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

The iPad Air (M4) is the better tablet for anyone doing real work: the M4 chip, 11-inch laminated display, Apple Pencil Pro support and Magic Keyboard make it a laptop stand-in. The iPad (A16) is the simpler pick for streaming, browsing, notes and kids, and its 4.7 rating across 2,574 ratings shows owners are happy with it. Build quality is close, but the Air's screen, chip and accessory support are a clear step up.

  • Choose the iPad Air (M4) if you want a fast, laminated 11-inch screen, Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard support, and enough headroom for editing, drawing or multitasking.
  • Choose the iPad (A16) if you mainly stream, browse, read and take notes, and want the familiar iPad basics in a lighter, simpler package.

Prices

  • Apple iPad Air (M4): $649.99 at Amazon (last seen Nov 9)
  • Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB: $26.99 at Rent-A-Center (last seen Nov 8)
  • Difference: the Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB is $623.00 cheaper than the Apple iPad Air (M4) at the latest prices (Nov 8 and Nov 9)
Apple
iPad Air (M4, 2026)

Apple iPad Air (M4)

iPad Air (M4, 2026)

$649.99at AmazonChecked 2 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Amazon

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

Pros
  • M4 chip handles heavy apps and multitasking
  • Laminated display with wide color and low reflectivity
  • Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard support
  • Wi-Fi 7 and optional 5G
  • Center Stage 12MP front camera
Cons
  • Costs more than the base iPad
  • Heavier than the base model
  • Keyboard and Pencil sold separately
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
  • Rated 4.7 out of 5 by 2,574 owners
  • Light at 16.8 oz
  • 128GB storage on the base model
  • Familiar iPadOS with Touch ID
  • Good for streaming, browsing and notes
Cons
  • A16 chip is slower for editing and games
  • 60Hz display without the Air's anti-reflective coating
  • USB 2.0 transfer speeds
  • Wi-Fi 6 only, no cellular option
  • Limited stylus and keyboard support

What separates them

Apple iPad Air (M4)Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB
ChipApple M4, desktop-class performance for editing and multitaskingApple A16 hexa-core, fine for apps, video and light games
Display11-inch Liquid Retina, P3 wide color, True Tone, ultralow reflectivity11-inch Liquid Retina, 2360x1640, 264 ppi, 60Hz
Stylus supportApple Pencil Pro with squeeze and barrel rollWorks with Apple Pencil (USB-C) and first-gen via adapter
KeyboardMagic Keyboard for iPad Air turns it into a laptopNo keyboard in the box; supports basic keyboard cases
WirelessWi-Fi 7 with Apple N1, optional 5G with Apple C1XWi-Fi 6 only, Wi-Fi model, no cellular
PortUSB-C with faster data transferUSB-C at USB 2.0 speeds, 480Mbps
WeightAbout 1 lb depending on model16.8 oz, slightly lighter
SecurityTouch ID in the top buttonTouch ID fingerprint reader

Price history

$732.00$26.99
Nov 4Nov 10
  • Apple iPad Air (M4): lowest $649.99 on Nov 8 at Amazon; $649.99 on Nov 10.
  • Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB: lowest $26.99 on Nov 8 at Rent-A-Center; $427.00 on Nov 10.

Prices at every store

Apple iPad Air (M4)

  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

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

    $649.99Free shippingChecked 2 h ago
    Visit Amazon
  • Apple Education StoreNew

    Availability unknown

    $699.00Checked Nov 3
    Visit Apple Education Store
  • VolshopNew

    Availability unknown

    $699.00Checked Nov 3
    Visit Volshop
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by soph_andr (99.8% positive, 4,000 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $719.95Free shippingChecked 14 h ago
    Visit eBay

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 24 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 12 h ago
    Visit PC Richard & Son
  • TargetNew

    In stock

    $399.99Free shippingChecked 12 h ago
    Visit Target
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

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

    $399.99Free shippingChecked 9 h ago
    Visit Amazon

Also available at

  • StaplesCheck price at Staples
  • QuillCheck price at Quill
  • Abt ElectronicsCheck price at Abt Electronics
All 18 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecApple iPad Air (M4)Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB
Display Size11 in—
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)
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecApple iPad Air (M4)Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB
NFC—No
No. of Back Cameras—1
Depth (")—0.3
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

What reviewers say

Apple iPad Air (M4)

Owners and reviewers treat the M4 Air as the sensible middle of the iPad line: fast, light and good with the Pencil, but not a match for the Pro's screen. Most complaints center on the display and the cost of accessories rather than performance.

What people mention
  • PerformancePraisedOwners say the M4 chip keeps up with heavy apps and split-screen work without stutter.
  • DisplayCriticisedReviewers call the LCD screen a step down from the Pro's OLED, with weaker contrast and no 120Hz.
  • WeightPraisedBuyers like that it stays light enough to hold one-handed for reading and sketching.
  • AccessoriesMixedThe Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard work well, but owners note they are extra purchases.

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
  • Best iPad of 2026: How to Choose, and Should You Wait? - CNET
  • Best iPad
  • What's the Best iPad to Buy in 2026?

Questions and answers

Which is better for drawing and note-taking?
The iPad Air (M4). Apple Pencil Pro adds squeeze, barrel roll and haptic feedback, and the laminated screen reduces the gap between pencil and pixels. The base iPad works with Apple Pencil but lacks those Pro features.
Is the iPad Air (M4) worth stepping up to from the base iPad?
Yes if you edit video, draw, run demanding apps or want a keyboard case. For streaming, email and reading, the base iPad covers it and is lighter.
Which lasts longer?
Both get years of iPadOS updates. The Air's M4 chip and faster port keep it useful longer for heavier work; the base iPad's A16 is fine for everyday tasks but ages sooner for demanding apps.
Does the base iPad work with a keyboard?
Yes, with third-party and Apple keyboard cases, but it does not support the Magic Keyboard for iPad Air. The Air's Magic Keyboard gives a laptop-style typing and trackpad experience.
Which is better for video calls?
The iPad Air (M4). Its 12MP Center Stage front camera keeps you in frame as you move. The base iPad also has a 12MP front camera but no Center Stage.
Do both have cellular options?
Only the iPad Air (M4) offers a 5G model with the Apple C1X modem. The iPad (A16) listed here is Wi-Fi only.

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—
Apple iPadOS 18
Weight (oz)—16.8
Release Year—2025
Mobile Networks—No
Height (")—7.1
Operating System—iPadOS
Storage Capacity—128 GB
Battery Technology—LiPo
Screen Resolution—2360x1640
Wi-Fi—Yes
Manufacturer Color—Blue
Color—Blue
Screen Size (")—11.0
Camera Resolution (MP)—12.0
Series—Apple iPad
Width (")—9.8
Facial Recognition—No
Bluetooth Version—5.3
Ultra-Wide Angle Camera—Yes
  • AccessoriesCriticisedBuyers complain the keyboard and stylus are sold separately and push up the total cost.