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iPad Air M3 review: A subtle update that remains an easy recommendation ๐Ÿ“ฑโœจ

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If youโ€™ve handled an iPad ๐Ÿ“ฑ anytime in the last five years, the new iPad Air will feel immediately familiar. In practically every aspect but one, it is a mirror image ๐Ÿชž of the model Apple launched last spring. The singular distinction lies internally: the latest Air runs on the M3 chip ๐Ÿง , stepping up from the already formidable M2. Even the color paletteโ€”which remains notably understatedโ€”looks unchanged this year ๐ŸŽจ. Aside from the 13-inch size option introduced last spring ๐Ÿ“, this device is virtually indistinguishable from the design language established back in 2020.
This familiarity makes evaluating the new iPad exceedingly straightforwardโ€”much of what I observed in my review of the 13-inch M2 model last May remains true today ๐Ÿง. It still boasts impressive battery life ๐Ÿ”‹, ample processing power โšก, a respectable amount of entry-level storage ๐Ÿ’พ, and a landscape-oriented front camera ๐Ÿ“ธ. The 13-inch variant is substantial, yet remains thin and light enough for comfortable handheld useโ€”though, if you prioritize tablet ergonomics over keyboard usage, the 11-inch model remains the more logical choice โš–๏ธ. The Apple Pencil Pro โœ๏ธ, introduced last year, continues to be a superb tool for digital artists. However, I remain disappointed by the reliance on Touch ID over Face ID โ˜๏ธ, and I firmly believe the iPad Air is overdue for a display upgrade ๐Ÿ“บ.
Apple iPad Air (M3, 13-inch display) ๐ŸŽ
The iPad Air continues to occupy the “sweet spot” ๐ŸŽฏ in Appleโ€™s tablet portfolio, bridging the gap between the entry-level iPad and the high-end Pro with a mix of advanced features and relative affordability ๐Ÿ’ธ.
Pros โœ…
Appleโ€™s most accessible large-screen tablet ๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธ
Powerful M3 silicon ๐Ÿš€
Superior display, speed, and multitasking compared to the base iPad โšก
Improved, lower-cost keyboard option โŒจ๏ธ
Cons โŒ
Display technology is showing its age โณ
Lacks Face ID ๐Ÿ†”
Price climbs steeply with upgrades and accessories ๐Ÿ“ˆ
Color options are uninspired โšช
$749 at Amazon ๐Ÿ›’
Explore More Buying Options ๐Ÿ›๏ธ
$800 at Target ๐ŸŽฏ
$1,200 at HSN ๐Ÿ“บ
Since the M3 chip is the headline update, it warrants a closer look ๐Ÿ”. Geekbench 6 benchmarks indicate that the M3-equipped Air delivers roughly a 16 percent boost in both single- and multi-core performance ๐Ÿ“Š. While impressiveโ€”especially considering the M2 model is less than a year oldโ€”this isn’t the kind of leap that radically alters the user experience. It does, however, offer a layer of future-proofing, which is always welcome โœจ. In practical terms, the iPad Air breezed through my daily routine, handling multitasking, gaming ๐ŸŽฎ, video transcoding, and various Apple Intelligence tasks without a single stutter.
Apple has been aggressive about equipping the Air and Pro lines with desktop-class silicon for years now ๐Ÿ’ป, ensuring that performance bottlenecks are virtually non-existent. Crucially, this new power hasn’t compromised endurance. I easily squeezed eight hours of battery life out of a workday with the Magic Keyboard attached ๐Ÿ”‹, and pushed close to Appleโ€™s promised 10 hours when sticking to video streaming and lighter tasks ๐ŸŽฌ.
Apple has also addressed one of my primary grievances with the previous generation. The new Magic Keyboard โŒจ๏ธ is modeled after the superior version launched alongside the iPad Pro M4. It is lighter and thinner than its predecessor ๐Ÿชถ, features a larger trackpad, and finally includes a dedicated row of function keys ๐Ÿ” . While these aren’t revolutionary changes, they significantly improve the typing experience. It does lack a few premium touches found on the Pro keyboardโ€”the palm rest is plastic rather than aluminum, the keys lack backlighting, and the trackpad uses a physical click mechanism instead of haptics. However, priced at $269 for the 11-inch and $319 for the 13-inch, it is $30 cheaper than the model it replaces, though still objectively expensive ๐Ÿ’ฐ.
The iPad Pro M4 on the left and the iPad Air M3 on the right ๐Ÿ“ฒ. The iPad Pro’s keyboard has a slightly bigger trackpad.
In fact, the entire setup Iโ€™ve been testing commands a premium price ๐Ÿ’Ž. A 13-inch iPad Air configured with 1TB of storage and 5G runs $1,449โ€”before you even add the keyboard. That said, a similarly specced iPad Pro would set you back a staggering $2,099 without accessories ๐Ÿ˜ฒ. The 13-inch Airโ€™s starting price of $799 for 128GB feels reasonable by comparison, and the $599 11-inch model remains an excellent value, offering significant upgrades over the standard iPad ๐Ÿท๏ธ.
Given the similarities to last yearโ€™s model, Iโ€™ve been reflecting on the compromises Apple makes to keep the Airโ€™s price in check, and whether those trade-offs still hold up in 2025 ๐Ÿ•ฐ๏ธ. The iPad Pro M4 holds several clear advantages over the Air M3: a stunning OLED display with a high refresh rate ๐ŸŒŸ, increased base storage, a faster chip, superior audio hardware ๐Ÿ”Š, Face ID, a thinner chassis, LiDAR, and advanced camera capabilities ๐Ÿ›ฐ๏ธ. The Pro also offers exclusive options like nano-texture glass and 16GB of RAM on higher-tier models.
For the most part, I accept these as valid differentiators for a “Pro” device ๐Ÿ’ผ. However, after extensive time with the Air, the screen stands out as a component in need of evolution. A viable solution already exists: the mini-LED technology used in the 2021 and 2022 iPad Pros. That display offered a 120Hz refresh rate (ProMotion) ๐Ÿ’จ and achieved 1,000 nits of brightness for videoโ€”peaking at 1,600 nits for HDR ๐Ÿ”†. Even if standard brightness remained capped at 600 nits like the current Air, the visual upgrade for media consumption would be profound.
It is likely that Apple fears a high-refresh, mini-LED screen on the Air would cannibalize sales of the iPad Pro ๐Ÿ“‰, whose OLED panel remains arguably the best portable display on the market. Furthermore, since Apple never produced a mini-LED panel for the 11-inch form factor, bringing this tech to the smaller Air would require new manufacturing investment ๐Ÿ—๏ธ.
Despite the business reasons against it, I believe the iPad Air deserves a better visual experience ๐Ÿ‘๏ธ. Frankly, I would settle for the current panel if it just supported a higher refresh rate. While Apple guards 120Hz as a “Pro” feature, the market reality in 2025 is that many mid-range smartphones offer 90Hz or 120Hz displays ๐Ÿคณ. Apple, of course, rarely bows to industry peer pressure, maintaining strict segmentation across its lineup: the Air shares its screen tech with the MacBook Air, while the Pro iPads, MacBooks, and iPhones get the high refresh rates โš–๏ธ. That is the current status quo, but it feels ripe for change.
To be fair, the iPad Airโ€™s screen is still objectively good ๐Ÿ‘Œ. Apple has refined its LCD technology to its absolute limit, resulting in sharp resolution, vibrant color reproduction ๐ŸŒˆ, and excellent viewing angles. While I can see that the blacks aren’t the inky voids of an OLED or mini-LED panel, it rarely detracts from the enjoyment of a movie or game ๐Ÿ•น๏ธ. Most users won’t be obsessing over contrast ratios while using it.
The 60Hz refresh rate, however, is more perceptible in daily use ๐Ÿ‘†. On a touch-first interface where you are constantly swiping and scrolling, the lack of fluidity is noticeable. Coming from a MacBook Pro, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPad Proโ€”all equipped with ProMotionโ€”switching to the Air feels like a step backward in responsiveness ๐Ÿ”™. While Apple often ignores broader tech trends, sticking with 60Hz panels for premium products is becoming increasingly difficult to justify ๐Ÿ˜ค.
My other significant grievance concerns Touch ID. In 2025, Face ID shouldn’t feel like a gatekept “Pro” luxury ๐Ÿ‘‘. With the exception of the budget-friendly iPhone SE, every iPhone released since 2018 has included facial recognition. Yet, on the iPad, you must spend upwards of $1,000 to get it ๐Ÿ’ธ. Touch ID is functional, but reaching for the top button to authenticate for work apps and websites is a friction point I could do withoutโ€”especially when a camera is staring right at me ๐Ÿคจ. While this annoyance is amplified during a review period that requires constant logging in, Face ID simply feels like a standard feature that should no longer be exclusive to the most expensive tier.
For a detailed breakdown, my review from 10 months ago covers the nuances, but the summary remains consistent ๐Ÿ“. The Air is a definitive upgrade over the base iPad ๐Ÿ†™, justifying its cost with a better display, superior performance, and a more robust ecosystem of accessories. Furthermore, the 13-inch Air is the only pathway to a large-screen iPad experience that doesn’t require a mortgage payment ๐Ÿ . The improved keyboard is a welcome addition, and itโ€™s a nice bonus that it is backward compatible with older Air models.
It is worth noting that the entry-level iPad, now with the A16 chip, has also improved โš™๏ธ. Apple has corrected previous missteps, lowering the price, doubling the storage, and finally eliminating the clumsy Lightning charging method for the Pencil โšก. For users who don’t prioritize Apple Intelligence features or advanced multitasking, saving $250 by choosing the standard iPad is a very sensible move ๐Ÿง .
However, for those seeking a more capable machine, the iPad Air remains as easy to recommend today as it was last year ๐Ÿ‘. It delivers about 80 percent of the iPad Pro experience for significantly less money, and most users will never truly miss the features omitted to achieve that price point ๐Ÿค.

My primary caveat is that this iteration of the iPad Air feels like a placeholderโ€”a polished stopgap before a more significant redesign ๐Ÿ›‘. It reminds me of the 2022 iPad Pro, which moved from M1 to M2 with minor tweaks just 18 months before a massive overhaul. The M3 iPad Air seems to occupy a similar space, biding its time before a major refresh โณ. I suspect it won’t be long before Apple updates the display technology ๐Ÿ”ฎ. If you are particular about screen quality, it might be wise to wait another year to see if high refresh rates finally trickle down to the Air lineup ๐Ÿ“….

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This rugged ๐Ÿ’ช, battery-swapping ๐Ÿ”‹ Lenovo tablet is finally available for purchase! ๐Ÿ›’๐ŸŽ‰

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Lenovo launches the ThinkTab X11 in the US, featuring a tool-free user-replaceable 10,200mAh battery, IP68 rating, and Snapdragon 7s Gen 3.



In an era where user-replaceable batteries ๐Ÿ”‹ have virtually vanished from the tablet market ๐Ÿ“ฑ, Lenovo is bucking the trend with its latest Android release. ๐Ÿš€ First unveiled at MWC 2026 ๐ŸŒ, the Lenovo ThinkTab X11 has officially launched in the US ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ, bringing a unique blend of rugged durability ๐Ÿ’ช and business-ready features ๐Ÿ’ผ to the mid-range segment.

Under the hood โš™๏ธ, the ThinkTab X11 sports a crisp 10.95-inch WQXGA (2560 x 1600) display ๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธ that boasts a smooth 90Hz refresh rate โšก and peaks at a bright 600 nits โ˜€๏ธ. It is powered by Qualcommโ€™s capable Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset ๐Ÿง , configured with up to 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM and up to 256GB of fast UFS 3.1 storage ๐Ÿ’พ. Out of the box, the tablet runs Android 16 ๐Ÿค–, backed by Lenovoโ€™s promise of at least four years of security patches ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ.

What truly sets the ThinkTab X11 apart from its peers, however, is its commitment to longevity and field-readiness ๐ŸŒŸ. Its massive 10,200mAh battery ๐Ÿ”‹ can be swapped out entirely tool-freeโ€”no screwdrivers required ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ. For specialized industrial or kiosk setups ๐Ÿญ, Lenovo even includes a battery-less power mode ๐Ÿ”Œ. The tablet itself is IP68-rated against dust and water ๐Ÿ’ฆ๐Ÿ’จ, and pairing it with the optional rugged case upgrades its resilience to MIL-STD-810H military-grade standards ๐Ÿช–.

Connectivity is another strong suit ๐Ÿ”—, featuring dual USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C ports ๐Ÿ”Œ (one of which supports video out ๐Ÿ“บ). In a welcome nod to legacy convenience, Lenovo has kept both the 3.5mm headphone jack ๐ŸŽง and a microSD card slot ๐Ÿ’พโ€”two features that have almost entirely disappeared from modern high-end tablets. Rounding out the spec sheet are Wi-Fi 6E ๐Ÿ“ถ, Bluetooth 5.4 ๐Ÿ“ก, GPS ๐Ÿงญ, NFC, stereo speakers ๐Ÿ”Š, dual microphones ๐ŸŽ™๏ธ, a 13MP autofocus rear camera ๐Ÿ“ธ, and an 8MP front-facing camera ๐Ÿคณ.

Available in a sleek Eclipse Black finish ๐Ÿ–ค, the ThinkTab X11 starts at $499 ๐Ÿ’ต in the US for the Wi-Fi-only model equipped with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. Users needing mobile connectivity can opt for the 5G variant ๐Ÿ“ถ, which bumps the storage to 256GB for $579. Additionally, the tablet supports the Lenovo Tab Pen XE stylus โœ๏ธ, which conveniently slots right into the optional rugged protective case ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ.



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Realmeโ€™s 8,000mAh battery beast arrives on June 10 ๐Ÿ”‹๐Ÿฆ๐Ÿ“…

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Realme P4R 5G launches June 10 featuring a massive 8,000mAh battery, 144Hz display, and military-grade durability. Explore the full specs and new design here.



Realme is about to change the game ๐ŸŽฎ with a massive 8,000mAh battery beast! ๐Ÿ”‹๐Ÿฆ The all-new Realme P4R 5G is officially launching on June 10, ๐Ÿ“… packing a 3-day battery life, โณ 144Hz display, ๐Ÿ“บ and military-grade durability. ๐ŸŽ–๏ธ Get the full scoop on specs, features, and design right here. ๐Ÿ“

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Realme P4R 5G launch date and key features ๐Ÿš€๐Ÿ“ฑ

#Realme

Realme P4R is launching on June 10 in India ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ“…

The Realme P4R 5G will launch in India on June 10 at 12pm IST. ๐Ÿ•› The smartphone will be offered in Titanium Glare, Silver Glare, and Lavender Glare colour options. ๐ŸŽจโœจ It introduces a new Floating Light design along with a customizable Pulse Light and AI Power Light system that can provide visual notifications for calls, music playback, gaming activities, and alerts. ๐Ÿ’ก๐Ÿ“ž๐ŸŽถ๐ŸŽฎ

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One of the biggest highlights of the handset is its 8,000mAh battery. ๐Ÿ”‹ Realme claims the battery can deliver up to three days of usage on a single charge. โณ The phone supports 45W fast charging โšก and includes features such as bypass charging, reverse charging, AI-powered power management, and a battery health engine that is said to maintain more than 80 percent battery health after several years of use. ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Hearty cooling is provided by a 5,300 sq mm vapor chamber system to help manage heat during demanding tasks. โ„๏ธ๐ŸŒฌ๏ธ

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Realme P4R key features ๐Ÿ“โœจ

The Realme P4R 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset โš™๏ธ and will run Android 16-based Realme UI 7.0. ๐Ÿค– The handset is confirmed to offer 256GB of storage and up to 14GB Dynamic RAM. ๐Ÿ’พ๐Ÿš€ It also carries MIL-STD-810H military-grade durability certification and an IP65 rating for dust and water resistance. ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ๐Ÿ’ง

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For visuals, the smartphone features a flat display with a 144Hz refresh rate ๐Ÿ“บ and up to 1,200 nits peak brightness for improved outdoor visibility. โ˜€๏ธ Photography duties are handled by a dual rear camera setup led by a 50-megapixel AI camera. ๐Ÿ“ธ For durability, the smartphone will have a military-grade certified body along with an IP65 level of dust and splash resistance. ๐ŸŽ–๏ธ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ



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May AnTuTu Android-Pad Performance Ranking: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 sweeps top six spots ๐Ÿงน๐Ÿ†, Dimensity 9500 lands at No. 7 ๐Ÿ“…

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Vivo Pad 6 Pro dominates the May 2026 AnTuTu rankings, shattering the 4-million-point barrier. See how the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 redefines tablet performance.



The tablet performance war just reached a new peak โš”๏ธ๐Ÿ“ˆ. With scores shattering the 4-million-point barrier ๐Ÿ’ฅ, the May 2026 AnTuTu rankings reveal a new kingโ€”and the results might surprise you ๐Ÿ‘‘๐Ÿ˜ฒ.

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Leading the chart is the Vivo Pad 6 Pro ๐Ÿฅ‡, which posted an average score of 4,132,697 points ๐Ÿš€. Powered by Qualcommโ€™s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 ๐Ÿ”Œ, it currently sits at the top of the Android tablet performance ladder ๐Ÿชœ.

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The iQOO Pad 6 Pro isnโ€™t far behind at 4,081,031 points ๐Ÿฅˆ. Given how much hardware the two tablets share, the small gap between them isnโ€™t particularly surprising ๐Ÿ‘ฏโ€โ™‚๏ธ.

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#Antutu Performance

Lenovoโ€™s Legion Y700 5th Gen takes third place with 4,073,338 points ๐Ÿฅ‰. The compact gaming tablet has built a strong reputation among enthusiasts ๐ŸŽฎ, and these numbers suggest Lenovo has another winner on its hands ๐Ÿ”ฅ.

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A quick look at the rest of the top ten reveals a clear trend ๐Ÿ“Š: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 is everywhere ๐ŸŒŽ. The Oppo Pad 5 Pro, OnePlus Pad 3 Pro, and Honor MagicPad 3 Pro 13.3 all make appearances near the top of the list, underlining Qualcommโ€™s grip on the flagship tablet market right now โœŠ.

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One of the more interesting entries is the Redmi K Pad 2 ๐Ÿค”. Itโ€™s the only device in the top ten running MediaTekโ€™s Dimensity 9500 ๐Ÿฆ„, yet it still manages an average score of 3,716,562 points, which is enough to keep it firmly in the mix ๐Ÿ’ช.

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Further down the rankings are devices like the H3C MegaBook with Intelโ€™s Core Ultra 5 228V ๐Ÿ’ป, along with older Snapdragon-powered tablets such as the Oppo Pad 4 Pro and OnePlus Pad 2 Pro ๐Ÿ“‰.

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Benchmark charts never tell the whole story ๐Ÿ“–, but they do offer a snapshot of where the market stands ๐Ÿ“ธ. At least for now, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 devices are setting the pace ๐Ÿƒ๐Ÿ’จ, with the Vivo Pad 6 Pro holding a narrow lead over an increasingly crowded field ๐Ÿ.

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Donโ€™t miss a thing! ๐Ÿ”” Join our Telegram community for instant updates โœˆ๏ธ and grab our free daily newsletter for the best tech stories! ๐Ÿ“ฉ๐Ÿ—ž๏ธ

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