Based on our overall comparison score, Apple iPad Pro 11 M4 rates higher at 79/100 versus 66/100 for Apple iPad Air 11 M3 — a 13-point lead. Apple iPad Pro 11 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 Pro 11 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 Pro 11 M4 is the better pick — it scores 68/100 to the Apple iPad Air 11 M3's 55, leading on Display and Performance. Choose the Apple iPad Air 11 M3 instead if you want to spend less.
Verdict
Our overall take, at a glance
Key takeaways
- Apple iPad Pro 11 M4 leads Apple iPad Air 11 M3 overall by 13 points (68 vs 55 out of 100).
- Apple iPad Pro 11 M4 stands out on Display Refresh Rate: 120 Hz (100% more), Display Peak Brightness: 1,600 nits (220% more), Memory & Storage Storage Options: 256 GB (100% more).
Apple iPad Pro 11 M4 leads overall
Apple iPad Pro 11 M4
68
Apple iPad Air 11 M3
55
Why it stands out
- Display Refresh Rate: 120 Hz (100% more)
- Display Peak Brightness: 1,600 nits (220% more)
- Memory & Storage Storage Options: 256 GB (100% more)
Watch-outs
Compromises to know before you buy
Apple iPad Pro 11 M4
No notable compromises found.
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 Pro 11 M4
The Apple iPad Pro 11 M4 is an ultra-thin, high-performance tablet engineered for demanding mobile workflows and media consumption. It features Apple's powerful M4 system-on-a-chip and is the first model in the line to incorporate a Tandem OLED display. The device provides exceptional computing capability in a highly portable chassis measuring just 5.3 mm in thickness.
Best for High-dynamic-range (HDR) video editing and precise color-grading on the goBest for High-speed data transfers and desktop-class docking using Thunderbolt 3…
Pros
- High-performance Apple M4 processor with configuration options for up to 16 GB of RAM
- Dual-stack Tandem OLED display delivering up to 1600 nits of peak HDR brightness
- Landscape-oriented front camera improves the alignment and feel of video calls
- Extremely thin and lightweight design weighing under one pound for the Wi-Fi model
- Fast data transfers and accessory support via the USB-C port with Thunderbolt 3 and USB4 compatibility
Cons
- Omission of the ultra-wide rear camera found on previous generations, leaving only a single 12 MP main sensor
- The glare-reducing nano-texture screen option is restricted exclusively to the more expensive 1 TB and 2 TB storage configurations
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 Pro 11 M4
Apple iPad Air 11 M3
Performance
Higher benchmark score = faster
Apple iPad Pro 11 M42,566,792
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 Pro 11 M48,160 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 Pro 11 M4Apple iPad Air 11 M3
Apple iPad Air 11 M3 is 16 g (4%) heavier than Apple iPad Pro 11 M4.
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 Pro 11 M4 vs Apple iPad Air 11 M3 comparison
Apple iPad Pro 11 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 79/100 for Apple iPad Pro 11 M4 and 66/100 for Apple iPad Air 11 M3.
If you want the higher-rated tablets option overall, Apple iPad Pro 11 M4 (79/100) edges out Apple iPad Air 11 M3 (66/100). 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.
Which would you buy?
Cast your voteOther Popular Comparisons
Explore more product comparisons
Apple iPad Pro 11 M4
Apple iPad Pro 13 M5
VS
Apple iPad Air 11 M3
Apple iPad Pro 13 M5
VS
Apple iPad Pro 11 M4
Apple iPad Pro 11 M5
VS
Apple iPad Air 11 M3
Apple iPad Pro 11 M5
VS
Apple iPad Pro 11 M4
Apple iPad Pro 13 M4
VS
Apple iPad Air 11 M3
Apple iPad Pro 13 M4
VS
Apple iPad Air 13 M4
Apple iPad Pro 11 M4
VS
Apple iPad Air 11 M3
Apple iPad Air 13 M4
VS
Apple iPad Air 11 M4
Apple iPad Pro 11 M4
VS
Apple iPad Air 11 M3
Apple iPad Air 11 M4
VS
Apple iPad Air 13 M3
Apple iPad Pro 11 M4
VS
Apple iPad Air 11 M3
Apple iPad Air 13 M3
VS