Which is better for note-taking and drawing?

The 13-inch M3 gives you more canvas, which suits sketching and side-by-side notes. The 11-inch M4 is lighter to hold while writing and works with the same Apple Pencil Pro.

Is the M4 worth it over the M3?

Yes for most buyers. The M4 adds two more CPU cores, a 9-core GPU and 12GB of memory, plus Wi-Fi 7, and it costs $180 less at the best new price.

Both are rated for up to 10 hours of battery life. The M4's newer chip and 12GB of memory should keep it useful for more years of software updates.

Is the 13-inch worth the extra $180?

Only if you need the bigger screen every day. Otherwise the 11-inch M4 is faster and cheaper.

Do both work with the same accessories?

Both work with Apple Pencil Pro. Keyboards differ: the 11-inch uses the Magic Keyboard for iPad Air, and the 13-inch uses its own Magic Keyboard and Smart Folio.

Apple 11-inch iPad Air (M4) vs Apple 13-inch iPad Air M3 chip Built for Apple Intelligence Wi-Fi 128GB

Buy the 11-inch iPad Air (M4) for most people. It is newer, faster, lighter and $180 cheaper at the best new price: $549 at bkstr.com as of November 5, 2026, versus $729 at eBay for the 13-inch M3. Choose the 13-inch only if you want the bigger screen for split-screen work, drawing or watching video and will pay the premium.

Today the Apple 11-inch iPad Air (M4) costs $180.00 less at its best price.

Ask our shopping agent

It checks today's price at every store, compares the alternatives and answers in about a minute.