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Apple iPad Air (M4) vs Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB

Buy the iPad Air (M4) if you want a laptop replacement: 1 TB of storage, a laminated P3 display, and Magic Keyboard support justify the $638 at PC Richard & Son as of November 7, 2026. Buy the iPad (2025) A16 if you mainly stream, browse and take notes: $399.99 at Target as of November 7, 2026 saves about $238. The Air's price has swung between $638 and $749.99 since October 30, so the current price is the low end of its recent range.

Today the Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB costs $238.01 less at its best price.

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Apple
Apple iPad Air (M4)

Apple iPad Air (M4)

$638.00at PC Richard & SonObserved at 5:39 AM
See all prices and details
Visit PC Richard & Son

Choose the iPad Air (M4) if you need 1 TB of storage, a wide-color laminated screen, or a keyboard-and-trackpad setup for real work.

Pros
  • 1 TB of storage holds large video and app libraries.
  • M4 chip handles editing, multitasking and games with headroom.
  • P3 wide-color display suits photo and video work.
  • Magic Keyboard adds a backlit keyboard and trackpad.
  • Cellular eSIM option keeps it online away from Wi-Fi.
Cons
  • Costs about $238 more than the base iPad.
  • Price moved from $749.99 to $638 in under a week, so timing matters.
  • Keyboard sold separately.
  • Heavier and thicker than the base iPad.
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)
$399.99at TargetObserved at 12:44 PM
See all prices and details
Visit Target

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

Choose the iPad (2025) A16 if you want a capable iPad for media, notes and light apps at the lowest price.

Pros
  • Lowest price of the pair at $399.99.
  • A16 chip is fine for streaming, browsing and note apps.
  • Same 2360x1640 resolution as the Air.
  • Fingerprint reader is quick for unlocking and purchases.
  • Light at 16.8 oz.
Cons
  • 128 GB fills fast with photos, video and games.
  • 60Hz refresh rate feels less smooth when scrolling.
  • No keyboard in the box; USB 2.0 transfer speeds are slow.
  • Wi-Fi only, no cellular option.

What separates them

Apple iPad Air (M4)Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB
Price (Nov 7, 2026)$638.00 at PC Richard & Son$399.99 at Target
Storage1 TB128 GB
ChipM-series (M4)A16, hexa-core
Display11-inch Liquid Retina, P3 wide color, LED backlit11-inch Liquid Retina, 60Hz, 264 ppi
Keyboard and trackpadMagic Keyboard with backlit keys and trackpadKeyboard not included; stylus supported
CellularWi-Fi and cellular with eSIMWi-Fi only
Battery28.93 Wh, rated 10 hoursLiPo, all-day rating
SecurityFace IDFingerprint reader

Price history

$749.99$399.99
Oct 30Nov 7
  • Apple iPad Air (M4): lowest $638.00 on Nov 3 at PC Richard & Son; $638.00 on Nov 7.
  • Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB: lowest $399.99 on Nov 7 at Target.

Prices at every store

Apple iPad Air (M4)

  • PC Richard & SonNew

    In stock

    $638.00Free shippingObserved at 5:39 AM
    Visit PC Richard & Son
  • Apple Education StoreNew

    In stock

    $699.00Free shippingObserved at 5:39 AM
    Visit Apple Education Store
  • WalmartNew

    In stock

    $732.00Free shippingObserved at 11:39 AM
    Visit Walmart
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

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

    $649.99Free shippingObserved at 5:39 AM
    Visit Amazon

Also available at

  • eBayCheck price at eBay
  • BrandsMart USACheck price at BrandsMart USA
  • B&H Photo-Video-AudioCheck price at B&H Photo-Video-Audio

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

All 9 stores and price history →

Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB

  • TargetNew

    In stock

    $399.99Free shippingObserved at 12:44 PM
    Visit Target
  • StaplesNew

    In stock

    $449.00Free shippingObserved at 12:44 PM
    Visit Staples
  • QuillNew

    In stock

    $449.00Free shippingObserved at 12:44 PM
    Visit Quill
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

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

    $399.99Free shippingObserved at 5:39 AM
    Visit Amazon

Also available at

  • eBayCheck price at eBay

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

All 8 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecApple iPad Air (M4)Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB
OS VersioniPadOS 18.3 or laterApple iPadOS 18
Display Resolution2360 x 16402360 x 1640
Display Size11 in—
Main Storage1 TB—
Battery LifeAll-day battery life—
Battery Capacity28.93-watt-hour—
Battery Run Time10 hrs—
Battery TypeLithium polymer—
Front Camera Resolution12 MP—
Rear Camera Resolution12 MP—
Camera Video Recording4K video—
Camera FeaturesCenter Stage—
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecApple iPad Air (M4)Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB
Camera Light SourceRetina Flash with True Tone—
Display BrightnessScreen brightness (adjustable via 14-key functi…—
Display HighlightsLiquid Retina display—
LCD TechnologyLiquid Retina—
Display BacklightLED backlit—
Display Color SupportP3 wide color—
Input TypeTrackpad, Magic Keyboard—
Backlit InputYes (keys)—
Wireless ConnectivityWi-Fi, Cellular—

What reviewers say

Apple iPad Air (M4)

Owners generally rate the iPad Air highly for its performance, display and keyboard support. Common complaints center on accessory costs and the lack of a 120 Hz screen.

What people mention
  • PerformancePraisedOwners say the M4 chip keeps apps and multitasking smooth.
  • DisplayMixedThe screen is called bright and color-accurate, but some wish it had 120 Hz refresh.
  • AccessoriesCriticisedBuyers complain the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil are expensive extras.
  • BatteryPraisedUsers report it lasts a full day of mixed use.

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.
Reviews
  • The 5 best iPads of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed - ZDNET
  • Best iPad 2026: Top Apple tablets tested and ranked
  • Tablet Reviews From Our Experts
  • The Best Tablets for 2026 - PCMag editors select and review products independently
  • What's the Best iPad to Buy in 2026?

Questions and answers

Is the iPad Air (M4) worth the extra money over the iPad (2025)?
Only if you need the 1 TB storage, the M4 chip or a keyboard-and-trackpad workflow. For streaming and light apps, the $399.99 iPad covers the same basics for about $238 less.
Which is better for students taking notes?
The iPad (2025) A16 is enough for handwritten notes and reading, and it supports a stylus. Pick the Air only if you also type long papers on a Magic Keyboard or run heavy apps.
Which lasts longer?
The Air has more headroom: 1 TB of storage and an M4 chip will stay useful for demanding apps years longer. The base iPad's 128 GB is the first limit most owners hit.
Do both have the same screen resolution?
Yes, both are 2360x1640. The Air adds P3 wide color and a laminated LED-backlit panel, while the base iPad runs at 60Hz.
Can I get cellular on either?
Only the iPad Air (M4) offers a cellular model with eSIM. The iPad (2025) A16 listed here is Wi-Fi only.
Is the Air's current price a good one?
At $638.00 at PC Richard & Son as of November 7, 2026, it matches the lowest price seen since October 30, when it was $749.99. That is the bottom of its recent range.

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  • Apple iPad Air 64GB Wi-Fi + Cellular Silver vs Apple iPad (2025) A16 Chip Wi-Fi 128GB

Buying guides that pick them

  • Best value iPads
Wireless Technologies
eSIM technology
—
Wireless ProtocolseSIM technology—
Wireless HighlightsSimultaneous dual band, 2x2 MIMO—
Connections—USB-C
Bluetooth—Yes
Camera Resolution (front) (MP)—12.0
Active Digitizer (Stylus pen)—Yes
System on Chip (SoC)—Apple A16
Refresh Rate—60Hz
Pixel Density (PPI)—264
Miracast (Screen Mirroring)—No
Keyboard Included—No
Telephoto Camera—No
USB Version—USB 2.0 (480Mbps)
NFC—No
No. of Back Cameras—1
Depth (")—0.3
No. of Front Cameras—1
Memory Card Reader—No
  • AccessoriesCriticisedBuyers complain the keyboard and stylus are sold separately and push up the total cost.