iPad Air M4 vs. M3 Showdown: Discover the Key Differences Now!

Just a year following its previous update, Apple has introduced a refreshed version of its iPad Air—dubbed the iPad Air M4.

This mid-range tablet now boasts an M4 processor—keeping the M5 chip exclusive to the top-tier iPad Pro—and has received a boost of an additional 4GB of RAM, while maintaining its price point for another consecutive year.

Comparing iPad Air M4 and iPad Air M3: Specifications

Despite maintaining the same pricing strategy, the new iPad Air M4 offers enhanced specifications compared to its predecessor, the iPad Air M3. Here are the details:

• Starting Price: Both models start at $599 for the 11-inch model and $799 for the 13-inch variant.
• Display: Both versions feature an 11-inch and a 13-inch Liquid Retina display with resolutions of 2360 x 1640 and 2732 x 2048 respectively.
• Chipset: The iPad Air M4 is equipped with the newer Apple M4 chip, whereas the M3 model uses the Apple M3 chip.
• RAM: The M4 version comes with 12GB of RAM, a significant increase from the 8GB in the M3.
• Storage Options: Both models offer 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB of storage.
• Cameras: Both models feature a 12MP rear camera and a 12MP front camera.
• Physical Size: The physical dimensions remain unchanged with 9.74 x 7.02 x 0.24 inches for the 11-inch model, and 11.04 x 8.46 x 0.24 inches for the 13-inch model.
• Weight: There is a slight increase in weight, with the new model weighing 1.02 pounds for the 11-inch and 1.36 pounds for the 13-inch, compared to 1.01 pounds and 1.35 pounds for the respective M3 models.
• Color Options: Available colors for both models include Blue, Purple, Starlight, and Space Gray.

iPad Air M4 vs iPad Air M3: Pricing

Apple has decided to keep the pricing of the iPad Air M4 consistent with the previous model. The 11-inch model is priced starting at $599, increasing to $1,249 for the top-end model with cellular connectivity and 1TB of storage. The 13-inch model ranges from $799 to $1,449 for the highest specification model.

As the M3 model becomes outdated, potential buyers might find lower prices through retailers looking to clear stock or through second-hand markets.

Design and Display: iPad Air M4 vs iPad Air M3

The iPad Air M4 continues to sport a design that is virtually identical to the M3, which was itself similar to the M2. The dimensions and aesthetic elements have not changed, nor has the screen technology—it still uses the same LED as the previous model. Unfortunately, it also maintains a 60Hz refresh rate without the upgraded ProMotion 120Hz technology expected in future models.

In terms of external design and display features, there is no difference between the M4 and M3 models. All the substantial upgrades are internal.

Performance: iPad Air M4 vs iPad Air M3

The major upgrade in the iPad Air M4 is the introduction of the Apple M4 chipset, which promises a 30% improvement in performance over the M3, and a 2.3 times speed increase over the M1 model. This chipset is not only faster but also more power-efficient, which might lead to better battery life than the 9 hours and 41 minutes recorded by the 11-inch iPad Air M3 in previous tests. However, Apple continues to promise only “all-day battery life.”

A notable improvement is the increase in RAM from 8GB in the M3 to 12GB in the M4, which also supports a higher memory bandwidth of 120GB/s, enhancing the speed at which AI models operate.

Aside from the chipset and memory upgrades, the new iPad Air also includes advanced wireless technologies introduced with the iPhone 17 series, such as the N1 chip for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6, and for cellular models, a C1X 5G modem, which is reportedly up to 50% faster and 30% more energy-efficient than the previous Qualcomm modem used in the M3.

Outlook: iPad Air M4 vs iPad Air M3

Visually, the two iPad Air models might look identical, but internally, the iPad Air M4 stands out as a significantly faster and more efficient device thanks to its new M4 chipset, additional RAM, and improved wireless capabilities.

For power users, the upgrade from the M3 to the M4 might be worthwhile. However, for most users, the performance enhancements may not justify an immediate upgrade unless coming from a much older model or new to Apple’s tablet line.

Choosing the newer iPad Air over the older version is advised if budget allows, as it provides a more future-proof option with better performance and new features.

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