Apple iPad Air 13 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 13 M4 is the better pick — it scores 66/100 to the Apple iPad Air 13 M3's 61, leading on Display and Memory & Storage. Choose the Apple iPad Air 13 M3 instead if performance matters most to you, where it comes out ahead.

Verdict

Our overall take, at a glance

Apple iPad Air 13 M4 leads overall

Apple iPad Air 13 M4

Apple iPad Air 13 M3

Why it stands out

Performance Chipset: Apple M4
Memory & Storage RAM: 12 GB (50% more)
Display Peak Brightness: 600 nits (20% 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 13 M3

60 Hz display — less smooth than 120 Hz tablets.

Winner by category for Apple iPad Air 13 M4 vs Apple iPad Air 13 M3
Category	Apple iPad Air 13 M4	Apple iPad Air 13 M3	Winner
Display	58	49	Apple iPad Air 13 M4
Performance	84	88	Apple iPad Air 13 M3
Memory & Storage	60	40	Apple iPad Air 13 M4
Cameras	50	50	Tie
Battery	50	50	Tie
Build	68	68	Tie

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 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 13 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 13 M49,705 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 13 M4Apple iPad Air 13 M3

Apple iPad Air 13 M4 and Apple iPad Air 13 M3 weigh about the same.

Review Videos

Hand-picked expert reviews for each product

Detailed Specifications

The full spec sheet, side by side

Display

Feature	Apple iPad Air 13 M4	Apple iPad Air 13 M3
Display Size	13 in	13 in
Resolution	2732 × 2048 px	2732 × 2048 px
Display Type
Refresh Rate	60 Hz	60 Hz
Peak Brightness	600 nits20% more	500 nits
Pixel Density	264	264
Screen-to-body ratio	87%	87%

Performance

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

Cameras

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

Battery

Feature	Apple iPad Air 13 M4	Apple iPad Air 13 M3
Battery Capacity	9,705 mAh	9,705 mAh
Fast Charging	N/A	N/A

Build

Feature	Apple iPad Air 13 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	616 g	616 g
Water Resistance	No	N/A
Dimensions	21.49 × 28.06 × 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 13 M4 vs Apple iPad Air 13 M3 comparison

Based on our overall comparison score, Apple iPad Air 13 M4 rates higher at 66/100 versus 62/100 for Apple iPad Air 13 M3 — a 4-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 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 66/100 for Apple iPad Air 13 M4 and 62/100 for Apple iPad Air 13 M3.

If you want the higher-rated tablets option overall, Apple iPad Air 13 M4 (66/100) 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.