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Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB Cellular vs Apple iPad Air 256GB Wi-Fi + Cellular

The iPad Air is the better tablet for anyone doing real work or creative apps: its M4 chip, 12GB of memory and laminated display put it well ahead of the A16 iPad on performance and screen quality. The A16 iPad is the simpler pick for browsing, streaming, notes and video calls, and it is lighter and easier to hold. Reviewers and owners praise the Air's speed and screen, while the A16 iPad draws praise for battery life and value. Neither includes a keyboard or stylus.

  • Choose the iPad (A16) if you want a light, simple tablet for streaming, browsing, email and video calls and don't need desktop-class app performance.
  • Choose the iPad Air if you edit photos or video, draw, run demanding apps or multitask, and want the sharper laminated screen and more memory.

Prices

  • Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB Cellular: $569.00 at Abt Electronics (checked today)
  • Apple iPad Air 256GB Wi-Fi + Cellular: $629.98 at eBay (last seen Nov 9)
  • Difference: the Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB Cellular is $60.98 cheaper than the Apple iPad Air 256GB Wi-Fi + Cellular at the latest prices (Nov 9 and Nov 10)
Apple
Apple iPad (2025) A16 Chip Wi-Fi + Cellular 128GB

Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB Cellular

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

4.7(2,574 ratings)
$569.00at Abt ElectronicsChecked 2 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Abt Electronics

Store links may earn us a commission. Price via Klarna.

Pros
  • Light at 17 oz and easy to hold one-handed
  • A16 chip handles streaming, browsing and video calls smoothly
  • 5G cellular and Wi-Fi 6 keep it connected away from home
  • Touch ID is quick for unlocking and purchases
Cons
  • No active digitizer, so no Apple Pencil support
  • Non-laminated screen reflects more and feels less precise
  • 128GB is the only storage choice here
  • No keyboard included
Apple
Apple iPad Air 256GB Wi-Fi + Cellular

Apple iPad Air 256GB Wi-Fi + Cellular

$629.98at eBayChecked Nov 9
See all prices and details
Visit eBay

Store links may earn us a commission.

Pros
  • M4 chip and 12GB memory handle editing, drawing and multitasking
  • Laminated 500 nits display looks better and resists glare
  • Storage scales to 1TB
  • Works with Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard
Cons
  • Larger footprint than the A16 iPad
  • Face ID instead of Touch ID
  • Keyboard and stylus sold separately

What separates them

Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB CellularApple iPad Air 256GB Wi-Fi + Cellular
ChipApple A16Apple M4 with 8-core CPU and 9-core GPU
MemoryNot stated; sized for everyday apps12GB unified memory
Display11-inch Liquid Retina, 2360x1640, 264 ppi, non-laminated11-inch, 2360x1640, 264 ppi, 500 nits, laminated
Size and weight7.1 in tall, 0.3 in deep, 17.0 oz9.74 in tall, 0.24 in deep; larger footprint
Storage options128GB only in this configuration128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB
Stylus supportNo active digitizerSupports Apple Pencil
SecurityFingerprint reader (Touch ID)Face ID
Cameras12MP front, single rear, 4K video12MP wide rear at f/1.8

Price history

$1,174.99$569.00
Nov 7Nov 11
  • Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB Cellular: lowest $569.00 on Nov 7 at Abt Electronics; $569.00 on Nov 11.
  • Apple iPad Air 256GB Wi-Fi + Cellular: lowest $749.99 on Nov 11 at Amazon.

Prices at every store

Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB Cellular

  • Abt ElectronicsNew

    In stock

    $569.00Free shippingChecked 2 h ago
    Visit Abt Electronics
  • Best BuyNew

    In stock

    $599.00Free shippingChecked 2 h ago
    Visit Best Buy
  • VerizonNew

    In stock

    $599.99Free shippingChecked 2 h ago
    Visit Verizon
  • WalmartNew

    In stockSold by Datavision Computer VideoReturns: Sold by a Walmart Marketplace seller; returns go to the seller under the seller's returns policy.

    $587.00+ $35.00 shippingChecked 2 h ago
    Visit Walmart

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 5 stores and price history →

Apple iPad Air 256GB Wi-Fi + Cellular

  • Best BuyNew

    In stock

    $1,199.00Free shippingChecked 2 h ago
    Visit Best Buy
  • Abt ElectronicsNew

    In stock

    $1,199.00Free shippingChecked 2 h ago
    Visit Abt Electronics
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by save-on-retail (99.9% positive, 34,300 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $629.98Free shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit eBay
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

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

    $749.99Free shippingChecked 2 h ago
    Visit Amazon

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 8 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecApple iPad (2025) A16 128GB CellularApple iPad Air 256GB Wi-Fi + Cellular
Depth (")0.36.1 mm (0.24 inch)
Height (")7.1247.6 mm (9.74 inches)
Width (")9.8178.5 mm (7.02 inches)
ConnectionsUSB-C—
Active Digitizer (Stylus pen)No—
BluetoothYes—
Camera Resolution (front) (MP)12.0—
System on Chip (SoC)Apple A16—
Pixel Density (PPI)264—
Miracast (Screen Mirroring)No—
Keyboard IncludedNo—
Telephoto CameraNo—
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecApple iPad (2025) A16 128GB CellularApple iPad Air 256GB Wi-Fi + Cellular
SIM CardeSIM—
NFCNo—
No. of Back Cameras1—
No. of Front Cameras1—
Memory Card ReaderNo—
Video Resolution (max)2160p (4K)—
Water ResistantNo—
Fingerprint ReaderYes—
OS VersionApple iPadOS 18—
Weight (oz)

What reviewers say

Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB Cellular

  • 4.7 / 52,574 ratings

Owners rate the 2025 base iPad highly, at 4.7 out of 5 from 2,574 ratings. Most praise its speed for everyday tasks, the bigger 128GB storage and reliable battery life. Complaints center on the non-laminated display, the price of the cellular version and accessories sold separately.

What people mention
  • PerformancePraisedOwners say the A16 keeps iPadOS 18 responsive with several apps open.
  • BatteryPraisedReviewers report roughly a full day of streaming and browsing per charge.
  • DisplayMixedThe screen is sharp and bright, but the gap under the glass and glare draw complaints.
  • StoragePraisedBuyers like that 128GB is now the base, enough for games and offline video.

Apple iPad Air 256GB Wi-Fi + Cellular

Owners generally rate the iPad Air highly for its balance of performance, size and portability. Most praise the M-series speed and the screen, while some wish for a brighter display and ProMotion.

What people mention
  • PerformancePraisedOwners say the M4 chip keeps apps and multitasking fast with no lag.
  • DisplayMixedReviewers like the sharpness and color but call 500 nits dim outdoors and miss ProMotion.
  • PortabilityPraisedBuyers describe it as light and thin enough to carry all day.
  • BatteryPraisedUsers report it lasting a full day of mixed use.

Questions and answers

Which is better for drawing and note-taking?
The iPad Air. It supports Apple Pencil and has a laminated screen, so strokes land where you expect. The A16 iPad has no active digitizer, so it can't use a pressure-sensitive stylus.
Is the iPad Air worth stepping up to?
Yes if you edit video, draw or run heavy apps. The M4 chip and 12GB of memory keep up with pro apps that strain the A16 iPad. For streaming and email, the A16 iPad is enough.
Which lasts longer?
The iPad Air should stay useful longer. Its M4 chip and 12GB of memory give it more headroom for future iPadOS updates and demanding apps than the A16 iPad.
Which is easier to carry?
The A16 iPad. It weighs 17 oz and is 7.1 inches tall, noticeably smaller and lighter than the Air. The Air is thinner at 0.24 inch but has a larger footprint.
Do either come with a keyboard or stylus?
No. Both are tablet-only; keyboards and styluses are separate purchases. Only the Air supports Apple Pencil.

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  • Apple iPad Mini (Wi-Fi + Cellular, 64GB) vs Apple iPad Air 256GB Wi-Fi + Cellular

Buying guides that pick them

  • Best iPads with Wi-Fi and cellular
17.0
—
Release Year2025—
Mobile Networks5G—
Operating SystemiPadOS—
Storage Capacity128 GB—
Battery TechnologyLiPo—
Screen Resolution2360x1640—
Wi-FiYes—
Manufacturer ColorPink—
ColorPink—
Screen Size (")11.0—
Camera Resolution (MP)12.0—
SeriesApple iPad—
Facial RecognitionNo—
Bluetooth Version5.3—
Ultra-Wide Angle CameraYes—
Wi-Fi StandardWi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)—
No. of USB-C (pcs)1—
Battery Life (h)9.0—