In my project, I use angularjs framework and love using the $http service whenever I make an ajax call. But in parts of the project, where an UI is not directly
If Ajax request does not interact with the UI, it doesn't really matters.
$http is like Ajax request, the big difference is $http register to the digest cycle which update the UI with the new data.
If there is no need in UI update, you can use whatever makes you happy.