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Apple iPad (A16) vs Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M3)
Apple iPad (A16) ($449) vs Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M3) ($500) — side-by-side specs, weight, pros and cons to help you pick the right budget tablet.
Spec-by-spec
| Spec | Apple iPad (A16) | Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M3) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449 | $500 |
| Weight | 477g | 460g |
| Chip | A16 | M3 |
| Display | 11" Liquid Retina | 11" Liquid Retina, 60Hz |
| Security | Touch ID top button | — |
| Accessories | Apple Pencil (USB-C) | — |
| Weight | 477 g (Wi-Fi) | 460g (Wi-Fi, Apple published) |
| Ports | — | USB-C |
| Pencil | — | Apple Pencil Pro |
| Audio | — | Landscape stereo speakers |
Pros & Cons
Apple iPad (A16)
- $449 entry into a mature ecosystem
- A16 is plenty for media and notes
- Same 11-inch screen size as the Air
- Years of software support at this price
- No Pencil Pro — USB-C Pencil only
- Heavier than the 11-inch Air it undercuts
- Unlaminated display feels less premium
Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M3)
- M3 with hardware ray tracing
- Apple Pencil Pro support
- 460g, the sweet spot for holding
- Much cheaper than a Pro
- 60Hz display after years of 120Hz Pros
- No OLED
- Chip is overkill for what most Airs do
Apple iPad (A16) is the better value at $449. If weight matters most, Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M3) carries lighter at 460g. Both are part of our curated budget tablet index — tap through to check current pricing.
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