Apple iPad Air M2 Price Cut: Is the New iPad Air M3 the Right Upgrade for You?

Apple’s latest product launches are always a hot topic, and the recent debut of the iPad Air M3 in India is no different. The new iPad Air M3 comes with significant improvements, including a much faster M3 chip, making it a powerhouse for video editing, gaming, and content creation. But with the launch of the M3, Apple has also slashed the price of the previous-generation iPad Air M2, now available for ₹56,900.

So, how does the M2 stack up against the new M3, and which model offers the best value? Let’s dive in and break down the key features, performance, and pricing of both models to help you decide.

The Price Drop: iPad Air M2 Now More Affordable Than Ever

Apple’s decision to lower the price of the iPad Air M2 comes as no surprise, as the launch of a new model often leads to price cuts for its predecessor. The iPad Air M2, which was originally priced at ₹59,900, is now available for ₹56,900 at Vijay Sales in India. However, there’s a sweetener for those with SBI or ICICI bank cards, as they can avail an additional ₹4,000 discount, bringing the effective price down to ₹52,900.

For customers who are looking for a budget-friendly option, this price cut makes the iPad Air M2 a highly attractive deal. But with the M3 now in the market, is it still a smart buy? Let’s explore the differences between the two models.

iPad Air M2 vs M3: What Has Changed?

Performance Boost with the M3 Chip

One of the most significant differences between the iPad Air M2 and M3 is the performance. The iPad Air M3 is powered by the brand-new M3 chip, which Apple claims is nearly twice as fast as the M1 chip found in the iPad Air M2. In fact, the M3 is up to 3.5 times faster than the A14 Bionic chip found in previous-generation models. This performance boost makes the M3 an excellent choice for power users, especially those who engage in intensive tasks like video editing, content creation, and gaming.

On the other hand, the iPad Air M2, though slightly slower, still holds its ground in terms of performance for everyday tasks such as web browsing, video streaming, and casual gaming. For users upgrading from older iPad models, such as the iPad 9 or iPad 10, the M2 provides a smooth, reliable experience without breaking the bank.

Design and Display: Similar but Not Identical

In terms of design, both the iPad Air M2 and M3 models are virtually identical. They feature a sleek, modern design with an 11-inch display offering 500 nits of brightness. For those looking for a larger display, the 13-inch version of the iPad Air goes up to 600 nits of brightness. Both models also support P3 Wide Color and True Tone technology, ensuring vibrant and accurate colors.

While the display remains the same, there are subtle differences in functionality and performance. For example, the iPad Air M3 supports advanced features like the Centre Stage technology on its 12-megapixel front-facing camera. This ensures that users remain centered in the frame during video calls, adding a layer of convenience for those who frequently communicate via Zoom or FaceTime.

Camera and Audio: Enhanced Features on the M3

The iPad Air M3 also brings an improved camera system. The rear camera on the M3 is a 12-megapixel lens capable of recording 4K video at 60fps and slow-motion video at 240fps, giving creators and videographers greater flexibility and control over their content. Meanwhile, the front-facing camera has been upgraded to 12 megapixels, offering a better video calling experience with enhanced clarity and Center Stage.

While the iPad Air M2 offers a solid camera setup, it does not offer the same level of performance as the M3 model. However, it remains sufficient for everyday tasks like video calls and casual photography.

Touch ID vs Face ID

Both models retain the Touch ID integration within the top button for security, which is a convenient feature for unlocking the device and making payments. However, neither the iPad Air M2 nor M3 offers Face ID, a feature found on the more expensive iPad Pro range. While Face ID is a nice-to-have feature, the Touch ID on both devices is highly secure and fast, and most users are unlikely to miss Face ID unless they upgrade to the iPad Pro.

Verdict: Which iPad Air Should You Buy?

Is the iPad Air M2 Still Worth It?

For those looking to save money without compromising too much on performance, the iPad Air M2 is an excellent choice, especially now that its price has been reduced. At ₹56,900 (or ₹52,900 with the bank offer), the M2 offers great value for users who don’t need cutting-edge performance but still want a smooth and reliable device for everyday use.

However, if you’re coming from an older iPad model like the iPad Air 6 or iPad 10, the iPad Air M3 might be the better option. With its powerful M3 chip and improvements in camera quality, display brightness, and video recording, the M3 offers a substantial performance boost that makes it ideal for professionals, content creators, and those who need the extra power for tasks like video editing and gaming.

The Bottom Line: iPad Air M3 is the Future

If you’re ready to invest in the latest and greatest technology, the iPad Air M3 offers a strong case for itself. The enhanced performance, better camera system, and new features like Centre Stage and 4K video recording make it a solid investment for those who need top-tier performance.

However, if you’re on a budget and still want a reliable iPad that handles most tasks with ease, the iPad Air M2 remains an excellent option, particularly now that it’s more affordable than ever. With its performance still holding strong and the price drop making it a tempting deal, the iPad Air M2 is a great choice for anyone upgrading from older iPad models or looking for a mid-range tablet.

Ultimately, it depends on your needs and budget. The iPad Air M3 might be the future of the Air lineup, but the M2 is still an incredibly capable tablet that offers excellent value for the price.