Apple sold 17.5 million iPads in Q1, 2022 alone. Usually, the toughest decision is choosing between the iPad Air and iPad Pro. Since, both have recently received a design refresh and feature the latest M series Apple Silicon that comes directly from the Mac lineup.
So, you can be in calm, it is safe to say that you cannot go wrong with either iPad Air or iPad Pro. However, the Pro costs $200 more than the Air, and the iPad Air is an excellent value proposition that makes you wonder if it needs the Pro at all.
But, take it easy, here is a comprehensive iPad Air vs. iPad Pro comparison to help you make an informed decision.
iPad Air vs. iPad Pro: Design
Let us start with the aesthetics and design of the iPad Air vs. iPad Pro. Both ranges have an all-screen design, without frames. This means that most of the front is occupied by the screen, so you will enjoy more content, as it is a more used space.
The sides of the iPad Air and iPad Pro are square. The camera module is larger on the iPad Pro than on the iPad Air, as it has more advanced technology in them.
Of course, we must talk about the colors, it is something that we give a lot of importance when choosing an iPad: The iPad Pro is available in Space Gray and Silver. The iPad Air, meanwhile, is available in five gorgeous colors: Space Gray, Star White, Pink, Purple and Blue. We know, it is going to be hard to choose.
iPad Air vs iPad Pro: Display
Beyond size, we found differences in display technology between the iPad Air vs. iPad Pro.
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- The iPad Pro’s screen is brighter, and displays all content more smoothly thanks to ProMotion technology. This technology endows the iPad with a high refresh rate. The iPad Pro runs at 120 Hz. This means that every movement, or scroll through the system, will feel infinitely more fluid. While the iPad Air runs at 60 Hz.
- The 12.9″ iPad Pro has a one-of-a-kind, state-of-the-art display. It is made with a matrix of 10000 independent mini-LEDs that turn on and off to illuminate only the areas that are needed. This results in full contrast, pure blacks, and extremely vivid colors.
And as for its measurements, the iPad Air is available in only one screen size: 10.9″. However, the iPad Pro is available in 11″ and 12.9″.
iPad Air vs. iPad Pro: Processor
Both models have enormous power compared to a personal computer. In fact, their processors are in the latest MacBook Pro models.
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- The iPad Air has Apple’s M1 Chip, a beast for all kinds of actions.
- The iPad Pro has the M2 Chip, the next evolution, that is 15% faster than the iPad Air’s M1. In addition to having a RAM memory, 50% faster and more powerful graphics.
iPad Air vs. iPad Pro: Cameras
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- The iPad Air has a single 12-megapixel rear camera. Perfect for snapping photos when you need to, scanning documents, etc.
- The iPad Pro has two cameras: a traditional 12-megapixel camera, and a 10-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera. To this two-camera module must be added the revolutionary LiDAR scanner. This scanner can calculate the distance to targets, walls, locations.
The iPad Air and iPad Pro are broadly separated by the chip and the camera.
However, all the Pro’s bells and whistles also command a premium. So, the big question on the iPad Air vs. iPad Pro is who is supposed to buy these?
Who should buy the iPad Air?
The iPad Air is for someone looking for a great value-for-money tablet and a ton of color option. It has a good display, loud and clear speakers, good cameras for video calling.
Now, in terms of usage, the iPad Air gets all the latest iPadOS 16 features like Stage Manager and full external display support. In short, the iPad Air is a no-nonsense tablet powered by a laptop-grade chip.
Who should buy the iPad Pro?
This makes it a better long-term proposition. Since gets a 120Hz display with ProMotion, four speakers, faster Wi-Fi 6E, Face ID, and a Thunderbolt-4 USB-C port.
The Pro also gets the M2 chip, the latest Apple Silicon. This is so because the Pro model gets 128 GB storage compared to the measly 64 GB on the iPad Air base variant.
We can say, summing up, the M2 iPad Pro is for the buyer looking for something to last them 7-8 years without any hiccups.
To us, you should go with the base M2 iPad Pro 11 if your budget allows it. But, if you can live with less storage but get a blazing-fast iPad that is good for reading, writing, and everything else, the base model iPad Air is a great option.