Which is better for drawing and note-taking?

The iPad Air. Its M1 chip and laminated display with antireflective coating suit stylus work better, and it supports Apple Pencil (2nd generation). The 2025 iPad also supports a stylus but has a slower chip and a non-laminated screen.

Is the iPad Air worth the extra money?

Only if you need cellular, the M1 chip, or the better screen. The 2025 iPad gives you twice the storage and current software for a known $399.99 at Target as of November 7, 2026. The Air's price is not stated here, so check live store prices first.

Which has more storage?

The iPad (2025) A16, with 128GB versus 64GB on the listed iPad Air. If you store lots of video, games, or offline files, the 2025 iPad is the safer pick.

The iPad (2025) is newer and runs iPadOS 18, so it should get software updates longer. The M1 Air is more powerful but an older model, and its listed iOS 8 spec does not match the M1 description.

Can I use cellular data on either one?

Only on the iPad Air listed here, which is the Wi-Fi + Cellular model with 4G LTE. The iPad (2025) A16 is Wi-Fi only.

Do both work with a keyboard?

Yes, but differently. The Air supports the Magic Keyboard, while the 2025 iPad uses its own keyboard cases, sold separately.

Apple iPad Air 5th Gen vs Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB

Buy the iPad Air (M1) if you want a laminated, antireflective 10.9-inch screen, more power, and cellular data on the go. Buy the iPad (2025) A16 if you want double the storage, a newer iPadOS, and a lower price. The Air's listing here is muddled (specs mix an old 4.7-inch iPhone-era sheet with the M1 description), so confirm the exact model and condition before paying. The iPad (2025) is $399.99 at Target as of November 7, 2026; the Air has no stated price in this listing, so compare its live store prices before deciding.

Today the Apple iPad Air 5th Gen costs $49.99 less at its best price.

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