iPad 7 (2019, A10 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series)
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iPad 7 (2019, A10 series)
Starting at
£91.58£489.00 new
iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series)
Starting at
£496.00£749.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPad 7 (2019, A10 series) and iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series)?
iPad 7 (2019, A10 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the iPad 7 (2019, A10 series) starts at £91.58, £404.42 less than the iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series). The iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
RAM
Screen size
Screen type
Software updates
Weight
- The iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 3 GB.
- The iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) has a bigger screen: 11 inch vs 10.2 inch.
- Screen type: Retina display on the iPad 7 (2019, A10 series), Liquid Retina display on the iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series).
iPad 7 (2019, A10 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) specs
The iPad 7 suits everyday tasks with its Apple A10 Fusion processor, 3 GB RAM, and storage starting at 32 GB. The iPad Air 7 offers more power and capacity with its Apple M3 chip, 8 GB RAM, and storage options up to 1TB. Screen size and quality differ: the iPad Air 7 has a larger 11 inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone, while the iPad 7 has a 10.2 inch Retina display. Cameras and video recording are more advanced on the iPad Air 7, making it better for those who want detailed photos and 4K video. The newer device also features USB Type-C and Bluetooth 5.3, compared to Lightning and Bluetooth 4.2 on the iPad 7. Choose based on your performance needs and preferred screen and camera features.
iPad 7 (2019, A10 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) price
Colour
iPad 7 (2019, A10 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) battery life and software updates
They share the same maximum operating system, so durability in terms of software updates is comparable.
Software Support
Both the iPad 7 and iPad Air 7 are compatible with iPadOS 18. This means you can expect ongoing access to new features and security updates, regardless of which model you choose.
Maximum operating system supported
Software updates
Year of release
iPad 7 (2019, A10 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) performance
Performance varies notably between these two iPads, affecting how they handle everyday tasks and demanding apps. Storage options also differ, offering more flexibility on the iPad Air 7.
Processor and Memory
The iPad 7 uses the Apple A10 Fusion processor with 3 GB RAM, which suits everyday use like browsing, watching videos, and light apps. The iPad Air 7's Apple M3 processor and 8 GB RAM keep more apps running smoothly and handle heavier tasks with ease.
Storage Choices
The iPad 7 is available with 32 GB and 128 GB storage options, suitable for users with basic storage needs. The iPad Air 7 offers larger options from 128 GB up to 1TB, which fits users who store many apps, photos, and files.
Processor
Processor speed ghz
RAM
iPad 7 (2019, A10 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) screen
Screen differences influence how you experience visuals on these iPads. Both offer the same brightness and pixel density, but other screen characteristics set them apart.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPad 7 has a 10.2 inch screen with a resolution of 2160 by 1620, providing clear visuals in a compact form. The iPad Air 7 features a larger 11 inch screen with a higher resolution of 2360 by 1640, offering more room for apps and video.
Display Type and True Tone
The iPad 7 uses a Retina display without True Tone, delivering sharp images under consistent lighting. The iPad Air 7's Liquid Retina display includes True Tone, which adjusts colour temperature to ambient light, making viewing more comfortable in varying environments.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
iPad 7 (2019, A10 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) camera
Camera and video capabilities differ significantly, affecting how you capture photos, make video calls, or record footage. Audio playback is similar but optimised for landscape on the iPad Air 7.
Camera Quality
The iPad 7 has an 8 megapixel rear camera and a 1.2 megapixel front camera, suitable for casual photography and video calls. The iPad Air 7 upgrades to 12 megapixel cameras front and rear, delivering more detailed photos and clearer video.
Video Recording
Video recording on the iPad 7 is capped at 1080p 30 frames per second, which works well for everyday videos. The iPad Air 7 supports 4K video at 60 frames per second, ideal for users wanting high-definition, smooth video capture.
Speakers
Both devices have stereo speakers, but the iPad Air 7's are designed for landscape orientation, enhancing audio experience when watching videos or playing games in that mode.
Front camera definition
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
iPad 7 (2019, A10 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) size and design
Other features influence daily convenience and connectivity. These include pen compatibility, connectors, wireless technology, and physical dimensions.
Apple Pencil and Connectors
The iPad 7 works with the Apple Pencil 1st generation and uses a Lightning connector for charging and accessories. The iPad Air 7 supports Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil with USB-C, paired with a USB Type-C connector, allowing use with a wider range of modern accessories.
Wireless and Bluetooth
The iPad 7 offers Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi 6 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, while the iPad Air 7 features Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax. These newer standards in the iPad Air 7 provide enhanced wireless performance and range for compatible devices.
Size and Weight
The iPad Air 7 is thinner at 6.1 mm compared to 7.5 mm on the iPad 7, and slightly lighter at 460 g versus 483 g.
SIM and Connectivity
The iPad Air 7 supports eSIM, which can be convenient for users who want mobile data without a physical SIM card. Both devices do not have physical SIM ports.
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
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Wifi technology
iPad 7 (2019, A10 series) or iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series): which should you buy?
Buy the iPad 7 (2019, A10 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £91.58, £404.42 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 3 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (11 inch vs 10.2 inch)
- you want longer software support (supported, up to iPadOS 27 vs ended May 2026, last iPadOS 18)
iPad 7 (2019, A10 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) FAQs
iPad 7 (2019, A10 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. The iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 3 GB. The iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) has a bigger screen: 11 inch vs 10.2 inch.
The iPad 7 (2019, A10 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £91.58 compared with £496 for the iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series).
Updates for the iPad 7 (2019, A10 series) ended in May 2026. Its last version is iPadOS 18. The iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27.
The iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) adds more RAM (8 GB vs 3 GB), a bigger screen (11 inch vs 10.2 inch) and longer software support (supported, up to iPadOS 27 vs ended May 2026, last iPadOS 18). Refurbished, it costs £404.42 more (from £496 vs £91.58).
Refurbished, the iPad 7 (2019, A10 series) comes in 32GB and 128GB, and the iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
