Apple’s iPad Air 11 (2025) continues to be a crowd favorite, offering a blend of premium features and affordability. Sitting between the entry-level iPad and the high-end iPad Pro, it delivers impressive performance, a sleek design, and versatile functionality. But is it the right tablet for you in 2025? Let’s break it down.
Key Specifications
- Display: 11-inch Liquid Retina (2360 x 1640), 90Hz refresh rate
- Chipset: Apple M2 (8-core CPU, 10-core GPU)
- RAM: 8GB / 16GB (configurable)
- Storage: 128GB / 256GB / 512GB
- Cameras: 12MP rear, 12MP Ultra Wide front (Center Stage)
- Battery Life: Up to 10 hours (mixed usage)
- Ports: USB-C (Thunderbolt 4 support)
- OS: iPadOS 18
- Weight: 1.02 lbs (462g)
- Colors: Space Gray, Starlight, Pink, Blue, Purple
Performance: M2 Power in a Compact Form
The M2 chip ensures buttery-smooth performance, whether you’re multitasking, gaming, or editing videos. Compared to the previous M1 model, it offers ~18% faster CPU and ~35% faster GPU performance, making it a powerhouse for creative apps like Procreate, Adobe Photoshop, and Final Cut Pro.
While it lacks the M4 chip found in the latest iPad Pro, the M2 is still more than capable for most users. However, no active cooling means sustained heavy workloads may cause slight throttling.
Design: Premium and Portable
The iPad Air 11 retains its slim, all-metal design with thin bezels, making it one of the most stylish tablets in its class. The 11-inch size strikes a great balance between screen real estate and portability—ideal for students and professionals on the go.
The Touch ID power button remains reliable, though Face ID (available on the iPad Pro) would have been a nice upgrade. The device supports the second-gen Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard, turning it into a capable laptop replacement.
Camera Quality: Good for a Tablet
The 12MP rear camera takes decent photos in good lighting but struggles in low-light conditions. The 12MP front camera with Center Stage is excellent for video calls, automatically adjusting the frame as you move.
While tablet cameras aren’t a priority for most, the iPad Air 11 holds its own against competitors like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9.
Battery Life: Solid but Not Class-Leading
Apple promises up to 10 hours of mixed usage, which holds true for web browsing, media consumption, and light productivity. However, heavy gaming or video editing drains the battery faster.
Charging via USB-C (Thunderbolt 4) is fast, but the lack of MagSafe or wireless charging is disappointing.
Unique Features
- Liquid Retina Display with 90Hz Refresh Rate: Smoother scrolling than the base iPad.
- Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) & Magic Keyboard Support: Great for artists and professionals.
- Stage Manager & External Display Support: Improved multitasking for productivity.
- Thunderbolt 4: Enables fast data transfers and 6K external display support.
Value for Money: How Does It Compare?
The iPad Air 11 starts at $699 (128GB), positioning it against:
- iPad Pro 11 (M4): More powerful with a 120Hz ProMotion display, but pricier.
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S9: AMOLED display, S Pen included, but weaker software optimization.
- Microsoft Surface Pro 10: Full Windows experience but heavier and more expensive.
Pros:
✅ M2 chip delivers excellent performance
✅ Sleek, lightweight, and premium design
✅ Supports Apple Pencil 2 & Magic Keyboard
✅ Thunderbolt 4 for fast connectivity
✅ Great front camera for video calls
Cons:
❌ No ProMotion (only 90Hz vs. 120Hz on Pro models)
❌ No Face ID (still uses Touch ID)
❌ Base storage (128GB) may feel limiting
❌ Battery life could be better for heavy users
Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?
The iPad Air 11 (2025) is a fantastic all-around tablet, offering power, portability, and premium features at a reasonable price. It’s ideal for:
- Students needing a versatile note-taking device.
- Professionals who want a lightweight productivity tool.
- Creatives who need Apple Pencil support without the Pro price tag.
However, if you already own an M1 iPad Air, the upgrade may not be worth it. For those who prioritize high refresh rates or the latest chip, the iPad Pro 11 (M4) is a better (but pricier) choice.
Rating: 4.3/5
Best for: Users who want a powerful, portable iPad without paying Pro prices.
