Apple iPad Air Apple 11" iPad Air (M4, 256GB, Wi-Fi + 5G, Blue) Review

The 11-inch iPad Air with the M4 chip is a powerhouse tablet that blurs the line between tablet and laptop. It offers pro-level performance in a more affordable package, though you'll need to buy the keyboard and pencil separately to unlock its full potential. It's the best choice for artists, designers, and power users on a budget.

If you're looking for a high-performance tablet that's more affordable than the iPad Pro, the 11-inch iPad Air with the M4 chip is probably on your list. Starting at $849 for this 256GB cellular model, it's Apple's mid-tier tablet, but with specs that feel anything but mid-tier. It's packing the same M4 chip found in the latest MacBook Air, 12GB of RAM, and Wi-Fi 7, making it one of the most powerful tablets you can buy right now. And yes, it supports the Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard, so it's ready to be your on-the-go creative studio or productivity hub.

Let's talk about that M4 chip. In our database, its CPU performance lands in the 91st percentile for tablets, which is frankly ridiculous. This thing is faster than most laptops. The 9-core GPU is no slouch either, sitting in the 90th percentile. What does that mean for you? Apps launch instantly, you can edit 4K video without a hiccup, and even demanding games run smoothly. The 12GB of RAM (in the 80th percentile) means you can have a ton of apps and browser tabs open without things slowing down. The only performance area that's just average is the battery, which scores in the 48th percentile. It'll get you through a day, but don't expect multi-day endurance.

At $849, this iPad Air sits in a tricky spot. It's significantly more powerful than the base iPad, but you're paying a premium for that M4 chip and cellular connectivity. The value really depends on what you need. If raw power for creative apps is your top priority, this is a fantastic deal compared to a similarly specced laptop. But if you just want a tablet for media and light work, the standard iPad or even last year's Air might save you a few hundred bucks.

The most obvious competitor is Apple's own 11-inch iPad Pro. The Pro gives you a better 120Hz ProMotion display, slightly better speakers, and a more advanced camera array, but it costs several hundred dollars more for similar storage. For Android users, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+ is the direct rival. It has a gorgeous OLED screen and better multitasking software out of the box, but its processor isn't as powerful as the M4. Then there's the Microsoft Surface Pro. It's a full Windows laptop replacement, which is a huge plus, but it's heavier, more expensive, and its battery life can be inconsistent. The iPad Air wins on pure performance and app ecosystem, but loses on display refresh rate and true laptop-level software.

Skip this iPad Air if you're on a tight budget and just want a tablet for media consumption. The base iPad is a better value. Also, hardcore gamers or artists who crave the absolute smoothest display should save up for the 120Hz iPad Pro. And if your daily work requires specific Windows or desktop Mac software, a device like the Microsoft Surface Pro or a MacBook Air is still a more practical choice, even if the iPad is more powerful on paper.

So, should you buy it? If you need a tablet that can genuinely replace a laptop for creative work like illustration, video editing, or music production, and you want the flexibility of cellular data, this iPad Air is an easy yes. The M4 chip is overkill for most people, but it future-proofs this device for years. However, if your tablet life is mostly about watching videos, browsing the web, and reading, this is overkill. You'd be better off with the base iPad and putting the savings toward the Apple Pencil or a nice case.