iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series)
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iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series)
Starting at
£496.00£749.00 new
iPad Pro (2025, M5 series)
Starting at
£921.11£1,098.90 newWhat's the difference between the iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) and iPad Pro (2025, M5 series)?
iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) starts at £496, £425.11 less than the iPad Pro (2025, M5 series).
Refurbished from
RAM
Screen size
Screen type
Weight
- The iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
- The iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) has a bigger screen: 13 inch vs 11 inch.
- Screen type: Liquid Retina display on the iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series), Ultra Retina XDR display on the iPad Pro (2025, M5 series).
iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) specs
The iPad Air 7 and iPad Pro both came out in 2025 and run iPadOS 27, but they suit different needs. The iPad Air 7 is lighter and offers a Liquid Retina 11 inch screen with 8 GB of RAM, making it a good choice for everyday use and portability. The iPad Pro has a larger 13 inch Ultra Retina XDR display with higher resolution and 12 GB of RAM, suited for users who want more screen space and multitasking power. The Pro adds features like Face ID and a Lidar scanner, while the Air offers touch input and a lower weight. Storage options differ too, with the Air starting at 128GB and the Pro going up to 2TB. Both are solid devices, but your choice depends on whether you value screen size, memory, and extra features or prefer a lighter, simpler tablet.
iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) price
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iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) battery life and software updates
Both iPad Air 7 and iPad Pro are supported with software updates up to iPadOS 27 and were released in 2025. This means you can expect them to receive current software features and security patches for the foreseeable future.
Software Support
Both devices will receive updates up to iPadOS 27, ensuring they stay current with the latest features and security fixes. This makes either model a future-proof choice in terms of software for users wanting longevity.
Maximum operating system supported
Software updates
Year of release
iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) performance
Performance differences between the iPad Air 7 and iPad Pro mainly come down to their processors, RAM, and storage options. These affect how smoothly each device runs apps and handles multitasking.
Processor Speed and Power
The iPad Air 7 uses the Apple M3 processor with cores running at 4.1 GHz and 2.7 GHz. The iPad Pro has the Apple M5 processor with faster cores at 4.6 GHz and 3.0 GHz. The higher clock speeds in the Pro mean it is better suited for demanding tasks or users who run intensive apps.
Memory Capacity
The iPad Air 7 comes with 8 GB of RAM, which keeps everyday apps running smoothly, while the iPad Pro offers 12 GB of RAM. The extra memory in the Pro allows for more apps to stay open at once and can improve multitasking performance.
Storage Options
The iPad Air 7 is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB, suitable for most users' app and media storage needs. The iPad Pro starts at 256GB and goes up to 2TB, making it a better fit for users who need large amounts of storage for files, projects, or media libraries.
Processor
Processor speed ghz
RAM
iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) screen
Screen quality varies notably between these two iPads in size, resolution, and display type. This affects how much visual space you have and how sharp and vibrant images appear.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPad Air 7 has an 11 inch screen with a resolution of 2360 by 1640 pixels, offering a clear and bright viewing experience. The iPad Pro has a larger 13 inch screen with a higher resolution of 2752 by 2064 pixels. This means the Pro provides more room for work or entertainment and sharper detail.
Display Type
The iPad Air 7 features a Liquid Retina display, which delivers accurate colours and brightness suitable for most uses. The iPad Pro uses an Ultra Retina XDR display, designed for higher dynamic range and more vivid visuals, which is advantageous for creative work or media consumption.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) camera
Both iPads offer similar camera capabilities and video recording quality, but differ in speaker setup and audio output features.
Camera Quality
Both devices have 12 megapixel front and rear cameras, and support 4K video recording at 60 frames per second. This means either iPad can capture detailed photos and smooth high-resolution video.
Speakers
The iPad Air 7 includes stereo speakers optimised for landscape use, suitable for casual media or calls. The iPad Pro has four speaker audio, providing a richer and more immersive sound experience, which benefits music, videos, and gaming.
Front camera definition
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) size and design
Additional features differ between the iPad Air 7 and iPad Pro, influencing convenience and usability depending on your preferences and needs.
Biometric and Scanning Features
The iPad Pro includes Face ID for facial recognition, which can simplify device unlocking and authentication. It also has a Lidar scanner, useful for enhanced augmented reality experiences and depth sensing. The iPad Air 7 does not have these features but supports Touch input for direct screen interaction.
Weight and Portability
The iPad Air 7 weighs 460 grams, making it lighter and possibly easier to carry or hold for long periods. The iPad Pro weighs 579 grams, which adds some heft but accommodates its larger screen and additional hardware.
Connectivity and Storage
Both iPads use USB-C connectors and do not have a SIM port, with the Air supporting eSIM and the Pro listing SIM format as not applicable. The iPad Pro supports a wider range of storage up to 2TB, while the Air starts at 128GB. The Pro also features Promotion technology on its display, which can improve visual smoothness.
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Apple pen compatible
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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 (2025, M5 series): which should you buy?
Buy the iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £496, £425.11 less than the iPad Pro (2025, M5 series)
- you want a lighter build (460 g vs 579 g)
Buy the iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 8 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (13 inch vs 11 inch)
What our customers say
Customers appreciate the iPad Air 7 for its bright, fresh finishes and smooth performance. Many mention the device runs apps well and handles everyday tasks like streaming, gaming, and reading without lag. The 1TB storage option is valued for storing apps, photos, and videos. Some note the battery lasts all day even with heavy use, though one customer found charging slower than expected. Overall, users find the screen bright and responsive, with only occasional comments on speaker volume.
The iPad Pro receives praise for its like-new condition and smooth performance, even with demanding apps and games. Customers find the larger screen and storage useful for work, school, and media. Battery life generally lasts through a day of typical use, though one user wished it lasted longer when out all day. The device's finish and screen quality also receive positive mentions, with only minor scratches or marks noted. The inclusion of Face ID and Lidar scanner suits users who want enhanced features.
The iPad Air 7 suits those who want a lighter, capable tablet for everyday use with solid storage options. The iPad Pro fits users who prefer a larger, sharper screen and more memory, with additional features for professional or creative tasks.
iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) FAQs
iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. The iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB. The iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) has a bigger screen: 13 inch vs 11 inch.
The iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £496 compared with £921.11 for the iPad Pro (2025, M5 series).
The iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27. The iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27.
Refurbished, the iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB, and the iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB.
