The Apple iPad Air (M3) is a remarkable tablet that offers excellent performance, a premium design, great battery life, and a lightweight build. With a starting price of $599, this tablet sits in the middle of Apple’s tablet portfolio, replacing the iPad Air (M2) and offering a significant upgrade in terms of power and features.
Design & Build
The iPad Air (M3) features the same sleek design as its predecessor, the iPad Air (M2). With a slim and premium aluminum build, the iPad Air (M3) is available in four colors – Starlight, Purple, Blue, and Space Grey. The tablet is lightweight and portable, making it comfortable to hold for extended periods. While the design has remained consistent over the years, the addition of a 13-inch model in 2023 and the repositioning of the front camera to a landscape orientation add some subtle improvements.
Screen & Speakers
The iPad Air (M3) comes with either an 11-inch or 13-inch Liquid Retina display, both offering sharp detail and vibrant colors. While the display could benefit from a higher refresh rate, it still delivers a great viewing experience. The tablet is compatible with the Apple Pencil Pro and features stereo speakers that provide good sound quality for casual use.
Specs & Performance
Under the hood, the iPad Air (M3) is powered by Apple’s M3 chip, offering a seamless performance for a variety of tasks, from streaming content to multitasking. The tablet comes with 128GB of storage, with options to upgrade to higher storage capacities. With support for Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, the iPad Air (M3) ensures a smooth connectivity experience.
Cameras
While the rear camera on the iPad Air (M3) offers decent results, it is more suitable for quick snaps or document scanning. The front camera, positioned in a landscape orientation, is ideal for video calls and features Apple’s Center Stage technology, keeping you in frame during calls.
Battery Life & Charging
The iPad Air (M3) boasts a battery life of up to 10 hours, making it suitable for long hours of use. However, the tablet does not support fast charging and does not come with a charging brick in the box. Users will need to invest in a separate charging block for faster charging.
Software & Apps
Running on iPadOS 18, the iPad Air (M3) offers a smooth and intuitive user experience. With features like Apple Intelligence and improved customizability, iPadOS enhances the overall functionality of the tablet. The iPad Air (M3) is expected to receive software updates for several years, ensuring it remains up-to-date with the latest features.
Price & Availability
The iPad Air (M3) starts at $599 for the 11-inch model with 128GB of storage. The tablet is available for purchase from various retailers and comes in different configurations, including Wi-Fi and Cellular options and higher storage capacities. Accessories like the Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard are sold separately.
Should you buy the iPad Air (M3)?
Overall, the Apple iPad Air (M3) is a fantastic tablet that offers a blend of power, portability, and premium features. While it comes at a higher price point compared to the standard iPad, the iPad Air (M3) delivers a top-notch performance and a sleek design that is hard to beat. If you prioritize power and performance in a tablet, the iPad Air (M3) is definitely worth considering.
