Apple has just launched two new tablets, the iPad A16 and the iPad Air M3. Both devices cater to different audiences, but one question remains: Which one offers the best balance of power, features, and price?
Performance: A16 Bionic vs. M3 Chip
The biggest difference between these two iPads is their processors.
- iPad A16 is powered by the A16 Bionic chip, the same one found in the iPhone 15 lineup. It delivers solid performance for daily tasks like browsing, media consumption, and even casual gaming
- iPad Air M3 steps up the game with Apple’s M3 chip, bringing near-pro-level performance. It offers up to 2x faster speeds and 40% better graphics than previous models. It also supports Apple Intelligence AI features like advanced image editing and real-time transcriptions
Winner: iPad Air M3 – The M3 chip delivers desktop-class performance, making it a powerhouse for creative professionals and multitaskers.
Display and Design: Size & Quality Matters
Both devices come with Liquid Retina displays, but there are some differences:
- iPad A16 is limited to an 11-inch display with 500 nits brightness.
- iPad Air M3 offers two sizes—11-inch and 13-inch. The larger screen is great for productivity and entertainment, while the 600 nits brightness (on the 13-inch model) offers better visibility
Winner: iPad Air M3 – More size options and better brightness give it an edge.
Software & Features: Apple Intelligence Support?
- iPad A16 does not support Apple Intelligence, Apple’s new AI-driven feature suite, making it a less future-proof option.
- iPad Air M3 fully supports Apple Intelligence, unlocking features like AI-powered photo editing, handwriting conversion, and smart transcriptions
Winner: iPad Air M3 – If AI and future software support matter to you, this is the better choice.
Camera & Connectivity: Is There a Difference?
Both iPads come with:
- 12MP rear camera (4K video recording, Smart HDR 4).
- 12MP front camera (Ultra-Wide with Center Stage for FaceTime).
However, the iPad A16 has USB 2.0 speeds (480 Mb/s), limiting file transfer rates, while the iPad Air M3 has better USB-C support for high-speed accessories
Winner: iPad Air M3 – Faster connectivity and accessory support make it more versatile.
Battery Life: A Tie?
Both devices offer up to 10 hours of web browsing or video playback on Wi-Fi. Battery performance is similar across the board
Winner: Tie – No major differences in battery life.
Price & Value: Best Bang for Your Buck?
- iPad A16 starts at $329 for 128GB storage.
- iPad Air M3 starts at $599 (11-inch) and $799 (13-inch)
If you’re on a tight budget, the iPad A16 is a great deal. But if you need pro-level performance without paying for an iPad Pro, the iPad Air M3 is worth the extra money.
Winner: Depends on your budget – iPad A16 for casual users, iPad Air M3 for professionals.
Final Verdict: Which One is the iPad Pro Killer?
- If you want a budget-friendly iPad for basic tasks, go for the iPad A16.
- If you need powerful performance, Apple Intelligence, and pro-level capabilities, iPad Air M3 is the better choice.
Overall Winner: iPad Air M3 🎉
While the iPad A16 is a great entry-level device, the iPad Air M3 comes closest to an iPad Pro alternative, making it the real “iPad Pro Killer.”
