iPad Pro vs iPad Air vs iPad: Which Apple Tablet Reigns?
Choosing the right iPad can feel like navigating a tech labyrinth. With so many options, it’s easy to get lost in the specs and features. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you make sense of it all.
Today, we’re putting the spotlight on three of Apple’s most popular tablets: the iPad Pro and the iPad Air. We’ll break down the key differences, helping you decide which one best suits your needs and budget.
Whether you’re a creative professional, a student, or simply someone who enjoys consuming content, finding the perfect iPad is crucial. This comparison will explore the performance, display, features, and price of both, ensuring you make an informed decision.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | iPad Pro | iPad Air |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 11″ or 12.9″ | 10.9″ |
| Processor | M2 Chip | M1 Chip |
| RAM | 8GB / 16GB | 8GB |
| Storage Options | 128GB – 2TB | 64GB – 256GB |
| Display Technology | Liquid Retina XDR (12.9″) / Liquid Retina | Liquid Retina |
| ProMotion | Yes | No |
| Apple Pencil Support | 2nd Gen | 2nd Gen |
| Camera (Rear) | 12MP Wide, 10MP Ultra Wide | 12MP Wide |
| Camera (Front) | 12MP Ultra Wide (Landscape) | 12MP Ultra Wide (Landscape) |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E, 5G | Wi-Fi 6, 5G |
| Audio | Four Speaker Audio | Stereo Speakers (Landscape) |
| Thunderbolt / USB | Thunderbolt / USB 4 | USB-C |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- iPad Pro: Features ProMotion technology with adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz for incredibly smooth scrolling and responsiveness. Available in larger sizes with mini-LED backlighting for superior contrast and brightness. Pros: Stunning visuals, ideal for creative work. Cons: Higher price.
- iPad Air: Offers a Liquid Retina display with True Tone technology, providing vibrant colors and excellent clarity. Typically lacks ProMotion technology. Pros: Great balance of quality and value. Cons: Not as smooth as the Pro.
- Winner: ipad pro
Processor
- iPad Pro: Powered by Apple’s M-series chips (e.g., M2), offering exceptional performance for demanding tasks like video editing and gaming. Pros: Blazing-fast performance. Cons: Overkill for basic use.
- iPad Air: Equipped with Apple’s M-series chips (e.g., M1 or M2), delivering impressive performance for everyday tasks and some creative workloads. Pros: Strong performance at a more affordable price. Cons: May not match the Pro’s peak performance.
- Winner: ipad pro
Storage Options
- iPad Pro: Offers a wider range of storage options, often starting at higher capacities (e.g., 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB). Pros: More storage for large files and projects. Cons: Higher storage options increase the price.
- iPad Air: Provides a more limited selection of storage configurations. Pros: Reasonable storage options for the average user. Cons: Storage options may be limiting for power users.
- Winner: ipad pro
Camera System
- iPad Pro: Features a more advanced camera system, including a wide and ultrawide lens, often with LiDAR scanner for enhanced AR experiences and improved low-light performance. Pros: Excellent camera capabilities for photos and videos. Cons: Camera features may be unnecessary for some users.
- iPad Air: Typically includes a single wide-angle camera. Pros: Good quality for video calls and basic photography. Cons: Lacks the versatility of the Pro’s camera system.
- Winner: ipad pro
Accessories Compatibility
- iPad Pro: Supports the latest accessories, including the Apple Pencil (2nd generation) and Magic Keyboard, designed specifically for the Pro, with more advanced features. Pros: Seamless integration with premium accessories. Cons: Accessories are expensive.
- iPad Air: Compatible with the Apple Pencil (2nd generation) and Magic Keyboard but may lack some advanced features. Pros: Compatible with essential accessories. Cons: May not fully utilize the features of premium accessories.
- Winner: ipad pro
Audio Quality
- iPad Pro: Features a quad-speaker audio system, providing immersive sound with spatial audio support. Pros: Superior audio quality for media consumption. Cons: May be overkill for basic usage.
- iPad Air: Typically has a stereo speaker system, offering decent audio quality. Pros: Good audio for everyday use. Cons: Not as immersive as the Pro’s audio.
- Winner: ipad pro
Portability & Design
- iPad Pro: Available in larger sizes, potentially making it less portable. Thinner bezels contribute to a modern design. Pros: Large display for creative work. Cons: May be less convenient for travel.
- iPad Air: Often lighter and more compact, making it easier to carry around. Offers a sleek and modern design. Pros: More portable and convenient for everyday use. Cons: Smaller screen size.
- Winner: ipad air
Price
- iPad Pro: Generally the most expensive option due to its advanced features and premium components. Pros: Offers the best performance and features. Cons: Significantly more expensive.
- iPad Air: Positioned as a mid-range option, offering a balance of performance and value. Pros: More affordable than the Pro. Cons: Still a significant investment.
- Winner: ipad air
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Performance | iPad Pro |
| Display Quality | iPad Pro |
| Portability | iPad Air |
| Value | iPad Air |
| Storage Options | iPad Pro |
What They Have in Common:
- Apple Pencil Support: Both the iPad Pro and iPad Air are compatible with the second-generation Apple Pencil, offering a seamless and intuitive drawing and note-taking experience.
- Liquid Retina Display: Both tablets feature Apple’s Liquid Retina displays, providing vibrant colors, excellent brightness, and sharp details for an immersive viewing experience.
- Ipados: Both devices run on iPadOS, offering a consistent and optimized user experience with features like multitasking, widgets, and access to the App Store.
- Fast Performance: While using different chips, both the iPad Pro and iPad Air offer fast and responsive performance for everyday tasks, gaming, and creative applications.
- All-Screen Design: Both models boast an all-screen design, maximizing the display area and providing a modern and sleek aesthetic.
- Wi-Fi and Cellular Options: Both iPad models are available in Wi-Fi only and Wi-Fi + Cellular configurations, offering flexibility in terms of connectivity.
Ipad Pro Vs Ipad Air Vs Ipad Buying Guide
Performance
The iPad Pro consistently leads in performance, boasting the M-series chips, offering unmatched speed and power for demanding tasks. This includes intensive video editing, complex graphic design, and running multiple applications simultaneously. The iPad Air offers a step down, often using the previous generation of the same chip, making it still very capable, but not quite matching the Pro’s raw processing capabilities. The standard iPad generally uses the A-series chip, providing sufficient performance for everyday use like browsing, streaming, and light productivity tasks. Consider your workflow needs when choosing between these three models.
Display
The iPad Pro typically features a stunning Liquid Retina XDR display with ProMotion technology, offering a variable refresh rate up to 120Hz for incredibly smooth scrolling and responsiveness. This display also boasts exceptional brightness and contrast for HDR content. The iPad Air provides a beautiful Liquid Retina display, which is a significant upgrade over the standard iPad’s display. The standard iPad often uses a standard Retina display, which is still sharp and vibrant, but lacks the advanced features and technologies found in the Pro and Air models. The display quality directly impacts your visual experience.
Features
The iPad Pro offers a suite of advanced features, including Face ID for secure authentication, Thunderbolt connectivity for faster data transfer, and compatibility with the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil (2nd generation). The iPad Air offers features such as Touch ID, USB-C connectivity, and support for the Apple Pencil (2nd generation) and the Magic Keyboard, providing a balanced feature set. The standard iPad keeps the feature set simple, offering Touch ID and often supports the 1st generation Apple Pencil. Think about the features you need for maximum productivity.
Design and Portability
The iPad Pro features a sleek, modern design with thin bezels and a flat-edged design. It is available in two sizes, 11-inch and 12.9-inch. The iPad Air balances portability and screen size with a design that is similar to the Pro, but potentially lighter and thinner. The standard iPad has a more traditional design, with a larger bezel and a more rounded edge design. Portability is a key factor when deciding; the Air provides a great balance. The Pro is larger for content creation.
Storage and Price
The iPad Pro offers the highest storage options, often starting with 128GB and going up to 2TB, catering to users with extensive storage needs for large files and media. The iPad Air offers a range of storage options, typically starting at 64GB or 128GB. The standard iPad usually has the lowest starting storage, which is usually 64GB or 256GB, and the most affordable price point. Consider how much space you need for your files, apps, and media when making your choice. More storage means higher prices.
Accessories
All three iPads support the Apple Pencil, but the Pro and Air are compatible with the 2nd generation, offering more features, like wireless charging. The standard iPad supports the 1st generation Apple Pencil, which charges via a Lightning port. The iPad Pro is compatible with the Magic Keyboard, which has a trackpad for a laptop-like experience. The iPad Air also supports the Magic Keyboard. The standard iPad supports a Smart Keyboard, which offers basic typing functionality. The accessories you choose will greatly affect your overall experience.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPad Pro If…
- You need the absolute best performance and processing power for demanding tasks like video editing, 3D modeling, and running professional applications.
- You prioritize the most advanced display technology, including ProMotion for smoother scrolling and responsiveness.
- You require the largest screen size available on an iPad (12.9-inch) for enhanced productivity and content consumption.
- You need the most storage options, including up to 2TB for storing large files and projects.
Buy iPad Air If…
- You want a powerful and versatile tablet at a more affordable price point.
- You value a balance of performance and portability for everyday use, including creative tasks and entertainment.
- You don’t need the absolute top-of-the-line features and are happy with the excellent performance of the M1 chip.
- You prefer a slightly lighter and more compact design for easier handling and travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the iPad Pro and the iPad Air?
The primary difference lies in performance. The iPad Pro typically features Apple’s latest M-series chips, delivering superior processing power and graphics capabilities for demanding tasks. The iPad Air generally uses the previous generation of the same chip, making it less powerful, but still very capable. This affects things such as video editing, and running graphics-intensive apps. The display also plays a role, with the Pro often having better displays.
Which iPad is best for students?
The iPad Air and standard iPad are both excellent choices for students. The Air provides a great balance of features, performance, and portability, making it suitable for note-taking, research, and creative projects. The standard iPad is the most affordable option, making it accessible for students on a budget, while still offering a great tablet experience. Consider your budget and workload when making your decision.
Does the iPad Pro support cellular data?
Yes, both the iPad Pro and the iPad Air are available in Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + Cellular models. This allows you to connect to the internet even when you are away from a Wi-Fi network. The standard iPad is also available with cellular data. This is a useful feature for users who need to stay connected on the go, such as professionals and students. Cellular models cost more than Wi-Fi only models.
Can I use the Apple Pencil with all three iPads?
Yes, all three iPads support the Apple Pencil. However, the iPad Pro and iPad Air are compatible with the 2nd generation Apple Pencil, which offers features like wireless charging and double-tap gestures. The standard iPad supports the 1st generation Apple Pencil, which charges via a Lightning port. Ensure you purchase the correct Apple Pencil to match your chosen iPad model.
What is the battery life like on each iPad?
All three iPads offer excellent battery life, typically providing up to 10 hours of web browsing or video playback. However, battery life can vary depending on usage. The iPad Pro, with its more powerful processor and display, may consume slightly more power than the iPad Air and standard iPad. Battery life is a crucial factor for many users, so consider your usage patterns.
What are the storage options available?
The iPad Pro offers the most storage options, with configurations up to 2TB. The iPad Air typically offers storage options up to 256GB. The standard iPad often offers 64GB or 256GB of storage. Choose the storage capacity that meets your needs, considering the number of apps, files, and media you plan to store on your iPad. More storage will affect the price.
Which iPad is the most portable?
The iPad Air is generally considered the most portable, thanks to its lightweight and thin design. The standard iPad is also relatively portable, but it has a slightly thicker design with larger bezels. The iPad Pro is the largest and heaviest of the three, making it less ideal for users who prioritize portability. Consider how much you’ll be carrying the device when deciding.
Final Verdict
The iPad Pro leads in performance and features, ideal for professionals and creatives. The iPad Air offers a great balance of power and portability. The standard iPad is a budget-friendly option for everyday use. Considering the overall value and performance, the iPad Air represents the best choice for most users.
Winner: iPad Air