iPad Air M3 (2025) Review: Still the most practical iPad | Mint

The iPad Air M3 (2025) was launched last month (March 2025) when I reviewed its M2 predetermined. Next, my feeling was clear: you did not need to appear on an iPad Pro to get a real iPad experience. The iPad Air M2 had performance, design, screen, speakers, it handled the demand for goods like Procreate and Final Cut Pro. It was, and clearly still, is the most practical iPad of Apple.

Rapid forward to 2025, and we have the M3 version. Now, on the surface, it seems to be updated … Okay, perhaps a little boring. This is definitely one of the smallest stages for air in a short time. But here is the case: It is building on something that was already excellent. This is fast, which is very good news if you are fresh or upgrade from an old model. Battery life is still solid, gaming is smooth, but yes, the same old frustrations are tagging. Although this is a new iPad wind, I cannot feel that Apple left a little behind, especially with that performance.

It is being said, it is reliable. Bundling the M3 chip there means that new buyers get the top level performance just out of the gate. And the best bit? Apple kept the price exactly the same. So, I am using iPad Air M3 and see if it is the right fit for you.

iPad Air M3 Review: What’s good?

Display: The M2 was not a slut, but the M3 chip gives the air even more grunt. For initial price (still around it 59,900 marks, just like last year), the performance is stefficient. If you are upgraded to anything older than M2 air, or it is your first iPad, the speed is effective. Web browsing, gaming, it all seems incredibly liquid.

Like its predecessor, M3 air is not affected on heavy functions. I threw 4K footage over it at Lumphuson and Final Cut Pro, even a Sony FX3, and editing smooth sailing. Procreate artists will have a lot of power.

battery life: There is no real change here, which is a good thing. It easily lasts up to a complete working day. I saw about 11 hours of video streaming, casual gaming and apps such as lummfusion and lighterrooms. It can also handle the battery-wise slightly more efficiently than the M2, although Apple’s official claim remains 10 hours (Wi-Fi).

Apple Pencil Pro Support: Pencil Pro works here, brings those clean facilities such as barrel rolls, haptic feedback and quick tool-tap. This is a great extra for creative.

Apple Intelligence Box: Unlike M2 Air at the launch, the M3 version is prepared with Apple Intelligence features such as image playground and writing tools. Plus, with M3 chip, you are set to the future AI updates, the Pro Line is receiving the same core features.

Common air good: It still has a premium build, a bright (600 NIT) liquid retinal display with good colors (P3) and True tone, decent camera (12 MP wide rear, 12 MP center stage front), good speakers and reliable touch IDs.

iPad Air M3: What can be better?

That 60 Hz display: While the liquid retinal display looks great – bright and color precisely, it is still just a 60Hz LCD panel. In 2025, especially when the Pro model gets 120Hz promotion (and now OLED), it feels that the Pro is a deliberate step to place air under the Pro. If you have not used 120Hz, but have not used side-by-side with a Pro, or if you are coming from a supporter, you do not keep it in mind, you cannot notice it, the difference in lubrication is noticeable. You have a habit of this, but it is an opportunity for a lapse.

Old upgradation: If you own the iPad Air M2, then there is absolutely zero reason to upgrade. The M3 chip is sharp, certain, but the real world difference for most tasks is not already game-changing compared to the great M2. The performance was great last year; It is still very good this year. Beyond the chipset, almost everything is similar to the M2 model. The same design, the same screen technique, the same camera, the same speaker, the same touch ID. This update is actually about silicon.

iPad Air M3 Review: Decision

Should you buy iPad Air M3? If you are already happy with the iPad Air M2 or M1 model, I would say save your money. But, if you are upgraded to an old iPad (eg A-series chip model or even an old Pro) or buying your first iPad and want something powerful and polished without Pro Price Tag, Air M3 is a solid option. The performance is at the top for the cost, keeps the battery up, and you get Apple Intelligence. Just choose your size carefully, 11-inch for portability, 13 inches for a large, more immersive experience.