Apple iPad Air Apple 11" iPad Air (M4, 128GB, Wi-Fi Only, Blue) Review

The 11-inch iPad Air with the M4 chip is a powerful and sleek tablet that brings pro-level performance to a more affordable price point. It's excellent for creatives and multitaskers, but its limited base storage and average productivity scores mean it's not the best pure laptop replacement. For media consumption, a cheaper iPad is better value.

If you're looking for a powerful tablet that won't break the bank, the 11-inch iPad Air with the M4 chip is probably on your radar. It's Apple's mid-tier tablet, sitting between the basic iPad and the pro-level iPad Pro, and it's built to handle everything from streaming shows to more demanding creative work. The big story here is the M4 chip, which is the same processor you'll find in the much more expensive iPad Pro models. That means you're getting pro-level performance in a more affordable package, which is a pretty compelling pitch. For around $559, you get a sleek, 11-inch tablet with a sharp Liquid Retina display, all-day battery life, and support for accessories like the Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard.

Let's talk about that M4 chip. In our database, its CPU performance lands in the 92nd percentile and GPU performance in the 90th percentile for tablets. That's seriously fast. In practice, this means apps open instantly, you can have a dozen Safari tabs open while streaming video, and even complex AI tasks or photo editing feel smooth. It's overkill for just browsing and Netflix, but it's nice to have the headroom. The battery life, however, is just average, scoring in the 49th percentile. You'll get through a full day of mixed use, but heavy users might need to plug in by evening.

At $559, the iPad Air M4 sits in a tricky spot. It's significantly more expensive than the base iPad, but a lot cheaper than the iPad Pro. You're paying a premium for that M4 performance. If your main use is media consumption, the standard iPad is a better value. But if you need that extra power for drawing, light video editing, or just want the fastest mid-range tablet around, the Air justifies its price. Just know you're making a trade-off on storage and some pro features.

The most obvious competitor is Apple's own 11-inch iPad Pro. The Pro gives you a better 120Hz display, more storage options, and Thunderbolt 4, but you'll pay several hundred dollars more for the same M4 chip. For PC users, the Microsoft Surface Pro is a direct rival. It runs full Windows, has more ports, and our data shows it scores much higher in productivity. However, its app ecosystem for tablets isn't as polished as iPadOS. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+ is another strong Android alternative, often praised for its brilliant OLED screen and multitasking features, though its raw performance still trails the M4.

Skip the iPad Air M4 if your main goal is productivity. Our scores show it's weak here, so if you need to run complex spreadsheets, code, or manage dozens of browser tabs for work, a Surface Pro or a lightweight laptop will serve you better. Also, hardcore gamers or anyone who prioritizes a super-smooth 120Hz display should look at the iPad Pro or high-end Android tablets. And if you're just a casual user who streams videos and reads, the standard iPad is a much more budget-friendly option.

So, should you buy the 11-inch iPad Air M4? If you're deep in the Apple ecosystem and want a powerful, portable tablet for creativity, note-taking, and entertainment, this is a fantastic choice. The M4 chip is a beast. But, if you're looking for a primary device to replace your laptop for serious work, our low productivity score suggests you might be better served by a Surface Pro or even a MacBook Air. And if you just want a tablet for watching videos and browsing the web, save your money and get the standard iPad.