Comparing the 2025 iPads: How do the Pro M5, Air M3, and Mini A17 Pro differ?
A detailed analysis of the performance, display, and features of the iPad Pro, Air, Mini, and standard models. Helping you find the best Apple tablet for your needs.
Apple continues to assert its position in the tablet market with its diverse range of iPad products, clearly segmented to serve different user groups. From the affordable standard iPad to the high-performance iPad Pro M5, choosing the right model requires an understanding of the core hardware and feature differences. This article will analyze each product line in depth to clarify the differences and determine the optimal choice for your needs.
iPad (11th Generation, 2025): A popular choice for every household.
The 11th-generation iPad is the most sensible entry-level choice in Apple's product lineup. With its 11-inch screen and A16 Bionic chip, it handles everyday tasks well, such as web browsing, watching movies, and using entertainment apps. It's the only version in the new product line that doesn't support Apple Intelligence, making it suitable for users who don't yet need advanced artificial intelligence features.
With its accessible price and stable performance, this device is ideal for general users, students, or as a tablet for children, thanks to its balance between features and cost.
iPad Air (2025): M3 power for creativity and learning
The iPad Air (2025) represents a significant leap in performance, equipped with the Apple M3 chip, similar to that found in MacBooks. This delivers superior graphics processing and computing power, making it an ideal tool for students and creative professionals. It comes in two screen sizes, 11 inches and 13 inches, offering more workspace.
One of the key upgrades is support for Apple Intelligence, allowing users to leverage advanced AI features. Compatibility with the Apple Pencil Pro also opens up many possibilities for artists and designers.
iPad Pro (M5, 2025): Unlimited performance for professionals.
As its name suggests, the iPad Pro (2025) is aimed at professional users who demand the highest performance. It's equipped with the incredibly powerful Apple M5 chip, optimized for CPU, GPU, and AI tasks. This mobile device is capable of handling complex workflows, from 4K video editing and intensive graphic design to resource-intensive AI applications.
The Tandem OLED display with 120Hz ProMotion technology delivers excellent display quality, high brightness, and accurate colors. Combined with a USB-C port supporting Thunderbolt 4 and storage options up to 2TB, the iPad Pro is truly a powerful mobile work machine.
iPad mini (2024): Compact yet powerful
The iPad mini (2024) combines a compact design with high-performance hardware. Despite its 8.3-inch size, it's equipped with the A17 Pro chip and Apple Intelligence support, putting it on par with the Air series in terms of intelligent processing capabilities. Its compact design makes it easy to carry, suitable for note-taking, reading, or use on the go.
Apple Pencil Pro support also transforms this small tablet into a versatile digital notebook for artists and anyone who needs to quickly sketch out ideas.
Comparison table of iPad specifications
Below is a detailed comparison of the key specifications between the four iPad models, based on data updated to November 2025.
| Parameter | iPad (11th Gen, 2025) | iPad Air (2025) | iPad Pro (M5, 2025) | iPad mini (2024) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suitable candidates | Basic user, entertainment | Students, innovators | Experts, high-end users | People who travel frequently and read books. |
| CPU | Apple A16 Bionic | Apple M3 | Apple M5 | Apple A17 Pro |
| Screen size | 11 inch | 11 inches or 13 inches | 13-inch (11-inch option available) | 8.3 inch |
| Display technology | Liquid Retina (60Hz) | Liquid Retina (60Hz) | Tandem OLED (120Hz ProMotion) | Liquid Retina (60Hz) |
| Storage capacity | From 128GB | From 128GB | From 256GB | From 128GB |
| Apple Intelligence support | Are not | Have | Have | Have |
| Connect | Wi-Fi 6, USB-C (2.0) | Wi-Fi 6E, USB-C (3.0) | Wi-Fi 7, USB-C (Thunderbolt 4) | Wi-Fi 6E, USB-C (3.0), 5G |
| Support accessories | Apple Pencil (USB-C/Gen 1) | Apple Pencil Pro | Apple Pencil Pro | Apple Pencil Pro |
Can an iPad replace a laptop?
With the ever-improving iPadOS operating system, the iPad's potential to replace a laptop has become more realistic. iPadOS supports multi-window multitasking, allowing users to open and resize multiple applications simultaneously. The file management system also makes transferring data between applications seamless. When combined with accessories like the Magic Keyboard and external displays, the iPad Pro and iPad Air can provide a laptop-like work experience for many professions, especially in the creative field.
The necessity of accompanying accessories
To fully unlock the potential of the iPad, accessories play a crucial role. The Apple Pencil is an indispensable tool for note-taking and drawing, with different versions compatible with each model. The Apple Pencil Pro offers advanced features such as pen body rotation, especially useful for artists. Keyboards like the Magic Keyboard not only protect the device but also add a trackpad and function keys, transforming the iPad into a more efficient work tool. Depending on your needs, investing in the right accessories will significantly enhance your user experience.
