Tablets Review
Apple iPad Air 11 (M4) Review: Near-Pro Power, 60 Hz Screen
Our verdict
The Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M4) is the tablet most people should buy for study and work, pairing an M4 chip and 12 GB RAM with Apple Pencil Pro support, though its 60 Hz screen trails the iPad Pro.
Buy it if
- College students who take handwritten notes with Apple Pencil
- Work-from-home users who want a light second screen for documents and calls
- Illustrators and photo editors who do not need the iPad Pro
Skip it if
- You want a 120 Hz ProMotion display
- You mainly watch video and browse; a cheaper tablet will do
What we like
- M4 with 8-core CPU, 9-core GPU and 12 GB RAM
- Supports Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C) with hover
- Apple rates it at 10 hours of browsing or video on Wi-Fi
- 20 W USB-C adapter included in the box
- Thin and light: 6.1 mm and 464 g
- Wi-Fi 7 and 10 Gbps USB-C
What we don’t
- 60 Hz LCD with no ProMotion
- Touch ID only, no Face ID
- About 2.5 hours to charge per Business Today
- Pencil and keyboard cost extra
- Cellular models are eSIM only
Score breakdown
- Performance
- 9.4
- Display
- 7.6
- Battery life
- 8.0
- Build quality
- 9.0
- Features
- 8.5
- After-sales service
- 8.0
- Value for money
- 7.8
The iPad Air 11-inch (M4) is for students who take handwritten notes, people who work from home and want a light second device, and artists who do not need the iPad Pro. Its trade-off is the screen: it is still a 60 Hz LCD, and you pay extra for the Pencil and keyboard that make it a work machine.
Is it good for taking notes in college?
Yes. It supports the Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C), both with hover, and 12 GB of RAM leaves room for a notes app, a PDF and a video lecture side by side. Apple also adds an anti-reflective coating to the screen. Budget for the Pencil separately.
How powerful is the M4?
More than most tablet users need. Apple quotes up to 30 percent faster performance than the M3 iPad Air and 2.3 times the M1 model. Business Today’s reviewer found multitasking, AI features and casual gaming smooth, though the tablet felt the strain after about 30 minutes of long gaming sessions.
Does the 60 Hz screen matter?
For video and documents, not much. TechRadar and Tech Advisor confirm the Air keeps a 60 Hz refresh rate while 120 Hz ProMotion stays on the iPad Pro, and one reviewer noticed it when scrolling and drawing. The 2360 x 1640 panel at 500 nits is sharp and covers the P3 colour range, but blacks are not as deep as OLED.
How long does the battery last, and how long does it take to charge?
Apple rates it at up to 10 hours of web browsing or video on Wi-Fi. Business Today’s reviewer said it easily lasted a day of heavy use. Charging is slow: a 20 W adapter comes in the box, and a full charge took about 2.5 hours in that review.
Can it replace a laptop for work from home?
Partly. With a keyboard it handles documents, video calls and email well, and the 12 MP landscape front camera puts you in the centre of the frame on calls. Business Today noted limited window management and no multiple user accounts, so a family cannot share it the way they would share a laptop.
Should you buy the cellular model?
Only if you travel a lot. The cellular version uses Apple’s C1X modem with 5G and is eSIM only, which Jio, Airtel and Vi support. Most buyers can use a phone hotspot instead.
What the evidence does not cover
We found no independent battery rundown test for the 11-inch model, and the Business Today review we relied on for charging time used the 13-inch version. We have not checked Apple’s repair turnaround outside metros.
How we researched
We have not used the iPad Air (M4). This review draws on Apple India's technical specifications, reviews from Business Today, 91mobiles, TechRadar, Tech Advisor and WhistleOut, and Indian launch coverage from Digit, Business Today and Free Press Journal.
We have not tested this product ourselves. This review is based on published specifications, the manual, other publications’ tests and owner feedback.
How does the Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M4, Wi-Fi, 128 GB) compare?
-
Samsung Galaxy Tab A11 (8.7-inch, Wi-Fi, 4 GB / 64 GB) C 6.4
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A11 costs a fraction of the price and lasts long on video, but it has a low-resolution 8.7-inch screen, no stylus support and stutters on 4 GB RAM. The iPad Air (M4) is the one for notes and real work.
Which variant should you buy?
| 11-inch Wi-Fi, 128 GB | Base model; the configuration this review prices. |
|---|---|
| 11-inch Wi-Fi, 256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB | More storage for offline video, large PDFs and photo libraries. |
| 11-inch Wi-Fi + Cellular | Adds 5G with an eSIM; useful when travelling without reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 13-inch | Bigger screen for drawing and split-screen work; heavier and costs more. |
Key specs
| Display | 10.86-inch Liquid Retina LCD, 2360 x 1640, 500 nits, P3, anti-reflective coating |
|---|---|
| Chip | Apple M4 (8-core CPU, 9-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine) |
| RAM | 12 GB |
| Storage | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB |
| Cameras | 12 MP rear (4K 60 fps), 12 MP landscape Center Stage front |
| Battery | 28.93 Wh; up to 10 hours web or video on Wi-Fi (Apple) |
| Port | USB-C, USB 3 up to 10 Gbps; 20 W adapter in box |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6; 5G on cellular model (eSIM only) |
| Biometrics | Touch ID in top button |
| Size / weight | 247.6 x 178.5 x 6.1 mm, 464 g (Wi-Fi) |
Questions buyers ask
Does the iPad Air (M4) have a 120 Hz display?
No. The iPad Air (M4) has a 60 Hz Liquid Retina LCD. Apple keeps the 120 Hz ProMotion display for the iPad Pro.
Which Apple Pencil works with the iPad Air (M4)?
The iPad Air (M4) supports the Apple Pencil Pro and the Apple Pencil (USB-C), both with hover, according to Apple's specifications. The Pencil is sold separately.
How long does the iPad Air (M4) battery last?
Apple rates the iPad Air (M4) at up to 10 hours of web browsing or video on Wi-Fi, and Business Today's reviewer said it easily lasted a day of heavy use.
Does the iPad Air (M4) come with a charger in India?
Yes. Apple lists a 20 W USB-C power adapter in the box with the iPad Air (M4). Business Today found a full charge takes about 2.5 hours.
Can the iPad Air (M4) use a physical SIM card?
No. The Wi-Fi + Cellular iPad Air (M4) uses eSIM only, so you need an eSIM from Jio, Airtel or Vi to use mobile data.
Also consider
- Samsung
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