Enter Apple’s 2025 refresh of the iPad Air with its shiny new M3 chip, which seems to keep the similar trendy outlook but comes with a better brain. Is it groundbreaking? Allow us to walk you through why this “new” iPad Air remains one of the best tablets around—even if its latest makeover is as subtle yet powerful.
In This Article
Apple iPad Air M3 Review: Design And Display
The 2025 iPad Air is almost indistinguishable from its predecessor, right down to the sleek aluminum frame that feels as light as its name implies. Available in your usual suspects—blue, purple, starlight, and the eternally serious space gray—the iPad Air continues to look like the sophisticated cousin you’d actually invite to a wedding.
The options remain consistent: an 11-inch portable beauty and a 13-inch multitasking powerhouse (which we are reviewing). Having tested the 13-inch version, we must admit its portability is a winner. Whether scrolling through graphic novels or grinding our way through Insta Reels on the couch, the large display does perfect justice. 13-inch from factor is also not bad for one-hand scrolling. But at times, it is a pain when you have to reach the other side.
Apple’s Liquid Retina display still gets the job done admirably, delivering vibrant colors and clarity. But let’s face it—after experiencing the buttery-smooth ProMotion displays or the richer OLED screens of its Pro counterparts, the iPad Air’s 60Hz display feels a bit like driving a Ferrari with bicycle tires. Sure, it works, but you can’t help but wish for something smoother and brighter, especially in glare-heavy environments. Well, we have to blame Apple for that, as they have spoiled us with the Pro version of the tablet.
So, is this a major flaw? No. Is it noticeable? well, yes, particularly if you’re spoiled by higher-end models or even recent Android competitors. But for Netflix marathons or casual browsing, it’s more than acceptable and first-time users, will be very (very) happy.
Read Also: iPad Air 2024 (13-inch) Review: Towers over its Android
Apple iPad Air M3 Review: Performance And Cameras
Here’s where the real magic happens. The Apple M3 chip is the main attraction, offering a significant boost over older models—particularly for owners still clinging to the M1-powered Air. For last year’s M2 owners, though, the difference is minimal, like upgrading your espresso to a slightly stronger blend: noticeable if you really pay attention, but otherwise easy to overlook.
Gaming and video editing is where the M3 chip shines brightest. Resident Evil 4 running smoothly with hardware-accelerated ray tracing? Check. NBA 2K25 looking console-worthy on a tablet? Double-check. It’s clear Apple is aiming squarely at gamers and video editing professionals who want portability without sacrificing visual flair. If you game or edit 4K videos, this is a notable upgrade. If you’re strictly in the email-and-YouTube crowd, your excitement may vary.
But here’s the kicker: the M3 closes the performance gap significantly with the pricier iPad Pro, making this Air a solid “almost-Pro” alternative for those wanting near top-tier performance without spending larger figures.
Battery performance remains consistent. Expect about 10 hours, which is perfectly in line with Apple’s own claims. It effortlessly handled a day’s work, endless meetings, video streaming, and browsing sessions without leaving us tethered to a power outlet. Charging is quick and hassle-free via USB-C, making this an easy device to live with daily.
This tab features iPadOS, which is great for everyday tasks with a sprinkle of AI magic. Old users will feel at home, and new users will be spoiled for choice. We played a lot of things on this tablet, and not once did the operating system give us trouble. From multi-tasking to daily OTT binge, we loved every bit of it. And oh yes! There are multiple speakers on this iPad, so you will literally hear a pin drop (on screen).
Talking about the cameras. The rear and front ones are there. Which do work better than the Android tablets in the market, but of course do no expect iPhone-level performance. If you get into meetings or do FaceTime calls now and then, you will find no problems at all. For daily clicks, we still prefer the iPhone 16 Pro.
Verdict
If you’re still rocking a 2022 iPad Air (M1), upgrading now makes sense, especially if gaming or heavier AI tasks are your jam. If you own the M2 version from just last year, chill—you’re good (think about upgrading next year, unless you really want to right now).
Read Also: Samsung 2025 Odyssey Gaming Monitors Launched in India
Saying that, the incremental upgrades make the iPad Air consistently reliable. It doesn’t rewrite the rules, but it sharpens an already fantastic tool. It’s versatile enough to be your main device yet portable enough not to be a burden.
Starting at Rs 79,990 (base variant) to the one we are using that costs Rs 1,29,990 (1TB variant), it’s still arguably the best all-around tablet for most people. If you’re jumping from an older iPad or entering the tablet world fresh, you’ll find this a polished and impressively capable slate.
The Apple iPad 2025 M3 version can be picked up from Amazon here.
