If you're in the market for a tablet that's powerful, portable, and practical, the Apple iPad Air 11-inch with M3 chip hits nearly every mark. Let’s break down why this might be the one.
First Impressions: Design & Display
From the moment you pick it up, the iPad Air feels unmistakably Apple—sleek, lightweight, and beautifully built. It sports the same slim, all-aluminum design as its predecessors, and despite its familiarity, it still looks incredibly fresh in 2025. SlatePadCult of Mac
The 11-inch Liquid Retina display puts on a real show. With a 2360×1640 resolution, 500 nits of brightness, True Tone, and P3 wide color support, images pop with vivid clarity and color. Whether you're outdoors or binge-watching indoors, it holds its own beautifully. Support AppleTechnowizeThe Guardian
Under the Hood: Performance That Packs a Punch
The real star of the show is the Apple M3 chip—an 8-core CPU, 9-core GPU powerhouse with a 16-core Neural Engine. Apple claims 35% faster CPU performance and 40% better graphics than the M1, and the Neural Engine is a solid 60% quicker—making Apple Intelligence and AI-powered features truly seamless. WikipédiaWIREDThe Guardian
This isn’t just theory—reviews confirm that the iPad Air M3 handles photography apps, multitasking, and even light video editing with ease. Cult of MacThe Guardian Tom’s Guide also gave it an Editor’s Choice nod, praising its processing speed, vivid display, and reliable battery life. Laptop Mag
Battery & Connectivity: All-Day Reliability
Rated for around 10 hours of usage, most real-world testers clocked in between 9–10 hours—from streaming to note-taking. Tom's GuideThe Guardian A fellow user on Reddit shared:
“I use my M3 for note-taking… play games, watch movies, and draw. This lasts for about two days.” Reddit
On the flip side, another user admitted battery performance dipped compared to older devices:
“Battery life… absolutely pathetic… my 3-year-old device with a failing battery lasts noticeably longer.” Reddit
So while Apple’s figures are mostly accurate, your mileage may vary depending on settings and usage.
You also get top-tier connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, optional 5G, USB-C, and Touch ID for secure access—with no Face ID here. AT&TThe GuardianThe Verge
Pros & Cons Breakdown
Pros:
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Powerful M3 chip offers near-pro desktop-class performance The GuardianWikipédia
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Brilliant Liquid Retina display with True Tone and wide color
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Lightweight and sleek design retains modern aesthetic SlatePadThe Guardian
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Strong battery life for most users
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Great accessory support (Apple Pencil Pro, Magic Keyboard) LifewireThe Guardian
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Built for longevity—software updates for years to come The Guardian
Cons:
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Lacks Face ID and 120Hz ProMotion display (still 60Hz) The GuardianThe Verge
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Expensive accessories (Magic Keyboard, Pencil Pro are sold separately) Tom's GuideLaptop Mag
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Battery performance may fall short for heavy users (some reports of weaker battery than older tablets) Reddit
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Not the most affordable upgrade if you already own an M2 Air Cinco DíasThe Verge
Final Verdict: Who Should Buy This?
This iPad Air is a stellar choice if you want:
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A tablet that’s more than just a media machine—think creativity, productivity, even light professional tasks.
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A gorgeous, portable device that looks and feels premium.
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A future-proof investment with longevity, strong performance, and Apple Intelligence features.
On the other hand, if you already have an M2 Air, the performance gain may not feel worth the price jump. And if basic media and browsing is all you do, the iPad A16-base model offers better affordability. Cinco DíasThe Guardian
Where to Buy
If you’re sold on the iPad Air M3, check it out here