Based on our overall comparison score, Apple iPad Air 13 M3 rates higher at 62/100 versus 58/100 for Apple iPad (A16) — a 4-point lead. Apple iPad Air 13 M3 is the stronger overall pick, though the right choice still depends on which specs matter most to you; the full spec table above breaks down every difference.
Apple iPad Air 13 M3 vs Apple iPad (A16)
Updated Nov 2026 · Scored by the Let’s Compare Data Engine · How we score
For most buyers the Apple iPad Air 13 M3 is the better pick — it scores 68/100 to the Apple iPad (A16)'s 58, leading on Performance and Memory & Storage. Choose the Apple iPad (A16) instead if build matters most to you, where it comes out ahead.
Verdict
Our overall take, at a glance
Key takeaways
- Apple iPad Air 13 M3 leads Apple iPad (A16) overall by 10 points (68 vs 58 out of 100).
- Apple iPad Air 13 M3 stands out on Performance Antutu score: 2,262,674 (60% more), Performance Chipset: Apple M3, Memory & Storage RAM: 8 GB (33% more).
Apple iPad Air 13 M3 leads overall
Apple iPad Air 13 M3
68
Apple iPad (A16)
58
Why it stands out
- Performance Antutu score: 2,262,674 (60% more)
- Performance Chipset: Apple M3
- Memory & Storage RAM: 8 GB (33% more)
Watch-outs
Compromises to know before you buy
Apple iPad Air 13 M3
- 60 Hz display — less smooth than 120 Hz tablets.
Apple iPad (A16)
- 60 Hz display — less smooth than 120 Hz tablets.
In-depth analysisAI
AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Nov 2026.
Apple iPad Air 13 M3
The Apple iPad Air 13 M3 is a large-screen tablet designed for users seeking high-tier performance without upgrading to the Pro lineup. Powered by the Apple M3 chip, this device features a 13-inch Liquid Retina display and 8 GB of unified memory to support demanding workflows, gaming, and local machine learning tasks. It serves as a capable bridge between lightweight media consumption and serious mobile productivity.
Best for Split-screen multitasking and productivity work that benefits from a larger…Best for Running graphics-intensive games and local AI-driven software featuresBest for Creative professionals and students utilizing stylus-based workflows with the…
Pros
- Equipped with the Apple M3 processor, which brings hardware-accelerated ray tracing and a much faster Neural Engine for local AI processing.
- Expansive 13-inch Liquid Retina screen provides excellent canvas space for creative tasks and split-screen multitasking.
- Compatible with the updated Magic Keyboard, which adds a larger trackpad and a physical 14-key function row.
- Fast wireless speeds with support for Wi-Fi 6E and sub-6 GHz 5G mobile networks.
Cons
- The redesigned Magic Keyboard companion accessory has had its key backlighting removed.
- Weighing 617 grams (1.36 lbs) for the tablet alone, it is notably heavier and less handheld-friendly than the smaller 11-inch option.
Apple iPad (A16)
The 11th-generation Apple iPad is powered by the Apple A16 Bionic processor built on TSMC's N4P process. It features a 6-core CPU with two high-performance and four energy-efficient cores, paired with 6 GB of LPDDR5 RAM. Positioned as Apple's core entry-level tablet, it delivers capable computational and graphics performance for everyday applications, digital media, and light creative tasks.
Best for Everyday app usage, web browsing, and high-definition video streamingBest for Light digital illustration and casual video editing tasks requiring hardware-acc
Pros
- Equipped with 6 GB of fast LPDDR5 memory for high bandwidth during multitasking
- Includes a 16-core Neural Engine capable of up to 17 trillion operations per second
- Hardware support for encoding and decoding HEVC, H.264, and ProRes video codecs
Cons
- Uses a binned variant of the A16 chip with one GPU core disabled, leaving it with 4 graphics cores instead of 5
Value for Money
Which is the better deal for the price
Pre-filled with launch prices where known — enter today's price for an up-to-date check. Use the same currency for both.
Apple iPad Air 13 M3
Apple iPad (A16)
Performance
Higher benchmark score = faster
Apple iPad Air 13 M32,262,674
Apple iPad (A16)1,414,489
Benchmark score — a measured indicator of raw performance, not a guarantee of real-world speed.
Physical Comparison
Weigh them up, then compare real dimensions in 3D
Apple iPad Air 13 M3Apple iPad (A16)
Apple iPad Air 13 M3 is 139 g (29%) heavier than Apple iPad (A16).
Review Videos
Hand-picked expert reviews for each product
Detailed Specifications
The full spec sheet, side by side
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Apple iPad Air 13 M3 vs Apple iPad (A16) comparison
Apple iPad Air 13 M3 and Apple iPad (A16) are compared side by side above across every spec in the tablets category — including performance, features and design — each scored 0–100 so you can see exactly where one leads the other. Our overall scores are 62/100 for Apple iPad Air 13 M3 and 58/100 for Apple iPad (A16).
If you want the higher-rated tablets option overall, Apple iPad Air 13 M3 (62/100) edges out Apple iPad (A16) (58/100). But if Apple iPad (A16) is cheaper or stronger on the specific specs you care about, it can still be the better buy — use the spec table and strengths profile above to decide.
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