Adam Levell

Adam Levell is the editor of iTech Level, where he has compared laptops, headphones and earbuds since 2020. He builds each guide from manufacturer specs, independent measurements and owner reviews, and covers laptop matchups on the iTech Level YouTube channel. Adam Levell is the pen name of iTech Level's founder.

MacBook Air 13-inch (M5, 2026): Specs, What Reviews Say and Who Should Buy It

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Close-up of MacBook Air 13 inch display

The 13-inch MacBook Air with M5 (March 2026) is still the best ultraportable laptop for most people, according to published reviews. It weighs 2.7 lb, is rated for up to 18 hours of video streaming, and now starts with 16GB of memory and 512GB of storage at $1,299 (it launched at $1,099; Apple raised the price in June 2026). The trade-offs are the same as before: it has no fan, so it slows down under long heavy loads; the display isn’t as bright as newer rivals; and there’s no HDMI or SD slot.

How we put this together: this page summarises Apple’s official specs and published reviews (linked below). It is not based on hands-on testing by iTech Level. See how we choose products.

MacBook Air 13-inch (M5) specs

ChipApple M5: 10-core CPU (4 super cores, 6 efficiency cores), 8-core or 10-core GPU
Memory16GB unified memory; 24GB or 32GB options
Storage512GB SSD, up to 4TB
Display13.6″ Liquid Retina, 2560 × 1664, 500 nits, 1 billion colours
Battery53.8Wh; up to 18 hours video streaming, 15 hours wireless web
PortsMagSafe 3, 2× Thunderbolt 4, 3.5 mm headphone jack
External displaysUp to two (for example 6K at 60Hz or 4K at 144Hz)
Wireless and cameraWi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, 12MP Center Stage camera
Size and weight0.44 in thick, 2.7 lb
ColoursSky Blue, Silver, Starlight, Midnight
PriceFrom $1,299 ($1,199 education); launched at $1,099

Source: Apple’s MacBook Air (13-inch, M5) tech specs. Pricing from Apple’s March 2026 launch.

What reviews say

Reviews are consistently positive. TechRadar calls it “still the best ultraportable I’ve ever used”, and Tom’s Hardware sums it up as “steady as it goes”. RTINGS highlights the build quality, touchpad, webcam and battery life, and Expert Reviews calls it a great laptop, while noting you have choices.

  • Praised: fast M5 performance for everyday and creative work, battery life that lasts a full workday and more, the thin fanless design, and the move to 512GB of storage, Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 as standard.
  • Criticised: it throttles under sustained heavy loads because there’s no fan, the 500-nit display is starting to trail brighter OLED and mini-LED rivals, there are no new colours, and the starting price went up.

Check the MacBook Air 13 (M5) on Amazon →

MacBook Air 13 (M5) vs M4: should you upgrade?

The M5 model keeps the same design as the 2025 M4 Air. The upgrades are the faster M5 chip, a faster SSD, 512GB of base storage instead of 256GB, and Wi-Fi 7 with Bluetooth 6. If you already have an M4 (or even an M2 or M3) Air, there’s little reason to upgrade. If you’re buying new, a discounted M4 Air is still a very good laptop, but check the storage: the base M4 model has only 256GB.

MacBook Air or MacBook Neo?

The MacBook Neo is Apple’s cheapest laptop: $699, or $599 with education pricing, since Apple raised prices on June 25, 2026 (MacRumors). It uses the A18 Pro, an iPhone chip, with 8GB of memory that can’t be upgraded, 256GB of storage and a 13-inch, 500-nit display, and it weighs the same 2.7 lb as the Air (MacRumors). Apple rates it for 16 hours of battery, and it lasted 13.5 hours in TechRadar‘s test.

The Air costs $600 more and gets you twice the memory and storage, the faster M5 chip, two Thunderbolt 4 ports (one of the Neo’s two USB-C ports runs at slow USB 2 speed) and support for two external displays. Choose the Neo for browsing, schoolwork, office apps and video calls. Choose the Air if you edit photos or video, keep lots of apps open, or want a laptop that will last for years.

Check the MacBook Neo on Amazon →

For a side-by-side with lab test results, see our MacBook Neo vs MacBook Air comparison.

13-inch or 15-inch MacBook Air?

The 15-inch model has a bigger 15.3-inch screen, a 10-core GPU in every configuration and six speakers, and weighs 3.3 lb. It starts at $1,499. Choose the 13-inch if you carry it every day. Choose the 15-inch if it mostly sits on a desk and you want more screen without paying for a MacBook Pro.

MacBook Air or MacBook Pro?

The 14-inch MacBook Pro with M5 starts at $1,999 with 1TB of storage. It adds a fan (so it sustains performance), a brighter XDR display with 120Hz ProMotion, HDMI and an SD card slot. For students, office work, browsing and light photo or video editing, the Air is enough. For regular video editing, see our best MacBook for video editing guide.

Frequently asked questions

Is the MacBook Air 13 (M5) worth buying?

Yes, for most people. Reviewers rate it among the best ultraportable laptops thanks to its M5 performance, all-day battery life and 2.7 lb design, and it now starts with 16GB of memory and 512GB of storage. Its main limits are the fanless design under sustained heavy loads and the lack of HDMI and an SD slot.

How long does the MacBook Air 13 (M5) battery last?

Apple rates it at up to 18 hours of video streaming and 15 hours of wireless web browsing from its 53.8Wh battery. Reviews report comfortably more than a full workday of light use.

What’s the difference between the M5 and M4 MacBook Air?

The design is the same. The M5 model has a faster chip and SSD, doubles base storage to 512GB, and adds Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. It launched at $1,099, $100 more than the M4 model, and has cost $1,299 since Apple’s June 2026 price increase.

Can the MacBook Air 13 run two external monitors?

Yes. The M5 MacBook Air supports up to two external displays at the same time, for example at 6K 60Hz or 4K 144Hz, according to Apple’s specs.

Should I buy the MacBook Neo or the MacBook Air?

Buy the MacBook Neo ($699, or $599 for students) for browsing, schoolwork and office apps. Buy the MacBook Air ($1,299) if you edit photos or video or keep many apps open: it has 16GB of memory instead of 8GB, double the storage, the faster M5 chip and two Thunderbolt 4 ports.

Is the MacBook Air good for gaming?

It handles many Mac games and Apple Arcade titles well, and the M5 GPU is faster than earlier models, but the fanless design throttles in long sessions and many PC games aren’t available on macOS. If gaming matters, look at a Windows gaming laptop instead.

Related guides

MacBook Air 13-inch (M5, 2026): Specs, What Reviews Say and Who Should Buy It Read More »

Lenovo Legion 5 (2026): Gen 11 vs Gen 10, Specs and What Reviews Say

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Lenovo Legion 5 15 inch gaming laptop keyboard

The Lenovo Legion 5 Gen 11 (2026) is one of the most balanced 15-inch gaming laptops around. It has a 15.3-inch 2.5K 165Hz OLED, a full-power RTX 5060 and upgradeable memory and storage, in a 1.88 kg chassis. It launched with an RTX 5060 at most, and Lenovo’s spec sheet now also lists the Intel model with a 12GB RTX 5070. For an RTX 5070 at a lower price, look for the discounted Gen 10 (2025). Either way, yes, the Legion 5 is good for gaming.

How we put this together: this page summarises Lenovo’s official specs and published reviews (linked below). It is not based on hands-on testing by iTech Level. See how we choose products.

Gen 10 or Gen 11? Quick answers

  • You want an RTX 5070 for less: the Gen 10 (2025). It goes up to an RTX 5070 with Intel HX chips, and it’s often discounted now that Gen 11 is out.
  • You want the newest model: the Legion 5i Gen 11 (Intel), with Core Ultra chips, a 15.3-inch 2.5K OLED at 500 nits and an 80Wh battery. It’s the only Gen 11 that Lenovo’s spec sheet now lists with a 12GB RTX 5070.
  • You prefer AMD: the Legion 5a Gen 11 tops out at an RTX 5060. Lenovo’s estimated starting price is $1,499.

Legion 5 Gen 11 vs Gen 10

ModelProcessorGraphicsDisplayWeightPrice guide
Legion 5i Gen 11 (2026, Intel)Up to Intel Core Ultra 9 386HUp to RTX 5070 (12GB)15.3″ 2.5K OLED, 165Hz, 500 nits1.88 kg (4.1 lb)Lenovo’s estimated start: $1,549
Legion 5a Gen 11 (2026, AMD)Up to AMD Ryzen AI 9 465Up to RTX 506015.3″ 2.5K OLED, 165Hz, 500 nits1.88 kg (4.1 lb)Lenovo’s estimated start: $1,499
Legion 5i Gen 10 (2025)Intel Core i7-14700HX and other HX chipsUp to RTX 507015.1″ 2.5K OLED, 165HzAbout 1.9 kg (4.2 lb)Often discounted now Gen 11 is out

Sources: Lenovo’s CES 2026 announcement (Gen 11 specs and estimated prices; availability from April 2026) and Lenovo’s Legion 5i Gen 10 page. Both Gen 11 models have an 80Wh battery.

Watch: Legion 5 Gen 10 vs Gen 11 in 4 minutes

Prefer video? Our 4-minute comparison walks through what changed, the GPU power of every version, the 12GB RTX 5070 Lenovo added later, and which one to buy.

Video by iTech Level. Watch on YouTube.

What reviews say about the Legion 5 Gen 11

LaptopMedia calls the Legion 5i Gen 11 one of the most balanced 15-inch gaming laptops it has tested, and highlights a full-power RTX 5060, stable sustained gaming performance, the 165Hz OLED and real upgradeability (replaceable RAM and two M.2 slots). Tom’s Guide sums it up as the same great quality at a new, more expensive price. The common criticisms:

  • Price: higher than earlier Legion 5 generations, in line with 2026’s memory-driven price rises.
  • Glossy OLED: it looks great, but it’s very reflective in bright rooms.
  • Battery life: decent for a gaming laptop, not outstanding.
  • GPU options: it launched with an RTX 5060 at most, and Lenovo’s spec sheet now also lists the Intel model with a 12GB RTX 5070. For a cheaper RTX 5070 or an RTX 5070 Ti, look at the Gen 10 or the Legion Pro 5 (both are in our best RTX 5070 laptops).

Check the Legion 5 Gen 11 on Amazon →

Legion 5 Gen 10 (2025): the RTX 5070 option

The Gen 10 Legion 5i pairs a 15.1-inch 2.5K 165Hz OLED with up to an RTX 5070, which gives it more GPU headroom than Gen 11 for 1440p. With Gen 11 on sale, Gen 10 stock is the one to watch for discounts. It’s also the best performance pick in our smallest gaming laptops guide, as one of the larger options there.

Check the Legion 5i Gen 10 (RTX 5070) on Amazon →

Is the Lenovo Legion 5 good for gaming?

Yes. Both recent generations are built for gaming at 1080p to 1440p. They have high-refresh OLED screens, cooling that lets the GPU run at full power, and more upgradeability than most thin-and-light rivals. If your budget is lower, the Legion’s cheaper sibling, the Lenovo LOQ 15, is one of the picks in our best gaming laptops under $1,200, and are gaming laptops worth it in 2026 covers the trade-offs against a desktop.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Lenovo Legion 5 good for gaming?

Yes. The Legion 5 Gen 11 (2026) runs a full-power RTX 5060 with a 165Hz 2.5K OLED screen, and the Gen 10 (2025) offers up to an RTX 5070. Reviewers praise their sustained performance, cooling and upgradeability.

What’s the difference between the Legion 5 Gen 10 and Gen 11?

Gen 11 (2026) moves to a 15.3-inch OLED, Intel Core Ultra 300-series or AMD Ryzen AI 400-series chips and an 80Wh battery; it launched with an RTX 5060 at most, and the Intel model can now be configured with a 12GB RTX 5070. Gen 10 (2025) has a 15.1-inch OLED and goes up to an RTX 5070, and it’s often cheaper now.

How much does the Lenovo Legion 5 Gen 11 cost?

Lenovo estimated starting prices of $1,549 for the Legion 5i (Intel) and $1,499 for the Legion 5a (AMD) at launch. Actual prices vary by configuration and sales, so check current listings.

Can you upgrade the RAM in the Legion 5?

Yes. Unlike many thin gaming laptops, reviews of the Legion 5i Gen 11 confirm replaceable RAM and two M.2 SSD slots, so you can add memory and storage later.

Related guides

Lenovo Legion 5 (2026): Gen 11 vs Gen 10, Specs and What Reviews Say Read More »

Razer Blade 14 (2025): Specs, What Reviews Say and Who Should Buy It

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Razer Blade 14 high-quality display review

The Razer Blade 14 (2025) is one of the most refined 14-inch gaming laptops you can buy. Its 15.7 mm aluminium chassis holds an RTX 5070 running at up to 115 W, next to a 3K 120Hz OLED display. Reviewers consistently praise the build, screen and performance for its size. They criticise the price, the short battery life under load, loud fans at full tilt and a shallow keyboard. Buy it if portability and build quality matter most. If value matters more, look at the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14. In early October 2026 it was out of stock new in the US; see availability below.

How we put this together: this page summarises Razer’s official specs and published reviews (linked below). It is not based on hands-on testing by iTech Level. See how we choose products.

Razer Blade 14 (2025) specs

ProcessorAMD Ryzen AI 9 365 (10 cores, 20 threads, up to 5.0 GHz)
GraphicsNVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 or RTX 5070 (up to 115 W TGP)
Display14″ 3K (2880 × 1800) OLED, 120Hz, 0.2 ms, G-Sync, Calman Verified
MemoryUp to 64GB LPDDR5X-8000, soldered (not upgradeable)
StorageUp to 2TB PCIe 4.0; expandable to 4TB via M.2 slot
Ports2× USB4 Type-C (100 W charging), HDMI 2.1, USB-A 3.2, UHS-II microSD, 3.5 mm
Battery72Wh (Razer rates up to 11 hours on-screen time)
Size and weight15.8–16.2 mm thick, 1.63 kg (3.59 lb)

Source: Razer Blade 14 product page and Razer’s announcement.

What reviews say

The 2025 Blade 14 is Razer’s thinnest 14-inch laptop yet, and the reviews agree it keeps the performance. TechRadar called it “the only gaming laptop I’d happily carry everywhere”, and reviewers highlight the full-wattage RTX 5070, which is rare in a 14-inch machine, along with the OLED screen and six-speaker audio. The criticisms are just as consistent:

  • Battery life: short under gaming loads, and GamingTrend notes that performance is throttled heavily when unplugged.
  • Fan noise: loud at full load, so headphones help.
  • Keyboard: shallow key travel compared with bigger gaming laptops.
  • Price: more expensive than laptops with similar specs, such as the Zephyrus G14.

More reviews: Trusted Reviews, PC Gamer, Tom’s Guide and Windows Central.

RTX 5060 or RTX 5070?

Both use the same chassis, screen and processor. The RTX 5070 is the version most reviews tested and the one that makes the Blade 14 stand out, because few 14-inch laptops run it at this wattage (our laptop GPU power database compares it with other 14-inch models). The RTX 5060 costs less and is fine for 1080p and esports, but at that point the Blade’s premium is mostly paying for the design, and a Zephyrus G14 or another compact laptop gives you similar performance for less. Choose at least 32GB of memory, since it can’t be upgraded later. Still deciding between a laptop and a desktop? See are gaming laptops worth it in 2026.

Availability: when we checked on October 6, 2026, the Blade 14 (2025) was out of stock new in the US. Razer’s US store listed the RTX 5060 version at $2,299.99 with a “Notify me” button, and Amazon US only had used units. If you need a compact gaming laptop now, see our Zephyrus G14 guide or the smallest gaming laptops.

Razer Blade 14 vs Zephyrus G14

These are the two 14-inch gaming laptops people compare most. Both have 3K 120Hz OLED screens and weigh around 1.5–1.6 kg. The Blade 14 is slightly thinner, has a more premium unibody feel and runs its RTX 5070 at up to 115 W. The G14 usually costs less for the same GPU, offers more configurations (up to an RTX 5080), and the 2026 model adds a brighter display and better battery life. For most buyers, a discounted 2025 G14 is the better value, and the Blade is for those who want the best build and are happy to pay for it. See our G14 price and model guide.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Razer Blade 14 (2025) good for gaming?

Yes. With an RTX 5070 running at up to 115 W, reviewers rate it among the most powerful 14-inch gaming laptops, and its 3K 120Hz OLED screen is excellent. The trade-offs are short battery life under load, loud fans at full tilt and a high price.

How long does the Razer Blade 14 battery last?

Razer rates the 72Wh battery at up to 11 hours of on-screen time for light use. Reviews report much shorter battery life when gaming, and performance is throttled when unplugged, so plan to game plugged in.

Can you upgrade the RAM in the Razer Blade 14?

No. The 2025 Blade 14 uses soldered LPDDR5X memory (up to 64GB), so choose the capacity when you buy. Storage can be expanded to 4TB through the M.2 slot.

Is the Razer Blade 14 better than the ASUS Zephyrus G14?

The Blade 14 has the more premium build and a full-wattage RTX 5070, while the Zephyrus G14 usually costs less for similar performance and offers more configurations. For most buyers the G14 is the better value; the Blade suits people who prioritise build quality.

Related guides

Razer Blade 14 (2025): Specs, What Reviews Say and Who Should Buy It Read More »

ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 Price (2026): Which Model and Configuration to Buy

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Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 laptop with NVIDIA GeForce graphics

Short answer: there are now three generations of the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 worth knowing. The 2026 model (January 2026) has a brighter 1,100-nit OLED and runs cooler, but it’s expensive: $3,199 for the RTX 5070 Ti with 16GB and $3,599 with 32GB at ASUS’s US list prices, up to $4,799 for an RTX 5080. The 2025 model is the better value: on Amazon US it was about $1,900–$2,060 with an RTX 5060 in October 2026 (third-party sellers). The 2022 model is only worth it used, at a steep discount.

How we put this together: this guide is based on ASUS’s official specs and published reviews (linked below). It is not based on hands-on testing by iTech Level. G14 prices change constantly with configuration and sales, so treat the figures here as guides and check the current listing. See how we choose products.

Zephyrus G14 generations compared

ModelProcessorGraphicsDisplayWeightPrice guide
G14 (2026), Intel GU405Intel Core Ultra 9 386HUp to RTX 508014″ 3K OLED, 120Hz, 1,100 nits peakFrom 1.5 kg$3,199–$4,799 list (see prices below)
G14 (2026), AMD GA403AMD Ryzen AI 9 465RTX 506014″ 3K OLED, 120Hz1.50 kgEntry model of the 2026 range
G14 (2025), GA403AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 (some RTX 5060 models use a Ryzen 9 270)RTX 5060 to RTX 508014″ 3K OLED, 120Hz1.50–1.57 kgAbout $1,900+ on Amazon (RTX 5060)
G14 (2022), GA402AMD Ryzen 9 6900HSRadeon RX 6700S / 6800S14″ IPS-class, high refreshAbout 1.7 kgLaunched around $1,599; now used/refurbished only

Sources: ASUS spec pages for the G14 (2026) GU405, G14 (2026) GA403 and G14 (2025) GA403; ASUS’s 2026 announcement; GamesRadar+’s 2026 review for the RTX 5070 Ti price.

What the Zephyrus G14 costs right now (October 2026)

Model and configurationASUS US list priceAmazon US (Oct 12, third-party sellers)Check
G14 (2026), RTX 5070 Ti, 16GB, 1TB$3,199Not listed when we checkedCheck price
G14 (2026), RTX 5070 Ti, 32GB, 1TB$3,599From $3,699 (resellers)Check price
G14 (2026), RTX 5080, 64GB, 1TB$4,799Not listed when we checkedCheck price
G14 (2025), RTX 5060, 16GB, 1TBDiscontinuedAbout $1,900–$2,060 (resellers)Check price
G14 (2025), RTX 5080, 32GB, 2TBDiscontinuedFrom about $3,260 (resellers)Check price
G14 (2022)Launched around $1,599Used or refurbished only—

2026 list prices are the US starting prices reported by UltrabookReview for each configuration. On October 12, 2026, every G14 we found on Amazon US was sold by a third-party reseller, often above ASUS’s own price, so compare with the ASUS store and other retailers before you buy, and watch for Black Friday (November 27) deals. The 2026 AMD version (GA403, RTX 5060) wasn’t listed in the US when we checked.

G14 (2026): what’s new, and is it worth the price?

For 2026, ASUS split the G14 into an Intel version (GU405, up to an RTX 5080) and an AMD version (GA403, with an RTX 5060). Both keep the 14-inch 3K 120Hz OLED, now rated at 1,100 nits peak with VESA DisplayHDR True Black 1000, in a CNC-milled aluminium chassis that starts at 1.5 kg with a 73Wh battery.

Reviews are positive about the hardware and critical of the price. Notebookcheck calls it one of the best compact gaming laptops with a brighter OLED. GamesRadar+ says it does a lot with its extra wattage but is “certainly charging for it”: the RTX 5070 Ti model costs roughly $1,000 more than the equivalent 2025 configuration. Reviewers also note that it runs cooler and lasts longer on battery than earlier G14s, and that there’s no haptic trackpad at this price.

Check G14 (2026) prices on Amazon →

G14 (2025): the value pick now

The 2025 G14 has the same size, weight and 3K OLED format, with RTX 50-series graphics from the RTX 5060 up to the RTX 5080. With the 2026 model on sale, it’s the one to watch for discounts. The configurations break down like this:

  • RTX 5060: the most affordable current-generation G14 and the best value. It’s our best overall pick in the smallest gaming laptops guide.
  • RTX 5070 / 5070 Ti: the performance sweet spot. The 5070 Ti adds 12GB of video memory. Other options are in our best RTX 5070 laptops.
  • RTX 5080: the top tier (16GB of video memory), but in a 14-inch chassis it’s power-limited and loud under load, so the gain over the 5070 Ti is smaller than the price gap. ASUS rates the 2025 G14’s RTX 5080 at up to 120 W, against up to 175 W in larger laptops (see our laptop GPU power database).

Across generations, the memory is soldered, so buy the amount you’ll need (32GB is the safe choice for longevity). If you’re weighing a G14 against a desktop, see are gaming laptops worth it in 2026.

Check the G14 with RTX 5060 on Amazon →

G14 (2022): only worth it used

The 2022 G14 launched around $1,599 with a Ryzen 9 6900HS and Radeon RX 6700S or 6800S graphics. It’s still a well-built, portable laptop for everyday work and lighter games, but its GPU is several generations behind and it lacks NVIDIA’s DLSS. Only buy one used or refurbished at a price well under half of a new RTX 5060 G14, and check the battery health and warranty.

Which G14 should you buy?

  • Most buyers: a discounted 2025 G14 with an RTX 5060 or RTX 5070.
  • You want the best screen and battery life and price isn’t the issue: the 2026 G14.
  • Tight budget, comfortable with used hardware: a 2022 G14 at a steep discount, or a new budget gaming laptop under $1,200.
  • You want the smallest possible machine: see the ROG Flow Z13 and TUF A14 in our smallest gaming laptops guide.

Frequently asked questions

How much does the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 cost?

It depends on the generation and configuration. The 2026 G14 lists at $3,199 with an RTX 5070 Ti and 16GB, $3,599 with 32GB and $4,799 with an RTX 5080 in the US. The 2025 model with an RTX 5060 was about $1,900–$2,060 from Amazon resellers in October 2026. The 2022 model launched around $1,599 and is now only sold used or refurbished.

What’s the difference between the 2025 and 2026 Zephyrus G14?

The 2026 G14 comes in Intel (Core Ultra 9 386H, up to RTX 5080) and AMD (Ryzen AI 9 465, RTX 5060) versions, with a brighter 1,100-nit OLED. Reviewers say it runs cooler and lasts longer on battery, but it costs significantly more than the 2025 model, which uses AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 and RTX 5060 to RTX 5080 graphics.

Is the Zephyrus G14 worth it in 2026?

Yes, if you want a genuinely portable 14-inch gaming laptop with an OLED screen. The best value is a discounted 2025 G14 with an RTX 5060 or RTX 5070. The 2026 model is better but hard to justify at full price unless you want its brighter display and longer battery life.

Can you upgrade the RAM in the Zephyrus G14?

No. Recent G14 models use soldered LPDDR5X memory, so choose the capacity you’ll need when you buy. 32GB is the safer choice if you plan to keep the laptop for several years.

Related guides

ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 Price (2026): Which Model and Configuration to Buy Read More »

Best iPad to Buy (2026): Every Current iPad Compared

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iPad showing a black-and-white city photo, lying on a map

For most people in 2026, the best iPad is the 11-inch iPad Air with M4 ($749). It’s fast and supports Apple Intelligence, the Apple Pencil Pro and a proper Magic Keyboard. If you only need an iPad for streaming, browsing and schoolwork, the iPad (A16) at $449 is the best value, but it doesn’t support Apple Intelligence. Pick the iPad mini if you want something one-handed, and the iPad Pro with M5 if you want the OLED display and top performance. Prices here are Apple’s US prices after its June 25, 2026 increase, which added $100 to $200 per iPad (MacRumors).

Check the iPad Air 11-inch (M4) on Amazon →

How we put this together: this guide is based on Apple’s official tech specs, compare page and announcements (linked below). It is not based on hands-on testing by iTech Level. Prices are Apple’s US starting prices for Wi-Fi models at the time of writing. See how we choose products.

Every current iPad compared

iPadBest forChipDisplayApple IntelligenceApple PencilFromBuy
iPad Air 11 (M4)Most peopleM4, 12GB memory11″ Liquid RetinaYesPro, USB-C$749Check price
iPad (A16)Best valueA1610.86″ Liquid Retina, 500 nitsNoUSB-C, 1st gen$449—
iPad mini (A17 Pro)SmallestA17 Pro8.3″ Liquid Retina, 500 nitsYesPro, USB-C$599Check price
iPad Pro 11 / 13 (M5)Best display and speedM5Tandem OLED, 1,000 nits SDRYesPro, USB-C$1,199 / $1,499Check price
iPad Air 13 (M4)Big screen for lessM4, 12GB memory13″ Liquid RetinaYesPro, USB-C$949Check price

Sources: Apple’s iPad compare page, the M4 iPad Air announcement (March 2026), the M5 iPad Pro announcement (October 2025) and iPad (A16) tech specs.

The best iPads to buy

1. iPad Air 11-inch (M4): best iPad for most people

The iPad Air got the M4 chip in March 2026. Apple says it’s up to 30% faster than the M3 model, and memory rose to 12GB, which helps with Apple Intelligence and multitasking. It works with the Apple Pencil Pro and the Magic Keyboard for iPad Air, so it can double as a small laptop. The new N1 wireless chip adds Wi-Fi 7, and it starts with 128GB of storage.

Good to know: the screen is a standard LCD (Liquid Retina) rather than the Pro’s OLED, and it unlocks with Touch ID rather than Face ID. 128GB fills up fast if you download a lot of video, so consider 256GB.

Check the iPad Air 11 (M4) on Amazon →

2. iPad (A16): best value

At $449, the standard iPad covers streaming, browsing, video calls, reading and schoolwork well. It has a 10.86-inch, 500-nit Liquid Retina display, starts with 128GB of storage, weighs 477 g and is rated for up to 10 hours of web browsing or video. It works with the Apple Pencil (USB-C) and the 1st-generation Pencil via an adapter.

Good to know: it’s the only current iPad that doesn’t support Apple Intelligence, because it has 6GB of memory and Apple requires at least 8GB. It also doesn’t work with the Apple Pencil Pro. If either matters to you, the iPad Air is worth the extra $300.

See the Apple iPad 11-inch (A16) in our shop, or check the iPad (A16) on Amazon →

3. iPad mini (A17 Pro): best small iPad

The iPad mini packs an 8.3-inch display into a 293 g body you can hold in one hand, which makes it great for reading, travel, note-taking and as a second screen. The A17 Pro chip supports Apple Intelligence, and it works with the Apple Pencil Pro.

Good to know: there’s no Apple keyboard made for it (any Bluetooth keyboard works), and the small screen isn’t ideal for split-screen work. It’s also the oldest design in the lineup, released in October 2024.

Check the iPad mini (A17 Pro) on Amazon →

4. iPad Pro (M5): best display and performance

The iPad Pro has the best screen Apple puts in a tablet: an Ultra Retina XDR tandem OLED with ProMotion, 1,000 nits in SDR and up to 1,600 nits peak for HDR. The M5 chip is the fastest in any iPad, it starts with 256GB of storage, and it has Face ID and a Thunderbolt/USB 4 port for fast external drives and displays. It’s also remarkably thin and light: 444 g for the 11-inch and 579 g for the 13-inch (Wi-Fi models).

Good to know: at $1,199 and $1,499 before accessories, it’s only worth it if you’ll use the OLED display (drawing, photo and video work, HDR movies) or need the extra power. For notes and everyday use, the iPad Air does almost everything for much less.

Check the iPad Pro (M5) on Amazon →

5. iPad Air 13-inch (M4): big screen for less

If you want a 13-inch canvas for drawing, split-screen work or movies, the 13-inch iPad Air gives you the same M4 chip, 12GB of memory and Apple Pencil Pro support as the 11-inch for $949, $550 less than the 13-inch iPad Pro.

Good to know: at 616 g it’s actually a little heavier than the 13-inch iPad Pro, and its LCD panel can’t match the Pro’s OLED contrast.

Check the iPad Air 13 (M4) on Amazon →

Which iPad should you buy?

  • Students: the iPad Air 11 for note-taking with the Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Intelligence; the iPad (A16) with an Apple Pencil (USB-C) on a tight budget.
  • Kids and family use: the iPad (A16). It’s the cheapest, and Apple Intelligence doesn’t matter much here.
  • Drawing and illustration: the iPad Air 13 for screen size, or the iPad Pro for the OLED display.
  • Reading and travel: the iPad mini.
  • Replacing a laptop: the iPad Air or iPad Pro with a Magic Keyboard, though for many people a MacBook Air costs about the same and runs full desktop apps.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best iPad to buy in 2026?

The 11-inch iPad Air with M4 is the best iPad for most people in 2026. It starts at $749, has 12GB of memory, supports Apple Intelligence, the Apple Pencil Pro and the Magic Keyboard. The iPad (A16) at $449 is the best value, and the iPad Pro with M5 has the best display.

Does the cheapest iPad support Apple Intelligence?

No. The iPad (A16) is the only current iPad without Apple Intelligence, because it has 6GB of memory and Apple Intelligence needs at least 8GB. The iPad mini, iPad Air and iPad Pro all support it.

Is the iPad Air or iPad Pro better?

The iPad Air is the better value for most people. The iPad Pro adds a tandem OLED display with ProMotion, the faster M5 chip, Face ID, a Thunderbolt port and 256GB of base storage, which matter mainly for creative work and HDR video. It costs $450 more for the 11-inch.

Which iPad is best for students?

The 11-inch iPad Air (M4) with the Apple Pencil Pro is the best iPad for most students. On a tight budget, the iPad (A16) with the Apple Pencil (USB-C) handles notes and schoolwork well, but it doesn’t support Apple Intelligence.

Which iPad works with the Apple Pencil Pro?

The iPad Pro (M5), iPad Air (M4) and iPad mini (A17 Pro) work with the Apple Pencil Pro. The iPad (A16) works with the Apple Pencil (USB-C) and the 1st-generation Apple Pencil, but not the Pencil Pro.

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