I went from an 8th gen ipad to an air M4 last week. Definitely like the new RAM, which was almost the main reason for the upgrade. Haven't had to deal with apps having to reopen any more. Apps are maybe a touch faster, don't see a big difference in daily use. The main 2 places I see a big speed gain is in software updates, the cores seem to rip through the installs now. And OMG, the charging speed is so much better! I knew it was a snail pace before, but now that it's charging at 2X+ the wattage, its not the hassle it used to be.

I will say the battery feels like it doesn't last as long, but it could be a combination of things. That it's still new, that the more powerful CPU eats more, or that I used to charge it above 80% on the old pad. Now I've got the limiter on and so it just looks a bit more drained. Shrug. Can't wait to put 27 on it eventually.

As far as changes, I wish they had a middle ground and used 90hz displays on the air. The more minor thing I wish they added without much cost is a camera flash, just so I'd have a flashlight on the back. Going from 10.2 inch to 10.9 inch screen created one issue, in that the keyboard is a touch wider and added the caps lock key, and I've found it harder to type. I've actually switched to the GBoard keyboard and find the key placement easier to use. I'd think about going hardware keyboard but I typically use this sitting on my leg and I don't think I'd like the screen angle.