iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series)
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iPad 11 (2025, A16 series)
Starting at
£392.50£429.00 new
iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series)
Starting at
£496.00£749.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) and iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series)?
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) comes down to the RAM and weight. Refurbished, the iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) starts at £392.50, £103.50 less than the iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series).
Refurbished from
RAM
Weight
- The iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
- The iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) has a lighter build: 460 g vs 477 g.
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) specs
The iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) and the iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) share many features such as screen size, brightness, and software support. The iPad Air 7 offers a more powerful Apple M3 processor and 8 GB of RAM, suited for users who want extra performance and more memory for multitasking. It also comes with larger storage options up to 1TB, ideal for those needing more space. The iPad 11 uses the Apple A16 processor with 6 GB RAM and offers 128GB or 256GB storage, fitting everyday use and simpler needs. The iPad Air 7 is lighter and slimmer, with a smaller depth and weight, appealing to those valuing portability. Both support Apple Pencil but with different compatibility, which may affect your choice depending on the stylus you plan to use.
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) price
Colour
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) battery life and software updates
Both iPads offer the same level of software support and updates, ensuring they stay current through iPadOS 27. Their durability in terms of software is identical, so your experience will be consistent in this respect regardless of your choice.
Software Updates
Both the iPad 11 and iPad Air 7 support updates up to iPadOS 27. This means you can expect continued software improvements and security patches for both devices, keeping them up to date with new features and performance enhancements over time.
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Maximum operating system supported
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iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) performance
The two iPads differ mainly in processor and memory, which influence how they handle apps and multitasking. Storage options also vary, providing flexibility depending on your needs for space.
Processor Power
The iPad Air 7 features the Apple M3 processor, which is designed for more demanding tasks and smoother performance in apps that benefit from higher processing power. The iPad 11 uses the Apple A16 processor, suitable for everyday use and typical app performance.
Memory Capacity
With 8 GB of RAM, the iPad Air 7 keeps more apps active in the background and supports smoother multitasking. The iPad 11 offers 6 GB RAM, which handles everyday apps well but with a bit less capacity for heavy multitasking.
Storage Options
The iPad Air 7 offers more storage choices, including 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. This suits users who store large files, photos, or apps. The iPad 11 comes with 128GB or 256GB, fitting users with moderate storage needs.
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Processor speed ghz
RAM
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) screen
Screen quality is the same on both devices, so your viewing experience will be consistent whether you choose the iPad 11 or the iPad Air 7. This includes size, resolution, brightness, and display technology.
Display Features
Both iPads have an 11 inch Liquid Retina display with 2360 by 1640 resolution and 264 pixels per inch. The screens reach 500 nits brightness and include True Tone technology, making them equally suitable for watching videos, reading, and browsing in various lighting conditions.
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Screen type
True tone
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) camera
Audio and camera capabilities are matched on the iPad 11 and iPad Air 7. Both deliver stereo sound and high-resolution cameras, supporting quality video calls and media recording.
Camera and Video
Each device has 12 megapixel front and rear cameras and can record 4K video at 60 frames per second. This makes them both capable for video conferencing, photography, and video creation.
Speakers
Stereo speakers positioned for landscape use provide balanced sound for media playback on both iPads, making them suitable for watching films or listening to music without external speakers.
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Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) size and design
The iPad 11 and iPad Air 7 differ in some physical and accessory compatibility aspects, which may influence your preference depending on portability needs and Apple Pencil use.
Dimensions and Weight
The iPad Air 7 is slimmer and lighter, measuring 6.1 mm in depth and weighing 460 g. The iPad 11 is slightly thicker at 7 mm and weighs 477 g. These differences may matter if you often carry your device or use it on the go.
Apple Pencil Compatibility
The iPad Air 7 supports the Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil USB-C. The iPad 11 is compatible with the Apple Pencil USB-C and 1st generation Apple Pencil but requires a USB-C to Apple Pencil adapter for the latter. This affects which stylus you can use without extra accessories.
SIM and Connectivity
The iPad Air 7 supports eSIM, allowing you to use cellular data without a physical SIM card. The iPad 11 does not have a SIM port. Both include Bluetooth 5.3 and USB-C connectivity for accessories and charging.
120hz
Apple pen compatible
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Lidar scanner
Minimum system requirements mac
Minimum system requirements windows
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Touch
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Wifi technology
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) or iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series): which should you buy?
Buy the iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £392.50, £103.50 less than the iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series)
Buy the iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB)
- you want a lighter build (460 g vs 477 g)
What our customers say
Customers who chose the iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) appreciate its smooth performance and clean condition, especially with the blue finish and 128GB storage. They find it works well for daily tasks such as reading, streaming, and general use. Battery life is noted as solid, lasting through a full day of work and media. Some users mention minor cosmetic wear on higher storage or fair condition devices but say it does not affect usability.
Those who selected the iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) highlight its bright and shiny finish with minimal marks, along with excellent performance for streaming, gaming, and multitasking. Battery life is praised for lasting all day even with heavy use. Larger storage options, including 1TB, are appreciated by users with extensive app and media needs. A few mention minor scratches or slower charging speed but remain satisfied overall.
Both devices suit users looking for reliable refurbished iPads. The iPad 11 fits well for everyday use with moderate storage, while the iPad Air 7 appeals to those wanting more power, memory, and storage capacity in a lighter, slimmer design.
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) FAQs
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) comes down to the RAM and weight. The iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB. The iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) has a lighter build: 460 g vs 477 g.
The iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £392.50 compared with £496 for the iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series).
The iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27. The iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27.
Refurbished, the iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) comes in 128GB and 256GB, and the iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
