iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series)
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iPad 11 (2025, A16 series)
Starting at
£392.50£429.00 new
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series)
Starting at
£481.05£749.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) and iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series)?
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and weight. Refurbished, the iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) starts at £392.50, £88.55 less than the iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series). The iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
RAM
Screen size
Weight
- The iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
- The iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) has a bigger screen: 13 inch vs 11 inch.
- The iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) has a lighter build: 477 g vs 617 g.
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) specs
The iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) and the iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) share the same maximum iPadOS version and software update duration but differ in performance, screen size, and storage options. The iPad Air 6 offers a larger 13 inch screen with higher resolution and brightness, more RAM, and more storage choices up to 1TB, suitable for users who want a spacious display and heavy multitasking. The iPad 11 has a lighter and more compact 11 inch screen with slightly less brightness and fewer storage options, ideal for those who prefer portability and a device that handles everyday use efficiently.
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) price
Colour
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) battery life and software updates
Both iPads support the same maximum iPadOS and software update versions, ensuring long-term software durability.
Software Support
Both the iPad 11 and the iPad Air 6 receive software updates up to iPadOS 27, offering ongoing improvements and security updates for several years. This equal support suits buyers who want a device that stays current with the latest iPadOS features.
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Maximum operating system supported
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iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) performance
Performance differs mainly in processor and memory, with the iPad Air 6 offering more RAM and a different chipset. Storage options also vary, catering to different user needs.
Processor and RAM
The iPad 11 runs on the Apple A16 processor with 6 GB of RAM, which is well suited for everyday apps and smooth multitasking. The iPad Air 6 uses the Apple M2 processor and comes with 8 GB of RAM, ideal for more demanding tasks and keeping multiple apps open at once.
Storage Capacity
The iPad 11 offers 128 GB and 256 GB storage options, fitting buyers who need standard space for apps and media. The iPad Air 6 extends storage up to 1 TB, which suits users who require significant space for large files, extensive app libraries, or professional work.
Processor
RAM
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) screen
Screen differences focus on size, resolution, and brightness. Both use Liquid Retina displays with the same pixel density and refresh rate, supporting True Tone for comfortable viewing.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPad 11 features an 11 inch display with a resolution of 2360 by 1640. The iPad Air 6 has a larger 13 inch screen and a higher resolution of 2732 by 2048. This makes the iPad Air 6 better suited for video viewing, creative work, and multitasking where more screen space is helpful.
Brightness Levels
The iPad Air 6 reaches 600 nits brightness, which helps with visibility in bright environments or detailed content viewing. The iPad 11 has 500 nits brightness, which is sufficient for most indoor and moderate outdoor use.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) camera
Both iPads provide matching camera and speaker specifications, supporting similar audiovisual experiences.
Camera and Video
Each iPad has 12 megapixel front and rear cameras, allowing for clear photos and video calls. Both can record video in 4K at 60 frames per second, suitable for high-quality video capture.
Speakers
Stereo speakers oriented for landscape use are included in both models, delivering balanced sound for watching videos or video calls.
Front camera definition
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) size and design
Differences in design, connectivity, and accessories reflect different user preferences and use cases beyond core specs.
Apple Pencil Compatibility
The iPad 11 is compatible with Apple Pencil (USB-C) and the 1st generation Apple Pencil using a USB-C to Apple Pencil adapter. The iPad Air 6 supports Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C), fitting users who want the latest Pencil features.
Connectivity and SIM Options
The iPad Air 6 comes unlocked with eSIM support, providing cellular connectivity options. The iPad 11 does not have a SIM port, making it suitable for users relying on Wi-Fi only.
Device Size and Weight
The iPad 11 measures 248.6 mm in height, 179.5 mm in width, 7 mm in depth, and weighs 477 g, making it lighter and more compact. The iPad Air 6 is larger at 280 mm by 214.9 mm by 6.1 mm and weighs 617 g, offering a bigger screen but less portability.
Wi-Fi Technology
The iPad Air 6 supports Wi-Fi 6E 802.11ax, which may offer improved wireless performance in compatible networks. The iPad 11 supports Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax, suitable for fast and stable Wi-Fi connections.
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Apple pen compatible
Bluetooth version
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Face
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Lidar scanner
Minimum system requirements mac
Minimum system requirements windows
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Sim format
Touch
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Wifi technology
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) or iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series): which should you buy?
Buy the iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £392.50, £88.55 less than the iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series)
- you want a lighter build (477 g vs 617 g)
Buy the iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (13 inch vs 11 inch)
What our customers say
Customers who chose the iPad 11 appreciate its light weight and smooth performance for daily use. Many mention the blue finish and 128 GB storage as fitting their needs well. Reviews highlight the device's bright and clear screen and solid battery life, often lasting through a full day of work and streaming. Some buyers note minor cosmetic wear on fair condition models but still find the device quick and reliable for reading, streaming, and everyday tasks.
Those who purchased the iPad Air 6 praise its vibrant blue colour and powerful M2 chip for fast app performance and smooth multitasking. The larger storage options up to 1TB meet the needs of users with extensive files or professional use. Battery life receives positive comments, though some find they need to charge more frequently than expected. The device is described as feeling like new with only minor marks on the case, and the screen and speed satisfy work and streaming demands.
The iPad 11 suits buyers looking for a lightweight, compact device with dependable performance for everyday activities. The iPad Air 6 appeals to those wanting a larger display, extra storage, and more memory to handle heavier multitasking and larger workloads.
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) FAQs
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and weight. The iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB. The iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) has a bigger screen: 13 inch vs 11 inch.
The iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £392.50 compared with £481.05 for the iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series).
The iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27. The iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27.
The iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) adds a lighter build (477 g vs 617 g). Refurbished, it costs £88.55 less (from £392.50 vs £481.05).
Refurbished, the iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) comes in 128GB and 256GB, and the iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
