Choosing between the iPad Pro and iPad Air can be tough. Both offer a fantastic iPad experience, but they cater to different needs and budgets. This guide breaks down the key differences between the iPad Pro and iPad Air to help you decide which Apple tablet is the perfect fit for you.
Design and Display
Both the iPad Pro and iPad Air boast stunning displays and sleek designs, but there are notable distinctions.
Size and Portability
The iPad Pro comes in 13-inch and 11-inch sizes, while the iPad Air also offers 13-inch and 11-inch options. The dimensions are quite similar, but the iPad Pro is thinner and lighter, especially the 13-inch model, making it incredibly portable for a pro-level device.
Alt text: Side-by-side comparison of iPad Pro 13-inch in Space Black and iPad Air 13-inch in Space Gray, highlighting their similar size but different finishes.
Display Quality
This is where the iPad Pro truly shines. It features an Ultra Retina XDR display with Tandem OLED technology, offering incredible contrast, brightness, and color accuracy. The iPad Air has a Liquid Retina display, which is still excellent, but it doesn’t match the Pro’s XDR capabilities, especially for HDR content.
Another key difference is ProMotion technology. Both iPad Pro and iPad Air 13-inch models include ProMotion, offering adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz for smoother scrolling and responsiveness. However, only the iPad Pro models have ProMotion, giving them a more fluid visual experience compared to the 11-inch iPad Air which lacks this feature.
For users who prioritize display quality for professional creative work or immersive media consumption, the iPad Pro’s display is a significant advantage.
Performance
Under the hood, the iPad Pro and iPad Air have different chips, impacting their performance capabilities.
Chip (M4 vs. M2)
The latest iPad Pro is powered by the cutting-edge M4 chip, while the iPad Air features the M2 chip. The M4 chip in the iPad Pro offers a significant performance leap, especially in CPU and GPU intensive tasks, making it ideal for demanding workflows like video editing, graphic design, and gaming. The M2 in the iPad Air is still incredibly powerful and handles everyday tasks and even many creative tasks with ease, but it doesn’t match the raw power of the M4.
Performance Benchmarks
While specific benchmarks will vary, the M4 chip is expected to outperform the M2 in tasks like:
- Multitasking: Running multiple demanding apps simultaneously.
- Graphics-intensive applications: Gaming, video editing, 3D modeling.
- AI and Machine Learning tasks: Tasks optimized for the Neural Engine, like on-device processing for Apple Intelligence features.
For most users, the M2 chip in the iPad Air provides more than enough power. However, professionals who need the absolute best performance for demanding tasks will benefit from the M4 chip in the iPad Pro.
Features and Functionality
Beyond display and performance, the iPad Pro and iPad Air differ in several features.
Apple Pencil and Keyboard Support
Both iPads support the Apple Pencil, but the iPad Pro is compatible with the advanced Apple Pencil Pro, which offers features like barrel roll, squeeze, and haptic feedback. Both also support the Apple Pencil (USB-C). The iPad Air supports the Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C) as well.
For keyboards, the iPad Pro works with the Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro (M4), offering a premium typing experience with a function row and larger trackpad. The iPad Air is compatible with the Magic Keyboard, which is also excellent but lacks the dedicated function row and has a slightly smaller trackpad compared to the Pro version. The iPad Air also supports Bluetooth keyboards, offering flexibility in choosing accessories.
Camera and LiDAR
The iPad Pro has a more advanced camera system, including a LiDAR Scanner. The LiDAR Scanner enhances augmented reality (AR) experiences and improves autofocus in low-light conditions. The iPad Pro also offers ProRes video recording capabilities, appealing to professional video creators. The iPad Air has a single Wide camera that is great for everyday use and video calls, but it lacks the LiDAR Scanner and ProRes video features of the Pro.
Audio and Speakers
The iPad Pro boasts four-speaker audio, delivering richer and more immersive sound compared to the iPad Air’s landscape stereo speakers. While the iPad Air’s audio is still good for general use, the iPad Pro provides a superior audio experience, especially for media consumption.
Security (Face ID vs. Touch ID)
The iPad Pro uses Face ID for secure authentication, while the iPad Air utilizes Touch ID integrated into the top button. Face ID offers a more seamless and convenient unlocking experience, while Touch ID is still reliable and preferred by some users.
Price and Value
Price is a significant factor in choosing between the iPad Pro and iPad Air. The iPad Air is positioned as the more affordable option, offering excellent performance and features at a mid-range price point. The iPad Pro is a premium device with a higher price tag, reflecting its advanced technology and pro-level capabilities.
For users on a budget or those who don’t need the absolute best performance and features, the iPad Air offers exceptional value. Professionals and power users who demand top-tier performance, display quality, and advanced features will find the iPad Pro worth the investment.
Who Should Buy the iPad Pro?
The iPad Pro is ideal for:
- Creative professionals: Video editors, graphic designers, photographers, and artists who need top-tier performance and display quality.
- Power users: Individuals who multitask heavily, run demanding applications, and want the best possible iPad experience.
- Users who prioritize display: Those who value the best possible screen for HDR content, color accuracy, and brightness.
- Users who want advanced features: LiDAR Scanner, ProRes video, Face ID, and the most powerful chip.
Who Should Buy the iPad Air?
The iPad Air is perfect for:
- Students: A powerful and portable device for note-taking, research, and entertainment at a more accessible price.
- Casual users: Individuals who want a great all-around iPad for browsing, streaming, social media, and light productivity.
- Users who value portability and design: A thin and light device with a beautiful display and stylish colors.
- Those seeking value for money: Offering a balance of performance and features without the premium price of the Pro.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the best iPad for you depends on your individual needs and budget. If you need the absolute best performance, display, and features, and are willing to pay a premium, the iPad Pro is the clear winner. If you want a powerful, portable, and stylish iPad at a more affordable price, the iPad Air is an excellent choice. Both are fantastic tablets, offering a premium iPad experience, but catering to different user segments.
