iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series)
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iPad 11 (2025, A16 series)
Starting at
£392.50£429.00 new
iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series)
Starting at
£755.45£899.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) and iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series)?
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and weight. Refurbished, the iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) starts at £392.50, £362.95 less than the iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series). The iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) is the newer model, released in 2026.
Refurbished from
RAM
Screen size
Weight
- The iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) has more RAM: 12 GB vs 6 GB.
- The iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) has a bigger screen: 13 inch vs 11 inch.
- The iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) has a lighter build: 477 g vs 616 g.
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) specs
The iPad Air 8 has a bigger and sharper screen with higher brightness, making it suitable for viewing more content or brighter environments. The iPad 11 is lighter and has Wi-Fi 6, while the iPad Air 8 supports the newer Wi-Fi 7 standard and offers unlocked carrier compatibility. Choose the iPad 11 if you want a lighter device with solid everyday performance. Opt for the iPad Air 8 if you prefer more memory, a larger display, and faster wireless connectivity.
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) price
Colour
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) battery life and software updates
Durability matters for how long your device stays current and ready to use.
Latest Software Updates
This means both devices will receive current features and security patches, keeping them secure and functional for your needs.
Battery
Maximum operating system supported
Software updates
Year of release
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) performance
Performance impacts how smoothly your apps run and how much multitasking you can do. Both devices start with 128 GB of storage, but they differ in RAM and available capacity options.
Memory Capacity
The iPad 11 has 6 GB of RAM, which suits everyday apps and typical multitasking. The iPad Air 8 doubles this with 12 GB of RAM, helping keep many apps open and running smoothly at once, which benefits users who work with demanding apps or multitask heavily.
Storage Choices
Both iPads offer 128 GB storage models, but the iPad 11 is also available with 256 GB, while the iPad Air 8 extends storage up to 512 GB. This wider range suits users needing more space for large files, apps, or media libraries.
Processor
RAM
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) screen
The screen is central to your experience, affecting clarity, brightness, and workspace size. The iPad Air 8 offers a larger, higher-resolution display with greater brightness, while both use the same screen technology and refresh rate.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPad 11 has an 11 inch Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 2360 x 1640. The iPad Air 8 has a larger 13 inch Liquid Retina display with a sharper resolution of 2732 x 2048. The bigger screen on the iPad Air 8 gives you more room for video, reading, and multitasking.
Brightness Levels
The iPad 11 reaches 500 nits brightness, while the iPad Air 8 can go up to 600 nits. The higher brightness on the iPad Air 8 is helpful in brighter environments or for better visibility when viewing detailed content.
Screen Consistency
Both devices share the same pixel density at 264 ppi, the same 60 Hz refresh rate, and support True Tone technology. They both have standard display glass, so the daily viewing experience and colour adjustments are similar in these respects.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) camera
Front camera definition
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) size and design
Other details can influence your daily use, such as connectivity options, weight, and wireless technology. These differences help decide which device fits your lifestyle best.
Carrier and SIM Compatibility
The iPad 11 does not have a SIM port, which suits users who rely on Wi-Fi only. The iPad Air 8 is unlocked, allowing use with various carriers for mobile data, which benefits those needing connectivity on the go.
Wireless Technology
The iPad 11 supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), offering fast and reliable wireless connections. The iPad Air 8 supports the newer Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), which provides potential improvements in speed and network efficiency where compatible routers are available.
Weight and Port Type
Weighing 477 g, the iPad 11 is lighter and easier to carry for extended use. The iPad Air 8 weighs 616 g, offering a larger screen but with extra weight. Both use USB Type-C connectors and support headphones via USB Type-C, keeping connectivity consistent.
120hz
Apple pen compatible
Bluetooth version
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Face
Generation number
Headphones connectivity
Height
Lidar scanner
Minimum system requirements mac
Minimum system requirements windows
Network
Promotion
Sim format
Touch
Weight
Width
Wifi technology
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) or iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series): which should you buy?
Buy the iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £392.50, £362.95 less than the iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series)
- you want a lighter build (477 g vs 616 g)
Buy the iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 6 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (13 inch vs 11 inch)
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) FAQs
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and weight. The iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) has more RAM: 12 GB vs 6 GB. The iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) has a bigger screen: 13 inch vs 11 inch.
The iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £392.50 compared with £755.45 for the iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series).
The iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27. The iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27.
The iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) adds more RAM (12 GB vs 6 GB) and a bigger screen (13 inch vs 11 inch). Refurbished, it costs £362.95 more (from £755.45 vs £392.50).
Refurbished, the iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) comes in 128GB and 256GB, and the iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) in 128GB and 512GB.
