Between the iPad Air 11 M3 and Tab P12 (Gen 2), the iPad Air 11 M3 comes out ahead in weight and peak brightness, while the Tab P12 (Gen 2) wins on refresh rate and screen size. Overall, the iPad Air 11 M3 scores 50 and the Tab P12 (Gen 2) scores 57.8 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
The Tab P12 (Gen 2) edges ahead on the Mars Score (50 vs 57.8), but the 7.8-point gap is small enough that the right pick comes down to which spec advantages matter to you.
Pick the iPad Air 11 M3 if the display is what you stare at all day — refresh rate, brightness, or sharpness is where the difference will be most visible. The biggest gaps in its favor are weight, peak brightness.
Pick the Tab P12 (Gen 2) if the display is what you stare at all day — refresh rate, brightness, or sharpness is where the difference will be most visible. Its strongest claims are refresh rate, screen size.
Both ship with comparable ram, storage, stylus support, so those specs don't separate the two — focus on the differences below.
Bottom line: the Tab P12 (Gen 2) is the safer default. The other model is the right choice only when its specific advantages line up with your priorities.
Why Apple - iPad Air 11 M3 wins
- ▲Weight — 155.00 g less. 460 vs 615.
- ▲Peak brightness — 25.00% more. 500 nits vs 400 nits.
Why Lenovo - Tab P12 (Gen 2) wins
- ▲Refresh rate — 100.00% more. 120 Hz vs 60 Hz.
- ▲Screen size — 15.45% more. 12.7 " vs 11 ".
Spec comparison
Display
| Spec | Apple - iPad Air 11 M3 | Lenovo - Tab P12 (Gen 2) |
|---|---|---|
| Screen sizeⓘ | 11 " | 12.7 "lead |
| Refresh rateⓘ | 60 Hz | 120 Hzlead |
| Panelⓘ | LCD | LCD |
| Peak brightnessⓘ | 500 nitslead | 400 nits |
Performance
Design
| Spec | Apple - iPad Air 11 M3 | Lenovo - Tab P12 (Gen 2) |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 460 glead | 615 g |
| Stylus support | true | true |
| Cellular | truelead | false |
| OS | iPadOS | Androidlead |
Spec-level deep dives
More from the same brands
vsMars is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.