iPad Help--Which i pad to buy in June 2025 ipad pr0 13" vs i pad air 11" M2 vs M3 chip

[Beejan181]

Hi, just wanted to check which i pad is worth buying for a college student doing some home work checking emails, video editing for you tube, and from digital.
i have got an

Apple 2021 iPad (10.2-inch iPad, Wi-Fi + Cellular, 64GB) - Space Grey (9th Generation)​

was looking for a better model.
Thanks

 

[User #07242024]

Size wise you need to experience 11” and 13” yourself first. Try playing with the demo set. For me 13” is too big for a tablet, just nice for a laptop with keyboard.

 

[Student of Life]

Let the student try out the sizes like mentioned above. The other thing to consider is what if any major or field the college student is looking at. That would play a significant role in what size to get, also unfortunately many finals are done in software that can’t be used on an iPad. From personal experience Exam4 only works on laptops not tablets.

 

[Surenmunoo]

I had the 11 inch iPad Pro about 2 years back and also upload and edit videos for YouTube from my drone and found it was too small, this year I upgraded to the M4 13 inch and yes it is bigger but so much better.

 

[sevoneone]

I would say that if this is going to be the student's primary computing device: First, have them check the requirements for their program and specific classes to make sure an iPad will meet all the requirements. Second, get either the 13" Air or Pro.

If the iPad is for notes in class and work on the go and they'll have another Laptop or desktop computer, an 11" could be a viable option. Honestly, I can't say anyone can notice much difference between the M2, M3 or M4 in 95% of the apps and tasks you'd run on an iPad. Video Editing with Final Cut or Davinci Resolve is probably where you'd see the differences. I'd prioritize storage over the latest chip. In most cases I'd rather have an M2 iPad Air with 256GB of storage than an M3 with only 128GB.

 

[FreakinEurekan]

Honestly, I can't say anyone can notice much difference between the M2, M3 or M4 in 95% of the apps and tasks you'd run on an iPad.

100% agree with that. I just got an M2 11" Air from the Refurb store, saving me some big bucks over a M3 11" new. Stepping back one generation allowed me to bump up the storage and stay within my budget, win/win!