iPad 11 vs. iPad Air Buyer's Guide: 30+ Differences Compared

[svish]

Both are good iPads. I would recommend going for the iPad Air for most users. The basic iPad should be enough for doing basic tasks.

 

[JapanApple]

Bought the Air version. It is wonderful, she loves it! good deal!

 

[Firestorm007]

I am currently using an iPad Air 4, still working great. I also have the original Magic Keyboard.
Would that keyboard still work with an iPad Air 7?

 

[UK-MacAddict]

I assume you forgot to add “for me” at the end of that statement.

No that is literally the only differences between them, fact. Any better features on the Air are provided by the display or the M3 chip.

I thought so to. That said, 11” 500 nits vs 13” 600 nits is a noticeable difference ;-)

I'm only comparing 11" to 11" display since the base iPad does not have a 13" model. The 11" model is also the most popular size. Both the iPad A16 and the iPad Air M3 11" have 500 nits brightness.

 

[Earendil]

No that is literally the only differences between them, fact. Any better features on the Air are provided by the display or the M3 chip.

Now you’re trolling, as the article CLEARLY lists difference that aren’t that. YOU may not find them valuable, but they ARE differences that some users may benefit from.
I tried to give you an out, and you doubled down on what can be disproven by simple scrolling up lol.

I'm only comparing 11" to 11" display since the base iPad does not have a 13" model. The 11" model is also the most popular size. Both the iPad A16 and the iPad Air M3 11" have 500 nits brightness.

That was not stated. Now that you’ve narrowed the scope to part of the Air line, then sure, there isn’t much difference.

 

[UK-MacAddict]

Now you’re trolling, as the article CLEARLY lists difference that aren’t that. YOU may not find them valuable, but they ARE differences that some users may benefit from.
I tried to give you an out, and you doubled down on what can be disproven by simple scrolling up lol.

What difference doesn't come from the Apple Silicon or the display?

That was not stated. Now that you’ve narrowed the scope to part of the Air line, then sure, there isn’t much difference.

If the base iPad had a 13" model then the argument would still apply.

 

[Earendil]

What difference doesn't come from the Apple Silicon or the display?

Laminated display
Reflective coating
Apple Intelligence (in part)
More RAM
More Storage
6E
ƒ/2.0
Depth
Weight
Pencil Pro
Colors
and, as mentioned, the screen size.

You can of course argue that a bunch of that, by being tightly integrated in/on/next to the chip, isn’t part of the chip. But then you’re admitting that the chip being the “only difference” is a silly argument when the chip encompasses so much. So which would you like to argue?

Also, you need to invalidate ALL of those things to prove yourself correct. A single difference and you’re wrong, and we’re back to the differences being things that *you* don’t find to be valuable, not that they aren’t valuable differences to some people.

Honestly, I need to ask a psychologist why it is some people feel a need to declare something a universal truth when it isn’t. Why is taking ownership of one’s own opinions so hard?
I get when the phrasing is an accident, but when it’s pointed out? It’s weird.

If the base iPad had a 13" model then the argument would still apply.

Yes, if only the regular iPad had what the Air has then there’d be no difference. But it doesn’t, so there’s a difference, which is why you’re wrong.

 

[UK-MacAddict]

Laminated display
Reflective coating
Apple Intelligence (in part)
More RAM
More Storage
6E
ƒ/2.0
Depth
Weight
Pencil Pro
Colors
and, as mentioned, the screen size.

You can of course argue that a bunch of that, by being tightly integrated in/on/next to the chip, isn’t part of the chip. But then you’re admitting that the chip being the “only difference” is a silly argument when the chip encompasses so much. So which would you like to argue?

Also, you need to invalidate ALL of those things to prove yourself correct. A single difference and you’re wrong, and we’re back to the differences being things that *you* don’t find to be valuable, not that they aren’t valuable differences to some people.

Honestly, I need to ask a psychologist why it is some people feel a need to declare something a universal truth when it isn’t. Why is taking ownership of one’s own opinions so hard?
I get when the phrasing is an accident, but when it’s pointed out? It’s weird.



Yes, if only the regular iPad had what the Air has then there’d be no difference. But it doesn’t, so there’s a difference, which is why you’re wrong.

Laminated display and reflective coating is a difference that comes from the display so you just corroborated what I was saying. the iPad display is likely identical to the Air just without certain features activated.

Apple Intelligence, RAM is all down to the CPU. The rest you're clutching at straws trying too hard to win this argument with you won't because I am right. Lol weight, colours and dimensions. Dimensions you're talking about 1mm in difference. In reality all iPads vary in dimensions due to manufacturing tolerances. Screen size is identical.

My argument was not what I find valuable but majority of users will look at the chip and the display as the differentiators. I fully own what I said. You are the one who feels compelled to respond. Just read it if you don't like it then move on.

Just because YOU keep saying the word wrong doesn't make me wrong. I know I'm right and that's what matters. So the only difference between the iPad Air and the iPad A16 is the display and CPU end of story.

 

[Earendil]

Laminated display and reflective coating is a difference that comes from the display

You could maybe argue it comes from the screen. But then I’d wonder if you know what “laminated” and “coating” mean. Words have meaning.

so you just corroborated what I was saying. the iPad display is likely identical to the Air just without certain features activated.

Never mind, you don’t know what lamented and coating mean. For everyone else, these are features independent of display technology, or the glass over the display.

Apple Intelligence, RAM is all down to the CPU.

Nope. If it was inherent to the CPU than every CPU would have the same ram. They are in fact what I said previously.

The rest you're clutching at straws trying too hard to win this argument with you won't because I am right.

I’m actually not trying at all. Proving you wrong has been yawn worthy.

Lol weight, colours and dimensions. Dimensions you're talking about 1mm in difference. In reality all iPads vary in dimensions due to manufacturing tolerances. Screen size is identical.

Okay. You’re clearly arguing for arguings sake, because you don’t seem to understand iPad tolerances. Again, for everyone else, Apple’s tolerances are no where near 1mm. Just because you can’t feel a 1mm difference doesn’t mean others can’t. For example, I can tell you if a deck of cards is missing a card. Most people I know (and I have asked/tested them) can tell you which deck of cards has more cards.

My argument was not what I find valuable but majority of users will look at the chip and the display as the differentiators.

Which according to you is the entire machine.

I fully own what I said. You are the one who feels compelled to respond. Just read it if you don't like it then move on.

I’m here to correct your misinformation, for everyone else’s sake. For a hot minute I thought maybe you could learn as well, C’est la vie!

Just because YOU keep saying the word wrong doesn't make me wrong. I know I'm right and that's what matters.

I know I’m educating others, and that’s what matters to me. Though clearly I’m not educating you.

So the only difference between the iPad Air and the iPad A16 is the display and CPU end of story.

So you went with admitting that the chip being the “only difference” is a silly argument when the chip encompasses so much.

Anyway, my work here is done. G’day!

 

[UK-MacAddict]

You could maybe argue it comes from the screen. But then I’d wonder if you know what “laminated” and “coating” mean. Words have meaning.



Never mind, you don’t know what lamented and coating mean. For everyone else, these are features independent of display technology, or the glass over the display.

Forms part of the display. Doesn't matter how you try and swing it.

Nope. If it was inherent to the CPU than every CPU would have the same ram. They are in fact what I said previously.

Why would every CPU have the same RAM? You don't even understand what you are talking about.

I’m actually not trying at all. Proving you wrong has been yawn worthy.



Okay. You’re clearly arguing for arguings sake, because you don’t seem to understand iPad tolerances. Again, for everyone else, Apple’s tolerances are no where near 1mm. Just because you can’t feel a 1mm difference doesn’t mean others can’t. For example, I can tell you if a deck of cards is missing a card. Most people I know (and I have asked/tested them) can tell you which deck of cards has more cards.

Ok of course you can....lol, you really are boring on comical now.

Which according to you is the entire machine.

Yes, when it comes down to it the only tangible and noticeable difference between the iPad and iPad Air boils down to the display and the CPU.

I’m here to correct your misinformation, for everyone else’s sake. For a hot minute I thought maybe you could learn as well, C’est la vie!

You cannot correct me when I am already correct.

I know I’m educating others, and that’s what matters to me. Though clearly I’m not educating you.

I think you will find its the other way around, I am educating you, since you clearly know nothing about technology in any sense if you are continuing to think you are right.

So you went with admitting that the chip being the “only difference” is a silly argument when the chip encompasses so much.

Anyway, my work here is done. G’day!

Did not say the chip is the only difference. Chip plus display is the only difference and that's fact in black and white on the website.

Well done for making yourself look silly.