Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M4) vs Apple iPad 11-inch (A16)
Get the iPad Air (M4). Unless you mostly stream, browse and read — then the basic iPad does that for much less.
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.
Apple iPad 11-inch (A16)
The cheapest iPad: plenty fast for streaming, browsing, schoolwork and games, with 128GB to start. No Apple Intelligence and no Pencil Pro.
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Both are 11-inch iPads with 128GB to start. The Air is far faster, runs Apple Intelligence, works with the Pencil Pro and has a brighter screen; the basic iPad handles streaming, browsing and schoolwork smoothly for much less.
- —You want one tablet for films, notes, drawing, games and some work.
- —You want the Apple Pencil Pro or a proper keyboard.
- —You want Apple Intelligence.
- —You mostly stream, browse, video-call and read.
- —It's for a child or for schoolwork.
- —You want an iPad for as little as possible.
Key differences
Pros and cons
- +Fast M4 chip
- +Works with Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard
- +Light, with a sharp screen
- −60Hz screen, so scrolling isn't as smooth as on the Pro.
- −Touch ID only, no Face ID.
- −The keyboard and Pencil cost a lot extra.
- −Battery life is about the same as the last model.
- +Smooth for everyday use
- +128GB to start
- +Good battery life
- −No Apple Intelligence.
- −Works with the USB-C and first Apple Pencils only, not the Pencil Pro.
- −The screen is dimmer in bright light than on the Air.
- −Not much changed from the previous iPad.
Ready to choose?
- Is the iPad Air (M4) worth it?
- Is the iPad (A16) worth it?
- iPad Air (M4) vs iPad Pro (M5)
- iPad Air (M4) vs Galaxy Tab S11
- iPad mini vs iPad (A16)
- iPad mini vs iPad Air (M4)
- Best 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.