WhichOneToGet
Compare ยท Updated 26 Oct 2026

Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M4) vs OnePlus Pad 3

If you use an iPhone, get the iPad Air (M4). If you want a much bigger screen and longer battery for less, and use Android, the OnePlus Pad 3.

Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M4)
Our pick

Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M4)

The tablet most people should buy: fast, light, with a sharp screen and support for the best Apple Pencil and keyboard. No 120Hz screen and no Face ID.

OnePlus Pad 3

OnePlus Pad 3

A big 13.2-inch 144Hz screen, a flagship chip, eight speakers and a battery that lasted over 16 hours, for less than most rivals.

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The short answer

The iPad Air is fast, light and has the best choice of tablet apps, with Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard support and years of updates. The OnePlus Pad 3 gives you a 13.2-inch 144Hz screen, eight speakers and over 16 hours of battery for less, but it has no fingerprint reader and shorter software support.

Get the iPad Air (M4) if
  • โ€”You have an iPhone or a Mac.
  • โ€”You want the best tablet apps.
  • โ€”You want something light to hold.
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Get the OnePlus Pad 3 if
  • โ€”You use an Android phone.
  • โ€”You want a big screen for films and split-screen.
  • โ€”You want the longest battery for less.
Check price on AmazonBuy

Key differences

Screen
11", 60Hz
iPad Air (M4)
13.2", 144Hz
OnePlus Pad 3
Battery
About 10 hours
iPad Air (M4)
Over 16 hours
OnePlus Pad 3
Apps
The most made for tablets
iPad Air (M4)
Android apps, fewer made for tablets
OnePlus Pad 3
Unlocking
Touch ID
iPad Air (M4)
Face unlock only
OnePlus Pad 3
Updates
Many years
iPad Air (M4)
3 Android upgrades, 6 years of security
OnePlus Pad 3

Pros and cons

Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M4)
  • +Fast M4 chip
  • +Works with Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard
  • +Light, with a sharp screen
  • โˆ’60Hz screen, so scrolling isn't as smooth as on the Pro.
  • โˆ’Touch ID only, no Face ID.
  • โˆ’The keyboard and Pencil cost a lot extra.
  • โˆ’Battery life is about the same as the last model.
OnePlus Pad 3
  • +Big 13.2-inch 144Hz screen
  • +Flagship-fast chip
  • +Over 16 hours of battery, eight speakers
  • โˆ’Face unlock only, with no fingerprint reader.
  • โˆ’Three Android upgrades and six years of security updates, fewer than Samsung's seven.
  • โˆ’In the UK the box has only a cable; the 80W charger is extra.
  • โˆ’At 675 g it's heavier than the smaller tablets.
How we reached this verdict

We compared independent expert reviews with the manufacturer's specifications, then checked it's sold at a major retailer where you live. We don't test products ourselves.

Sources: Tom's Guide, TechRadar, manufacturer specifications.

Updated 26 Oct 2026How we decide