🎮 M4 iPad Pro vs M3 iPad Air Gaming Test – Real-World Performance in Genshin Impact, Wuthering Waves, and Resident Evil Remakes
Hey everyone! Today we’re diving into a real-world comparison that many mobile gamers have been curious about — the M4 iPad Pro vs. M3 iPad Air, and how they stack up when pushed to their limits in gaming.
This isn’t about Geekbench scores or theoretical benchmarks. This is about actual gameplay — the kind of stuff that matters when you’re playing AAA console-quality titles on iPad, like Resident Evil 4 Remake, or action-heavy mobile games like Wuthering Waves and Genshin Impact.
We’re testing these devices with the mindset of mobile-first gamers, PC gamers trying iOS or Android, or just anyone wanting the best tablet experience possible.
🔧 Test Setup: Devices, Games & Conditions
Devices Used
- iPad Air M3 (2024)
- iPad Pro M4 (2024)
Games Tested
- Wuthering Waves
- Genshin Impact
- Resident Evil 2 Remake
- Resident Evil 4 Remake
Settings Used
- Max graphics where possible
- FPS monitored via screen recording/in-game indicators
- Identical ambient temperature, brightness, and no cooling accessories
🌊 Wuthering Waves – The Open-World Performance Test
Wuthering Waves is no joke when it comes to stress-testing hardware. With its detailed environments and fast-paced combat, it can tank frame rates on most mobile chips.
🔵 iPad Pro M4 Performance
- Smooth and consistent 58–60 FPS
- Barely any thermal buildup even after 20 minutes
- Animations felt console-level
- Multitasking in background didn’t affect performance
🔴 iPad Air M3 Performance
- Started at 55–60 FPS but dipped into low 40s fast
- Stutters during combat and traversal
- Device heated up quickly — clearly throttling
- Frame pacing felt inconsistent
Verdict: If you want to actually enjoy Wuthering Waves at high fidelity and frame rate, the M4 iPad Pro is the clear winner.
🌌 Genshin Impact – A Must-Have Test for Mobile Gamers
Arguably the benchmark title for mobile gaming, Genshin tells us how well a device handles prolonged sessions, complex effects, and character switching.
🔵 iPad Pro M4 Performance
- Locked at 60 FPS throughout
- Instant ability activation and no lag
- Remained cool, even after dungeon runs and boss fights
- Truly a PC-gaming-on-iPad experience
🔴 iPad Air M3 Performance
- Held 60 FPS briefly, then dropped to mid 40s in fights
- Occasional lag when switching characters
- Noticeable warmth after 15–20 minutes
- Throttling became obvious
Verdict: While the M3 iPad Air is playable, it lacks the muscle to handle Genshin at consistent high settings. The M4 iPad Pro feels like a handheld console.
🧟 Resident Evil 2 Remake – Desktop Horror on iOS?
This is where we really test the crossover of PC-level games on mobile hardware. The atmospheric effects, lighting, and cutscenes all demand top-tier silicon.
🔵 iPad Pro M4 Performance
- 50–60 FPS in nearly every scenario
- Cutscenes were sharp, smooth, and cinematic
- No missed frames or texture issues
- Stayed cool under pressure
🔴 iPad Air M3 Performance
- Fluctuated between 35–45 FPS
- Texture pop-ins and minor lag during scenes
- Aim felt sluggish during gunfights
- Overheating noticeable after 10 minutes
Verdict: For fans of portable console gaming, the M4 iPad Pro nails it. The M3 Air can run it, but not enjoyably.
🔥 Resident Evil 4 Remake – Thermal Meltdown?
The real stress test. RE4 Remake pushes every GPU core to its limit with complex AI, fire effects, and detailed animations.
🔵 iPad Pro M4 Performance
- Maintained a rock-solid 50–55 FPS
- Minimal lag or heat buildup
- Rich textures and fluid combat felt next-gen
- Easily handled large battle zones
🔴 iPad Air M3 Performance
- Dropped to 30–35 FPS under load
- Audio syncing issues and noticeable texture delays
- Combat felt sluggish
- Very warm to touch by the end
Verdict: This game is barely playable on the M3 iPad Air. If you’re a serious mobile gamer, this is reason enough to skip it.
⚠️ Final Thoughts: Is the M3 iPad Air Worth It for Gaming?
Let’s break it down…
❌ iPad Air M3:
- Struggles with thermal throttling
- Good for light gaming, but not AAA titles
- Feels weaker than the M2 iPad Pro in real-world gaming
- Likely using a binned version of the M3 chip
✅ iPad Pro M4:
- Smooth, consistent performance across every title
- Feels like PC gaming on iOS
- Handles console-quality ports like a champ
- Excellent cooling and battery optimization
🎯 Recommendation:
- Hardcore gamers? Go M4 iPad Pro. No question.
- Budget-conscious gamers? Look for a used M2 iPad Pro — still better than the M3 Air.
- Casual mobile gamers? M3 iPad Air will do, as long as you’re not aiming for high-end performance.
If you’re trying to choose a tablet for gaming — whether you’re coming from Android, testing out iOS for gaming, or even considering a secondary device for your PC-to-mobile lifestyle — the M4 iPad Pro is easily the top-tier experience so far
