhere. With wireless charging and pairing, Apple Pencil delivers pixel-perfect precision and imperceptible lag, making writing as easy and natural as using pen and paper.
The new iPad Air is compatible with Magic Keyboard, providing the best typing experience with its floating design and built-in trackpad; Smart Keyboard Folio, with its comfortable typing experience in a slim design; and Smart Folio covers, which come in beautiful coordinating colors — black, white, electric orange, dark cherry, English lavender, and marine blue — that complement the new iPad Air finishes.

iPadOS 15 Takes the Productivity and Versatility of iPad Air Even Further

iPadOS 15

delivers an experience that is designed to take advantage of the unique capabilities of iPad.

•    Multitasking is even more intuitive, making features like Split View and Slide Over easier to discover, easier to use, and more powerful.

•    Notes goes systemwide with Quick Note, and offers new ways to collaborate and organize, whether typing or writing with Apple Pencil.

•    SharePlay makes it possible for friends and family to share experiences while on a FaceTime call. Whether users are hosting a viewing party, listening to an album together, or completing a fitness challenge with a friend, SharePlay keeps everything and everyone perfectly in sync.

•    iPad keeps getting smarter with advanced ML capabilities. Live Text uses on-device intelligence to recognize text in a photo and allow users to take action. For example, a snapshot of a storefront may reveal a phone number and the option to place a call.

•    With next week’s release of iPadOS 15.4 and macOS 12.3, Universal Control will enable users to work with a single mouse and keyboard and move between Mac and iPad for a seamless experience, with no setup required. Users can even drag and drop content back and forth between devices — great for sketching with Apple Pencil on iPad and placing it into a Keynote slide on the Mac.

iPad Air and the Environment

iPad Air features a 100 percent recycled aluminum enclosure, 100 percent recycled tin in the solder of the main logic board, and 100 percent recycled rare earth elements in the enclosure and audio magnets. All iPad models meet Apple’s high standards for energy efficiency, remain free of numerous harmful substances, and use wood fiber in the packaging that comes from recycled sources or responsibly managed forests.

Today, Apple is carbon neutral for global corporate operations, and by 2030, plans to have net-zero climate impact across the entire business, which includes manufacturing supply chains and all product life cycles. This means that every Apple device sold, from component manufacturing, assembly, transport, customer use, charging, all the way through recycling and material recovery, will be 100 percent carbon neutral.

The above excerpt is from Apple’s official Press Release.

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Honor X7d 5G vs Samsung A26 5G: SA’s Best Budget 5G Showdown

When it comes to finding the best 5G smartphone, two names dominate the conversation the Honor X7d 5G and the Samsung Galaxy A26 5G. Both deliver modern connectivity, reliable performance, and excellent battery life without breaking the bank.But which one truly gives South Africans the most value for money? Let’s compare them side-by-side across design, performance, camera, battery, and deals to find out which 5G budget champion deserves your upgrade.Design & Durability: Toughness vs StyleThe Honor X7d 5G brings rugged reliability with its SGS 5-Star Drop & Crush Resistance certification from SGS Switzerland a standout in this segment. It’s been drop-tested from 2 metres and subjected to 10,000 impact tests, proving it can handle the occasional slip.Other durability highlights include:360° Anti-Drop Protection for full-frame safetyReinforced corners offering 25% improved impact resistanceIP65 water and dust resistanceA sturdy matte-finish back for better grip and fewer smudgesThe Samsung Galaxy A26 5G takes a sleeker route with its glossy finish and IP67 water resistance, giving it an edge in full water submersion protection. However, the shiny back attracts fingerprints easily and offers less grip.Mondo’s Take: Honor wins for its rugged practicality and long-term durability; Samsung edges ahead on premium aesthetics and stronger water resistance.Display & Performance: Smooth vs StunningWhen it comes to visuals, both devices impress but in different ways.The Samsung Galaxy A26 5G features a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and up to 1,000 nits brightness, making it ideal for outdoor use. Colours are rich, blacks are deep, and viewing angles are fantastic.The Honor X7d 5G packs a 6.77-inch HD+ LCD display with a matching 120Hz refresh rate and 850 nits peak brightness. It’s not as vivid as AMOLED, but it delivers smooth, flicker-free performance for scrolling, gaming, and streaming with less eye strain over long sessions.Under the hood:Honor X7d 5G: Snapdragon 6s Gen 3, 6GB RAM (expandable via virtual RAM), 256GB storage, Android 15 with MagicOS 9.0Samsung Galaxy A26 5G: Exynos 1380, 6GB RAM, 128GB storage, Android 14Mondo’s Take: Samsung leads on display brilliance, while Honor delivers reliable, efficient power and smoother multitasking for everyday users.Camera: Creative Flexibility vs Smart ClarityPhotography is where their priorities diverge.The Honor X7d 5G uses a 50MP main lens paired with a 2MP depth camera and a 5MP front camera. Supported by AI, it captures bright, detailed shots in various lighting conditions. It also adds smart features like Gesture Control, Multi-Video, Smile Snapshot, and Moving Photo, perfect for capturing quick, fun moments.Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy A26 5G offers a 50MP main sensor with Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS), an 8MP ultrawide lens, and a 2MP depth camera. The OIS ensures steady videos and sharper low-light photos ideal for content creators or anyone recording on the move.Mondo’s Take: Honor wins for ease and AI-driven creativity; Samsung takes the lead for stabilised video and wider shooting options.Battery & Charging: The Stamina ChampionBattery life is where the Honor X7d 5G completely dominates. Its 6500mAh battery carries a DXOMARK Gold certification and is engineered for five years of usage consistency meaning it’ll retain strong capacity over time.Charging is handled by 35W HONOR SuperCharge, delivering 50% charge in around 30 minutes and up to three days of use on a single full charge.The Samsung Galaxy A26 5G, while still reliable, includes a 5,000mAh battery with 25W fast charging, lasting about a day and a half under regular use.Mondo’s Take: Honor is the clear winner for endurance and long-term reliability ideal for users who want fewer charging stops.Smart Features: The AI EdgeUnique to the Honor X7d 5G is its Convenient AI Button, offering instant access to smart tools with a single press. Use it to launch Google Lens, Translate, Flashlight, or Notes, or activate AI Mobile Assistant for hands-free commands.Samsung offers its own software perks through One UI, but the AI Button gives Honor an advantage in convenience and innovation.Mondo’s Take: Honor’s AI Button makes everyday tasks faster a thoughtful addition at this price point.Pricing & Deals on Mondo.co.zaBoth phones offer fantastic 5G value, but Honor keeps things extra competitive.Honor X7d 5G:128GB model: From R269/month on Vodacom RED 1GB (includes 1GB data, 5GB video data, 50 minutes, 150 SMS)256GB model: From R299/month on MTN Flexi 100 (includes 1GB data, 50 minutes, 150 SMS)Samsung Galaxy A26 5G:128GB model: From R379/month on Vodacom Essential plan (2.8GB data, 100 minutes, 150 SMS)MTN Mega plan: From R349/month (6GB data, 250 minutes)Mondo’s Take: Honor offers unbeatable 5G performance below R300/month, while Samsung justifies its premium pricing with longer update support and AMOLED display quality.Final Verdict: The Best 5G Deal for Your MoneyBoth smartphones deliver remarkable 5G value it just depends on what you prioritise.Choose the Honor X7d 5G if you want:The first 5G X7 with rock-solid durabilityA massive 6500mAh battery and 5-year consistencyPractical AI features like the Convenient AI ButtonExceptional value under R300/monthChoose the Samsung Galaxy A26 5G if you want:A vibrant AMOLED displayOIS video stability and an ultrawide cameraLonger software and security support (up to 6 years)Either way, both are budget-friendly, 5G-ready, and built for the South African lifestyle.Compare the latest deals today at https://www.mondo.co.za/FAQsWhich phone has the better camera?Samsung’s OIS and ultrawide lens make it better for videos and landscapes, while Honor’s AI-powered 50MP camera excels in detail and ease of use.How long does the Honor X7d 5G battery last?Up to three days on a single charge, with long-term consistency certified for five years.Are both phones 5G-enabled in South Africa?Yes, both the Honor X7d 5G and Samsung A26 5G support MTN, Vodacom, and Telkom 5G networks.Which has the better display?Samsung’s AMOLED screen is more vibrant; Honor’s LCD is smoother and flicker-free for long use.Where can I find the best contract offers?Right here compare Vodacom, MTN, and Telkom plans now at https://www.mondo.co.za/ ReferencesMondo.co.za HONOR GlobalDXOMARK Samsung South Africa.

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Honor X7d Review: Premium Power on a Budget

The Honor X7d 5G marks a new milestone for the X Series  the first 5G-enabled X7 phone from Honor, bringing faster connectivity, superior durability, and smarter AI features to South Africa’s mid-range market.With its large display, durable build, and long-lasting battery, the X7d 5G delivers premium value without the premium price tag  available now on Mondo.co.za.Design & Durability: Built to LastDurability is at the core of the Honor X7d 5G. The device is certified with SGS 5-Star Drop & Crush Resistance from SGS Switzerland, proving its ability to handle the rigours of daily use.Highlights:2m Drop Tested: Survives up to 10,000 drop tests on steel plates360° Anti-Drop Protection: Reinforced frame and double-strength panels for all-round durabilityReinforced Corners: 25% improved drop resistanceIP65 Rating: Dust- and water-resistant design for extra protectionColours: Desert Gold, Velvet BlackFeature: The HONOR X7d 5G is equipped with drop protection and water resistance.Advantage: It carries the durability DNA of the HONOR X Series, achieving 5-star SGS certification and IP65 protection.Benefit: Built to last, the X7d 5G resists drops and water damage, giving you dependable performance and long-term value.Example: When you accidentally drop your phone or get caught in the rain, your X7d 5G stays protected and keeps working perfectly.Display & Performance: Smooth, Smart, and EfficientThe 6.77-inch TFT-LCD display offers bright, immersive visuals with a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and gaming.Key Specs:Display: 6.77" HD+ 120Hz, 850 nits brightnessProcessor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 6s Gen 3RAM + Storage: 6GB + 256GBOS: Android 15 + MagicOS 9.0Performance is steady and responsive ideal for multitasking, social media, and entertainment. The device also includes 5G connectivity, ensuring faster downloads and smoother streaming wherever coverage is available.Camera: High-Resolution Shots with Smart FeaturesCapture every moment with the 50MP ultra-clear main camera and 2MP depth sensor, supported by AI-driven enhancements for detailed, vibrant images day or night.Camera Setup:Rear: 50MP (f/1.8) + 2MP depth cameraFront: 5MP (f/2.2) selfie cameraCamera Features: Gesture Control, Multi-Video, Smile Snapshot, Moving PhotoBuilt-in AI photo editing tools like Erase Passers-by, Remove Reflection, and AI Translation let you refine your shots instantly no extra apps needed.Battery Life: Endurance with 5-Year ConsistencyThe 6500mAh (typical) battery is DXOMARK Gold certified for best-in-class endurance and tested for five years of usage consistency.Battery Highlights:Capacity: 6500mAh (typical) / 6350mAh (rated)Charging: 35W HONOR SuperChargePerformance: Up to 3 days of battery life per chargeCertification: DXOMARK GoldFeature: 6500mAh long-lasting battery with 35W fast chargeAdvantage: The largest battery in its class with DXOMARK Gold certificationBenefit: Use your phone longer without frequent rechargingExample: Stay connected during long calls, video streams, or gaming sessions all without battery anxiety.AI Button: One Step AheadExclusive to the X7d 5G, the Convenient AI Button gives instant access to smart features with a single press.Quick Actions Include:Google Lens for instant search and translationFlashlight, Notes, and Do Not Disturb toggleAI Mobile Assistant for voice and app controlFeature: Equipped with an Instant AI ButtonAdvantage: The only Android phone at this price with AI quick accessBenefit: Boosts productivity by saving time and simplifying multitaskingExample: When you need to translate a message quickly, one tap of the AI Button gets the job done instantly.Pricing & Availability on Mondo.co.zaGet the Honor X7d 5G through Mondo.co.za with Vodacom for flexible and affordable deals:256GB model: From R449/month (24 months)128GB model: From R269/month (36 months)Final VerdictThe Honor X7d 5G is more than just another mid-range smartphone it’s a premium-built, durable, and intelligent 5G companion that blends long-lasting performance with modern convenience.Rating: 8.5/10Pros:First 5G-enabled Honor X7 phone2m drop-tested SGS 5-Star durability6500mAh DXOMARK Gold battery (5-year consistency)Convenient AI Button for instant smart controlCons:LCD display (not AMOLED)No wireless chargingIf you’re looking for power, protection, and practicality all at an affordable price the Honor X7d 5G stands out as one of the best value options of 2025.Find your deal today at https://www.mondo.co.za/FAQs:1. Is this the first 5G Honor X7 model?Yes, the X7d 5G is the first 5G-enabled device in the Honor X7 series.2. How durable is it?It’s SGS 5-Star certified for drop resistance (2m drop-tested) and rated IP65 for water and dust protection.3. How long will the battery last?It offers up to three days of use per charge, with 35W fast charging and five-year consistency.4. What makes the AI Button unique?It gives instant access to smart functions like Google Lens, Flashlight, Notes, and AI Search — all with one press.5. What colours are available?Choose from Desert Gold and Velvet Black.ReferencesHONOR X7d 5G SA - https://www.honor.com/za/phones/honor-x7d-5g/Mondo.co.za – Compare Cellphone Deals: https://www.mondo.co.za/DXOMARK Battery Certification: https://www.dxomark.com/battery-test-overview/

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Affordable Powerhouses: Huawei, Samsung & Honor Go Head-to-Head

Compare the Huawei Nova 14i, Samsung Galaxy A36 and Honor 400 Lite in our mid-range phones South Africa guide. Discover design, performance, camera, and the latest Mondo.co.za contract deals to help you pick the best value smartphone in 2025.IntroductionFinding a smartphone that delivers real value without draining your wallet has become a mission in South Africa. With rising prices and the steady rollout of 5G, local users are seeking devices that strike the perfect balance between performance, battery life, and affordability.That’s exactly where mid-range smartphones shine powerful enough for everyday use, yet budget-friendly enough to make sense. The Huawei nova 14i, Samsung Galaxy A36 5G, and Honor 400 Lite each offer something special for South African consumers in 2025.In this guide, we’ll unpack how they compare in design, performance, camera, battery life, and pricing, including real contract deals from Mondo.co.za to help you make the right call.Design & Display: Which one feels premium?Your phone’s design is more than looks, it’s about comfort, durability and daily usability.Huawei nova 14i: Features Huawei’s sleek “Star Orbit Ring” design, weighs about 199 g, and sports a large 6.95″ FullView display with slim bezels for immersive viewing.Samsung Galaxy A36 5G: Slim at just 7.4 mm, 195 g and rated IP67 for water and dust resistance. The 6.7″ Super AMOLED display runs at 120 Hz and reaches up to 1 200 nits brightness.Honor 400 Lite: The lightest of the three at 171 g with a vivid 6.7″ AMOLED display pushing 3 500 nits brightness ideal for South Africa’s sunny conditions.Verdict: Samsung delivers the best all-round display and build quality, Huawei offers excellent value for its screen size, and Honor wins for brightness and one-hand comfort.Performance & Software: Power for everyday lifeHow your phone runs day-to-day is just as important as its looks.Huawei nova 14i: Powered by the Snapdragon 680 chipset with 8 GB RAM and 256 GB storage. Smooth for messaging, social media, streaming and light multitasking.Samsung Galaxy A36 5G: Uses the efficient Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor and up to 12 GB RAM, giving you strong multitasking and gaming performance. It runs Android 15 with up to 6 years of updates, ensuring long-term value.Honor 400 Lite: Powered by MediaTek’s Dimensity 7025 Ultra processor, it delivers smooth performance, 5G connectivity, and excellent power efficiency.Verdict: Samsung leads in long-term performance and software support; Honor is a close second with its 5G efficiency. Huawei keeps things simple, stable, and cost-effective.Cameras: Capturing every momentCamera quality continues to be a deciding factor for most South Africans.Huawei nova 14i – 50 MP main sensor, dependable low-light performance for casual shooting.Samsung Galaxy A36 5G – Triple camera setup: 50 MP main + 8 MP ultra-wide + 5 MP macro, making it versatile for travel and social media shots.Honor 400 Lite – 108 MP primary camera with AI features and fast capture for street photography or social content creation.Verdict:For natural colours and flexible framing - Samsung.For detail-rich, high-resolution photos - Honor.For dependable everyday snaps - Huawei.Battery Life & Charging: Built for load-sheddingBattery life can make or break your phone experience in South Africa.Huawei nova 14i: Massive 7 000 mAh battery for multi-day use.Samsung Galaxy A36 5G: 5 000 mAh battery with 45 W fast charging 0 to 50% in around 30 minutes.Honor 400 Lite: 5 230 mAh with 35 W fast charging balanced endurance.Verdict: Huawei dominates with raw battery life; Samsung charges the fastest; Honor offers balanced performance and battery efficiency.Deals SnapshotHuawei nova 14i - From R329 p/m × 36 months on Mondo.co.zaSamsung Galaxy A36 5G - From R349 p/m × 36 months on Mondo Mondo.co.zaHonor 400 Lite - From R349 p/m × 36 months via Mondo.co.zaConclusionThese three mid-range smartphones prove that you don’t need flagship money to get reliable performance and stylish design.Huawei nova 14i – unbeatable for battery life and budget-friendliness.Samsung Galaxy A36 5G – the all-rounder with premium display, power and long-term updates.Honor 400 Lite – perfect for content creators who love detail and bright displays.Ultimately, your choice depends on what matters most, battery, performance or camera but whichever you choose, Mondo.co.za has a deal that fits your lifestyle and your pocket.FAQsHow long do these phones receive updates?Samsung leads the pack with up to 6 years of software and security updates, followed by Honor with around 3–4 years. Huawei offers regular EMUI updates but fewer Android upgrades.Will I miss Google apps on Huawei?The Huawei nova 14i uses Huawei’s AppGallery and Petal Search instead of Google Play. Most major apps are available, but users deeply integrated with Google services may prefer Samsung or Honor.Does a 108 MP camera mean better photos?Not always. While it captures more detail in good light, image processing and sensor quality matter just as much.Which phone is best for outdoor use?The Honor 400 Lite shines outdoors with its 3 500-nit display brightness, while Samsung’s display offers accurate colour and smooth performance in all light conditions.ReferencesHuawei South Africa – Nova 14i SpecsSamsung South Africa – Galaxy A36 5GHonor South Africa – Honor 400 LiteMondo.co.za – Latest Smartphone Deals

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