They are closely matched: Apple iPad Air 13 M3 scores 68/100 and Apple iPad Air 11 M3 scores 66/100 in our overall comparison — within 2 points. Neither is a clear winner overall, so the decision comes down to the specific features and price that matter most to you.
Apple iPad Air 13 M3 vs Apple iPad Air 11 M3
Updated Nov 2026 · Scored by the Let’s Compare Data Engine · How we score
The Apple iPad Air 13 M3 and Apple iPad Air 11 M3 are closely matched at 62 and 61/100. The Apple iPad Air 13 M3 edges ahead on Performance and Battery, while the Apple iPad Air 11 M3 leads on Build — pick the one whose strengths match what you'll actually use.
Verdict
Our overall take, at a glance
Key takeaways
- Apple iPad Air 13 M3 and Apple iPad Air 11 M3 are closely matched overall (within 1 point).
- Apple iPad Air 13 M3 stands out on Battery Capacity: 9,705 mAh (28% more), Display Size: 13 in (18% more), Performance Antutu score: 2,262,674 (11% more).
- Apple iPad Air 11 M3 counters with Build Weight: 460 g (25% less).
Apple iPad Air 13 M3 and Apple iPad Air 11 M3 are closely matched
Apple iPad Air 13 M3
62
Apple iPad Air 11 M3
61
Where Apple iPad Air 13 M3 stands out
- Battery Capacity: 9,705 mAh (28% more)
- Display Size: 13 in (18% more)
- Performance Antutu score: 2,262,674 (11% more)
Where Apple iPad Air 11 M3 stands out
- Build Weight: 460 g (25% less)
Watch-outs
Compromises to know before you buy
Apple iPad Air 13 M3
- 60 Hz display — less smooth than 120 Hz tablets.
Apple iPad Air 11 M3
- 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 Air 11 M3
The 11-inch Apple iPad Air (7th generation) is a mid-tier tablet driven by the Apple M3 processor and equipped with 8 GB of unified memory. It features a fully laminated 2360 x 1640 Liquid Retina display with up to 500 nits of max brightness and P3 wide color support. Built for portable productivity and digital creation, it integrates with Apple Intelligence features and supports advanced accessories like the Apple Pencil Pro.
Best for Digital illustration and design work using the Apple Pencil Pro on a fully laminBest for Mobile productivity relying on on-device AI features like contextual writing too
Pros
- Apple M3 processor adds hardware-accelerated ray tracing and mesh shading for high-end gaming and 3D rendering
- Upgraded Neural Engine and 8 GB of unified memory enable smooth execution of on-device Apple Intelligence tasks
- Supports modern input accessories including the Apple Pencil Pro and an updated Magic Keyboard with a dedicated function row
Cons
- The redesigned Magic Keyboard accessory removes key backlighting present in the previous generation
- Display panels in this series are susceptible to jelly scrolling effects
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 Air 11 M3
Performance
Higher benchmark score = faster
Apple iPad Air 13 M32,262,674
Apple iPad Air 11 M32,045,290
Benchmark score — a measured indicator of raw performance, not a guarantee of real-world speed.
Battery capacity
Larger cell — a hardware spec, not battery life
Apple iPad Air 13 M39,705 mAh
Apple iPad Air 11 M37,606 mAh
Capacity is the raw battery size. Real-world battery life depends just as much on the processor, software and display.
Physical Comparison
Weigh them up, then compare real dimensions in 3D
Apple iPad Air 13 M3Apple iPad Air 11 M3
Apple iPad Air 13 M3 is 156 g (34%) heavier than Apple iPad Air 11 M3.
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 Air 11 M3 comparison
Apple iPad Air 13 M3 and Apple iPad Air 11 M3 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 68/100 for Apple iPad Air 13 M3 and 66/100 for Apple iPad Air 11 M3.
It's close — Apple iPad Air 13 M3 (68/100) and Apple iPad Air 11 M3 (66/100) score almost the same. Pick based on price and the individual specs that matter most to you; the comparison above shows where each one pulls ahead.
Which would you buy?
Cast your voteOther Popular Comparisons
Explore more product comparisons
Apple iPad Air 11 M3
Apple iPad Pro 13 M5
VS
Apple iPad Air 11 M3
Apple iPad Pro 11 M5
VS
Apple iPad Air 11 M3
Apple iPad Pro 13 M4
VS
Apple iPad Air 11 M3
Apple iPad Pro 11 M4
VS
Apple iPad Air 11 M3
Apple iPad Air 13 M4
VS
Apple iPad Air 11 M3
Apple iPad Air 11 M4
VS
Apple iPad Air 11 M3
Apple iPad Air 13 M3
VS
Apple iPad Air 11 M2
Apple iPad Air 11 M3
VS
Apple iPad (A16)
Apple iPad Air 11 M3
VS
Apple iPad Air 11 M3
Apple iPad mini 7
VS
Apple iPad 10th Gen
Apple iPad Air 11 M3
VS
Apple iPad Air 11 M3
Honor MagicPad 3
VS