iPad Air 7 (M3): the alternatives compared

Compare iPad Air 7 (M3) with 2 alternatives — price, trust and what each is best for. An evidence-backed second opinion before you buy.

iPad Air 7 (M3)Your check

The iPad Air M3 (7th Gen) is a powerful, premium-built tablet that sits comfortably in the mid-range of Apple's lineup, making it an excellent choice for new buyers, students, or those upgrading from older devices. However, it is an incremental update that lacks high-end features like Face ID or a 120Hz display, and its total cost—including essential accessories—is high. Existing owners of M1 or M2 iPad Air models generally do not need to upgrade, as the performance differences are not transformative for most daily tasks.

Trusted 100See check →
OnePlus Pad 2

Provides a comparable or better hardware value proposition (more RAM/storage included) at less than half the price of an iPad Air, though it uses Android instead of iPadOS.

£449 (often includes keyboard)Not yet checked
Standard iPad (11th Gen)

A significantly cheaper option for users who do not require the high-end M-series chip performance, specialized pencil support, or premium keyboard accessories.

£449 / $599 (varies)Not yet checked

Alternatives are suggestions from public sources; prices are approximate. How we score →