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Apple 11-inch iPad Air M4 vs Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB

The iPad Air M4 is the stronger tablet: the M4 chip, 8GB-class memory for Apple Intelligence, USB4 at 40Gbps, Wi-Fi 7 and Apple Pencil Pro support put it well ahead of the A16 iPad for note-taking, drawing and multitasking. The A16 iPad is the simpler pick for browsing, streaming, reading and light note apps, and owners rate it highly. Both are 11-inch Liquid Retina panels at 264 ppi with 12MP front cameras and Touch ID, so the screen and unlock experience feel similar; the gap is chip, ports and pencil features.

  • Choose the iPad Air M4 if you take handwritten notes daily, draw, edit video, or want a tablet that stays fast for years and runs Apple Intelligence.
  • Choose the A16 iPad if you mainly stream, read, browse and take light notes, and want the simplest iPad that covers those jobs.

Prices

  • Apple 11-inch iPad Air M4: $579.00 at iPowerResale (last seen Nov 12)
  • Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB: $26.99 at Rent-A-Center (last seen Nov 8)
  • Difference: the Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB is $552.01 cheaper than the Apple 11-inch iPad Air M4 at the latest prices (Nov 8 and Nov 12)
Apple
11-inch iPad Air M4, Built for Apple Intelligence, Wi-Fi 128GB

Apple 11-inch iPad Air M4

11-inch iPad Air M4, Built for Apple Intelligence, Wi-Fi 128GB

4.4(930 ratings)
$579.00at iPowerResaleChecked Nov 12
See all prices and details
Visit iPowerResale
Pros
  • M4 chip handles heavy multitasking, video editing and games
  • USB4 makes external SSDs and monitors practical
  • Apple Pencil Pro adds squeeze, barrel roll and haptic feedback for note-taking and art
  • Wi-Fi 7 and a thinner, lighter body
  • Runs Apple Intelligence features
Cons
  • Costs more than the base iPad for the same 128GB
  • No water resistance
  • 128GB fills fast if you store video or large app libraries
Apple
Apple iPad (2025) A16 Chip Wi-Fi 128GB

Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB

Apple iPad (2025) A16 Chip Wi-Fi 128GB

4.7(2,574 ratings)
$26.99at Rent-A-CenterChecked Nov 8
See all prices and details
Visit Rent-A-Center
Pros
  • Covers streaming, reading, browsing and light note apps well
  • Owners rate it 4.7 out of 5 across more than 2,500 ratings
  • Same 11-inch 264 ppi screen, 12MP front camera and Touch ID as the Air
  • Simpler and lighter on the wallet than the Air
Cons
  • A16 chip and USB 2.0 limit file transfers and heavy apps
  • No Apple Intelligence support
  • No Apple Pencil Pro features and no trackpad keyboard case

What separates them

Apple 11-inch iPad Air M4Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB
ChipApple M4, octa-coreApple A16, hexa-core
Apple IntelligenceBuilt for itNot a supported platform for it
USB portUSB4 at 40Gbps, fast external drives and displaysUSB 2.0 at 480Mbps, slow file transfers
Wi-FiWi-Fi 7Wi-Fi 6
StylusApple Pencil Pro support, including squeeze and barrel rollWorks with Apple Pencil (USB-C) and first-gen via adapter, no Pro features
KeyboardMagic Keyboard for iPad Air, trackpad and floating designNo Apple keyboard case with trackpad for this model
Display11-inch Liquid Retina, 264 ppi, True Tone11-inch Liquid Retina, 264 ppi, 60Hz
Weight and thickness16.4 oz, 0.2 in16.8 oz, 0.3 in

Price history

$749.00$26.99
Nov 7Nov 14
  • Apple 11-inch iPad Air M4: lowest $579.00 on Nov 11 at iPowerResale; $636.00 on Nov 14.
  • Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB: lowest $26.99 on Nov 8 at Rent-A-Center; $399.99 on Nov 14.

Prices at every store

Apple 11-inch iPad Air M4

  • PC Richard & SonNew

    In stock

    $636.00Free shippingChecked 1 h ago
    Visit PC Richard & Son
  • NFMNew

    In stock

    $648.99Checked Nov 10
    Visit NFM
  • iPowerResaleNew

    Availability unknown

    $579.00Free shippingChecked Nov 12
    Visit iPowerResale
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $649.00Free shippingChecked 1 h ago
    Visit Amazon

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 25 stores and price history →

Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB

  • Rent-A-CenterNew

    In stock

    $26.99Free shippingChecked Nov 8
    Visit Rent-A-Center
  • PC Richard & SonNew

    In stock

    $389.00Free shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit PC Richard & Son
  • TargetNew

    In stock

    $399.99Free shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit Target
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $399.99Free shippingChecked 23 h ago
    Visit Amazon

Also available at

  • CCT RepairsCheck price at CCT Repairs
  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart
  • StaplesCheck price at Staples

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 22 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecApple 11-inch iPad Air M4Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB
hard_drive_capacity128 GB128
actual_colorBlueBlue
screen_size11 in11.0
colorBlueBlue
size11-inch11-inch
ConnectionsUSB-CUSB-C
BluetoothYesYes
Camera Resolution (front) (MP)12.012.0
Active Digitizer (Stylus pen)YesYes
System on Chip (SoC)Apple M4Apple A16
Pixel Density (PPI)264264
SIM CardeSIMeSIM
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecApple 11-inch iPad Air M4Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB
Depth (")0.20.3
No. of Back Cameras11
USB VersionUSB4 Gen 3x2 (40Gbps)USB 2.0 (480Mbps)
No. of Front Cameras11
Video Resolution (max)2160p (4K)2160p (4K)
Water ResistantNoNo
Fingerprint ReaderYesYes
Processor CoresOcta CoreHexa Core
Weight (oz)16.416.8
Release Year

What reviewers say

Apple 11-inch iPad Air M4

  • 4.4 / 5930 ratings

Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 930 ratings. Owners praise the M4 speed, the display and the value against the iPad Pro; the most common complaints are the 128GB base storage and the cost of accessories.

What people mention
  • PerformancePraisedOwners say the M4 chip keeps apps and multitasking smooth.
  • DisplayPraisedReviewers call the Liquid Retina screen sharp and good for notes and video.
  • StorageCriticisedBuyers say 128GB fills up fast with apps, photos and downloads.
  • AccessoriesMixedPencil Pro and Magic Keyboard support is welcome, but buyers dislike paying extra for them.

Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB

  • 4.7 / 52,574 ratings

Owners rate it highly, calling it a fast, reliable everyday tablet with a good screen and long software support. Complaints focus on the 60Hz display and the cost of add-on accessories.

What people mention
  • PerformancePraisedOwners say the A16 keeps apps and multitasking responsive for daily tasks.
  • DisplayMixedThe screen is sharp and bright, but the 60Hz refresh rate is noticed next to 120Hz models.
  • BatteryPraisedReviewers report it lasts a full day of streaming, browsing and notes.
  • AccessoriesCriticised
Reviews
  • iPad Air M4 review: Still Apple's best overall tablet, with a few caveats - Engadget - iPad Air M4 review: Still Apple's best overall tablet
  • Best iPad of 2026: How to Choose, and Should You Wait? - CNET
  • The Best iPads We've Tested for 2026 - PCMag editors select and review products independently
  • What's the Best iPad to Buy in 2026? - PCMag editors select and review products independently
  • What's the Best iPad to Buy in 2026?

Questions and answers

Which is better for handwritten notes and studying?
The iPad Air M4. Apple Pencil Pro support adds squeeze, barrel roll and haptics, and the M4 chip keeps note apps and split-screen study smooth. The A16 iPad handles basic note apps but with a plainer pencil experience.
Do both have the same screen?
Yes, both are 11-inch Liquid Retina panels at 2360x1640 and 264 ppi. The Air adds True Tone and a thinner body; the A16 iPad is fixed at 60Hz.
Which lasts longer?
The iPad Air M4. Its chip, USB4 and Wi-Fi 7 keep it current longer, and it will get Apple Intelligence features the A16 iPad cannot run. The A16 iPad is fine for years of light use but has less headroom.
Is the Air worth stepping up to?
If you draw, edit video, move large files or want Apple Intelligence, yes. If you mostly stream and read, the A16 iPad covers that and owners rate it highly.
Can I use the same accessories on both?
No. The Air takes Apple Pencil Pro and the Magic Keyboard for iPad Air. The A16 iPad takes Apple Pencil (USB-C) or first-gen with an adapter, and has no Apple trackpad keyboard case.
Which is better for video calls?
Both have a 12MP front camera with Center Stage, so calls look similar. The Air's M4 chip handles background effects and multitasking during calls more smoothly.

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2026
2025
Height (")9.77.1
Operating SystemiPadOSiPadOS
Storage Capacity128 GB128 GB
Battery TechnologyLi-IonLiPo
Screen Resolution2360x16402360x1640
Wi-FiYesYes
Manufacturer ColorBlueBlue
Camera Resolution (MP)12.012.0
SeriesApple iPad AirApple iPad
Width (")7.09.8
Wi-Fi StandardWi-Fi 7 (802.11be)Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
No. of USB-C (pcs)11
RAM12 GBRAM: 6 GB, RAM: 8 GB
BrandAppleApple
Model nameiPad Air 11 (2026)MD4A4LL/A
Data storage128 GB128 GB
Battery life10 h10 hours battery
DisplayRetina DisplayRetina Display
Buyers complain the keyboard and stylus are sold separately and push up the total cost.
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