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Apple iPad Air (M4) vs Apple iPad (2025)

Buy the iPad Air (M4) if you want the fastest iPad short of a Pro, a laminated display, and support for Apple Pencil Pro and the Magic Keyboard. Buy the iPad (2025) if you mainly stream, browse, take notes and want the cheapest route into a current iPad. The Air wins on chip, display, accessories and connectivity; the base iPad is simpler and lighter on the wallet, and owners of both report solid all-day battery life.

  • Choose the iPad Air (M4) if you multitask, draw, edit video or plan to keep the tablet for years and want the M4 chip, laminated display and Pencil Pro support.
  • Choose the iPad (2025) if you need a capable iPad for streaming, reading, email and light note-taking and do not need Pro-level accessories or the fastest chip.

Prices

  • Apple iPad Air (M4): $638.00 at PC Richard & Son (checked today)
  • Apple iPad (2025): $399.99 at Amazon (checked today)
  • Difference: the Apple iPad (2025) is $238.01 cheaper than the Apple iPad Air (M4) today
Apple
Apple iPad Air (M4)

Apple iPad Air (M4)

$638.00at PC Richard & SonObserved at 10:16 AM
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Visit PC Richard & Son
Pros
  • M4 chip handles multitasking, editing and games smoothly
  • Laminated P3 display looks sharper and more vivid
  • Works with Apple Pencil Pro and the full Magic Keyboard
  • Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.0 keep it current for years
  • Owners praise the light, sturdy build and clear speakers
Cons
  • Costs noticeably more than the base iPad
  • No Face ID; Touch ID is in the top button
  • Accessories are sold separately and add up
  • Some Android switchers find iPadOS takes getting used to
Apple
iPad (2025)

Apple iPad (2025)

iPad (2025)

$399.99at AmazonObserved at 10:22 AM
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As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

Pros
  • A16 chip is plenty for streaming, browsing and notes
  • Landscape Center Stage camera is well placed for video calls
  • Touch ID in the top button is quick for unlock and Apple Pay
  • Comes in several colors and is easy to carry
  • Runs the same iPadOS and App Store as the Air
Cons
  • Non-laminated display shows more glare and flex
  • No Apple Pencil Pro support or trackpad keyboard option
  • Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 are a step behind
  • 512 GB storage ceiling limits heavy media work

What separates them

Apple iPad Air (M4)Apple iPad (2025)
ChipApple M4 with 12 GB RAMA16 chip with 6 to 8 GB RAM
Display11-inch Liquid Retina, P3 wide color, laminated10.86-inch Liquid Retina, 500 nits, True Tone, not laminated
Stylus supportApple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C)Apple Pencil (USB-C) and first-generation Apple Pencil
KeyboardMagic Keyboard for iPad Air with trackpad and function rowMagic Keyboard Folio, no trackpad function row
WirelessWi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, optional cellular with eSIMWi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, 5G cellular option
Storage ceilingUp to 1 TBUp to 512 GB
WeightAbout 1 lb16.8 oz (about 1.05 lb)
Cameras12 MP front with Center Stage, 12 MP rear, 4K videoLandscape 12 MP Center Stage front, 12 MP rear

Price history

$749.99$399.99
Oct 30Nov 9
  • Apple iPad Air (M4): lowest $638.00 on Nov 3 at PC Richard & Son; $638.00 on Nov 9.
  • Apple iPad (2025): lowest $399.99 on Nov 5 at Amazon; $399.99 on Nov 9.

Prices at every store

Apple iPad Air (M4)

  • PC Richard & SonNew

    In stock

    $638.00Free shippingObserved at 10:16 AM
    Visit PC Richard & Son
  • NFMNew

    In stock

    $648.99Observed at 10:16 AM
    Visit NFM
  • PC Richard & SonNew

    Availability unknown

    $638.00Observed Nov 7, 2026, 5:39 AM
    Visit PC Richard & Son
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by f1rstclassct (100% positive, 1 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $640.00+ $7.68 shippingObserved at 10:16 AM
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All 18 stores and price history →

Apple iPad (2025)

  • TargetNew

    In stock

    $399.99Free shippingObserved at 11:01 AM
    Visit Target
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

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

    $399.99Free shippingObserved at 10:22 AM
    Visit Amazon
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

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

    $399.99Observed Nov 7, 2026, 5:39 AM
    Visit Amazon
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by xtanyao (99.4% positive, 14,900 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $409.50Free shippingObserved at 10:16 AM
    Visit eBay

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

All 17 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecApple iPad Air (M4)Apple iPad (2025)
Battery LifeAll-day battery life10 hours battery
Battery Capacity28.93-watt-hour10,000 mAh
Front Camera Resolution12 MP12 MP front camera
Rear Camera Resolution12 MP12 MP rear camera
Display Resolution2360 x 16402360 x 1640
Display Size11 in—
Main Storage1 TB—
OS VersioniPadOS 18.3 or later—
Battery Run Time10 hrs—
Battery TypeLithium polymer—
Camera Video Recording4K video—
Camera FeaturesCenter Stage—
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecApple iPad Air (M4)Apple iPad (2025)
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)

Owners of the current entry iPad generally call it the best value in the lineup: fast enough for daily tasks and a good screen for the money. Complaints center on the dim 500-nit display, the 60Hz refresh rate and the modest chip upgrade.

What people mention
  • DisplayMixedOwners like the sharp 264 ppi panel indoors but say 500 nits struggles in bright light.
  • PerformancePraisedThe A16 chip keeps everyday apps and multitasking smooth for most buyers.
  • Refresh rateCriticisedReviewers note the 60Hz screen feels less fluid than the 120Hz iPad Air.
  • BatteryPraisedThe 10-hour rating holds up for a day of streaming, browsing and notes.
Reviews
  • Tablet Reviews From Our Experts
  • The 5 best iPads of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed - ZDNET
  • Best iPad 2026: Top Apple tablets tested and ranked
  • The Best Tablets for 2026 - PCMag editors select and review products independently
  • What's the Best iPad to Buy in 2026?
  • Search | Product Finder - Product Finder

Questions and answers

Which is better for drawing and note-taking?
The iPad Air (M4). It supports Apple Pencil Pro, which adds squeeze, barrel roll and haptic feedback, and its laminated display reduces the gap between pencil tip and image. The iPad (2025) works with Apple Pencil (USB-C) but not Pencil Pro.
Is the iPad Air (M4) worth stepping up to over the iPad (2025)?
Yes if you multitask, edit photos or video, or want the tablet to last through several iPadOS updates. For streaming, reading and email, the base iPad covers it and you save the difference.
Which lasts longer?
Both are rated at up to 10 hours of battery life and neither has a user-replaceable battery. The Air's M4 chip and 12 GB of RAM should stay comfortable with new apps longer than the A16 and 6 to 8 GB in the base iPad.
Do they use the same accessories?
No. The Air takes the Magic Keyboard for iPad Air and Apple Pencil Pro; the iPad (2025) takes the Magic Keyboard Folio and Apple Pencil (USB-C). Cases and keyboards are not interchangeable.
Which is better for video calls?
Both have a 12 MP Center Stage front camera. The iPad (2025) places it on the landscape edge, which frames you better when the tablet is docked in a keyboard; the Air's camera works well either way.
Is the base iPad fast enough for schoolwork?
Yes for documents, note apps, web research and video classes. It slows down on heavy video editing, large layered drawings or many apps open at once, where the Air's M4 chip pulls ahead.

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Wireless Technologies
eSIM technology
—
Wireless ProtocolseSIM technology—
Wireless HighlightsSimultaneous dual band, 2x2 MIMO—
Storage capacity—128GB
Height—9.79 inches (248.6 mm)
Width—7.07 inches (179.5 mm)
Depth—0.28 inch (7 mm)
Screen resolution—2360-by-1640-pixel resolution at 264 ppi
Screen brightness—500 nits brightness
Screen size—10.86 inches
Chip—A16 chip
Rear camera—12MP Wide camera, ƒ/1.8 aperture
Front camera—Landscape 12MP Center Stage camera
Wi-Fi—Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) with 2x2 MIMO
Bluetooth—Bluetooth 5.3
Operating System—iPadOS
Color—Rose
Network Connectivity—5G
Storage—256 GB Storage