So you’re in the market for a new iPad and can’t decide between the latest iPad Pro and iPad Air models, huh?
No worries, I got you covered.
Let’s dive in and compare the Apple iPad Pro vs iPad Air tablets to figure out which fits your needs better.
Buckle up!
Key Takeaways:
- The iPad Pro is the more powerful and feature-packed option, but it comes at a premium price.
- The iPad Air offers excellent value and performance for most users, making it the better choice for many.
1. Display: Retina vs. Liquid Retina XDR
Let’s start with the display – this is a big one, literally and figuratively. The new iPad Pro models come in two sizes:
- 11-inch, and
- 13-inch
The iPad Air, on the other hand, is also available in 11-inch and 13-inch variants.
Still, how does the iPad Air vs. iPad Pro 2024 display showdown hold down?
Both the iPad Pro and iPad Air feature Apple’s stunning Liquid Retina display technology. However, there’s a key difference – the iPad Pro’s 13-inch model packs an even more advanced Liquid Retina XDR display.
This display uses Mini-LED backlighting to deliver a brighter, more accurate, and crisper visual experience. We’re talking up to 1,600 nits of peak brightness, a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio, and support for Dolby Vision, HDR, and HLG.
The iPad Air’s display, while still excellent, maxes out at 500 nits of brightness and lacks the fancy Mini-LED tech. So, if you’re really into media consumption, photo/video editing, or just want the best screen possible, the 13-inch iPad Pro is the way to go.
2. Performance: M2 vs. M4
Under the hood, the iPad Pro packs Apple’s latest and greatest M4 chip, which delivers a serious performance boost over the M2 chip found in the iPad Air.
The M4 chip in the iPad Pro sets a new standard for tablet processing power. It offers a significant leap in performance over the M2 chip found in the iPad Air, delivering up to 20% faster CPU speeds and 40% faster GPU performance.
This extra oomph makes the iPad Pro better suited for intensive tasks like 3D modeling, 4K video editing, and other pro-level workloads.
Don’t get me wrong.
The iPad Air is no slouch, but if you’re a power user who needs to push your tablet to the limit, the iPad Pro is the clear winner.
The iPad Pro offers smoother multitasking, faster app launches, and improved overall responsiveness compared to the iPad Air.
Whether you’re into gaming, content creation, or productivity tasks, the M4 chip in the iPad Pro ensures a seamless and powerful user experience that can handle even the most demanding workflows with ease.
3. Camera & Accessories
(iPad Pro camera to the left and iPad Air to the right)
The camera systems on these iPads are also worth considering.
The iPad Pro boasts a 12MP Wide camera, a 10MP Ultra Wide camera, and a LiDAR scanner for enhanced AR experiences.
On the other hand, the iPad Air has a 12MP Wide camera and a 12MP Ultra-Wide front-facing camera.
Both support the Apple Pencil 2nd generation, but the iPad Pro has an extra trick up its sleeve – Hover. This feature lets the Apple Pencil detect when it’s close to the display, allowing for more precise and natural drawing and note-taking.
The iPad Pro also works with the Magic Keyboard – a super-premium keyboard accessory that turns your tablet into a laptop-like experience.
The iPad Air is compatible with the regular Magic Keyboard but not the Pro version.
4. Battery Life & Connectivity
In terms of battery life, both the iPad Pro and iPad Air offer all-day usage on a single charge.
In my experience, the exact numbers vary a bit, but you can expect around 10 hours of web browsing or video playback on either tablet.
When it comes to connectivity, the iPad Pro has a slight edge. It supports Thunderbolt/USB 4, allowing for faster data transfer speeds of up to 40Gb/s.
The iPad Air maxes out at 10Gb/s with its USB-C port. This difference may matter if you frequently move large files around or need the extra bandwidth for professional workflows.
5. Design & Portability
Aesthetically, the iPad Pro and iPad Air are quite similar.
They both feature sleek, premium aluminum bodies with slim bezels and a similar overall look and feel.
The iPad Air, however, offers a bit more color variety, with options like blue, purple, and starlight, while the iPad Pro is limited to the classic silver and space gray.
In terms of size and weight, the iPad Pro is slightly thinner and lighter than the iPad Air, but the difference is negligible.
The 11-inch iPad Pro is 5.3mm thick and weighs 1.03 pounds, while the 11-inch iPad Air is 6.1mm thick and weighs 1.05 pounds.
The 13-inch models are 5.1mm and 6.1mm thick, respectively.
6. Pricing and Value
Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room – the price.
The iPad Pro is the more expensive option, with the 11-inch model starting at $999 and the 13-inch model starting at $1,299.
The iPad Air, on the other hand, starts at $599 for the 11-inch model and $799 for the 13-inch version.
So, is the iPad Pro worth the extra cash?
Well, that depends on your needs and budget.
If you’re a professional who needs the absolute best performance, the latest features, and the most advanced display, then the iPad Pro is probably worth the splurge.
However, for the average user who just wants a great tablet for browsing, streaming, and light productivity, the iPad Air offers excellent value and will likely be more than enough.
7. Key Differences at a Glance
To summarize the key differences between the 2024 iPad Pro and iPad Air:
| Feature | iPad Pro | iPad Air |
| Display | Liquid Retina XDR (13-inch model) | Liquid Retina |
| Processor | Apple M4 chip | Apple M2 chip |
| Camera | 12MP Wide, 10MP Ultra Wide, LiDAR scanner | 12MP Wide, 12MP Ultra Wide |
| Apple Pencil | Supports Apple Pencil Pro | Supports Apple Pencil Pro |
| Keyboard | Supports Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro | Supports Magic Keyboard |
| Connectivity | Thunderbolt/USB 4 (up to 40Gb/s) | USB-C (up to 10Gb/s) |
| Pricing | $799 (11-inch), $1,099 (13-inch) | $599 (11-inch), $799 (13-inch) |
Conclusion: Which One Should You Get?
So, which iPad should you get – the Pro or the Air? Ultimately, it comes down to your specific needs and budget.
If you’re a power user who needs the absolute best performance, the latest features, and the most advanced display, then the iPad Pro is the way to go. The M4 chip, Liquid Retina XDR display, and pro-level accessories make it a fantastic choice for tasks like 3D modeling, video editing, and other intensive workloads.
However, if you’re like most people and just want a great tablet for everyday use, streaming, light productivity, and the occasional creative task, the iPad Air is an excellent option. It offers fantastic performance, a beautiful display, and great value for the money. Plus, it supports all the essential iPad features and accessories, so you won’t be missing out on much.
Whichever iPad you choose, you’re getting a top-notch tablet from Apple. Just think about your specific needs, your budget, and how you plan to use the device, and that should help you make the right decision.
What do you think about the latest iPad editions? Let me know in the comments.
