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iPad Air 13" (M3) — M3 · 13″ · Apple Pencil Pro · $799
Apple

iPad Air 13" (M3)

M3 · 13″ · Apple Pencil Pro · $799

90
/ 100
From $799
VS
iPad Air 13 (M3) · 256GB — 256GB · 2025
Apple

iPad Air 13 (M3) · 256GB

256GB · 2025

90
/ 100
From $999
Specdex verdict

Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.

In our weighted Specdex score, iPad Air 13" (M3) lands at 90 and iPad Air 13 (M3) · 256GB at 90. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.

Pick iPad Air 13" (M3) if…

  • ✓M3 speed at Air price
  • ✓Apple Pencil Pro support
  • ✓Bigger 13″ canvas

Pick iPad Air 13 (M3) · 256GB if…

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

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

Performance

iPad Air 13" (M3)

Compared on the performance sub-score

iPad Air 13" (M3) leads on performance (94 vs 90).

Portability

iPad Air 13" (M3)

Compared on the portability sub-score

iPad Air 13" (M3) leads on portability (92 vs 88).

Battery

iPad Air 13" (M3)

Compared on the battery sub-score

iPad Air 13" (M3) leads on battery (90 vs 86).

Value for money

iPad Air 13" (M3)

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

iPad Air 13" (M3) more score per dollar ($799 vs $999).

iPad Air 13" (M3) 90
vs
90 iPad Air 13 (M3) · 256GB

Score breakdown

iPad Air 13" (M3)
90
performance 94
display 86
battery 90
portability 92
software 82
iPad Air 13 (M3) · 256GB
90
performance 90
display 88
battery 86
portability 88
software 86

Specs side-by-side

iPad Air 13" (M3) versus iPad Air 13 (M3) · 256GB — full spec comparison
Spec iPad Air 13" (M3) iPad Air 13 (M3) · 256GB
Chip
Apple M3
—
Display
13″ Liquid Retina 60Hz
—
Storage
128 GB – 1 TB
▲ 256GB
Weight
617 g
—
Release year
—
2025

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

iPad Air 13 (M3) · 256GB

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

FAQ: iPad Air 13" (M3) vs iPad Air 13 (M3) · 256GB

Which is better, iPad Air 13" (M3) or iPad Air 13 (M3) · 256GB? +

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

Is iPad Air 13" (M3) worth the price? +

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

Is iPad Air 13 (M3) · 256GB worth the price? +

At $999, iPad Air 13 (M3) · 256GB delivers a Specdex score of 90 — strongest in performance.

Does iPad Air 13" (M3) or iPad Air 13 (M3) · 256GB 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 performance, iPad Air 13" (M3) or iPad Air 13 (M3) · 256GB? +

iPad Air 13" (M3) — leads on performance (94 vs 90). Compared on the performance sub-score.

Which is better for portability, iPad Air 13" (M3) or iPad Air 13 (M3) · 256GB? +

iPad Air 13" (M3) — leads on portability (92 vs 88). Compared on the portability sub-score.