Apple iPad Air 13 2025 (8GB + 256GB) Review | 168 Data compared

The 2025 iPad Air (M3) bridges the gap between base and Pro models, offering immense power with the M3 chip that excels in 4K editing, 3D modeling, and Apple Intelligence tasks. Pros include the refined 11-inch or 13-inch design, improved landscape camera, and support for the Apple Pencil Pro. However, the 60Hz screen feels outdated compared to ProMotion displays, and the lack of Face ID combined with high accessory costs makes it a difficult choice against a MacBook Air.

The Tech Advisor review positions the iPad Air (M3) as a high-performance "sweet spot" in Apple’s lineup, highlighting its exceptional build quality and the power of the M3 chip. Key strengths include a high-quality Liquid Retina display, reliable all-day battery life, and compatibility with the Apple Pencil Pro. However, the tablet lacks ProMotion (120Hz) and Face ID, and it faces criticism for its slow charging speed and the high cost of essential accessories.

The Sun's review of the 2025 iPad Air praises it as a "Goldilocks" tablet, offering high-end performance via the M3 chip at a lower price point than the Pro. Key pros include a lightweight design, Apple Intelligence support, the landscape-oriented front camera, and compatibility with the Apple Pencil Pro. However, cons include the lack of Face ID and ProMotion, limited to two speakers and a 60Hz display, making it an incremental update.

The Guardian describes the 2025 iPad Air M3 as the "premium tablet to beat," bridging the gap between base and Pro models with massive M3 chip performance and a new 13-inch size option. Key pros include the improved landscape camera for video calls, reliable all-day battery life, and high-quality Liquid Retina display. However, notable drawbacks include the lack of a 120Hz ProMotion screen, reliance on Touch ID rather than Face ID, and iPadOS limitations that hinder its ability to fully replace a laptop.

The Telegraph rates the 2025 iPad Air (M3) a 9/10, positioning it as the top tablet for most users due to its balance of power, portability, and new landscape camera. Pros include the high-performance M3 chip, support for the Apple Pencil Pro and new Magic Keyboard, and native Apple Intelligence features. However, cons include it being thicker and heavier than the iPad Pro, a 60Hz display lacking ProMotion, and Touch ID instead of Face ID.

The 2024 Apple iPad Air, reviewed by Trusted Reviews, serves as a high-performance middle-ground tablet, now available in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes with a powerful M2 chip, 128GB base storage, and Apple Pencil Pro support. Pros include significantly faster performance, a landscape-oriented 12MP front camera, and the addition of a larger screen option for creative tasks. However, cons highlighted include a 60Hz refresh rate display that lacks ProMotion, reliance on Touch ID over Face ID, and a heavier chassis than the M4 iPad Pro.

The 2025 Apple iPad Air (M3) serves as a "Goldilocks" tablet balancing power and price, primarily offering an iterative upgrade to the 2024 model with a faster M3 chip and Apple Intelligence features. Key advantages highlighted by PCMag UK include improved multitasking, excellent build quality, Wi-Fi 6E, and solid 12MP cameras. However, the device maintains a 60Hz screen refresh rate without OLED, relies on Touch ID rather than Face ID, and delivers only marginal battery improvements over its predecessor. Available in 11-inch (500 nits) and 13-inch (600 nits) options with storage up to 1TB, the new Air supports the Apple Pencil Pro and redesigned Magic Keyboard. The review notes that with accessories, the cost can approach MacBook Air levels, which may offer better value for professional productivity. Despite the high price of entry, the iPad Air (M3, 2025) is rated as an Editors' Choice for consumers seeking premium performance without the Pro model's price tag.

The Apple iPad Air 13-inch (M3), reviewed by What Hi-Fi?, acts as a "superbly cinematic" alternative to the Pro model, offering a large, high-quality 13-inch Liquid Retina display with excellent audio performance. While the device delivers strong performance via the M3 chip and features a practical landscape-oriented camera, it lacks the 120Hz ProMotion and Tandem OLED technology found in the Pro lineup, resulting in less impressive contrast and motion. Pros include the immersive screen, robust build, and great sound, while cons include a 60Hz refresh rate, lack of Face ID, and a potentially unwieldy footprint. For more details, visit What Hi-Fi?. What Hi-Fi?

Six months post-release, the M3 iPad Air is touted by SlatePad as the best-value device in Apple’s lineup, offering superior performance for demanding tasks with a cleaner, minimalistic design. The M3 chip provides substantial headroom for iPadOS 26, complemented by support for the Apple Pencil Pro and an improved landscape camera. Despite these advantages, the device lacks ProMotion 120Hz, remains limited to 8GB of RAM, and retains 60Hz screen technology.

The Indian Express review of the Apple iPad Air M3 describes the device as bridging the gap between a tablet and a laptop by offering Pro-level performance with the M3 chip, designed for multitasking and Apple Intelligence features. The design remains a familiar slim aluminium chassis with a 60Hz display, lacking the ProMotion technology and Face ID found on the Pro series. The Indian ExpressKey pros highlighted include the exceptional M3 performance for creative tasks, all-day battery life, and compatibility with the Apple Pencil Pro. The 12MP landscape front camera is lauded for improved video calls. The Indian ExpressCons focused on the lack of a 120Hz ProMotion display, the absence of Face ID, and a high total cost when adding essential accessories like the Magic Keyboard. The review also noted the lack of multi-user support in iPadOS. The Indian Express

The Irish Times review of the 2025 Apple iPad Air highlights an incremental update powered by the M3 chip, offering significant performance gains and Apple Intelligence capabilities for a "future-proofed" experience. While the design remains consistent with the previous model, the 2025 iPad Air introduces a much-needed landscape-oriented front camera for better video calls. Pros include high-speed performance, support for the Apple Pencil Pro, and a more accessible price point than the Pro model. Cons, however, include a static 60Hz Liquid Retina display, continued use of Touch ID instead of Face ID, and stagnant battery life. Copy

British GQ identifies the 2025 iPad Air as a versatile "home office essential" bridging the gap between leisure and professional work, featuring a substantial M3 chip upgrade and a new 13-inch model option. Key strengths include exceptional processing speed, Apple Intelligence support, a relocated landscape camera, and compatibility with the Apple Pencil Pro. However, the review notes drawbacks, including the lack of 120Hz ProMotion/OLED displays, rising costs with essential accessories, and stagnant battery life compared to previous models.

The Independent’s review calls the 2025 M3 iPad Air the "Goldilocks" tablet, balancing high performance with value, available in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes. Powered by the M3 chip, it handles demanding tasks like 4K editing while being future-proofed for Apple Intelligence. The device boasts a high-quality, color-accurate Liquid Retina display and supports the Apple Pencil Pro and new Magic Keyboard, effectively acting as a laptop alternative. While praised for speed and display, the review notes the hardware design is mostly unchanged from the M2 version. Key limitations include the lack of 120Hz ProMotion technology (remaining at 60Hz) and the absence of Face ID, relying on Touch ID instead. Despite a solid starting price, cost increases significantly when adding accessories and higher storage tiers. Overall, it is a highly capable, portable device that brings pro-level power to a more accessible price point than the iPad Pro. The combination of the M3 chip and two size options makes it suitable for creatives and students, provided users do not require ProMotion or Face ID.

The 2026 Apple iPad Air with the M4 chip sets a new standard for premium, high-performance tablets at a more accessible price point than the Pro model. Key performance upgrades include 30% faster CPU, enhanced GPU for ray tracing, and 12GB of RAM, optimizing it for demanding apps, multitasking, and future-proofed connectivity via Wi-Fi 7. While the 11-inch model retains a lightweight,, premium, recycled aluminum design with excellent audio, the review notes the display remains a 60Hz LCD, limiting it compared to 120Hz, ProMotion alternatives. Further limitations include continued reliance on Touch ID over Face ID, no built-in kickstand, and a 128GB base storage configuration.