This class , Apple has unveiled two exciting novel addition to its iPad lineup : theiPad ( 2025)and theiPad Air ( 2025 ) . While both tablets volunteer impressive capabilities , they cater to distinctly different demographics and use compositor’s case . Choosing the right-hand one for you comes down to understanding their unique features and how they aline with your needs .
Ultimately , both choice bring something unique to the table , cater to a range of mountains of consumers . tax your specific needs will avail you determine which iPad is the right paroxysm for you . Whether you prioritize toll , portability , or power , Apple ’s latest offerings have you cover .
Apple iPad (2025) vs. iPad Air (2025): specs
Apple iPad (2025) vs. iPad Air (2025): design
At first glance , the design of the iPad ( 2025 ) and the iPad Air ( 2025 ) seems like to their predecessors , released in 2022 and 2024 .
The iPad ( 2025 ) tout a premium all - metal body made from recycled Al , supply excellent value at just over $ 300 . Its free weight statistical distribution control comfort during extended use , and Apple ’s minimise invention persist appeal for a budget tablet . The Touch ID sensing element , integrated into the power button , is both honest and commodious . to boot , the front - facing photographic camera ’s landscape painting predilection enhances the experience for video calls .
The latest iPad Air can be name as “ an affordable Pro Apple pad of paper , ” delivering impressive functioning at $ 400 less than the iPad Pro . We also appreciate the iPad Air ’s cleaner design , which no longer includes the “ iPad Air ” stigmatization on the back , leaving only the Apple logotype .
Aside from color options and pernicious size of it differences , the iPad ( 2025 ) and iPad Air ( 2025 ) share identical placements for buttons , Speaker , photographic camera , and microphones . The Smart Connector on the iPad ( 2025 ) is locate on the side opposite the camera to tie Apple ’s Magic Keyboard Folio , while the iPad Air ( 2025 ) features the connexion on the rear to fend for the Magic Keyboard for iPad Air . Additionally , the iPad Air has a magnetic dock on the camera side for charging the Apple Pencil Pro . In direct contrast , the iPad ( 2025 ) is compatible only with the Apple Pencil ( 1st Generation ) and Apple Pencil ( USB - C ) , neither of which supports wireless charging .
As is typical with Apple ’s iPads , these models lack any junk or water impedance warrantee , as the society does not provide IP ratings for its tablets . Unlike the Ceramic Shield used in iPhones , Apple does not reveal information about the durability of the front glass . It is advisable to forfend exposing both models to piss and to use a protective subject . luckily , the dimension of the iPad Air ( 2025 ) and iPad ( 2025 ) are the same as those of their predecessors , meaning there are mess of compatible face available on the market .
While their designs are quite standardised , the iPad Air has a slender advantage as it is thin and offers a large 13 - inch choice .
victor : iPad Air ( 2025 )
Apple iPad (2025) vs. iPad Air (2025): display
The iPad ( 2025 ) features an 11 - inch LCD panel with a 60Hz refresh rate and a resolution of 2360 x 1640 pixels ( 264 ppi ) . It offers a pinnacle brightness of 500 nits and has a fingerprint - immune oleophobic program . Overall , the screen delivers good quality for its Mary Leontyne Price , shoot a line well - saturated colouration , practiced contrast , and decent viewing angles .
However , it has a meaning drawback : it habituate a non - laminated panel , which produce a seeable col between the top glass stratum and the underlying show unit . This crack lead in a empty phone when tapping with a stylus and make sketching feel less fluid compare to gamey - end poser .
On the other script , the iPad Air ( 2025 ) is useable in two sizes : 11 inches and 13 inches . Both sizes offer vibrant displays that excel in most scenarios , provide a expectant experience for consuming content . The 13 - in theoretical account is notably brighter , with a peak luminance of 600 nits compared to the 500 nits of the 11 - inch model .
The iPad Air features a fully laminated show with P3 all-inclusive color documentation and an anti - reflective coat , which importantly reduces glare and enhance touch responsiveness , specially when using the Apple Pencil for writing or drawing .
However , it ’s disappointing that Apple did not raise to a mini - lead display , and it feels odd that they have n’t comprise a 120Hz refresh charge per unit into the iPad Air to better vie with premium Android tablet , such as those from Samsung .
Despite having an oleophobic finishing , the screen door on the iPad Air continues to appeal blot and requires frequent cleansing , especially in smart atmospheric condition .
In summary , while both display share the same resolution and pixel density , the iPad Air ’s fully laminated screen with an anti - brooding coating and P3 color gamut offers a superior experience , especially for originative project . In contrast , the iPad ’s non - laminated display is serviceable but has detectable limitations when used with a stylus .
Apple iPad (2025) vs. iPad Air (2025): performance
The iPad ( 2025 ) is powered by the A16 processor , which include a 5 - essence CPU , a 4 - centre GPU , and a 16 - core neural locomotive . In our testing , it perform well for workaday tasks such as World Wide Web browsing , social medium , streaming videos , and media editing .
However , when used as a computer replacement for multitasking , some public presentation issues became apparent . While apps do not crash straight off when using split - screen multitasking with several applications open in the background , the blandness typically affiliate with Apple twist is somewhat lacking .
A notable technical detail is that the A16 in the iPad differ from the A16 Bionic used in iPhones . The iPad interlingual rendition has a 5 - gist central processing unit and a 4 - burden GPU , while the iPhone model boast a 6 - core CPU and a 5 - core GPU . Even with these reduced specifications , performance benchmark show that the iPad still manage everyday tasks well , though it falls behind gamy - death devices in multi - core and graphics performance .
Apple exact that the A16 buffalo chip makes the new iPad approximately 30 % quicker than the 2022 model and 50 % faster than the 2021 ninth - propagation iPad , which uses the A13 Bionic . For the distinctive tasks users do on an iPad , this level of performance is generally more than sufficient .
On the other hand , the iPad Air ( 2025 ) is equipped with Apple ’s M3 chip , which is built on a 3 nm process and features an 8 - centre CPU and a 9 - core GPU architecture . Apple asserts that it is twice as fast as the M1 iPad Air ( 2022 ) , and our tests confirmed that the iPad Air felt up very reactive during a workday , even while running multiple applications simultaneously .
We test the iPad Air by open at least 12 Chrome tabs at the same time , using Google Docs in split - sieve modality , and having apps like Teams , Asana , Slack , Gmail , and Lightroom running in the background without any issues . For basic everyday tasks , users are unconvincing to notice a significant conflict between the M2 and M3 – or even between the M1 and M3 .
Overall , the M3 chip makes the iPad Air a formidable machine that put up much more power than most user typically need , especially in a tablet . The main advantage of the M3 chip shot lie in in its benefits for originative pro , as it include a dedicated metier engine that enables computer hardware - accelerated encryption and decipher for various TV formats .
In summary , both iPads perform effectively for their intend substance abuser . The iPad ( 2025 ) provide substantial everyday functioning at a more budget - friendly price , while the iPad Air ( 2025 ) cede significantly bang-up power for originative pro and those with demand workloads ..
Apple iPad (2025) vs. iPad Air (2025): software and features
The iPad ( 2025 ) and iPad Air ( 2025 ) both ship with iPadOS 18.3 , Apple ’s later lozenge operating organization . Although Apple does n’t make update hope , there ’s reason to trust they ’ll both receive at least five year of updates .
This frame both on par in core computer software feature . However , Apple ’s option to leave the iPad ( 2025 ) out of the AI party mean the iPad Air ( 2025 ) can do quite a scrap more . Apple Intelligence boast like Writing Tools , Image Playground , Genmoji , Priority Notifications , and summary are sole to the pricier simulation . By comparability , owner of the 2025 iPad will find their user experience near monovular to that of the 2022 model .
If you do n’t take AI features — or do n’t like about Apple ’s take on them — then this wo n’t matter as much . The balance of the software exploiter experience is well-nigh identical , and the base - model iPad can still run standalone AI apps like OpenAI ’s ChatGPT and Google ’s Gemini , and handles those just as well as the iPad Air ( 2025 ) .
Still , the iPad Air has some additional hardware support that will make it more appealing to budding artists and graphic designers . The standard iPad only supports the legacy Apple Pencil ( 1st Generation ) and Apple Pencil ( USB - C ) , gain for a more or less confusing landscape painting . The USB - C reading is the best stylus for most folks , as it charges over USB - C , magnetically attaches to the side of the iPad ( but wo n’t load from there ) , and even supports Apple Pencil hover on the iPad Air . It ’s great for writing note and basic sketching but lacks pressure sensitivity for more advanced drawing off .
To get pressure sensitiveness on the entry - level iPad , you want to go with the first - generation Apple Pencil . That ’s the stylus Apple debut with the original 12.9 - in iPad Pro in 2015 . It has a male Lightning connector on the destruction , designed to charge by plugging it directly into the bottom of the iPad . Of course , modern iPads no longer have a Lightning embrasure , so you ’ll have to use a cable television and USB - C - to - Lightning adapter to charge it . To say that makes things awkwardfeels like an understatement . Also , the first - gen stylus has no hover support , and ca n’t be magnetically attached to the iPad , so you ’ll involve to find somewhere else to keep it when you ’re not using it .
If you plan to practice a stylus with your iPad for anything more than basic sketching , it ’s deserving upgrading to the iPad Air ( 2025 ) and going with the Apple Pencil Pro . This not only supports magnetized charging and pressure sensitivity , but also add up more feature article , including haptic feedback , double - tap and pinch gesture to select drawing tool , and a cask roll that can be used to reorientate thing like coppice . It ’s a importantly better stylus experience . Apple ’s Find My can even help you turn up a misplaced Apple Pencil Pro .
Apple iPad (2025) vs. iPad Air (2025): cameras
The fresh Center Stage front camera on the iPad ( 2025 ) offer an enhanced video calling experience ; however , overall , we did not detect any significant improvements in its camera organization compared to the previous model . It retains the same specifications with a 12 - megapixel rearward photographic camera and a 12 - megapixel front tv camera .
One underage upgrade is the borrowing of Smart HDR 4 instead of Smart HDR 3 , which was used in the earlier model . This rise is wait to improve exposure processing slenderly .
The iPad Air ( 2025 ) features a reliable 12 - megapixel front camera positioned at the top in landscape painting orientation , which supports Center Stage to help keep you focus in the frame during picture calls despite pocket-sized movement .
This model includes two comparatively lowly enhancement to the front tv camera system of rules compared to the base model : a wider f/2.0 aperture for improved low - Light Within public presentation and True Tone Retina Flash for more balanced color . While these pernicious conflict extend a slight reward in specific condition , they are unlikely to be noticeable for most users .
The iPad Air ( 2025 ) shares the same television camera system as the iPad Air ( 2024 ) , featuring a 12 - megapixel rear camera and a 12 - megapixel Center Stage front tv camera with landscape predilection . This location is beneficial , as it aligns with how most people typically hold the iPad during video calls .
Both the front and rearward cameras on the iPad Air ( 2025 ) support Smart HDR 4 , which is an upgrade from Smart HDR 3 in old iPad Air model . This enhancement is expected to deliver improved photo lineament , especially under challenging inflammation conditions .
Winner : link up
Apple iPad (2025) vs. iPad Air (2025): battery life and charging
The iPad ( 2025 ) and 11 - inch iPad Air ( 2025 ) both have a 28.93 watt - minute ( Wh ) stamp battery , while the 13 - inch manakin gets a larger 36.59 Wh cell . These are the same batteries as their several 2022 and 2024 predecessors , and battery aliveness rest likewise unchanged .
While you ’d opine the larger barrage in the 13 - inch iPad Air would provide long run time , that extra power is eat on up by the larger silver screen . The iPad and both iPad Air models all promise the same 10 hours of web - surfriding or telecasting playback , which spend to 9 hours if you ’re using cellular data or else of Wi - Fi . Our examination found those number were precise in the previous models , so we expect they ’ll hold on-key for the 2025 releases .
All of Apple ’s iPads charge exclusively over USB - C. A one - meter USB - C charge cable and 20W USB - C power transcriber is included in the boxwood . you’re able to likely charge a chip faster if you append your own higher - electrical power adapter — tests have shown most iPads can blame at up to 30W — but the larger barrage mean that extra boost does n’t make enough of a conflict to be worth it . You should contrive on charging overnight or at other times when you cognise you wo n’t want to use your iPad .
Apple iPad (2025) vs. iPad Air (2025): price and availability
The iPad ( 2025 ) and iPad Air ( 2025 ) are now uncommitted for purchase .
The iPad ( 2025 ) get down at $ 349 for the substructure example , which now features 128 GB of storage , an step-up from the late manikin ’s 64 gigabyte . A 256 GB version is usable for $ 449 , and a new 512 GB alternative is priced at $ 649 . Wi - Fi + Cellular models can be tot for an extra $ 150 . The iPad is offered in silver , blue-blooded , pink , and chicken .
The iPad Air ( 2025 ) begin at $ 599 for the 11 - in fashion model with 128 GB of memory board . Upgrades are uncommitted to 256 GB , 512 GB , or 1 TB for $ 699 , $ 899 , and $ 1,099 , respectively . The 13 - inch iPad Air be an additional $ 200 on top of these prices , and the Wi - Fi + Cellular option adds another $ 150 . The iPad Air come in Space Gray , naughty , purpleness , and Midnight finishes .
Apple iPad (2025) vs. iPad Air (2025): verdict
At $ 349 , the iPad ( 2025 ) is hard to beat and is , in our opinion , the best iPad for most users . While it does have some trade - offs , it offer solid performance up to of handling all but the most demanding AAA games and complex video editing undertaking . The video display is excellent for WWW surfing , reading , and keep an eye on Netflix , and the front photographic camera is satisfactory for telecasting birdcall with Quaker , syndicate , and colleagues . If these characteristic encounter your need , the entry - level iPad will service you well .
Furthermore , the iPad ( 2025 ) addresses the most significant issue of its predecessor by increase the base memory to 128 GB . The 2022 version started with a meager 64 GB , which was well fill up , while the next tier was 256GB — often too much for many user . The 2025 model finds the “ Goldilocks ” zona with its 128 GB option , while still proffer a 256 GB rise for those who call for more . There is even a new 512 GB choice for user looking to store plentitude of media for a road trip off the grid . However , it ’s deserving mark that this larger storage option puts you in the cost range of the iPad Air , making it a baffling decision .
That say , the iPad Air ( 2025 ) is an excellent tablet for those unforced to spend more . It offers betterment in nearly every aspect . However , it ’s more than what most hoi polloi require day - to - day .
There are compelling reasons to consider Apple ’s mid - grade iPad Air , including a superior showing , exceptional gaming and telecasting editing performance , an impressive Apple Pencil Pro experience , and financial backing for Apple service . That said , unless you specifically need a larger filmdom , the standard iPad suffices for workaday tasks . If a larger 13 - inch screen door is a anteriority , the iPad Air is your go - to option unless you are prepared to pay MacBook prices for an iPad Pro .
When compared to premium tablets , the iPad Air really scramble . It can be regarded as a budget - well-disposed adaptation of the iPad Pro , provide most of the world power and capabilities of Apple ’s in high spirits - end gimmick at a much gloomy cost . However , it is design for users look for a laptop replacement for more serious oeuvre rather than casual home and family habit .
