Apple
iPad Air 13 (M3) · 128GB (Starlight)
128GB · 2025
90
/ 100
From $899
VS
Apple
iPad Air 13" (M3)
M3 · 13″ · Apple Pencil Pro · $799
90
/ 100
From $799
Specdex verdict
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, iPad Air 13 (M3) · 128GB (Starlight) lands at 90 and iPad Air 13" (M3) at 90. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick iPad Air 13 (M3) · 128GB (Starlight) if…
- ✓Portable creative canvas
- ✓Strong SoC
- ✓App ecosystem matures per year
Pick iPad Air 13" (M3) if…
- ✓M3 speed at Air price
- ✓Apple Pencil Pro support
- ✓Bigger 13″ canvas
iPad Air 13 (M3) · 128GB (Starlight) 90
vs 90 iPad Air 13" (M3)
Score breakdown
iPad Air 13 (M3) · 128GB (Starlight)
90 performance 90
display 88
battery 86
portability 88
software 86
iPad Air 13" (M3)
90 performance 94
display 86
battery 90
portability 92
software 82
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | iPad Air 13 (M3) · 128GB (Starlight) | iPad Air 13" (M3) |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | 128GB | 128 GB – 1 TB |
| Release year | 2025 | — |
| Chip | — | Apple M3 |
| Display | — | 13″ Liquid Retina 60Hz |
| Weight | — | 617 g |
iPad Air 13 (M3) · 128GB (Starlight)
Pros
- +Portable creative canvas
- +Strong SoC
- +App ecosystem matures per year
Cons
- −Keyboard/pen extra cost
- −RAM often soldered
- −Mid-tier cameras
iPad Air 13" (M3)
Pros
- +M3 speed at Air price
- +Apple Pencil Pro support
- +Bigger 13″ canvas
Cons
- −Still iPadOS multitasking limits
- −No OLED, no 120Hz
- −Keyboard sold separately
FAQ: iPad Air 13 (M3) · 128GB (Starlight) vs iPad Air 13" (M3)
Which is better, iPad Air 13 (M3) · 128GB (Starlight) or iPad Air 13" (M3)? +
Both score 90 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is iPad Air 13 (M3) · 128GB (Starlight) worth the price? +
At $899, iPad Air 13 (M3) · 128GB (Starlight) delivers a Specdex score of 90 — strongest in performance.
Is iPad Air 13" (M3) worth the price? +
At $799, iPad Air 13" (M3) delivers a Specdex score of 90 — strongest in performance.
Does iPad Air 13 (M3) · 128GB (Starlight) or iPad Air 13" (M3) last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.