Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M4) vs Apple iPad (A16)
Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M4) ($749) vs Apple iPad (A16) ($449) — side-by-side specs, weight, pros and cons to help you pick the right tablet.
Spec-by-spec
| Spec | Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M4) | Apple iPad (A16) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $749 | $449 |
| Weight | 464g | 477g |
| Chip | M4 | A16 |
| Display | 11" Liquid Retina | 11" Liquid Retina |
| Security | Touch ID top button | Touch ID top button |
| Accessories | Apple Pencil Pro, Magic Keyboard | Apple Pencil (USB-C) |
| Weight | 464 g (Wi-Fi) | 477 g (Wi-Fi) |
Pros & Cons
Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M4)
- The best balance of price, weight, and power
- M4 outruns what iPadOS asks of it
- Touch ID beats Face ID for flat-on-desk use
- $450 less than the equivalent Pro
- 60Hz LCD, no ProMotion or OLED
- Keyboard and Pencil push it past $1,000
- No Face ID
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 (A16) is the better value at $449. If weight matters most, Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M4) carries lighter at 464g. Both are part of our curated tablet index — tap through to check current pricing.
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