Which iPad Air Size is the Best for You
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Apple shook things up this year by introducing not one new iPad Air model but two — and the biggest difference between them is the size.
Like the new M4 iPad Pro, the new M2 iPad Air is available in both 11-inch and 13-inch sizes.
Of course, the two sizes come with different price tags, and there’s enough of a difference that if you’re considering a new iPad this year, you may be wondering if it’s worth getting the 13-inch iPad Air instead of the more traditional 11-inch model.
Fear not; that’s what we’re here for. Here are the biggest differences between both iPad Air models to help you make the right choice.
What Are the Differences Between this Year’s iPad Air Models?
This year, the 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Air are almost identical, but there are a few small differences that might help you decide which one is better for you.
The obvious difference is their dimensions:
- The 11-inch iPad Air is 9.74 inches tall, 7.02 inches wide, and weighs 1.02 pounds.
- The 13-inch iPad Air is 11.04 inches high, 8.46 inches wide, and weighs 1.36 pounds.
On paper, that difference might not seem like much, but you’ll definitely feel it if you like holding your iPad for a long time.
Another big difference is the price. The 11-inch iPad Air starts at $599, whereas the 13-inch model starts at $799. That’s a noticeable difference if you’re on a budget.
In addition to the display size, the resolution and brightness are also different. The 11-inch iPad Air has a 2360 x 1640 resolution at 264 ppi, while the 13-inch model has a 2732 x 2048 resolution at 264 ppi.
As for brightness, the smaller iPad has a maximum brightness of 500 nits, while the larger model has a maximum brightness of 600 nits. Again, the differences are small, but you might notice them.
Last but not least, audio. While both models come with landscape stereo speakers, Apple says the 13-inch model comes with double the bass, giving it better sound quality overall, especially if you like watching movies on it.
Besides these major differences, everything else is pretty much the same. Both devices come with an M2 chip with an 8-core CPU and 9-core GPU, plus the same storage capacity options and a Touch ID sensor in the top button.
Both models also support the new Apple Pencil Pro and the USB-C Apple Pencil, so artists won’t have a problem with either.
What Do You Need a Larger iPad For?
Since both models are mostly the same in every way other than size and price, deciding between one or the other largely depends on what you need it for.
The larger iPad models are usually more useful for people who use their devices for work. For instance, professional or hobbyist artists will make the most out of the larger display, as they’ll have more room to sketch or draw.
Likewise, if you’re a developer or you like using your iPad as a laptop replacement, having a larger display will help you become more productive.
Of course, the iPad isn’t just for work; you can also use it to binge-watch your favorite shows. With the larger and brighter display, watching TV shows or movies will be better on the 13-inch iPad Air.
Also, since the 13-inch iPad Air provides boomier bass, you’ll likely have a better experience when you’re watching a movie or listening to your favorite podcast.
The Benefits of Having a Smaller iPad
Of course, just because it’s smaller doesn’t mean the 11-inch iPad Air is worse than its big brother. In fact, there are a few benefits of having a smaller iPad.
For starters, it’s easier to carry. Even if the larger display is better for work or school, having a smaller device makes it easier to take with you on the train or the bus.
Likewise, the 11-inch iPad Air is also lighter. Even if it’s not by much, holding the smaller iPad Air is easier than holding the 13-inch model. This makes things like reading or playing a game on your iPad easier and more comfortable.
Another great benefit is that accessories for the 11-inch iPad Air are generally cheaper. For comparison, look at Apple’s Magic Keyboard.
The Magic keyboard for the 11-inch iPad Air is $299, whereas the Magic Keyboard for the larger 13-inch model is $349. This means that you can get the 11-inch iPad Air and the Magic Keyboard for almost the same price as the 13-inch iPad Air alone.
Combine that with the fact that the 11-inch iPad Air can do everything the 13-inch model can, and you start to see that the size doesn’t matter that much.
Which M2 iPad Air Should You Get?
When it comes to choosing an iPad Air, the most important factors are price and what you’ll use it for.
If you only want an iPad Air to take notes, draw occasionally, binge-watch your favorite shows, and browse the web, then the 11-inch iPad Air is the perfect choice. As we mentioned, the smaller device can do everything the 13-inch model is capable of, and you won’t spend as much money.
On the other hand, if you’re more of a professional artist or developer or like to work with your iPad, you’ll benefit from the 13-inch display. The larger screen will give you more room to draw or to multitask when you’re working. Granted, you’ll have to spend more money, but if this is more of an investment for you, the 13-inch model is definitely worth it.
Bigger Isn’t Always Better
The two M2 iPad Air models are undoubtedly fantastic and have more than enough power to get the job done.
That said, unless you actually need the larger display, the 11-inch iPad Air is more than enough for most people. You’ll still get a powerful iPad with every feature the 13-inch model has, and you’ll have some extra cash to buy an accessory to truly make your iPad feel like a laptop replacement.
