Based on our overall comparison score, Apple iPad Air 13 M4 rates higher at 66/100 versus 61/100 for Apple iPad Air 11 M3 — a 5-point lead. Apple iPad Air 13 M4 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 M4 vs Apple iPad Air 11 M3
Updated Nov 2026 · Scored by the Let’s Compare Data Engine · How we score
For most buyers the Apple iPad Air 13 M4 is the better pick — it scores 65/100 to the Apple iPad Air 11 M3's 59, leading on Display and Memory & Storage. Choose the Apple iPad Air 11 M3 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 M4 leads Apple iPad Air 11 M3 overall by 6 points (65 vs 59 out of 100).
- Apple iPad Air 13 M4 stands out on Performance Chipset: Apple M4, Memory & Storage RAM: 12 GB (50% more), Battery Capacity: 9,705 mAh (28% more).
Apple iPad Air 13 M4 leads overall
Apple iPad Air 13 M4
65
Apple iPad Air 11 M3
59
Why it stands out
- Performance Chipset: Apple M4
- Memory & Storage RAM: 12 GB (50% more)
- Battery Capacity: 9,705 mAh (28% more)
Watch-outs
Compromises to know before you buy
Apple iPad Air 13 M4
- 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 M4
The 13-inch Apple iPad Air (M4) is a large-format tablet designed for users who need significant screen real estate and fast performance without jumping up to the Pro line. Powered by the Apple M4 chip paired with 12 GB of unified memory, it features a 13-inch Liquid Retina display with 600 nits of peak brightness. It also adds modern connectivity via Wi-Fi 7 and maintains support for input devices like the Apple Pencil Pro.
Best for Digital artists and designers wanting a large 13-inch visual workspace with ApplBest for High-demand iPadOS multitasking requiring M4 performance and 12 GB memory at a l
Pros
- Strong performance driven by the Apple M4 chip and standard 12 GB of unified memory
- Bright 13-inch fully laminated screen featuring wide P3 color support and True Tone
- Upgraded wireless capabilities with support for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6
- Full compatibility with the Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard accessories
Cons
- Lacks Face ID biometric unlock capabilities
- Data speeds are constrained by the absence of Thunderbolt or USB4 support
- Audio output is limited to two active speakers despite having four grilles in the chassis
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
Enter today's price for each product to see which offers better value. Use the same currency for both.
Apple iPad Air 13 M4
Apple iPad Air 11 M3
Battery capacity
Larger cell — a hardware spec, not battery life
Apple iPad Air 13 M49,705 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 M4Apple iPad Air 11 M3
Apple iPad Air 13 M4 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 M4 vs Apple iPad Air 11 M3 comparison
Apple iPad Air 13 M4 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 66/100 for Apple iPad Air 13 M4 and 61/100 for Apple iPad Air 11 M3.
If you want the higher-rated tablets option overall, Apple iPad Air 13 M4 (66/100) edges out Apple iPad Air 11 M3 (61/100). But if Apple iPad Air 11 M3 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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