Apple iPad Air Apple iPad Air, 2025 with M3 Chip (11-inch, Wi-Fi, Review

The new iPad Air with the M3 chip is Apple's latest attempt to make a tablet that can do it all. It's got the brains for Apple Intelligence and enough power for most creative work, but it's still stuck in that awkward spot between the basic iPad and the full-blown Pro.

The M3 chip is no joke. It's in the 82nd percentile for CPU power, so it handles multitasking and demanding apps without breaking a sweat. The GPU is solid too, landing in the 81st percentile for graphics. But don't get too excited about the screen. At 11 inches, it's fine, but its quality only ranks in the 28th percentile compared to other tablets. The battery life is just average, sitting right at the 50th percentile mark.

At $469, this is a tricky one. You're getting an M3 chip for a lot less than the iPad Pro, which is a huge win. But you're also making big compromises on the screen, storage, and RAM. If raw processing power in a thin package is your main goal, it's a decent deal. If you care about the display or need more than 128GB, you'll feel the pinch fast.

Stack it up against the 13-inch iPad Pro with the M5, and the Pro's stunning screen and extra power make the Air's display look dated. The Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is a real alternative if you need full Windows and a laptop-replacement form factor. And the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra blows it away on screen size and quality for media consumption. The Air's main advantage is that M3 chip at a lower price than the Pro.

Buy this if you're an Apple fan who needs more power than the base iPad but can't justify the Pro's price tag. It's perfect for students, casual artists, or anyone who uses their tablet for heavy multitasking and light creative work. Just be ready to live with that average screen and plan for cloud storage or an external drive.