Apple iPad Air M3 11-inch vs Apple iPad Pro 11" (M5, 2025)
The Verdict
The Apple iPad Air M3 11-inch and Apple iPad Pro 11" (M5, 2025) sit in the same category and end up appealing to slightly different buyers. The Apple iPad Air M3 11-inch is the cheaper of the two at $599 versus $999, a difference of about $400. Apple iPad Air M3 11-inch stands out for m3 chip delivers desktop-class cpu and gpu performance, while Apple iPad Pro 11" (M5, 2025) is praised for m5 chip with 3.5x ai performance vs m4. Use the side-by-side spec table below to compare cameras, displays, battery life and connectivity in detail and decide which one fits your priorities.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple iPad Air M3 11-inch if…
- →M3 chip delivers desktop-class CPU and GPU performance
- →Apple Intelligence AI features supported
- →Thin 6.1 mm chassis with premium aluminum build
Buy the Apple iPad Pro 11" (M5, 2025) if…
- →M5 chip with 3.5x AI performance vs M4
- →Ultra Retina XDR tandem OLED display
- →Wi-Fi 7 via N1 chip, C1X modem for cellular
Pros & Cons
Apple iPad Air M3 11-inch
Pros
- M3 chip delivers desktop-class CPU and GPU performance
- Apple Intelligence AI features supported
- Thin 6.1 mm chassis with premium aluminum build
- Supports Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard
- Available in 1 TB storage configuration
Cons
- No ProMotion — still 60Hz refresh rate
- No OLED or mini-LED display
- Accessories (Pencil, keyboard) add significant cost
- No headphone jack
Apple iPad Pro 11" (M5, 2025)
Pros
- M5 chip with 3.5x AI performance vs M4
- Ultra Retina XDR tandem OLED display
- Wi-Fi 7 via N1 chip, C1X modem for cellular
- Apple Pencil Pro support
- Thunderbolt / USB 4 connectivity
Cons
- Starting at $999 is expensive
- Still 5.1mm thin limits thermal headroom
- No headphone jack
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPad Air M3 11-inch | Apple iPad Pro 11" (M5, 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iPadOS 18 | iPadOS 19 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 462 g (Wi-Fi) / 469 g (cellular) | 444 g |
| Dimensions | 247.6 x 178.5 x 6.1 mm | 249.7 x 177.5 x 5.1 mm |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 10 hours Wi-Fi browsing | Up to 10 hours |
| Capacity | 7526 mAh | — |
| Cameras | ||
| Rear | 12 MP wide, 4K video | 12 MP wide, 12 MP ultrawide, LiDAR |
| Front camera | 12 MP ultrawide with Center Stage | 12 MP TrueDepth, Center Stage |
| Display | ||
| Size | 11 inches | 11.0 inches |
| Type | Liquid Retina IPS LCD | Ultra Retina XDR tandem OLED |
| Resolution | 2360 x 1640 | 2420 x 1668 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz ProMotion |
| Storage | ||
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB | 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB |
| Expandable storage | ||
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 16 GB |
| Chipset | Apple M3 | Apple M5 (10-core CPU) |
| Connectivity | ||
| USB | USB-C (USB 3.2) | Thunderbolt / USB 4 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 7 (N1 chip) |
| Cellular | ||
| Stylus Support | ||
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