iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series)
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iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series)
Starting at
£496.00£749.00 new
iPad Pro (2021, M1 series)
Starting at
£476.53£749.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) and iPad Pro (2021, M1 series)?
iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) comes down to the refresh rate and weight. Refurbished, the iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) starts at £476.53, £19.47 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
Refresh rate
Weight
- The iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) has a smoother screen: 120 Hz vs 60 Hz.
- The iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) has a lighter build: 460 g vs 470 g.
iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) specs
The Air 7 features the Apple M3 processor, while the Pro has the Apple M1. The Pro offers a brighter screen with a faster 120 Hz refresh rate, ideal for smoother motion. The Air 7 supports Apple Pencil Pro and has Bluetooth 5.3, whereas the Pro supports Apple Pencil 2nd gen and includes Face ID and a LiDAR scanner. The Air 7 is lighter and uses eSIM for cellular, while the Pro is unlocked with a Nano SIM slot. Each tablet suits different needs: the Air 7 is a strong choice for everyday use with newer tech, while the Pro is geared towards users who want extra screen fluidity, advanced sensors, and four speaker audio.
iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) price
Colour
iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) battery life and software updates
Durability covers software support and how long each device can keep up with updates.
Latest Software Support
Both the iPad Air 7 and the iPad Pro support iPadOS 18, which means you can expect each to run the same current apps and system features. This makes either device a good choice if you want to stay up to date with Apple's software environment.
Battery
Maximum operating system supported
Software updates
Year of release
iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) performance
Performance depends on processor, RAM, and storage options. Both iPads share 8 GB RAM and start at 128 GB storage but differ in processor generation and available storage capacities.
Processor Generation
The iPad Air 7 uses the Apple M3 processor, which is a newer generation compared to the iPad Pro's Apple M1. This means the Air 7 could handle newer tasks with updated efficiency, suited for users who want the latest chip technology.
Storage Range
The iPad Air 7 comes in storage options from 128 GB up to 1 TB, which suits most everyday and professional needs. The iPad Pro extends up to 2 TB, offering more space for users with very large files or extensive app libraries.
Processor
Processor speed ghz
RAM
iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) screen
Screen quality affects how you see content and interact with the device. Both iPads have 11 inch Liquid Retina displays with True Tone but differ in brightness, refresh rate, and resolution.
Brightness and Resolution
The iPad Pro offers up to 600 nits brightness with a resolution of 2388 x 1668, making it well suited for viewing in brighter conditions and displaying sharper details. The iPad Air 7's screen brightness is 500 nits with a slightly lower resolution of 2360 x 1640, still strong for everyday use.
Refresh Rate
The iPad Pro supports a 120 Hz refresh rate, which means smoother scrolling and animations. This benefits users who watch videos, play games, or prefer a more fluid screen experience. The iPad Air 7 has a 60 Hz refresh rate, suitable for standard tasks and general use.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) camera
Audiovisual features affect video calls, photography, and media playback. Both devices have the same front and rear camera megapixels and video recording capabilities but differ in speaker setup.
Speaker Configuration
The iPad Pro includes four speaker audio, offering richer and more immersive sound when watching videos or listening to music. The iPad Air 7 has stereo speakers in landscape mode, which suit casual media use but provide a simpler audio experience compared to the Pro.
Front camera
Front camera definition
Main camera
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) size and design
Miscellaneous features include accessories compatibility, connectivity, biometric options, and design dimensions, all of which shape usability and convenience.
Apple Pencil Compatibility
The iPad Air 7 supports the Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C), offering flexibility for creative tasks with newer stylus options. The iPad Pro supports the Apple Pencil 2nd generation and Apple Pencil (USB-C), catering to users with existing accessories or preferences for that stylus.
Biometric Security and Face Recognition
The iPad Pro includes Face ID for facial recognition and unlocking, which provides a hands-free security option. The iPad Air 7 does not have Face ID but uses Touch input, which still allows secure and quick access.
Carrier and SIM Options
The iPad Air 7 uses eSIM technology, making it suitable for users who prefer digital SIM management without physical cards. The iPad Pro is unlocked and supports a Nano SIM, which might suit those who want to swap physical SIM cards.
Bluetooth and Wireless
The iPad Air 7 has Bluetooth 5.3, offering the latest improvements in wireless connectivity. The iPad Pro uses Bluetooth 5.0, which remains reliable for most wireless accessories.
Size and Weight
Both devices share the same screen size but differ slightly in dimensions and weight. The iPad Air 7 weighs 460 g and is 6.1 mm deep, making it a bit lighter and thinner. The iPad Pro weighs 470 g with a depth of 5.9 mm, which still keeps it highly portable.
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 7 (2025, M3 series) or iPad Pro (2021, M1 series): which should you buy?
Buy the iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) if
- you want a lighter build (460 g vs 470 g)
- you want the newer model (2025)
Buy the iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £476.53, £19.47 less than the iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series)
- you want a smoother screen (120 Hz vs 60 Hz)
iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) FAQs
iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) comes down to the refresh rate and weight. The iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) has a smoother screen: 120 Hz vs 60 Hz. The iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) has a lighter build: 460 g vs 470 g.
The iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £476.53 compared with £496 for the iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series).
The iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27. The iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27.
The iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) adds a lighter build (460 g vs 470 g). Refurbished, it costs £19.47 more (from £496 vs £476.53).
Refurbished, the iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB, and the iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB.
