- iPad Air M3 features an M3 chip with a modest performance boost over M2.
- The LCD display is vibrant but lacks ProMotion and OLED technology.
- Supports Apple Intelligence and a new Magic Keyboard for better productivity.
- Battery life remains around 10 hours, and the design is unchanged.
- Starts at $599, but upgrades can make it nearly as expensive as the iPad Pro.
Apple’s latest iPad Air, now equipped with the M3 chip, has garnered attention for its blend of performance and affordability.
Positioned between the entry-level iPad and the premium iPad Pro, the iPad Air M3 aims to offer a balance of power and value.
This article explores about the key aspects of the iPad Air M3, drawing insights from recent reviews to help you determine if it’s the right tablet for your needs.
Design and Display
The iPad Air M3 maintains the sleek design of its predecessors, available in 11-inch and 13-inch display sizes. However, it lacks the advanced OLED or mini LED panels found in the iPad Pro lineup, which could have enhanced visual quality.
The display’s brightness levels remain at 500 nits for the 11-inch model and 600 nits for the 13-inch version. While the screen is vibrant, the absence of ProMotion technology, which offers a 120Hz refresh rate, is noticeable.
As noted by Wired, “Apple should have replaced its LCD panel with the mini LED one seen on the iPad Pro in 2021 and 2022.”
Performance
At the heart of the iPad Air M3 is Apple’s M3 chip, featuring an 8-core CPU and a 9-core GPU. This upgrade delivers a modest performance boost over the previous M2 model, with benchmark tests indicating a 12-15% improvement.
However, in everyday use, the difference may not be significant for most users. The Verge mentions that the performance improvement is “modest, with a 12-15% benchmark increase.”
Apple Intelligence Integration
One of the standout features of the iPad Air M3 is its support for Apple Intelligence, enabling AI capabilities such as photo editing and transforming sketches into images.
This functionality is absent in the standard iPad, making the Air a more attractive option for users interested in AI features.
The Australian highlights that the iPad Air “supports Apple Intelligence, including AI capabilities absent in the standard iPad.”
Magic Keyboard Compatibility
Apple has introduced an updated Magic Keyboard for the iPad Air M3, featuring a larger trackpad and an additional row of function keys. This enhancement transforms the tablet into a more viable laptop alternative.
However, the overall experience is still limited by iPadOS, which may not fully replace the functionality of a traditional laptop. Wired points out that “iPadOS remains unintuitive for some workflows.”
Battery Life
The iPad Air M3 offers battery life comparable to its predecessors, providing up to 10 hours of web browsing or video playback. While this is sufficient for typical daily use, some users may have hoped for improvements in battery longevity.
Pricing and Value
Starting at $599 for the 11-inch model and $799 for the 13-inch version, the iPad Air M3 positions itself as a cost-effective alternative to the iPad Pro, which starts at $1,299 for the base 13-inch model.
However, as you add upgrades, such as increased storage or cellular connectivity, the price approaches that of the iPad Pro, potentially diminishing its value proposition. TechBSB notes that “it becomes less attractive when you start adding upgrades.”
Conclusion
The iPad Air M3 is a solid tablet that offers a balance of performance and affordability. Its design, while familiar, remains sleek and functional.
The M3 chip provides a modest performance boost, and the integration of Apple Intelligence adds valuable AI capabilities. The updated Magic Keyboard enhances productivity, though iPadOS may still limit some workflows.
Battery life is adequate but unchanged from previous models. Overall, the iPad Air M3 is a compelling choice for users seeking a capable tablet without venturing into the higher price bracket of the iPad Pro.
