It was easy to miss the breaths last week in Apple – which also included the new MacBook Air M4 – but Apple recently launched a new iPad Air M3.
In addition to a new processor, the mid-range tablet has received a new magic keyboard companion of pro-level level. For such a powerful tablet, its pricing also remains at a tempting level, from $ 599 / £ 599 / $ 999 in (for the 11 -inch model) and $ 799 / £ 799 / $ 1299 in (for the 13 -inch version).
But should you buy the iPad Air M3? Or is it an unnecessary common ground between the basic iPad refreshed and the more powerful iPad Pro M4?
We have gathered all the biggest reviews on the internet below to see if there is a consensus and help you decide the best iPad for you. Start, of course, with Techradar’s experiences with Apple’s latest air …
The iPad Air M3 reviews
Techradar: “Stretches the value again with more power for the same price”
Good
- M3 chip power
- Dynamic screen
- Battery life
- Impressive audio
The bad
- No promotion screen
- Familiar design
Our iPad Air M3 examination concludes that this is an even better value option than before – and potentially a reason to jump the iPad Pro (2024). The air does not have the screen the best in its professional category and (ironically) an ultra-thin design, but we “really noticed and appreciated the speed boost” of its M3 chip.
This means, as our review concludes, that the new iPad Air “blurs the line between which it is and to whom the iPad Pro is for”. He rocked most of the tasks we have launched, from photo and video modification to work applications and games. Although it is not far ahead of the performance of the M2 chip, we found it “almost impossible” to slow it down.
In short, the iPad Air M3 is definitely a worthy upgrade “if you have an iPad Air M1 or more, an entry -level iPad or another tablet” and you need more energy.
The rod: “an excellent tablet, and I want Apple to use iPados to make it a more versatile”
Good
- Faster
- Big Magic keyboard upgrade
The bad
- No face id
- Apple Intelligence is limited
- Much more expensive than the basic iPad
The iPad Air M3 of the iPad M3 of the penis sounds with most of our results – which means that it concludes that it is an excellent option if you want a tablet slightly more to the test of time than the more affordable basic iPad.
Unlike us, The Verge examined the 13 -inch version. The conclusion was: “If you want a larger model, I encourage you to consider the 13 -inch pro instead”. We thought the same after having cracked numbers on the different configuration options of the iPad Air M3.
Another slight difference point was that the penis did not notice any real difference compared to the M3 chip compared to its predecessor. This means that it recommends that “2024 Air Plus 2025 Magic Keyboard” could be the combo to opt if you can find it for sale.
CNET: “Once again, mostly the iPad Pro”
Good
- Speedy M3 processor
- No price increase
- New magic keyboard
The bad
- No OLED screen
- Can become expensive
Unlike the penis, CNET does not think that the iPad Pro is now worth the upgrade compared to the new air (unless you are considering high -end air like model 1 TB).
What is the difference between the two? The pro offers an OLED screen, a thinner design, a camera in facial identification and a LIDAR scanner alongside an M4 chip. But as we have also concluded, the lines between air and pro are now even more vague – and it depends on the quantity you want these additional features.
Likewise, CNET review concluded that there were two major reasons to pass the new air on the basic iPad – its M3 chip and its compatibility with the pro pencil. He also rents the magic keyboard which, according to him, is “a better option now than it was”, and on a theme being executed, says that the 11 -inch model “would be the one I consider”.
Wired: “Now an option for creatives and players, but lack of exciting upgrades”
Good
- Small Performance Boost
- New magic keyboard box
- 5G connectivity
- Advanced graphic powers
The bad
- Heavier than iPad Pro
- Basic LCD screen
- No new color options
- Ipados always limited
Wired has set up on a mid -line 7/10 note for the iPad Air M3, the main recommendation being to wait for price reductions if you need the M3 power. “It offers great experience, but it does not bring anything vital to the table which deserves the payment of the high price,” concludes the Weds Review.
His comparisons side by side with the iPad M1 and M2 tunes showed that “it was difficult to identify a distinction of performance between the three”, apart from the feeling of M3 “a little more snappcial” but not significantly.
The other main criticisms are the design of the air (“it is comical that the iPad Air is still a few grams heavier and almost a complete millimeter thicker than the iPad Pro”) the more the lack of improvement in the battery and screen improvements. Wired thinks that Apple should have replaced its LCD panel with the mini LED that seen on the iPad Pro in 2021 and 2022.
In short, while Wired thinks that air M3 is always a solid option, he believes that “we are on the precipice of an even thinner, faster and better model” in the near future.
Engadget: “a modest update which is always easy to recommend”
Good
- Ipad with a large affordable screen
- Improved and cheaper keyboard
- Powerful M3 Chip
The bad
- Tech-signs
- No face id
- The colors could be brighter
- Can become expensive quickly
Like most criticisms of iPad Air M3 here, Engadget has not noticed a large part of a real impact of the new M3 chip (despite the Geekbench scores showing an improvement of 16% compared to M2). However, he stresses that the chip makes the tablet a little more to the proof of the future.
Like Wired, Engadget thinks that Apple should have upgraded air screen technology to the mini led panel of the iPad Pro a few years ago. The combo of a cooling rate of 120 Hz and 1,000 brightness (1,600 nits for HDR content) would be, it is said, “being a major improvement” given the popularity of iPads to watch the video. Again, he also admits that “the iPad Air screen remains very beautiful”.
In conclusion, Engadget says: “Air remains a clear upgrade on the basic iPad”, thanks to its “improved display, stronger performance, a more robust multitasking experience and better accessories”. But also that most people who want “just a good iPad” would probably not miss air upgrades.
The iPad Air M3 verdict
Despite some minor differences in opinion, there is a clear consensus in the criticism of the iPad Air M3 – all the examiners think that it is a beautiful mid -range tablet if an increasingly boring increasing upgrade.
The new air can also be captured between two stools. The updated basic iPad remains better value for those who just want an Apple tablet (and do not care about Apple Intelligence), while the cost of iPad Air M3 configurations can go up to the point where the iPad Pro M4 could be the best bet (especially if you need a 13 -inch screen).
The main reasons for choosing an iPad Air on the basic iPad are its PHIP M3 compatibility and Apple Crayer Pro. The iPad Pro M3, on the other hand, offers a much better OLED screen, a M4 chip, a facial identifier, a Lidar sensor and better speakers.
But most criticisms also concluded that, if the latter is not important for you, the new air remains a beautiful tablet, the 11 -inch model being the ideal point for size and price.
