iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series)
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iPad 11 (2025, A16 series)
Starting at
£392.50£429.00 new
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series)
Starting at
£243.92£579.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) and iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series)?
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and software updates. Refurbished, the iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) starts at £243.92, £148.58 less than the iPad 11 (2025, A16 series). The iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
RAM
Screen size
Software updates
Weight
- The iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
- Screen size: 11 inch on the iPad 11 (2025, A16 series), 10.9 inch on the iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series).
- Software updates: Supported, up to iPadOS 27 on the iPad 11 (2025, A16 series), Until Sep 2027 on the iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series).
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) specs
The iPad 11 (2025) and iPad Air 4 (2020) share many features like screen resolution, brightness, and software support up to iPadOS 18. The iPad 11 offers a larger 11 inch display, more RAM at 6 GB and a newer Apple A16 processor, making it a better fit for users who want more memory and more processing power. The iPad Air 4 has a slightly smaller 10.9 inch screen and 4 GB RAM, suitable for everyday use and tasks like browsing or streaming. The iPad 11 has a higher resolution front camera at 12 megapixels, while the Air 4 has 7 megapixels, so the newer model is better for video calls or selfies. Both devices support Apple Pencil but use different versions. Overall, choose the iPad 11 for more memory and camera detail, or the iPad Air 4 for a lighter device with Apple Pencil 2 support.
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) price
Colour
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) battery life and software updates
Durability includes software support and device longevity, which matter if you want your iPad to stay current with updates. Both iPads support iPadOS 18 but differ in how long updates will continue.
Software Updates Duration
The iPad 11 (2025) will receive software updates until iPadOS 27, offering continued support further into the future. The iPad Air 4 (2020) will be supported until September 2027. Buyers planning to keep their device for many years may find the iPad 11 offers longer update support. Both devices support iPadOS 18 currently.
Battery
Maximum operating system supported
Software updates
Year of release
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) performance
Performance depends on processor power, RAM, and storage options, which affect how smoothly apps run and multitasking feels.
Processor and RAM
The iPad 11 has an Apple A16 processor paired with 6 GB RAM, suited for users who want more multitasking ability and smoother performance with demanding apps. The iPad Air 4 has the Apple A14 Bionic processor with 4 GB RAM, which is well suited for everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and note-taking.
Storage Options
The iPad 11 comes in 128 GB and 256 GB storage, offering a larger minimum option and more space for apps and files.
Processor
RAM
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) screen
Both iPads share many screen features but differ in size, which affects viewing space for videos, reading, and multitasking.
Screen Size
The iPad 11 has an 11 inch Liquid Retina display, providing a bit more room for watching videos or working on documents. The iPad Air 4 features a 10.9 inch Liquid Retina display, making it slightly more compact and easier to hold for long periods. Both have the same resolution, brightness of 500 nits, true tone, and standard display glass.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) camera
Audiovisual features impact video calls, photography, and media playback. Both iPads offer solid cameras and stereo sound, but there are differences in front camera resolution.
Front Camera Quality
The iPad 11 has a 12 megapixel front camera, capturing more detail and better suited to video calls or selfies where image clarity matters. The iPad Air 4's front camera is 7 megapixels, which works well for everyday video calls and casual use.
Rear Camera and Video
Both iPads have a 12 megapixel rear camera capable of recording 4K video at 60 frames per second, suitable for high-quality photos and videos. This makes either device good for capturing moments or quick filming.
Speakers
The iPad 11 features stereo speakers optimised for landscape use, while the iPad Air 4 has stereo speakers. Both deliver clear sound for videos and calls.
Front camera definition
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) size and design
Miscellaneous features cover compatibility, connectivity, and physical dimensions, which can influence daily convenience and accessory use.
Apple Pencil Compatibility
The iPad 11 supports Apple Pencil via USB-C and the 1st generation Apple Pencil with a USB-C to Apple Pencil adapter. The iPad Air 4 is compatible with the Apple Pencil 2nd generation and Apple Pencil using USB-C. This may influence your choice if you already own a particular Apple Pencil model.
Bluetooth and Connectivity
The iPad 11 supports Bluetooth 5.3, the newer version compared to Bluetooth 5.0 on the iPad Air 4. Both use USB-C for charging and headphones, and neither has a SIM port. Bluetooth 5.3 may offer improved wireless connection stability and speed.
Size and Weight
The iPad 11 measures 248.6 mm high, 179.5 mm wide, and 7 mm deep, weighing 477 grams. The iPad Air 4 is slightly smaller at 247.6 mm high, 178.5 mm wide, and 6.1 mm deep, weighing 458 grams. The Air 4's lighter, thinner size suits those wanting a more compact device for one-handed use.
120hz
Apple pen compatible
Bluetooth version
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Double sim
Face
Generation number
Headphones connectivity
Height
Lidar scanner
Minimum system requirements mac
Minimum system requirements windows
Promotion
Sim format
Touch
Weight
Width
Wifi technology
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) or iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series): which should you buy?
Buy the iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) if
- you want more RAM (6 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want the newer model (2025)
Buy the iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £243.92, £148.58 less than the iPad 11 (2025, A16 series)
- you want a lighter build (458 g vs 477 g)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the iPad 11 highlight its excellent condition and smooth performance. They appreciate the bright, clear screen and solid battery life that lasts through a full day of work or streaming. Some mention the blue finish as attractive and note the device looks like new, with minimal wear on fair condition models. Overall, users find it quick and suitable for daily use, including for gifts and replacing older devices.
Users of the iPad Air 4 report satisfaction with its smooth performance and bright, spotless screen. Reviews mention the large 256 GB storage option as ample for apps and photos. Battery life is often described as excellent, lasting a full day of varied use including video calls and emails. The green and rose gold colours receive praise, and users say the device feels solid, quiet, and fresh. Some mention slower charging compared to previous devices but are otherwise pleased.
Both devices suit different needs well. The iPad 11 fits those who want more RAM, a larger screen, and improved front camera detail. The iPad Air 4 is a good fit for users who prefer a lighter, slightly smaller device with Apple Pencil 2 compatibility and solid everyday performance.
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) FAQs
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and software updates. The iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB. Screen size: 11 inch on the iPad 11 (2025, A16 series), 10.9 inch on the iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series).
The iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £243.92 compared with £392.50 for the iPad 11 (2025, A16 series).
The iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27. The iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) gets updates until Sep 2027.
The iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) adds more RAM (6 GB vs 4 GB). Refurbished, it costs £148.58 more (from £392.50 vs £243.92).
Refurbished, the iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) comes in 128GB and 256GB, and the iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) in 64GB and 256GB.
