Apple iPad Air M2 vs iPad Air M3: Looking beyond the processor upgrade

iPad Air M3 vs iPad Air M2

If you are planning to buy a new affordable iPad with the latest features, including the Apple Intelligence features, then the new iPad Air with M3 chipset is here in India and might just be what you’re looking for. On paper, this tablet looks like an impressive slate, but what makes it different from its predecessor, the iPad Air M2?

So, in this article, we make a spec-to-spec comparison between the latest iPad Air M3 and the M2 version to see what’s new and whether you should upgrade to this new iPad.

Apple iPad Air M2 vs iPad Air M3: Display and design

Both the M2 and M3 iPad Air models are available in 11-inch and 13-inch screen size options with 2K resolution IPS LCD displays and a standard 60Hz refresh rate. Apple has also maintained the sleek design on the latest M3 model, as it weighs 2 grams lighter than its predecessor, weighing in at 460 grams. Moreover, these iPads have a uniform bezel surrounding all the sides of the screen, and the panel supports peak brightness of up to 500 nits.

However, the M3 iPad Air introduces a subtle design change, as it comes with a slightly larger chassis. This change has been made to accommodate the latest Magic Keyboard that’s compatible with the M3 iPad Air. Other than this, both models have a similar aluminum build with flat edges and an integrated Touch ID sensor embedded in the power button.

Apple iPad Air M2 vs iPad Air M3: Performance

As mentioned earlier, the 2025 iPad Air is powered by the Apple M3 chip, which comes with an octa-core CPU and nine-core GPU. This makes it the most powerful iPad Air model till now and Apple promises that the new chip offers a realistic gaming experience and improved performance in productivity-related tasks.

The iPad Air 2024 model with the Apple M2 chip is also capable of doing almost everything the M3 chip model can do, as it comes with a similar architecture. However, the latest iPad Air with the M3 chipset gets hardware-accelerated ray tracing for better gaming performance and mesh shading for efficient 3D modeling. Therefore, the Apple M3 chip is approximately faster in multi-core performance and better in gaming as well.

The M3 chip’s neural engine is also 30% faster than its predecessor, making it more suitable for on-device AI tasks and will support more Apple Intelligence features in the coming years.

Apple iPad Air M2 vs iPad Air M3: Camera

In the camera department, there is hardly any difference between these two tablets. Apple has recycled the same camera setup on its latest iPad Air M3 model, as it comes with a similar 12MP single rear sensor and a 12MP selfie camera, like its predecessor. These tablets also have no support for optical image stabilization (OIS) and LiDAR.

Apple iPad Air M2 vs iPad Air M3: Battery

The iPad Air M3 and M2 tablets come with a similar 28.93Wh battery on the 11-inch model and 36.59Wh on the 13-inch model. Both support 20W charging with the USB-Type C port, which is a USB Type-C 3.1 Gen2 port. However, the M3 chipset promises better battery efficiency than the M2 chip and you can expect better battery life on the iPad Air M3.

Apple iPad Air M2 vs iPad Air M3: Accessories support

One of the standout features of the M3 iPad Air is its support for the new Magic Keyboard from the company. The 11-inch keyboard offers a 14-key function row with volume and screen brightness toggles, a USB-C connector, a large glass trackpad, and front and back protection for the iPad, making it a great accessory for office users who want to use their tablets as laptop.

Additionally, the M3 iPad Air has support for the latest Apple Pencil Pro, with support for USB-C charging, which means you won’t have to rely on the native Thunderbolt connectors required for the older Apple Pencil models.

Apple iPad Air M2 vs iPad Air M3: Price

Apple has retained the pricing of the latest iPad Air models compared to the previous generation models. The base iPad Air M3 model with an 11-inch screen size is available for Rs 59,900, and the top model goes up to Rs 1,24,900. On the other hand, the 13-inch model has a starting price of Rs 79,900 and goes up to Rs 144,900.

The Apple M2-powered iPad Air is no longer available in Apple-affiliated retail stores, which means the company has effectively discontinued it. However, online vendors like Amazon and Flipkart are still selling the iPad Air M2 at a discounted price until stocks last.

Apple iPad Air M2 vs iPad Air M3:: Verdict

If you want to experience Apple’s iPad ecosystem at a cheaper price, the iPad Air M2 is a great tablet with Apple Intelligence support. It also shares the same display, cameras, and battery, compared to the latest iPad Air M3 model. However, at a slight price hike, the Apple iPad Air M3 offers enhanced CPU and GPU performance, the latest Magic Keyboard Apple Pencil Pro support, and more years of software support.

But if you already own an iPad Air M2, there’s no need to upgrade immediately. Moreover, if the ‌M2‌ ‌iPad Air‌ can be found at a significantly lower price than the M3 model, then it is still a worthwhile buy.