On Tuesday, Apple unveiled two new iPad models: the iPad Air featuring the M3 chip and a revamped entry-level iPad sporting the A16 chip. Although many hoped the budget-friendly iPad would finally incorporate Apple Intelligence features, it fell short. However, for those seeking an economical iPad with AI functionality, I highly suggest exploring the M1 iPad Air.
The all-new iPad 11
The iPad 11 has seen minimal changes, now powered by the A16 chip, in contrast to its predecessor which had the A13 chip. Apple claims the new iPad is 50% faster than the previous version. Indeed, the newer A16 chip has improved performance with 6GB of RAM, a bump from the prior 4GB. Nevertheless, it still lacks support for Apple Intelligence features.
This disappointment has left many eager customers wanting to update their iPads but reluctant to pay a premium for an iPad Air or iPad Pro just to access the latest AI features. The iPad 11 is priced at $349, while the newly launched iPad Air with the M3 chip has a starting price of $599, and the iPad mini 7 begins at $499 for its base model.
What’s the best choice for acquiring a new iPad with Apple Intelligence without breaking the bank? The M1 iPad Air stands out as the ideal option.
The M1 iPad Air is a superior choice
The M1 iPad Air, also referred to as the 5th generation iPad Air, debuted in 2022. Although Apple no longer lists it on their official site, you can still find the M1 iPad Air at reduced prices in various stores, especially if you’re open to purchasing a refurbished unit. In numerous aspects (if not all), it outperforms the new iPad 11 released today. Here’s why.
Both models feature an 11-inch LCD screen, yet the M1 iPad Air boasts a more sophisticated display with a wide P3 color gamut and anti-reflective coating. Conversely, the iPad 11’s display is restricted to sRGB colors and comprises non-laminated glass, making it more prone to glare.
The 5th generation iPad Air is also notably slimmer and lighter than the iPad 11, measuring 6.1 mm thick and weighing 461 grams compared to the iPad 11’s 7 mm thickness and 477 grams weight.
The highlight of the M1 iPad Air is undoubtedly the M1 chip. The M1 was the inaugural Apple Silicon chip tailored specifically for Macs before it was adapted for iPads. With its 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU, it outshines the A16 chip in the iPad 11, which comes with a 5-core CPU and a 4-core GPU. This translates to the old iPad Air outperforming the new iPad 11.
Benchmark evaluations indicate that the M1 outpaces the A16 Bionic chip by around 30% (note that this comparison involves the iPhone 15 chip, which includes an additional CPU and GPU core compared to the one in the iPad 11). Plus, the M1 is equipped with 8GB of RAM, enhancing its multitasking and AI capabilities.
This advantage allows the M1 iPad Air to support all Apple Intelligence features, along with capabilities like Stage Manager for running multiple app windows at once and connecting to an external monitor. The iPad 11 does not support any of these functionalities.
Additionally, the 5th generation iPad Air includes a USB-C 3.1 port capable of speeds up to 10 Gbps, whereas the USB-C 2.0 port on the iPad 11 is restricted to a mere 480 Mbps. This discrepancy means that file transfers between the iPad and external devices (like cameras) are noticeably slower on the iPad 11. Furthermore, the Air is compatible with the Apple Pencil 2, which offers more features compared to the USB-C Apple Pencil meant for the iPad 11.
To summarize, here are the key advantages of the 5th generation iPad Air over the iPad 11:
- Slimmer and lighter design
- Superior display quality
- Faster chip with enhanced graphics
- More RAM
- Support for Stage Manager
- Compatibility with Apple Intelligence features
- Support for Apple Pencil 2
- USB-C 3.1 connectivity
On the flip side, the iPad 11 does have one advantage over the 2022 iPad Air: it starts with 128GB of storage, while the M1 Air only comes with 64GB.
Which one should you choose?
If your primary use for an iPad consists of watching videos and reading, you might consider saving some money by opting for the new entry-level model priced at $349. Students can even snag a discount through Apple’s education store, which is worth considering.
However, if you seek access to the latest iPadOS features and desire a capable laptop replacement, the M1 iPad Air presents itself as the clear winner. Even now, the M1 chip is more than capable of handling demanding tasks and games, and it supports all the same software features available on the latest iPads.
Apple offers a refurbished M1 iPad Air for $379 in the 64GB variant. Apple Certified Refurbished Products are pre-owned items that have gone through Apple’s rigorous refurbishment process prior to resale. These refurbished products come in special packaging with original accessories and include a 1-year warranty from Apple.
What are your thoughts? Which iPad would you opt for? Share your opinions in the comments section below.
