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Apple 11-inch iPad Pro vs Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M3)

Buy the iPad Pro if you want the best tablet Apple makes: the M5 chip, a 120Hz Ultra Retina XDR display, Thunderbolt and Face ID put it ahead on performance and screen quality. Buy the iPad Air if you want a lighter, simpler tablet that still runs iPadOS and Apple Intelligence well. Owners and reviewers consistently praise the Pro's screen and speed and call the Air the better-balanced everyday pick; the Pro costs more and its keyboard and pencil are sold separately, while the Air gives up the 120Hz panel, Thunderbolt and Face ID.

  • Choose the iPad Pro if you edit video, draw, or run heavy apps and want the fastest chip and the best display in a tablet.
  • Choose the iPad Air if you mainly browse, stream, take notes and want a lighter tablet that still handles Apple Intelligence.

Prices

  • Apple 11-inch iPad Pro: $182.00 at indianexpress.com (last seen Nov 7)
  • Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M3): $494.99 at MobileSquare (last seen Nov 9)
  • Difference: the Apple 11-inch iPad Pro is $312.99 cheaper than the Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M3) at the latest prices (Nov 7 and Nov 9)
Apple
Apple 11-inch iPad Pro Wi-Fi 256GB

Apple 11-inch iPad Pro

Apple 11-inch iPad Pro Wi-Fi 256GB

4.8(73 ratings)
$182.00at indianexpress.comChecked Nov 7
See all prices and details
Visit indianexpress.com
Pros
  • M5 chip is the fastest in any iPad
  • 120Hz Ultra Retina XDR screen is bright and smooth
  • Thunderbolt port for fast drives and displays
  • Face ID unlock and 12MP front camera
  • Wi-Fi 7 and 5G eSIM options
Cons
  • Heavier and thicker than the Air
  • Keyboard and pencil cost extra
  • Nano-texture glass only on higher storage tiers
  • Overkill for basic browsing and streaming
Apple
iPad Air 11-inch 256GB Wi-Fi (M3 chip)

Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M3)

iPad Air 11-inch 256GB Wi-Fi (M3 chip)

$494.99at MobileSquareChecked Nov 9
See all prices and details
Visit MobileSquare
Pros
  • Lighter and easier to hold for long sessions
  • M3 chip handles everyday apps and Apple Intelligence
  • Touch ID in the top button is quick and reliable
  • Wi-Fi 6E and 10-hour battery
  • Same 256GB storage as the Pro
Cons
  • 60Hz display feels less smooth than the Pro
  • No Thunderbolt, Face ID or Wi-Fi 7
  • Single rear camera setup
  • Accessories sold separately

What separates them

Apple 11-inch iPad ProApple iPad Air 11-inch (M3)
ChipApple M5 with Neural Accelerators for on-device AIApple M3, 8-core CPU and 9-core GPU
Display11-inch Ultra Retina XDR, 120Hz ProMotion, 264 ppi11-inch Liquid Retina, 60Hz, 2360 x 1640
UnlockFace IDTouch ID in the top button
PortsThunderbolt and USB-CUSB-C only
WirelessWi-Fi 7, 5G cellular option with eSIMWi-Fi 6E, cellular option
Weight16.4 ozAbout 1 lb (roughly 16 oz)
Battery lifeUp to 10 hoursUp to 10 hours, 28.93 Wh
AccessoriesApple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard sold separatelyApple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard sold separately

Price history

$1,139.00$182.00
Nov 3Nov 15
  • Apple 11-inch iPad Pro: lowest $182.00 on Nov 7 at indianexpress.com; $799.00 on Nov 15.

Prices at every store

Apple 11-inch iPad Pro

  • WalmartNew

    In stockSold by Wireless Source

    $310.49Checked Nov 7
    Visit Walmart
  • indianexpress.comNew

    Availability unknown

    $182.00Checked Nov 7
    Visit indianexpress.com
  • mybluehost.meNew

    Availability unknown

    $400.00Checked Nov 2
    Visit mybluehost.me
  • fishisfast.comNew

    Availability unknown

    $459.99Checked Nov 3
    Visit fishisfast.com

Also available at

  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart
All 27 stores and price history →

Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M3)

  • MobileSquareNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $494.99Checked Nov 9
    Visit MobileSquare
Prices and history →

Specs compared

SpecApple 11-inch iPad ProApple iPad Air 11-inch (M3)
Operating SystemiOSiPadOS 18
Display Resolution2388 x 16682360 x 1640
Storage256 GB Storage256GB
Battery Capacity7,538 mAh28.93-watt-hour
BluetoothYesBluetooth 5.3
OS VersioniPadOS 26iPadOS 17, iPadOS 18
Wi-FiYesWiFi 6E (802.11axe)
Battery TypeLithium-polymerRechargeable lithium‑polymer battery
ColorSpace Gray—
Energy StarYes—
Network Connectivity5G—
Screen Size11 in screen—
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecApple 11-inch iPad ProApple iPad Air 11-inch (M3)
Weight16.4 oz—
Battery Life10 hours battery—
Rear Camera Resolution12 MP rear camera—
RAMRAM: 8 GB—
Front Camera Resolution12 MP front camera—
Language / RegionEnglish / United States—
ConnectionsThunderbolt, USB-C—
Active Digitizer (Stylus pen)Yes—
Camera Resolution (front) (MP)12.0—

What reviewers say

Apple 11-inch iPad Pro

  • 4.8 / 573 ratings

Owners rate the 11-inch iPad Pro highly, praising its speed and screen for drawing, editing and everyday use. Complaints center on accessory costs and on iPadOS not replacing a laptop for some tasks.

What people mention
  • PerformancePraisedOwners say apps open fast and heavy editing work stays smooth.
  • DisplayPraisedReviewers call the screen sharp and bright, good for drawing and watching video.
  • PortabilityPraisedBuyers like that it is light enough to carry all day.
  • AccessoriesCriticisedOwners complain that the Pencil and keyboard are expensive add-ons.

Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M3)

Owners and reviewers treat the M3 iPad Air as the sensible middle of Apple's tablet line: fast enough for most creative and everyday work, light, and well built. Most criticism centers on the 60Hz LCD screen and the cost of accessories rather than performance.

What people mention
  • PerformancePraisedOwners say the M3 chip keeps apps, games and editing smooth with no slowdown in daily use.
  • DisplayMixedReviewers call the 11-inch screen sharp and color-accurate but note the 60Hz refresh rate and LCD contrast fall short of the Pro.
  • BatteryPraisedUsers report it lasts a full day of browsing, video and note-taking on a charge.
  • AccessoriesCriticisedBuyers complain the Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard are sold separately and add significant cost.

Questions and answers

Which is better for drawing and note-taking?
The iPad Pro. Its 120Hz ProMotion screen makes Apple Pencil strokes feel smoother and more responsive, and the M5 chip keeps large canvases fluid. The Air works fine for notes, but the Pro is the better fit for serious art.
Is the iPad Air enough for most people?
Yes. The M3 chip, 256GB storage and 10-hour battery cover browsing, streaming, email, video calls and note-taking. Step up to the Pro only if you need the 120Hz screen, Thunderbolt or the fastest chip.
Which lasts longer?
Both are rated for up to 10 hours of battery and Apple supports iPads with iPadOS updates for years. The Pro's M5 chip will stay fast for longer under heavy workloads, while the Air is easier on the hands day to day.
Do both work with the same keyboard and pencil?
No. The Pro uses the Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro and Apple Pencil Pro; the Air uses its own Magic Keyboard and also supports Apple Pencil Pro. Check the accessory matches your model before buying.
Is the Pro worth stepping up to?
If you edit video, run pro apps or draw daily, yes: the M5, 120Hz display and Thunderbolt are real gains. For casual use the Air covers the same apps with less weight.

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More comparisons

  • Apple 11-inch iPad Pro Wi-Fi 256GB vs Apple 11-Inch iPad Air M3 Chip Wi-Fi 256GB

Buying guides that pick them

  • Best iPad Pro tablets
System on Chip (SoC)
Apple M5
—
Refresh Rate120Hz—
Pixel Density (PPI)264—
Miracast (Screen Mirroring)No—
Keyboard IncludedNo—
Telephoto CameraNo—
SIM CardeSIM—
NFCNo—
No. of Back Cameras1—
Depth (")0.2—
No. of Front Cameras1—
Memory Card ReaderNo—
Video Resolution (max)1080p (Full HD)—
Water ResistantNo—
Fingerprint ReaderNo—
Processor CoresNona Core—
Weight (oz)15.7—
Release Year2025—
Mobile NetworksNo—