Is the iPad Air M4 worth $319 more than the iPad A16?

Only if you use Apple Pencil Pro, edit video, or keep many apps open. For streaming, browsing, and notes, the A16 iPad does the job at $399.99.

Which has the better screen?

They match on paper: both are 11-inch Liquid Retina panels at 2360-by-1640 and 264 ppi with 500 nits. The Air's advantage is chip power, not the display.

The iPad Air M4, because the M4 chip and 12GB of memory stay useful for more years of iPadOS updates and heavier apps. The A16 iPad is fine for lighter use.

Can I use the same accessories on both?

No. The Air takes Apple Pencil Pro and the Magic Keyboard for iPad Air. The A16 iPad takes Apple Pencil (USB-C) and the Magic Keyboard Folio.

Which is better for drawing?

The iPad Air M4, because Apple Pencil Pro adds squeeze, barrel roll, and haptics that the A16 iPad cannot use.

Which is the better deal right now?

The iPad (A16) at $399.99 at Amazon as of November 5, 2026, is the lower price. The Air's price moved between $649.99 and $719.00 in early November, so watch it before buying.

iPad Air 11-inch (M4) vs Apple iPad (A16) 11-inch

Buy the iPad (A16) if you want a capable tablet at the lowest price: $399.99 at Amazon as of November 5, 2026, versus $719.00 at Expercom for the iPad Air 11-inch (M4). The Air is the better long-term pick for drawing, video editing, and heavy multitasking, thanks to the M4 chip, 12GB of memory, and Apple Pencil Pro support. The price gap is about $319, so the base iPad wins on value and the Air wins on headroom.

Today the Apple iPad (A16) 11-inch costs $319.01 less at its best price.

Ask our shopping agent

It checks today's price at every store, compares the alternatives and answers in about a minute.