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Apple iPad (A16) vs Apple iPad Air (4th generation)
Apple iPad (A16) ($449) vs Apple iPad Air (4th generation) ($206) — 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 (4th generation) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449 | $206 |
| Weight | 477g | 458g |
| Chip | A16 | A14 Bionic |
| Display | 11" Liquid Retina | 10.9" Liquid Retina |
| Security | Touch ID top button | — |
| Accessories | Apple Pencil (USB-C) | — |
| Weight | 477 g (Wi-Fi) | 458g (Apple published, Wi-Fi) |
| Port | — | USB-C |
| TouchID | — | Top button |
| Pencil | — | 2nd generation Apple Pencil |
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 (4th generation)
- First iPad Air with the edge-to-edge design later iPads copied
- 2nd-gen Apple Pencil, magnetic attach and wireless charge
- USB-C port for a design that finally caught up
- A14 chip still handles current iPadOS comfortably
- No ProMotion, 60Hz display like the base iPad
- Single rear camera, no Ultra Wide
- 458g, heavier than the mini for a similarly-aged chip
- Costs close to the newer base iPad used, worth comparing both
Apple iPad Air (4th generation) is the better value at $206. Both are part of our curated budget tablet index — tap through to check current pricing.
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