iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series)
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iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series)
Starting at
£243.92£579.00 new
iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series)
Starting at
£496.00£749.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) and iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series)?
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and software updates. Refurbished, the iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) starts at £243.92, £252.08 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
Software updates
Weight
- The iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
- Screen size: 10.9 inch on the iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series), 11 inch on the iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series).
- Software updates: Until Sep 2027 on the iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series), Supported, up to iPadOS 27 on the iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series).
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) specs
The iPad Air 7 offers a larger 11 inch screen, double the RAM at 8 GB, and more starting storage at 128 GB, which suits users who want more space for apps and smoother multitasking. Its front camera is also higher resolution at 12 megapixels, ideal for clearer video calls and selfies. The iPad Air 4 is an option with 4 GB RAM and 64 GB storage, which works well for those who want a capable iPad without extra capacity or features. Both have USB Type-C connectors and stereo speakers, but the iPad Air 7 supports Bluetooth 5.3 and eSIM connectivity, which may appeal to users wanting more modern wireless options.
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) price
Colour
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) battery life and software updates
This means both will stay current with new iPadOS features and security patches.
Operating System Support
This means either device will remain compatible with new apps and functions for the foreseeable future.
Maximum operating system supported
Software updates
Year of release
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) performance
The two iPads differ in processing power, memory, and storage options, which affects how they handle everyday tasks, multitasking, and storage needs.
Processor and RAM
The iPad Air 7 features an Apple M3 processor and 8 GB of RAM, which keeps everyday apps running smoothly and supports more intensive multitasking. The iPad Air 4 uses an Apple A14 Bionic processor with 4 GB of RAM, making it suitable for standard tasks and lighter multitasking.
Storage Options
Starting storage on the iPad Air 7 is 128 GB, with options up to 1 TB, catering to users who need more room for apps, media, and files. In comparison, the iPad Air 4 starts at 64 GB with an option for 256 GB, fitting users with simpler storage needs.
Processor
Processor speed ghz
RAM
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) screen
Screen quality is very similar between the two iPads, with a few differences in size that affect viewing experience and portability.
Screen Size
The iPad Air 7 has a slightly larger 11 inch screen compared to 10.9 inches on the iPad Air 4. This extra screen room can improve your experience when watching videos, reading, or using apps that benefit from a larger display.
Display Quality
Both models feature a Liquid Retina display with 500 nits brightness, 264 pixels per inch, and True Tone technology, offering clear, bright images with natural colour tones, suitable for most lighting conditions.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) camera
The audiovisual features differ mainly in camera resolution and speaker orientation, which influence video calls, photography, and media playback.
Front Camera
The iPad Air 7 has a 12 megapixel front camera, providing higher detail for video calls and selfies. The iPad Air 4's front camera is 7 megapixels, good for everyday video chats but with less detail.
Speakers and Video
Both iPads have stereo speakers, with the iPad Air 7's speakers designed for landscape orientation, which may enhance audio when watching videos or playing games horizontally. Both record video at 4K 60 frames per second and have 12 megapixel rear cameras, suitable for capturing sharp photos and videos.
Front camera definition
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) size and design
Several other features differ between these models, including stylus compatibility, connectivity options, and device dimensions, which affect usability and accessory choices.
Apple Pencil Compatibility
The iPad Air 4 supports the Apple Pencil 2nd generation and Apple Pencil (USB-C), while the iPad Air 7 works with the Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C). This means each iPad pairs with different stylus options that may influence your drawing or note-taking experience.
Bluetooth and Connectivity
Bluetooth 5.3 on the iPad Air 7 offers improved wireless connections compared to Bluetooth 5.0 on the iPad Air 4. The iPad Air 7 also supports eSIM, providing digital mobile data options without a physical SIM card, while both devices have USB Type-C connectors and no SIM port.
Physical Size and Weight
The iPad Air 7 is slightly larger at 11 inches screen size and weighs 460 g, close to the iPad Air 4's 458 g and 10.9 inch screen. Dimensions differ notably in height and width figures but these reflect the same general size class suitable for similar portability.
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 Air 4 (2020, A14 series) or iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series): which should you buy?
Buy the iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £243.92, £252.08 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 4 GB)
- you want the newer model (2025)
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) FAQs
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and software updates. The iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB. Screen size: 10.9 inch on the iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series), 11 inch on the iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series).
The iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £243.92 compared with £496 for the iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series).
The iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) gets updates until Sep 2027. 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 4 GB). Refurbished, it costs £252.08 more (from £496 vs £243.92).
Refurbished, the iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) comes in 64GB and 256GB, and the iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
