iPad (A16) vs. iPad Air (M3): Which One Should You Buy?

Apple's new iPads are here, and they have some small but helpful upgrades. The iPad (A16) and iPad Air (M3) have Apple's sleek and strong design. However, picking between them is not easy.

The iPad (A16) costs $349, while the iPad Air (M3) costs $599. Is the higher Price worth it, or does the base model have everything you need? This guide breaks down both models to help you decide.

Key Takeaways

• iPad (A16) is the best value for most users, offering great performance at an affordable price.
• iPad Air (M3) is ideal for creatives who need advanced stylus support and AI features.
• Choose the 13-inch iPad Air (M3) if you need a larger display for multitasking.
• Apple Intelligence is exclusive to M-series chips, making the Air (M3) a future-proof choice.

iPad (A16) vs. iPad Air (M3): Quick Comparison

The Best iPad for Most Users: iPad (A16)

Affordable, Capable, and More Storage

For most people, the iPad (A16) is the best choice. At $349, it remains one of the best-value tablets on the market, offering an incredible balance of price and performance.

Why the iPad (A16) Stands Out

More Storage for the Same Price

• The base model doubles its storage to 128GB - a massive upgrade over last year's 64GB version. This means you can store more apps, games, and media without worrying about running out of space.

A16 Bionic Chip = Great Performance

• While not as powerful as the M3, the A16 is still a top-tier mobile chip, offering fast performance for everyday tasks like web browsing, video streaming, and gaming.

Same Great Design & Display

• The 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display remains unchanged, but that's good. The screen is bright, sharp, and still among the best at this price range.

Cellular Option Available

•  Unlike many competing tablets, the iPad (A16) lets you add cellular connectivity for an extra $149. If you need internet on the go, this is a great feature.

What's Missing?

No Apple Intelligence

• You will need the iPad Air (M3) if you want Apple's new AI tools. Most casual users won't miss these features.

No Apple Pencil Pro Support

• The iPad (A16) only uses the basic Apple Pencil (USB-C). It does not have the Pro version's advanced haptic feedback and gesture controls.

Who Should Buy the iPad (A16)?

• Students who need an affordable, reliable tablet
• Casual users who primarily browse the web, stream content, and use social media
• Families looking for a solid household tablet
• Anyone looking for the best-value iPad

Is the iPad Air (M3) Worth It?

The iPad for Power Users and Creatives

If you want a faster chip, a bigger screen option, and Apple Intelligence, the iPad Air (M3) is the better pick. However, it's a significant price jump at a starting price of $599.

Why Choose the iPad Air (M3)?

M3 Chip = Future-Proof Performance

• The M3 processor is faster than the A16. The iPad Air (M3) is a good choice for tough tasks. It is great for video editing, 3D modeling, and graphic design.

Supports Apple Intelligence

• This iPad can use Apple's new AI tools, including smart text generation, email summarization, and AI-powered Siri enhancements.

Bigger Screen Option

• The 13-inch version is perfect for creatives, students, and professionals needing extra multitasking screen space.

Works with Apple Pencil Pro

• The Apple Pencil Pro offers haptic feedback, squeeze gestures, and rotation detection if you plan to draw or take notes frequently.

What's Missing?

No Face ID

• The iPad Air continues to incorporate Touch ID, which seems outdated compared to the latest iPhones and iPad Pro models.

Minimal Upgrades Over M2

• Aside from introducing the M3 chip and AI capabilities, the iPad Air (M3) closely resembles the M2 version.

Who Should Buy the iPad Air (M3)?

• Creative professionals who need Apple Pencil Pro support
• Users who want Apple Intelligence tools
• Anyone who needs a larger 13-inch display
• Those who multitask frequently and need extra processing power

What About the iPad Pro and iPad Mini?

If you're considering other iPads, here's a quick breakdown:

• iPad Mini ($499) - Best for portability, but expensive for its size.
• iPad Pro (Not Updated Yet) - Overkill for most people unless you need extreme power for pro-level tasks.

The iPad (A16) or iPad Air (M3) will be the best choices for most users.

Final Verdict: Which iPad Should You Buy?

For most buyers, the iPad (A16) is the clear winner. It’s affordable, powerful, and future-proof enough for everyday use.

However, if you’re a creative professional or AI enthusiast, the iPad Air (M3) is worth the extra cost.

Final Thought

If you're looking for an iPad, the iPad (A16) is the best choice for most people. It offers good value, a nice display, and enough power for everyday use. If you want Apple's AI features or a larger screen, choose the iPad Air (M3).

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FAQ's

Q. Does the iPad (A16) support the Apple Pencil Pro?

A. No, it only supports the Apple Pencil (USB-C).

Q. Is the iPad Air (M3) worth $250 more than the iPad (A16)?

A. It depends. If you want Apple Intelligence, a bigger screen, and better stylus support, then yes; otherwise, the iPad (A16) is the better value.

Q. Will Apple Intelligence come to the iPad (A16) later?

A. Apple has confirmed that only M-series chips will support these AI features.

Q. Should you upgrade from the iPad (10th-gen)?

A. Upgrading makes sense if you need more storage (128GB vs. 64GB) or a bit more speed. Otherwise, it's not a must.

Q. Is the iPad Air (M3) different from the M2 version?

A. Mostly the same, but the M3 model has a new chip and supports Apple Intelligence.