Apple iPad Air 11 M4 vs Apple iPad Air 13 M3

Updated Nov 2026 · Scored by the Let’s Compare Data Engine · How we score

For most buyers the Apple iPad Air 11 M4 is the better pick — it scores 65/100 to the Apple iPad Air 13 M3's 62, leading on Memory & Storage and Build. Choose the Apple iPad Air 13 M3 instead if performance and battery matter most to you, where it comes out ahead.

Verdict

Our overall take, at a glance

Apple iPad Air 11 M4 and Apple iPad Air 13 M3 are closely matched

Apple iPad Air 11 M4

Apple iPad Air 13 M3

Where Apple iPad Air 11 M4 stands out

Performance Chipset: Apple M4
Memory & Storage RAM: 12 GB (50% more)
Build Weight: 464 g (25% less)

Where Apple iPad Air 13 M3 stands out

Battery Capacity: 9,705 mAh (28% more)
Display Size: 13 in (18% more)

Watch-outs

Compromises to know before you buy

Apple iPad Air 11 M4

60 Hz display — less smooth than 120 Hz tablets.

Apple iPad Air 13 M3

60 Hz display — less smooth than 120 Hz tablets.

Winner by category for Apple iPad Air 11 M4 vs Apple iPad Air 13 M3
Category	Apple iPad Air 11 M4	Apple iPad Air 13 M3	Winner
Display	54	53	Tie
Performance	84	88	Apple iPad Air 13 M3
Memory & Storage	60	40	Apple iPad Air 11 M4
Cameras	50	50	Tie
Battery	39	61	Apple iPad Air 13 M3
Build	74	61	Apple iPad Air 11 M4

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 11 M4

The 11-inch Apple iPad Air (M4) is a mid-tier tablet designed for users needing strong performance for productivity and creative tasks without stepping up to the Pro line. It features Apple's M4 processor alongside 12 GB of unified memory and an 11-inch Liquid Retina display with a 500-nit maximum brightness. The device also incorporates upgraded wireless hardware, offering support for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.

Best for Digital illustration and note-taking using the Apple Pencil ProBest for High-speed wireless tasks on Wi-Fi 7 networks

Pros

High-performance Apple M4 chip paired with 12 GB of memory
Support for modern wireless standards including Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6
Compatibility with advanced stylus accessories such as the Apple Pencil Pro

Cons

Lacks Face ID biometric authentication
Missing Thunderbolt/USB4 high-speed data transfer support
Utilizes only two active speakers despite having four speaker grilles

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.

Source

iPad Air (M3) - WikipediaWikipedia page detailing the hardware specifications, launch timeline, processor capabilities, and accessory changes for the iPad Air (M3).

Video — reviews used (3)

Generated Sep 1, 2026

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 11 M4

Check Price on Amazon

Apple iPad Air 13 M3

Check Price on Amazon

Battery capacity

Larger cell — a hardware spec, not battery life

Apple iPad Air 11 M47,606 mAh

Apple iPad Air 13 M39,705 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 11 M4Apple iPad Air 13 M3

Apple iPad Air 13 M3 is 152 g (33%) heavier than Apple iPad Air 11 M4.

Review Videos

Hand-picked expert reviews for each product

Detailed Specifications

The full spec sheet, side by side

Display

Feature	Apple iPad Air 11 M4	Apple iPad Air 13 M3
Display Size	11 in	13 in18% more
Resolution	2360 × 1640 px	2732 × 2048 px
Display Type
Refresh Rate	60 Hz	60 Hz
Peak Brightness	500 nits	500 nits
Pixel Density	264	264
Screen-to-body ratio	83%	87%

Performance

Feature	Apple iPad Air 11 M4	Apple iPad Air 13 M3
Chipset
Antutu score	N/A	2,262,674
Operating System	iPadOS 26	N/A

Memory & Storage

Feature	Apple iPad Air 11 M4	Apple iPad Air 13 M3
RAM	12 GB50% more	8 GB
Storage Options	128 GB	128 GB

Cameras

Feature	Apple iPad Air 11 M4	Apple iPad Air 13 M3
Rear Camera	12 MP	12 MP
Front Camera	12 MP	12 MP

Battery

Feature	Apple iPad Air 11 M4	Apple iPad Air 13 M3
Battery Capacity	7,606 mAh	9,705 mAh28% more
Fast Charging	N/A	N/A

Build

Feature	Apple iPad Air 11 M4	Apple iPad Air 13 M3
Stylus Support	Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C)	Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C)
Keyboard Support	Yes	Yes
Biometrics	Touch ID	Touch ID
Weight	464 g25% less	616 g
Water Resistance	No	N/A
Dimensions	17.85 × 24.76 × 0.61 cm	28.06 × 21.49 × 0.61 cm

Specification Note

Specifications are compiled from official manufacturer data and other reliable internet sources. Some features may vary by region or model configuration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Apple iPad Air 11 M4 vs Apple iPad Air 13 M3 comparison

Based on our overall comparison score, Apple iPad Air 11 M4 rates higher at 65/100 versus 62/100 for Apple iPad Air 13 M3 — a 3-point lead. Apple iPad Air 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 Air 11 M4 and Apple iPad Air 13 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 65/100 for Apple iPad Air 11 M4 and 62/100 for Apple iPad Air 13 M3.

If you want the higher-rated tablets option overall, Apple iPad Air 11 M4 (65/100) edges out Apple iPad Air 13 M3 (62/100). But if Apple iPad Air 13 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.