Compare iPad Air M3 (2025) and iPad Air M2 (2024) – Is the upgrade worth it?

Apple has officially launched the new generation iPad Air with M3 chip, promising to bring outstanding performance. However, many users are wondering whether to upgrade from iPad Air M2 (launched in 2024). This article will go into the details between the two versions, from design, performance to other features, help you have a comprehensive view and make a wise decision.

1. Compare an overview of iPad Air M3 (2025) and iPad Air M2 (2025)

2. Design and screen: There is no significant difference

The first point should be noted in terms of design, without any changes between iPad Air M3 and M2. Both have a monolithic metal design familiar with flat edges, relatively thick screen borders (especially when compared to iPad Pro). Both versions have two screen sizes: 11 inches (27.9 cm) and 13 inches (33 cm).

The physical size is also the same. The 11 -inch version is 247.6 x 178.5 x 6.1 mm, while the 13 -inch version is 280.6 x 214.9 x 6.1 mm. Weight also has no significant difference.

Overall, iPad Air is still a fairly thin and light device, however, it is thicker than the latest iPad Pro. The initial idea of ​​iPad Air is to bring a more streamlined design than other iPad lines, and this is still true when compared to the standard iPad that has just been refreshed.

In terms of color, both versions of iPad Air have color options: blue, gray, purple and starlight.

In terms of screen, iPad Air M3 (2025) does not have any changes compared to the previous version. We still have a familiar IPS LCD screen, no OLED technology or mininged technology. This screen displays well, however, the contrast is not as high as the OLED and the open light can be easily noticeable.

The most unfortunate point is that the frequency of screen scan is still at 60Hz. Apple thinks that Promotion (120Hz adaptive frequency) is a “professional feature”, but in fact, even mid -range phones and tablets today have been equipped with 120Hz or more. The iPad Air launched in 2025 still using a 60Hz screen is a big omission.

One plus point is that the iPad Air still uses the laminated display, meaning the glass and touch panel are linked directly, removing unwanted gaps.

The screen measurement results show a small difference between the two generations of iPad Air, but not significant. The maximum brightness is not too high, but the color accuracy on both machines is very good.

Comparison of screen measurement results:

Both iPad Air M3 and its predecessor use Touch ID for biometric security. Although Face ID may be more convenient because it does not need to touch the power button, Touch ID is still working well and nothing is worth complaining.

3. Keyboard and touch pen: Small improvement on Magic Keyboard

In addition to the chipset, a new point of iPad Air is a small update for the Magic Keyboard keyboard. This keyboard now has functional keys, allowing you to quickly and easily adjust the brightness, volume and centralized mode.

The keyboard material is still plastic and has no aluminum hand -made manual as on Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro. This is still the type of keyboard hovering, attached to the tablet with magnetic magnet, allowing adjustment of height and viewing angle quickly and easily.

4. Performance and benchmarks: M3 chip brings a difference

The biggest difference between the new and old iPad Air is in the inner chip. Apple M3 is stronger than the M2 chip on the previous iPad Air. It is worth noting that this is also the chip equipped on the MacBook Air.

Both M3 and M2 have 4 high -performance and 4 energy -saving cores, but the maximum clock of the CPU has increased from 3.49 GHz to 4.05 GHz, helping to improve overall performance.

CPU performance test results:

In the tests focused on the CPU, the new iPad Air achieved better results than its predecessor version, both in monomers and multi -core tests. However, in practical use, maybe you will not notice this difference, because both machines are very fast.

So what will you do with such a powerful iOS tablet with a 60Hz scan frequency? You can use many professional desktop applications, such as iPad logic, Final Cut Pro 2, Davinci Resolve, etc.

GPU performance:

In terms of memory, Apple does not have any changes, so the iPad Air M3 still has memory configurations similar to the M2 version: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB. The price also does not change.

5. Software: iPados 18 and Apple Intelligence

Both iPad Air M3 (2025) and iPad Air M2 (2024) are pre -installed with iPados 18, the latest version of the iOS operating system for tablets.

Some of the outstanding features of iPados 18 include customized control center, icon on the main screen, changing in core applications such as photos, as well as hidden ability and locking application with Touch ID.

Both the new and old iPad Air supports Apple Intelligence. However, Apple Intelligence had an unimportant start.

Of course, features like Genmoji and Image Playground are available, but the real highlight, the most expected feature – Siri is improved and more multifunctional, capable of performing complex actions in different applications – has been delayed indefinitely.

Apple usually supports its tablets for six to eight years, so you can expect the same situation with the updates for both iPad Air M3 and iPad Air M2.

6. Sound quality: similarity

Both tablets have two speakers. However, they only sound floating in horizontal mode, when the speaker is left and right.

The sound quality of both machines is the same and quite good. You will have a pleasant and rich bass, detailed and high -tone sounds are well -regenerated, making listening to music or any other means to become quite interesting.

Both iPad Air M3 and iPad Air M2 have no 3.5 mm audio jack.

Another feature that both tablets do not have tactile feedback. Not necessarily essential features on tablets, but at least other competitors still offer this option.

7. Battery and charging: There is no difference

Both the size of the iPad Air M3 (2025) have the same battery capacity as the previous generation.

This means that the 11 -inch version has a 28.93 White battery, while the 13 -inch version has a 36.59 WH battery. If you want more common specifications, the smaller tablet has a 7606 mAh battery and a larger tablet with a 9705 mAh battery.

Battery Testing results PhoneArena:

The charging speed is nothing new: iPad Air with M3 chip still charging at a maximum speed of 20W, not very high and takes more than two hours to fully charge both tablets.

Both iPad Air M3 and iPad Air M2 do not support wireless charging.

8. Camera: Equivalent quality

iPad Air M3, like an old model, has a 12 -megapixel rear camera and a 12 -megapixel front camera. Both cameras support the useful center Stage feature, capable of intelligent monitoring your face in the frame and always keep it in the center. This is one of the most flexible, priceless features in video calls.

Overall, the iPad Air camera is very reliable. It provides excellent image quality in good lighting conditions, but when the light weakens, some noise and unusual errors may appear. However, the video quality is perfectly suitable for almost every video call you can use.

If you don't have an iPhone with you and have to use the iPad to take photos, it will work well. Photos have good exposure, sharp details and familiar warm colors in iPhone style.

9. Should I buy iPad Air M3 (2025) or iPad Air M2 (2024)?

Like the standard iPad, iPad Air is more than enough for most people, but at the same time, it has a significant higher performance thanks to the desktop chip, making it more flexible at work.

At the same time, the iPad Air models are also a more reasonable choice than the iPad Pro, which is a better quality device but also significantly more expensive.

However, which iPad Air should you buy: iPad Air M3 (2025) or iPad Air M2?

If you are new to Apple's tablet ecosystem, you should definitely buy the latest iPad Air M3. There is no reason to buy an older model, this model will soon stop production.

On the other hand, if you already have iPad Air M2, you do not need to upgrade to a new sample – additional performance is good, but it will not significantly change your experience.

In short, Pad Air M3 (2025) is a slight upgrade compared to the iPad Air M2 (2024), with a stronger M3 chip and some small improvements to the keyboard. However, if you already own iPad Air M2, the upgrade may not be really necessary, unless you need superior performance for heavy tasks. On the contrary, if you are looking to buy a new tablet, iPad Air M3 is a great choice.

• Selling price of iPad Air M3: from 16.9 million for 11 -inch version, and 22.5 million for 13 -inch version.
• Selling price iPad Air M2: from 16.4 million for 11 -inch version, and 20.9 million for 13 inches.