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iPad Air 13 (M3) · 64GB — 64GB · 2025
Apple

iPad Air 13 (M3) · 64GB

64GB · 2025

90
/ 100
From $799
VS
iPad mini (A17 Pro) — A17 Pro · 8.3″ · Apple Intelligence
Apple

iPad mini (A17 Pro)

A17 Pro · 8.3″ · Apple Intelligence

90
/ 100
From $499
Specdex verdict

Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.

In our weighted Specdex score, iPad Air 13 (M3) · 64GB lands at 90 and iPad mini (A17 Pro) at 90. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.

Pick iPad Air 13 (M3) · 64GB if…

  • ✓Portable creative canvas
  • ✓Strong SoC
  • ✓App ecosystem matures per year

Pick iPad mini (A17 Pro) if…

  • ✓A17 Pro chip — Apple Intelligence eligible
  • ✓Compact 8.3″ — actually portable
  • ✓Pencil Pro support
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Software

iPad mini (A17 Pro)

Compared on the software sub-score

iPad mini (A17 Pro) leads on software (90 vs 86).

Display

iPad Air 13 (M3) · 64GB

Compared on the display sub-score

iPad Air 13 (M3) · 64GB leads on display (88 vs 86).

Battery

iPad mini (A17 Pro)

Compared on the battery sub-score

iPad mini (A17 Pro) leads on battery (88 vs 86).

Value for money

iPad mini (A17 Pro)

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

iPad mini (A17 Pro) more score per dollar ($499 vs $799).

iPad Air 13 (M3) · 64GB 90
vs
90 iPad mini (A17 Pro)

Score breakdown

iPad Air 13 (M3) · 64GB
90
performance 90
display 88
battery 86
portability 88
software 86
cpu 0
gpu 0
iPad mini (A17 Pro)
90
performance 0
display 86
battery 88
portability 0
software 90
cpu 92
gpu 88

Specs side-by-side

iPad Air 13 (M3) · 64GB versus iPad mini (A17 Pro) — full spec comparison
Spec iPad Air 13 (M3) · 64GB iPad mini (A17 Pro)
Storage
64GB
▲ 128 / 256 / 512 GB
Release year
2025
—
Display
—
8.3″ Liquid Retina, 60Hz
Chipset
—
A17 Pro
RAM
—
8 GB
Battery
—
19.3 Wh
Weight
—
293 g (Wi-Fi)

iPad Air 13 (M3) · 64GB

Pros
  • +Portable creative canvas
  • +Strong SoC
  • +App ecosystem matures per year
Cons
  • −Keyboard/pen extra cost
  • −RAM often soldered
  • −Mid-tier cameras

iPad mini (A17 Pro)

Pros
  • +A17 Pro chip — Apple Intelligence eligible
  • +Compact 8.3″ — actually portable
  • +Pencil Pro support
Cons
  • −No 120Hz ProMotion
  • −Single rear camera
  • −Charging speed modest

FAQ: iPad Air 13 (M3) · 64GB vs iPad mini (A17 Pro)

Which is better, iPad Air 13 (M3) · 64GB or iPad mini (A17 Pro)? +

Both score 90 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is iPad Air 13 (M3) · 64GB worth the price? +

At $799, iPad Air 13 (M3) · 64GB delivers a Specdex score of 90 — strongest in performance.

Is iPad mini (A17 Pro) worth the price? +

At $499, iPad mini (A17 Pro) delivers a Specdex score of 90 — strongest in cpu.

Does iPad Air 13 (M3) · 64GB or iPad mini (A17 Pro) 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.

Which is better for software, iPad Air 13 (M3) · 64GB or iPad mini (A17 Pro)? +

iPad mini (A17 Pro) — leads on software (90 vs 86). Compared on the software sub-score.

Which is better for display, iPad Air 13 (M3) · 64GB or iPad mini (A17 Pro)? +

iPad Air 13 (M3) · 64GB — leads on display (88 vs 86). Compared on the display sub-score.