# **Apple iPad Air M3 Review: Expectedly Impressive**
The Apple iPad Air M3 has launched, and while it doesn’t offer a groundbreaking redesign, it effectively enhances an already top-notch device. Featuring a slight specification boost with the robust M3 chip, the new iPad Air guarantees that Apple’s mid-range tablet stays swift, responsive, and competitive. But is it worth the upgrade? Let’s take a closer look.
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## **iPad Air M3: Summary**
The iPad Air M3 serves as a modest update from the M2 iPad Air. It maintains an elegant design, delivers solid performance, and brings in several enhancements that make it an attractive choice for anyone seeking a new tablet.
### **Advantages & Disadvantages**
#### ✅ **Advantages**
– Contemporary and high-quality design
– Rapid performance thanks to the M3 chip
– Enhanced Magic Keyboard compatibility
– Reliable battery life
#### ❌ **Disadvantages**
– Display needs an upgrade (remains 60Hz LCD)
– No significant design modifications
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## **iPad Air M3: Specifications**
| **Feature** | **Details** |
|————|————|
| **Display** | 11-inch (1640 x 2360) / 13-inch (2048 x 2732) Liquid Retina LCD |
| **Refresh Rate** | 60Hz |
| **Brightness** | 500 nits (11-inch), 600 nits (13-inch) |
| **Chipset** | Apple M3 |
| **RAM** | 8GB |
| **Storage Variants** | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| **Rear Camera** | 12MP, f/1.8 |
| **Front Camera** | 12MP, f/2.0 |
| **Battery Capacity** | 28.93Wh (11-inch), 36.59Wh (13-inch) |
| **Connectivity** | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4, 5G (optional) |
| **Ports** | USB-C 3.1 |
| **Colors Available** | Space Gray, Starlight, Purple, Blue |
| **Price Range** | $599 (11-inch), $799 (13-inch) |
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## **Design: Recognizable Yet Premium**
The iPad Air M3 keeps the same aesthetic as its forerunner, which isn’t necessarily a drawback. It still showcases a modern appearance with its edge-to-edge display, flat edges, and premium aluminum construction. Offered in four colors—Blue, Purple, Starlight, and Space Gray—the device feels sleek and lightweight.
A significant alteration is the absence of the “iPad Air” logo on the back, lending it a more streamlined appearance. The Touch ID sensor is still integrated into the power button and works flawlessly for unlocking the device.
Apple continues to present two size variants:
– **11-inch version** for on-the-go convenience
– **13-inch version** for larger workspace needs
Although the 13-inch variant excels in multitasking, it can feel somewhat cumbersome in certain situations, such as using it in bed.
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## **Display: Decent, Yet Expected for Improvement**
The iPad Air M3 features the same **Liquid Retina LCD** as its predecessor, with a **60Hz refresh rate**. While the screen is bright and vivid, it lacks the deep blacks and high contrast typical of the **OLED display found in the iPad Pro**.
### **Display Highlights:**
– **Resolution:** 1640 x 2360 (11-inch) / 2048 x 2732 (13-inch)
– **Brightness:** 500 nits (11-inch) / 600 nits (13-inch)
– **Refresh Rate:** 60Hz
Though the screen is detailed and holds accurate colors, the absence of **ProMotion (120Hz refresh rate)** becomes apparent, especially for users accustomed to smoother visuals and animations. Given the pricing, an enhancement to at least **90Hz** would have been a welcome upgrade.
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## **Performance: M3 Chip Delivers Enhanced Power**
The most significant enhancement in the iPad Air M3 is the switch from the **M2 chip to the M3 chip**. While the change isn’t revolutionary, it does offer a noticeable improvement in performance, especially for demanding applications like video editing, gaming, and multitasking.
### **Performance Benchmarks:**
– **Geekbench 6 (Single-Core):** ~2,600
– **Geekbench 6 (Multi-Core):** ~9,500
– **3DMark Wild Life Extreme:** ~8,000
For regular activities like browsing, streaming, and note-taking, the M3 chip guarantees smooth operation. However, unless you’re pushing
