iPad Air M1 vs iPad Air M3 11

By Billy G. · Founder & Lead EditorVerified Jun 6 by Billy G.

iPad Air M1
iPad Air M1
iPad Air M3 11
iPad Air M3 11

Verdict: The iPad Air M3 11 wins with superior M3 chip performance, modern connectivity including Wi-Fi 6E and 5G, and 12MP Center Stage camera versus the discontinued iPad Air M1's older M1 specs. Both share 8GB RAM and $599 MSRP but the M3's 9-core GPU provides measurable graphics gains. The M1 remains viable only for budget secondary use given its 2022 discontinuation.

Winner: iPad Air M3 11

iPad Air M1: 6.5/10

iPad Air M3 11: 8.5/10

Spec-by-spec comparison

iPad Air M1iPad Air M3 11
Display10.9-inch Liquid Retina11-inch Liquid Retina
ChipApple M1 (8-core CPU, 8-core GPU)Apple M3 (8-core CPU, 9-core GPU)
RAM8GB8GB
Storage Options64GB or 256GB64GB or 256GB

iPad Air M1

What works

  • Lower used market prices post-discontinuation
  • Still capable for basic productivity and media
  • Compact 10.9-inch form factor

What doesn't

  • Discontinued with no official support updates
  • Older 8-core GPU and no 5G on all models

iPad Air M3 11

What works

  • Newer M3 chip with 9-core GPU for better graphics
  • Wi-Fi 6E and 5G connectivity
  • 12MP Center Stage front camera

What doesn't

  • Same 8GB RAM as predecessor
  • Higher price on new units versus used M1

Bottom line

Our pick: iPad Air M3 11.

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