Skip to main content
MM logo white 1
MM logo red
Image description is not available
Image description is not available

iPad vs iPad Air: which one should you choose?

Daan14 JANUARY 2026
Two iPads are shown with a "VS" symbol between them, set against a dark purple background.

Are you looking for a new tablet and hesitating between the iPad and the iPad Air? On this page, we compare the iPad Air (2025) with the 11th generation iPad (2025). We list all the differences and similarities between the 2 iPads for you.

Which iPad suits you best?

iPad (A16 – 2025): for everyday use, light apps, browsing the internet and watching videos.

iPad Air (M3 – 2025): for demanding apps and games, graphic use such as drawing and video or photo editing.

What are the main differences between the iPad and iPad Air?

A row of iPads and iPad Airs in various colours, shown from the back, with two front displays and Apple logos beneath.

In this article, we compare the 2025 iPad models: the iPad Air with M3 chip and the iPad with A16 chip. At first glance, the iPad Air (2025) and the iPad (2025) look very similar, especially from the outside. However, there are also clear differences, including the display, the processor and the accessories you can connect to both iPads. Below, you can read more about the differences between the iPad A16 and the iPad Air M3. We compare 7 aspects:

  1. Processor
  2. Speakers and microphones
  3. Screen sizes and anti-reflective coating
  4. Colours, dimensions and weight
  5. Storage capacities
  6. Compatible accessories
  7. Apple Intelligence

Everything about the latest Apple iPad models
A processor chip hovers above a motherboard; pins, slots and metal parts in close-up, with a blurred background.

The M3 vs the A16: different iPad processors

The iPad Air with M3 chip is aimed at higher performance. The M3 is a processor that’s also used in modern MacBooks, making it very suitable for intensive multitasking, demanding apps and creative use, such as photo and video editing or drawing apps. Large games also run more smoothly with more stable image quality. The iPad with A16 chip uses a processor you’ll mainly know from iPhones. This chip offers sufficient power for browsing, email, social media, video calling, streaming and lighter games. Do you want the most powerful iPad, with even better support for demanding apps? Then you can also opt for the iPad Pro.

Compare all iPad models
A woman in a living room holds a tablet, smiles at the camera and gives a thumbs-up; sofa, shelves and a lamp behind her.

Speakers and microphones

Both the iPad Air M3 and the iPad A16 are equipped with stereo speakers and 2 microphones. This means you can enjoy movies, series and games, and be heard clearly during video calls.

Four iPads float in a stack, each showing different content: a school paper, illustrations, book covers, and a blue robot sketch, plus “iPad A16”.

Screen sizes and anti-reflective coating

The displays of the iPad Air with M3 chip and the iPad with A16 chip differ in both size and finish. The iPad Air is available in 2 sizes: 11 inch and 13 inch. Its screen offers a wider colour gamut, which is especially useful for photo and video editing or if you work a lot with graphic content. In addition, the iPad Air has an anti-reflective coating that the regular iPad does not have. This reduces reflections from windows and lamps, making the screen easier to read in brightly lit rooms or outdoors.

Two iPad Air M3s overlap; left a drawing/notes screen with text and figures, right a photo of a model against a yellow background.

The iPad A16 is only available in an 11‑inch size. The resolution and brightness specs are the same as those of the Air. Both models also use True Tone. This technology automatically adjusts colours and brightness based on the ambient light, making images look more natural. For intensive reading, writing, drawing or working with media, especially on the go and outdoors, the display of the iPad Air with M3 chip has the edge thanks to its anti-reflective coating and wider colour range.

Colours, dimensions and weight of iPad and iPad Air

The iPad Air M3 is designed as a light and slim tablet, while the iPad with A16 chip is slightly thicker and a bit heavier. Both models feature an aluminium casing, but the Air looks sleeker and more premium thanks to its light, modern design, whereas the regular iPad has a slightly simpler, more playful appearance. The colours also differ. The iPad Air comes in fresh colour options, while the iPad with A16 chip is available in somewhat brighter colours. The table below summarises all the design differences for you.

Property nameiPad A16 (2025)iPad Air M3 (2025)
Colours

Silver, blue, pink, yellow

Blue, purple, starlight, space grey

Screen size

11 inch

11 inch en 13 inch

Dimensions

248.6 mm x 179.5 mm x 7 mm

247.6 mm x 178.5 mm x 6.1 mm (11 inch). 280.6 mm x 214.9 mm x 6.1 mm (13 inch)

Weight

477 grams (Wi-Fi-model), 481 grams (Wi-Fi + cellular-model)

460 grams (11 inch), 616 grams (13 inch)

Compare all iPad dimensions
An iPad on a keyboard shows overlapping windows: video editing titled “Caldera”, maps, text and thumbnails, on a white background.

Different storage options

The iPad Air M3 is aimed at demanding users and, in addition to 128 GB, 256 GB and 512 GB, also offers a 1 TB model. This is useful if you store many large photo and video projects locally, regularly work with large files, or install lots of demanding apps and games. With the iPad A16, you can choose between 128 GB, 256 GB and 512 GB. This is ideal if you mainly stream, work in the cloud and use lighter apps. For schoolwork, browsing and the occasional downloaded game or film, that amount of storage is usually more than sufficient.

A pink iPad sits on a white stand case; the screen shows text and purple flowers, with a white keyboard and stylus placed in front.

Compatibility with the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard

There are also some differences in the accessories you can use with the iPad (2025) and iPad Air (2025). The iPad Air supports the Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil (USB‑C) and the Magic Keyboard for iPad Air. The regular iPad (2025) supports the Apple Pencil (USB‑C), Apple Pencil (1st generation) and the Magic Keyboard Folio. So, when choosing your new iPad, make sure you pay close attention to the accessories you need.

All about the Apple Pencil
On an iPad there’s a digital note titled “Whale Vocalizations”, with orca drawings and explanations, plus drawing tools and a colour palette below.

Apple Intelligence on iPad Air and iPad

With Apple Intelligence, Apple adds smart AI features to the iPad, such as advanced writing assistance, summaries, recommendations and intelligent editing in photo and video apps. The M3 chip in the iPad Air is specifically designed for Apple Intelligence. If you want to get the most out of current and future Apple Intelligence features, the iPad Air with M3 chip is an excellent choice. Due to its lower CPU and GPU performance, the regular iPad does not support Apple Intelligence. If AI features are not very important to you, this will not be a major dealbreaker.

What similarities are there between the iPad Air and iPad?

On the left are three iPads in grey and white with one front display; on the right, iPad Airs fan out in pastel colours with a purple screen and logos.

Despite their differences, the iPad Air and iPad also share several similarities:

  • All current models support 5G, so you can enjoy fast mobile internet on the go if you choose a version with mobile data.
  • In terms of sound, both the iPad Air and iPad use built‑in speakers. For movies, series, music or video calls, both models deliver solid audio quality, so you often won’t need an external speaker.
  • For unlocking and security, both models offer Touch ID, allowing you to log in, confirm purchases and secure your apps quickly and safely with your fingerprint.
  • The cameras are the same on both devices. Both models have a 12 MP wide‑angle camera and a 12 MP Landscape Centre Stage camera, so you get the same quality for selfies, video recordings and especially video calls.
  • The battery life of the iPad Air and iPad is also the same: up to 10 hours of web browsing over Wi‑Fi and up to 9 hours over mobile data.
  • The iPad Air (2025) and iPad (2025) both use a USB‑C connection. This means you can use the same cables and chargers (for example from a recent MacBook or other USB‑C devices) and easily connect accessories and external storage.

Compare the iPad Air and iPad

To keep everything clear, we’ve summarised all the differences and similarities for you in a table.

Property nameiPad (2025)iPad Air (2025)
Processor

A16 chip

M3 chip

Audio & recording

Stereo speakers and 2 microphones

Stereo speakers and 2 microphones

Display

11 inch (2360 x 1640 pixels at 264 ppi, 500 nits brightness)

2360 x 1640 pixels at 264 ppi, 500 nits brightness (11 inch). 2732 x 2048 pixels at 264 ppi, 600 nits brightness (13 inch) and anti reflective coating

Camera

12 MP wide angle camera and 12 MP Landscape Centre Stage camera

12 MP wide angle camera and 12 MP Landscape Centre Stage camera

Battery

Up to 10 hours of web browsing or video playback over Wi Fi. Up to 9 hours of web browsing over a mobile data network

Up to 10 hours of web browsing or video playback over Wi Fi. Up to 9 hours of web browsing over a mobile data network

Colours

Blue, pink, yellow, silver

Space grey, blue, purple, starlight

Dimensions & weight

248.6 mm x 179.5 mm x 7 mm and 477 grams (Wi Fi model) or 481 grams (Wi Fi + Cellular model)

247.6 mm x 178.5 mm x 6.1 mm and 460 grams (11 inch). 280.6 mm x 214.9 mm x 6.1 mm and 616 grams (13 inch)

Storage capacities

128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB

128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB

Security & unlocking

Touch ID

Touch ID

Compatible accessories

Apple Pencil USB C and 1st generation, Magic Keyboard Folio

Apple Pencil Pro and USB C, Magic Keyboard for iPad Air

Port

USB C

USB C

Apple Intelligence

No

Yes

5G

Yes

Yes

Our advice on choosing between the iPad Air and iPad

A man sits indoors using an iPad on a stand; he looks focused and taps the screen, with warm lighting and a wooden wall behind.

The iPad Air (2025) and iPad (2025) are both strong tablets for everyday use.

Do you often use demanding apps or like to play larger games? Then of course you’ll want to enjoy the best possible performance, making the iPad Air the right option. Do you mainly use lighter apps, spend most of your time browsing the web and prefer a more affordable choice? Then the standard iPad will probably suit you better. In addition, the iPad Pro is a good option if you’re a graphic designer and want the most powerful iPad in the range.

Compare the iPad Air with the iPad Pro

These articles may also be interesting for you