The base iPad has the lowest entry price in the entire lineup, but the difference from the iPad Air isn’t just the chip: accessory compatibility, Wi-Fi connectivity, and, to some degree, the overall feel of the device all change too. Let’s see where the price gap actually translates into something concrete.
The chip: A16 vs. M4
The base iPad’s A16 chip is fully capable of browsing, streaming, email, social media, and light productivity: you won’t notice any slowdown in these tasks. The iPad Air’s M4 chip comes into play as the workload increases — multitasking with many apps open, even light video editing, professional graphics or advanced productivity apps. If your use falls into the first category, the power gap between the two chips alone doesn’t justify the Air’s higher price.
Apple Pencil: the most concrete difference
This is where the gap between the two models really shows. The base iPad only supports the Apple Pencil (USB-C), a simpler version of Apple’s pen, without barrel pressure sensitivity or haptic feedback. The iPad Air instead supports the Apple Pencil Pro, the more advanced version. If you plan to use the iPad for digital drawing, handwritten document editing, or illustration, this is probably the decisive factor in this whole comparison.
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 vs. Wi-Fi 7
A less-discussed but still relevant detail: the base iPad tops out at Wi-Fi 6, while the iPad Air supports the newer Wi-Fi 7. In most homes and offices the practical difference is minimal, unless you already have a Wi-Fi 7 router and frequently work with large file transfers.
Keyboard: Folio vs. Magic Keyboard
The base iPad is only compatible with the Magic Keyboard Folio, a keyboard cover without a trackpad. The iPad Air instead supports the full Magic Keyboard, with a trackpad and haptic feedback — a writing and productivity experience noticeably closer to a laptop’s.
Which one to choose
If your use is everyday and you don’t plan on drawing or handwriting much on the iPad, the base iPad already gives you everything you need, at a considerably lower price. If the Apple Pencil Pro, a more powerful chip for heavy multitasking, or a keyboard with a trackpad are things you’ll actually use, the price gap toward the iPad Air translates into concrete advantages, not just a more prestigious name.
