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Deal.ai › Compare

Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M4) vs Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB

Buy the iPad Air 11-inch (M4) if you want a tablet that can replace a laptop for real work: the M4 chip, 12GB of memory, Wi-Fi 7 and support for Apple Pencil Pro and the Magic Keyboard put it well ahead. The iPad (2025) A16 is the simpler pick for browsing, streaming, notes and schoolwork, and its much larger body of owner ratings suggests a proven, low-risk choice. The Air is faster, lighter and better built for multitasking; the base iPad is the sensible entry point.

  • Choose the iPad Air 11-inch (M4) if you will edit video, run heavy apps, sketch with Apple Pencil Pro or use a keyboard case as a laptop replacement.
  • Choose the iPad (2025) A16 if you mainly stream, browse, read and take notes and want the simplest iPad that covers those well.

Prices

  • Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M4): $649.00 at Amazon (checked today)
  • Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB: $26.99 at Rent-A-Center (last seen Nov 8)
  • Difference: the Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB is $622.01 cheaper than the Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M4) at the latest prices (Nov 8 and Nov 14)
Apple
iPad Air 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M4)

iPad Air 11-inch (M4)

5(64 ratings)
$649.00at AmazonChecked 2 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Amazon

Store links may earn us a commission. As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

Pros
  • M4 chip and 12GB of memory handle heavy multitasking and AI tasks
  • Lighter and thinner than the base iPad
  • Wi-Fi 7 and full Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard support
  • Storage scales to 1TB
Cons
  • Few owner ratings so far
  • Costs more across every storage tier
  • Accessories like the Magic Keyboard are extra
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)
$26.99at Rent-A-CenterChecked Nov 8
See all prices and details
Visit Rent-A-Center
Pros
  • Large, established base of owner ratings
  • Covers streaming, browsing and note-taking well
  • Same 264 ppi pixel density as the Air
  • Simple single-configuration choice
Cons
  • A16 chip and less memory limit heavy multitasking
  • 60Hz display and Wi-Fi 6 only
  • USB 2.0 transfer speeds
  • 128GB is the only storage option

What separates them

Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M4)Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB
Chip and memoryApple M4 with 12GB unified memoryApple A16 hexa-core
Display11-inch Liquid Retina, 264 ppi, 500 nits11-inch Liquid Retina, 2360x1640, 264 ppi, 60Hz
Weight and thickness0.24 inch thick0.3 inch thick, 16.8 oz
WirelessWi-Fi 7Wi-Fi 6
Stylus and keyboardWorks with Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard for iPad AirSupports an active stylus; keyboard sold separately
Storage options128GB up to 1TB128GB
PortUSB-CUSB-C, USB 2.0 speeds
Owner ratings5 out of 5 from 64 ratings4.7 out of 5 from 2,574 ratings

Price history

$699.00$26.99
Nov 2Nov 14
  • Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M4): lowest $649.00 on Nov 14 at Amazon.
  • Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB: lowest $26.99 on Nov 8 at Rent-A-Center; $399.99 on Nov 14.

Prices at every store

Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M4)

  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

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

    $649.00Free shippingChecked 2 h ago
    Visit Amazon
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

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

    $649.99Checked Nov 4
    Visit Amazon
  • Apple Education StoreNew

    Availability unknown

    $699.00Checked Nov 4
    Visit Apple Education Store
  • Kellogg Emporium - Northwestern University Kellogg SchoolNew

    Availability unknownReturn policy

    $705.00Checked Nov 11
    Visit Kellogg Emporium - Northwestern University Kellogg School

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 13 stores and price history →

Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB

  • Rent-A-CenterNew

    In stock

    $26.99Free shippingChecked Nov 8
    Visit Rent-A-Center
  • PC Richard & SonNew

    In stock

    $389.00Free shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit PC Richard & Son
  • TargetNew

    In stock

    $399.99Free shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit Target
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

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

    $399.99Free shippingChecked 22 h ago
    Visit Amazon

Also available at

  • StaplesCheck price at Staples
  • QuillCheck price at Quill
  • CCT RepairsCheck price at CCT Repairs

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 22 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecApple iPad Air 11-inch (M4)Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB
Display resolution2360-by-1640-pixel resolution at 264 ppi2360 x 1640
Height9.74 inches (247.6 mm)7.1
Width7.02 inches (178.5 mm)9.8
Depth0.24 inch (6.1 mm)0.3
Display brightness500 nits brightness—
Capacity128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB—
ChipApple M4 chip—
Unified memory12GB unified memory—
Rear camera12MP Wide camera, ƒ/1.8 aperture—
Front cameraLandscape 12MP Center Stage camera—
Display Size11 in—
Connections—USB-C
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecApple iPad Air 11-inch (M4)Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB
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

What reviewers say

Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M4)

  • 5 / 564 ratings

Rated 5 out of 5 from 64 ratings, buyers are happy with the M4 performance and the light design. Most praise comes from people upgrading from older iPads who notice faster multitasking and smoother video calls.

What people mention
  • PerformancePraisedOwners say the M4 chip and 12GB of memory keep apps and split-screen work running smoothly.
  • WeightPraisedBuyers like that it is light enough to hold one-handed and carry all day.
  • Video callsPraisedThe landscape Center Stage camera is called out for keeping people in frame on calls.
  • StorageCriticisedSome owners say the 128GB base model fills up quickly with apps, photos and video.

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.
  • AccessoriesCriticised
Reviews
  • The Best iPads We've Tested for 2026 - PCMag editors select and review products independently
  • What's the Best iPad to Buy in 2026? - PCMag editors select and review products independently
  • What's the Best iPad to Buy in 2026?

Questions and answers

Which is better for drawing and note-taking?
The iPad Air. It supports Apple Pencil Pro, which adds squeeze, barrel roll and haptic feedback, and its laminated display feels closer to pen on paper. The base iPad works with a simpler active stylus.
Is the M4 Air worth stepping up to over the A16 iPad?
Yes if you edit video, run demanding apps or use a keyboard case as your main computer. For streaming, reading and light notes, the A16 iPad covers it and has a far larger record of owner ratings.
Which lasts longer?
The Air should stay useful longer. The M4 chip and 12GB of memory leave more headroom for future iPadOS updates and heavier apps. The base iPad's A16 and 128GB cap will feel limiting sooner.
Do both work with a keyboard?
Yes, but differently. The Air takes the Magic Keyboard for iPad Air with a trackpad and floating design. The base iPad uses its own keyboard cases, and none is included in the box.
Which is better for video calls?
The Air. Its landscape 12MP Center Stage front camera keeps you framed as you move. The base iPad also has a 12MP front camera but lacks Center Stage.
Is the base iPad enough for schoolwork?
For essays, PDFs, notes and video classes, yes. If your course involves design, video or heavy multitasking, the Air's memory and chip make it the safer choice.

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—
USB 2.0 (480Mbps)
NFC—No
No. of Back Cameras—1
No. of Front Cameras—1
Memory Card Reader—No
Video Resolution (max)—2160p (4K)
Water Resistant—No
Fingerprint Reader—Yes
Processor Cores—Hexa Core
OS Version—Apple iPadOS 18
Weight (oz)—16.8
Release Year—2025
Mobile Networks—No
Operating System—iPadOS
Storage Capacity—128 GB
Battery Technology—LiPo
Screen Resolution—2360x1640
Wi-Fi—Yes
Manufacturer Color—Blue
Buyers complain the keyboard and stylus are sold separately and push up the total cost.
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