But now you’ve got the option to get the latest with an M2 chip or save some money with the previous M1 iPad Pro. However, the vast majority of users will likely find the iPad Air with an M1 and 8GB RAM to be more than powerful enough for years to come. Thunderbolt and 16GB RAM with the iPad Pro will likely only be tempting for professionals or those who aren’t price-sensitive. With the iPad Air screen, you’re getting a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone and P3 wide color.
It’s almost exactly the same Liquid Retina display as the 11-inch iPad Pro (ok, technically 0.1″ smaller 😅). 11″ M2 iPad Pro 11″ M1 iPad Pro M1 iPad Air Display 11″ 11″ 10.9″ Resolution 2388 x 1668 2388 x 1668 2360 x 1640 PPI (pixels per inch) 264 264 264 Display brightness 600 nits 600 nits 500 nits True Tone ✅ ✅ ✅ P3 wide color ✅ ✅ ✅ ProMotion (120Hz) ✅ ✅ ❌ Anti-reflective coating ✅ ✅ ✅ Liquid Retina Display ✅ ✅ ✅ Apple Pencil Hover ✅ ❌ ❌
Like the iPhone SE 3, the iPad Air doesn’t get mmWave 5G support with its cellular models. However, with the iPad Pro, you’ve also got a 10MP ultra wide lens plus the LiDAR Scanner, and the True Tone flash.
The main difference is the M2 iPad Pro’s ability to shoot ProRes 4K video at up to 30 fps. 11″ M2 iPad Pro 11″ M1 iPad Pro 2022 iPad Air 12MP wide lens ✅ ✅ ✅ 10MP ultra wide lens ✅ ✅ ❌ Smart HDR 3 – ✅ ✅ Smart HDR 4 ✅ ❌ ❌ LiDAR ✅ ✅ ❌ 4K video ✅ ✅ ✅ ProRes video up to 4K 30 fps ✅ ❌ ❌ Extended dynamic range ✅ ✅ ✅ Slo-mo video ✅ ✅ ✅ Rear camera flash ✅ ✅ ❌ TrueDepth camera with Face ID ✅ ✅ ❌ Ultra wide 12MP front camera ✅ ✅ ✅ 2x optical zoom out ✅ ✅ ✅ Center Stage auto-tracking ✅ ✅ ✅ Stereo recording ✅ ✅ ❌
A couple of smaller differences – the iPad Pro front camera features support for Portrait mode, Portrait Lighting, and Animoji/Memoji while the iPad Air front camera does not. If you know you’ll often be pushing your tablet to the limit, the iPad Pro delivers the top-performing package with up to 16GB RAM and 2TB storage, 120Hz ProMotion display, Thunderbolt support, and the ability to capture ProRes 4K video, all powered by the new M2 chip.
The M2 iPad Pro is available at Apple, Amazon, Best Buy, BH Photo, and more with stock looking good overall.
iPad Pro vs iPad Air: Which Apple tablet is right for you?
Another difference is that the iPad Air comes in more colours: namely, Space Grey, Starlight, Pink, Purple and Blue. That means data transfer speeds of up to 40Gb/s, compared with a max 10Gb/s on the iPad Air, assuming you have devices that support Thunderbolt of course.
So while the Pro is the safer option if you plan to use it for demanding creative purposes, such as using Illustrator for iPad, both tablets should be pretty speedy overall. When it comes to battery life, Apple rates all of its tablets for 10 hours of light use on Wi-Fi and up to nine on cellular.
But you can expect high-res image editing, or prolonged 3D rendering, to reduce this pretty severely, just as it is with any laptop. Exactly how much depends on the app, but something that taxes both processor and GPU, such as high-end games, can bring it down to about half that.
Along with support for HDR and Dolby Vision content, creative professionals will absolutely adore this screen. It’s also worth noting that both sizes of the iPad Pro have better audio, with four speakers that produces high-quality. The iPad Air’s two speakers are still solid, though, and are perfectly decent for watching movies and listening to music.
Both allow it to magnetically attach to the side of the iPad to charge wirelessly, which is super handy. However, the superior refresh rate of the iPad Pro (120Hz to 60Hz on the Air) means that in practice, drawing is smoother on the more expensive tablet. The latest iPad Pro also comes with a brand new ‘Hover’ feature, which detects your Apple Pencil 2 up to 12mm above the screen, allowing you to see a preview of your mark before you make it.
When it comes to drawing, the 120Hz screen response rate makes the iPad Pro the precision instrument of choice undoubtedly – and nothing comes close to the high-resolution display on the 12.9-inch model. If so, then obviously you should get the Pro, but for anything more middle of the road, the Air is really just as fast – if you’ll mostly use it for viewing and some admin work on the go, there will be no meaningful performance difference. In short, if money’s no object, or if running creative software your iPad plays a central role in your working life, go for the Pro.
iPad Pro vs MacBook Air: What should you buy?
Comparing the iPad Pro 2020 vs MacBook Air 2020 may seem odd but it actually makes a lot of sense. While it’s nice to have a tablet you can get work done on, the iPad Pro 2020 can’t match the performance of the MacBook Air 2020 with the Apple M1 chip, which gives it plenty of battery life, speedier performance and even iOS apps. And if you don’t need all the bells and whistles added in the 2021 and 2022 models, the iPad Pro 2020 paired with a Magic Keyboard offers a decent laptop-like experience — complete with a trackpad.
The iPad Pro also offers a Wi-Fi + Cellular option that adds built-in LTE connectivity, something the MacBook Air doesn’t have. When it comes to resolution, the iPad Pro’s display is sharper at 2732 x 2048 pixels, compared to 2560 x 1600 for the MacBook Air. The iPad Pro also pulled ahead in terms of the sRGB color gamut (122% vs 114%), so you should expect more vivid hues from Apple’s tablet. The iPad Pro’s optional Magic Keyboard uses the same scissor mechanism as the MacBook Air and offers the same 1mm of travel, and provides a similarly pleasant typing experience. The iPad Pro attaches magnetically to the Magic Keyboard’s floating cantilever design, allowing you to adjust the display’s angle up to 130 degrees. The iPad Pro runs iPadOS, which is a touch-first operating system that now supports cursor input across the OS. iPadOS continues to support multitasking features like Slide Over (running apps on top of others) and Split View (running two apps side by side), and the customizable Today Screen gives you helpful widgets to stay on top of your day.
You also have a lot more choice in terms of software and what you can download on macOS, whether you choose to go through the Mac App Store or the web. The iPad Pro can also record 4K video up to 60 frames per second, something the MacBook Air can’t do.
The iPad Pro also has a front 7MP TrueDepth camera for selfies and quickly unlocking the devices with face recognition. And, unlike the MacBook Air, the iPad Pro features a LiDAR scanner that dramatically improves the performance in augmented reality apps.
Unfortunately, the MacBook Air only features a low-res 720p camera for video chats, though it uses some machine learning smarts to improve the quality of your stream.
And you can’t use your face to log in; instead, there’s a Touch ID button on the keyboard deck. Again, though, when talking special features, the ability to run iPhone and iPad apps on the MacBook mean the Air can’t be cast aside easily. On our battery test, which involves continuous web surfing over Wi-Fi at 150 nits of screen brightness, the iPad Pro lasted a very good 10 hours and 16 minutes.
Swipe to scroll horizontally Row 0 – Cell 0 iPad Pro MacBook Air Price and Value (20) 13 18 Display (20) 19 15 Keyboard and touchpad (10) 8 9 Ports (10) 7 8 Performance (10) 10 8 Software (10) 6 10 Camera and Special Features (10) 9 7 Battery Life (20) 13 20 Total 85 95 But after comparing this tablet and laptop in multiple categories it’s clear where these devices excel — and where they don’t. The iPad Pro is the better option for those who want to travel light and who want a touch-first experience with a superior display.
But that being said, the MacBook Air has pulled ahead of the iPad Pro when it comes to sheer speed and battery life.
iPad Pro 11 (2021) vs iPad Air 4 (2020): which is the right Apple tablet for you?
It was announced in September 2020, around seven months before the latest iPad Pro arrived in April 2021. It’s fairer then to compare the 256GB specs of both versions (as you can’t get the Air with 128GB), which show the real cost difference is slightly less at $150 / £120 / AU$220. This lets the drivers act a bit like a tweeter/woofer team, one taking responsibility for the lower frequencies.
The 2021 iPad Pro brings a generational shift in display tech, but you don’t get it in the 11-inch version. Resolution is slightly different too, at 2388 x 1668 to the iPad Air 4’s 2360 x 1640, which allows for the extra 0.1 inches of screen space without trading away pixel density. You won’t sacrifice much on the screen front if you opt for the iPad Air 4 (Image credit: TechRadar) They both also have a layer that helps prevent fingers greasing up the display glass and minimizes reflections. This is a common feature in higher-end TVs, used to make the image look punchier and more contrasty in dimly lit rooms.
The 2021 iPad Pro 12.9 has around 10,000 local dimming zones, and these are particularly important for HDR video playback. Apple calls this screen tech Liquid Retina XDR, named after its $5000 monitor. The iPad Pro 11 has an additional 10MP ultra-wide camera, the kind now so common in phones. Center Stage on the iPad Pro 11 keeps the focus on you (Image credit: Apple)
A feature called Center Stage automatically crops into the image to frame people involved in the chat. We’ve tried a similar feature while testing the Insta360 One R action camera, and found it pretty neat. The 2021 iPad Pro tablets use the same Apple M1 processors as the higher-spec version of the MacBook Air. The cellular iPad Pro 11 (2021) has 5G, although the upgrade comes with a big price bump.
It has been upgraded from a USB-C 3.1 connector, as seen in the iPad Air 4, to one that supports Thunderbolt 3 and USB 4. It’s probably worth the extra spend for digital artists who can write a new iPad off as a business expense. Will we suddenly get a load of AAA console ports that you can play on-the-go, without an internet connection, because the Apple M1 is now used on iPads as well as MacBooks? We know Divinity: Original Sin 2 is coming, but that’s not enough to fuel an iPad gaming revolution.
These are the iPad Pro 11’s superior quad-driver speakers and the clever front cam that will zoom and pan the view to keep you (and other FaceTimers) on-screen. But at $200 / £150 / AU$250 more than the Wi-Fi version this upgrade makes us feel a little queasy, particularly as 5G phones at that price are probably not too far away.
iPad Air 4 vs. iPad Air 5: Should you upgrade?
The latest iPad Air represents the fifth generation of Apple’s lightweight and ultra-portable tablet lineup. From the thin, symmetrical bezels to the 10.9-inch display to the cool-to-the-touch aluminum body, I wouldn’t blame you if you mistook one generation for the other.
But in the newest iPad Air lives the company’s tried-and-true M1 processor, a wider front-facing camera, and the hottest buzzword in tech: 5G. In fact, underneath the familiar glass and aluminum exterior is Apple’s ARM-based, eight-core CPU, M1 processor. Trickling down from MacBooks and iMacs, Apple’s M1 chip is expected to be up to 60% faster and more powerful than its A-series counterpart — like the A14 found in the 2020 iPad Air. While the 2022 iPad Air didn’t get Apple’s newer M2 chip, the M1 is still a powerhouse for graphics-intensive apps, such as video editors, 3D racing games, augmented reality, and general multitasking. With a wider field of view than the previous generation’s 7MP FaceTime HD lens, the new iPad can take advantage of Center Stage, Apple’s webcam feature that tracks and follows your face as you move around. You will, of course, need to be under a 5G data plan, have the appropriate nano-SIM card (or eSIM), and purchase the more expensive, cellular version of the iPad, to reap the benefits of the faster network. With the release of the new iPad Air, most third-party retailers have since marked down the 2020 model as a means to clear out inventory.
We put the latest iPad Pro and iPad Air head to head, and it’s clear the cheaper iPad Air is the better tablet for most people
Apple’s iPad Pros differentiate with ProMotion screen tech, better cameras, and a 12.9-inch option. Sign up for our newsletter to get honest reviews on top products & services — delivered weekly to your inbox. Specification iPad Air 2022 11-inch iPad Pro 2021 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2021 Screen size and features 10.9-inch Liquid Retina (2,360 x 1,640) 11-inch Liquid Retina with ProMotion (2,388 x 1,668) 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED with ProMotion (2,732 x 2,048) Processor Apple M1 Apple M1 Apple M1 Memory (RAM) and storage 8GB RAM / 64GB, 256GB storage 8GB RAM with 128GB, 256GB, 512GB storage / 16GB RAM with 1TB, 2TB storage 8GB RAM with 128GB, 256GB, 512GB storage / 16GB RAM with 1TB, 2TB storage Rear cameras 12MP main camera 12MP main camera, 10MP ultra-wide camera 12MP main camera, 10MP ultra-wide camera Front camera 12MP ultra-wide FaceTime HD camera with Center Stage 12MP ultra-wide TrueDepth camera with Center Stage 12MP ultra-wide TrueDepth camera with Center Stage Battery 28.6 Wh, 20W charger included 28.65 Wh; 20W charger included 40.88 Wh; 20W charger included Connectivity Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5 Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5 Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5 Sensors Touch ID (on power button) Face ID Face ID Ports Lightning port USB-C port Thunderbolt 3 port (USB-C) Audio Stereo speakers Four speakers Four speakers Starting price $600 $800 $1,100 But if you value a bigger screen, the 12.9-inch iPad Pro is essentially one of this line’s primary differentiators.
If you’re using an iPad for simpler tasks like browsing the web, running standard apps like email, social media, or shopping apps and playing casual games, you’d likely be fine with 64GB iPad Air. Just keep in mind that the iPad Air doesn’t come with Apple’s ProMotion screen tech, if that sounds tempting to you, as well. The iPad Pros also have a LiDar scanner that helps with better focus when taking photos in low light. I’d also consider this a niche feature that should only really speak to professionals who are often transferring big projects to and from the iPad and external storage devices.
It basically means that big files or projects will transfer faster on the iPad Pros. After considering the storage options and their prices, knowing that they possess the same processing power, the iPad Air 2022 poses the best value at the time of writing. While ProMotion on the iPad Pro is great, it’s still a cosmetic feature that adds to the experience rather than the utility of the tablet. But if 128GB of storage is enough for you, and you value a more premium experience from Apple’s ProMotion screen tech, the iPad Pro is for you.
If you want the best cameras possible on a tablet, or super fast data transfer speeds, the iPad Pros are again your best bet.
iPad Air 2022 vs. iPad Pro 2021 Buyer’s Guide
In March 2022, Apple introduced the fifth-generation iPad Air, featuring the M1 chip, 5G connectivity, and a new front-facing camera system. The updated iPad Air comes almost a year after in Apple introduced its current iPad Pro lineup, which also features the M1 chip and 5G connectivity, but sports a number of high-end features like ProMotion and a Thunderbolt port.
Liquid Retina display with 264 ppi, full lamination, oleophobic and anti-reflective coating, P3 Wide Color, and True Tone ƒ/1.8 12MP Wide rear camera, with digital zoom up to 5x and Smart HDR 3 for photos ƒ/2.4 12MP front-facing Ultra Wide camera with 2x optical zoom out and Center Stage Apple’s specification breakdown shows that the two iPads share many of their most important features, not least the M1 chip.
Even so, there are an even larger number of meaningful differences between the iPad Air and iPad Pro that are worth highlighting, including their displays, authentication technologies, and rear camera setups. ƒ/2.4 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with 2x optical zoom out and Center Stage
Unlocking is something that may be used dozens of times every day, so it is important to choose your preferred method of authentication if you feel particularly strongly about it. These models are around half a pound lighter than the 12.9-inch iPad Pro and will be best for users focused on portability and easy handheld use. Both the iPad Air and the 11-inch iPad Pro feature Liquid Retina LED displays with 264 ppi, full lamination, an oleophobic and anti-reflective coating, P3 Wide Color, and True Tone. The display can reflect what can be seen in the real world by capturing the brightest highlights and subtle details in even the darkest images, allowing users to view and edit true-to-life HDR and Dolby Vision content, which is especially important to creative professionals, including photographers, videographers, and filmmakers.
The iPad Air’s Liquid Retina display will be sufficient for the vast majority of users, but some may prefer the responsiveness of ProMotion of the iPad Pro for tasks such as gaming. 8GB in the iPad Air will be adequate for casual users, but 8GB will be defter at handling multiple windows of the same application and a range of intense background tasks. The iPad Pro has extended dynamic range when recording video up to 30 fps, and also features a True Tone flash. LiDAR allows the iPad Pro to measure the distance to surrounding objects up to five meters away, operating at the photon level at nano-second speed.
This makes the iPad Pro capable of a “new class” of improved AR experiences with better motion capture, understanding of the environment, and people occlusion. Both devices offer “Center Stage” for video calls with the front-facing camera.
If you use your iPad for consuming lots of music and videos with the built-in speakers, the iPad Pro will deliver a slightly better experience. In terms of wireless connectivity, both iPads feature Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, and 5G on cellular models.
If you need a high-speed 5G cellular connection in the United States, this may be a good reason to invest in the iPad Pro.
As well as being considerably faster, Thunderbolt opens up the potential for compatibility with a much broader range of Thunderbolt-only accessories such as external hard drives and monitors.
This iPad has a 10.2-inch display, the A13 Bionic chip, Center Stage, and is compatible with accessories such as the Apple Smart Keyboard and the first-generation Apple Pencil. While it lacks the all-screen design of the iPad Air, USB-C, and 4K video recording, the eighth-generation iPad is an excellent low-cost alternative to the mid to high-end iPads.
For most people, the additional $200+ needed to buy the iPad Pro will not be justified to get the likes of Face ID, a more versatile rear camera system, four-speaker audio, and a ProMotion display with refresh rates up to 120Hz. Some iPad Pro features, such as LiDAR, the Ultra Wide rear camera, larger storage options and up to 16GB of memory, and Thunderbolt connectivity, will only be practically useful to a small niche of iPad users. Professionals who have a clear use case for needing larger amounts of RAM and storage, Thunderbolt connectivity, and mini-LED for HDR content will benefit from buying the iPad Pro. Prosumers will also enjoy features such as 120Hz ProMotion for smoother scrolling and gaming, deeper blacks and more vivid colors with the mini-LED display, and LiDAR for AR experiences, even if they are not necessary, and those who want a larger 12.9-inch display for content consumption will similarly need to go with the higher-end iPad Pro model. Prosumers and professionals who want the iPad to replace their laptop or computer should likely choose the 12.9-inch iPad Pro if they are pairing it with the Magic Keyboard due to the added screen space for multiple applications. With the iPad Air, users can get an all-screen design, the M1 chip, practical features like USB-C and 5G connectivity, and compatibility with the latest Apple accessories.
iPad Air (2022) vs iPad Pro (2022): How to choose
So good, in fact, it gave me a hint of buyer’s remorse for paying $2,000 for my 2021 iPad Pro. iPad Pro VS. iPad Air Specifications iPad Pro iPad Air Processor Apple M2 Apple M1 Display 11-inch/12.9-inch 10.9-inch Memory Up to 16GB 8GB Storage Up to 2TB Up to 256GB Front Camera True Depth 12MP Ultra Wide 12MP Ultra Wide Rear Cameras 12MP Wide, 10MP Ultra Wide 12MP Wide Battery 10 hours 10 hours Biometrics Face ID Touch ID Connectivity Thunderbolt 4, 5G, Wi-Fi USB-C, 5G, Wi-Fi Colors Space gray, silver Space gray, starlight, pink, purple, blue Starting price $799/$1,099 $599
I think most users will find that 64GB just isn’t enough space to store apps, games, videos and photos in 2022 when all of those things are only growing in size.
Additionally, with the introduction of Stage Manager and a multi-window multitasking experience in iPadOS 16, memory is even more important. Add in the fact that both iPad models will also feature improved — and true — external monitor support once iPadOS 16.2 launches (likely in December), allowing you to use up to eight apps at the same time, and the importance of more memory gets even clearer. You can pick between an iPad Pro with 8GB or 16GB of memory, but that decision is also based on the amount of storage you buy. There were other under-the-hood performance improvements that Apple made to memory usage in the update that may have positively impacted the experience. Additionally, Apple has been very purposeful about which iPads are getting Stage Manager features, and which aren’t.
The iPad Pro line has a faster refresh rate of up to 120Hz (called ProMotion), a higher max brightness level, and the larger iPad Pro uses mini-LED technology for a better picture, which Apple calls a Liquid Retina XDR display. The smaller iPad Pro has an 11-inch Liquid Retina Display that’s resolution is 2388×1668, with True Tone, ProMotion, and a max brightness of 600 nits. The iPad Air’s Liquid Retina display measures 10.9-inches and is an LED panel. For the iPad Air, Apple added USB 3.1 Gen 2 to the USB-C port.
That means you’ll see speeds of up to 10Gbps when transferring files, or you can connect the iPad Air to an external monitor with support for resolution of up to 6K. The iPad Pro offering has a USB-C port, as well, but with support for Thunderbolt and USB 4.
That means you get up to 40Gbps during file transfers (thanks to USB 4), and support for the same 6K resolution when connected to an external monitor.
If you do a lot of file transfers between your iPad Pro and external storage or a camera, then you’ll benefit from the newer USB connection technology.
Review: Apple iPad Pro (2021): Impressively powerful, but the hardware is only part of the story So, then you’re left asking yourself whether you want an iPad with a better display and a faster USB-C connection, with more base storage.
But for the majority of people, the display and USB-C differences are something that won’t make or break the experience, and thus, the iPad Air is the best pick.
iPad Pro vs MacBook Air: What should you buy?
Comparing the iPad Pro 2020 vs MacBook Air 2020 may seem odd but it actually makes a lot of sense. While it’s nice to have a tablet you can get work done on, the iPad Pro 2020 can’t match the performance of the MacBook Air 2020 with the Apple M1 chip, which gives it plenty of battery life, speedier performance and even iOS apps. And if you don’t need all the bells and whistles added in the 2021 and 2022 models, the iPad Pro 2020 paired with a Magic Keyboard offers a decent laptop-like experience — complete with a trackpad. The iPad Pro also offers a Wi-Fi + Cellular option that adds built-in LTE connectivity, something the MacBook Air doesn’t have.
When it comes to resolution, the iPad Pro’s display is sharper at 2732 x 2048 pixels, compared to 2560 x 1600 for the MacBook Air. The iPad Pro also pulled ahead in terms of the sRGB color gamut (122% vs 114%), so you should expect more vivid hues from Apple’s tablet.
The iPad Pro’s optional Magic Keyboard uses the same scissor mechanism as the MacBook Air and offers the same 1mm of travel, and provides a similarly pleasant typing experience. The iPad Pro attaches magnetically to the Magic Keyboard’s floating cantilever design, allowing you to adjust the display’s angle up to 130 degrees.
The iPad Pro runs iPadOS, which is a touch-first operating system that now supports cursor input across the OS. iPadOS continues to support multitasking features like Slide Over (running apps on top of others) and Split View (running two apps side by side), and the customizable Today Screen gives you helpful widgets to stay on top of your day. You also have a lot more choice in terms of software and what you can download on macOS, whether you choose to go through the Mac App Store or the web. The iPad Pro can also record 4K video up to 60 frames per second, something the MacBook Air can’t do.
The iPad Pro also has a front 7MP TrueDepth camera for selfies and quickly unlocking the devices with face recognition. And, unlike the MacBook Air, the iPad Pro features a LiDAR scanner that dramatically improves the performance in augmented reality apps.
Unfortunately, the MacBook Air only features a low-res 720p camera for video chats, though it uses some machine learning smarts to improve the quality of your stream. And you can’t use your face to log in; instead, there’s a Touch ID button on the keyboard deck.
Again, though, when talking special features, the ability to run iPhone and iPad apps on the MacBook mean the Air can’t be cast aside easily. On our battery test, which involves continuous web surfing over Wi-Fi at 150 nits of screen brightness, the iPad Pro lasted a very good 10 hours and 16 minutes.
Swipe to scroll horizontally Row 0 – Cell 0 iPad Pro MacBook Air Price and Value (20) 13 18 Display (20) 19 15 Keyboard and touchpad (10) 8 9 Ports (10) 7 8 Performance (10) 10 8 Software (10) 6 10 Camera and Special Features (10) 9 7 Battery Life (20) 13 20 Total 85 95 But after comparing this tablet and laptop in multiple categories it’s clear where these devices excel — and where they don’t. The iPad Pro is the better option for those who want to travel light and who want a touch-first experience with a superior display. But that being said, the MacBook Air has pulled ahead of the iPad Pro when it comes to sheer speed and battery life.
Apple iPad Air vs iPad Pro – Which Tablet Should You Buy?
When the original iPad launched almost a decade ago, buying one was as simple as selecting the one model available and being on your way. Its increased power and USB-C port are a godsend for those who have been asked to conduct their jobs from their own homes. The iPad Pro and the Air are both pitched by Apple as its high-end tablets, and while they may seem similar, there are distinct differences between the two.
iPad Pro 2022 vs iPad Air 2022: What are the biggest differences?
Apple has unveiled its latest update to its high-end tablet line in the iPad Pro 2022. The iPad Air is available in five colours that includes a handful of eye-catching pastel shades: Space Grey, Starlight, Pink, Purple and Blue. The iPad Pro only comes in the more neutral Space Grey and Silver shades. When it comes to the display the iPad Pro definitely wins with its larger screen, higher resolution, XDR support and 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate.
The iPad Pro 2022 also supports the new Apple Pencil hover feature, allowing users to see a preview of their mark from up to 12mm above the display before they start drawing or taking notes. Finally, while both cameras also include 12-megapixel (f/2.4) front cameras, only the iPad Pro offers portrait mode support with advanced bokeh and Depth Control, Portrait Lighting effects, Animoji and Memoji support and Face ID.
11-inch iPad Pro vs iPad Air: Which M1 tablet is right for you?
The standard 10.2-inch iPad is the budget option, with an aging design (big bezels, home button, Lightning port) and older processor, and the 12.9-inch iPad Pro starts at a whopping $1,099 and is geared toward only the most demanding of users. But a tablet is more than its processor, and the Pro model does offer a few improvements that might be worth your money. You’re also getting ever-so-slightly smaller bezels on the iPad Pro, which is why Apple says it has room for an 11-inch display instead of 10.9 inches.
Both displays also have True Tone and a wide P3 color gamut and follow Apple’s “liquid” retina design, meaning the corners of the screen are rounded to match the device itself.
But the big benefit is ProMotion, which lets the display run-up to 120Hz for smoother motion and lower latency, especially when using the Apple Pencil. Our pick: The extra brightness isn’t a huge deal, but ProMotion is really nice and helps justify the higher price of the iPad Pro.
Those storage options don’t come cheap, however, and the extra RAM probably isn’t going to make much of a difference with iPadOS. On the other hand, the iPad Pro’s brighter display will likely drain the battery a little faster if you crank up the brightness.
More important is that the starting storage is twice as big on the iPad Pro, and 64GB might be a little small for all of the apps and games you’re going to download. Like the iPhone, the iPad Pro uses Face ID, which uses the TrueDepth sensors on the front to unlock the tablet and authenticate purchases and passwords. The iPad Air doesn’t have a TrueDepth module; it has Touch ID built into the side button. On the rear of the iPad Air, you’ll find a 12MP standard wide-angle camera.
We don’t think you’ll be taking too many pictures with either of these somewhat awkward cameras, but if you want to, the iPad Pro has a clearly superior array. Apple upgraded the iPad Air to a 12MP Ultra-Wide camera on the front, with support for Center Stage, which pans and zooms to keep you the subject (you) in the frame.
The iPad Pro has a TrueDepth sensor for Face ID, which means it also supports Apple’s Animoj/Memoji, but photo and video-taking should be about the same when using the front camera.
The iPad Pro has an edge with its 10MP Ultra Wide rear camera if that sort of thing matters to you.
The iPad Air has decent sound from its two-speaker stereo setup and a dual microphone array. We love the iPad Air’s USB-C port, and it’s event fast with the fifth-generation model, supporting data transfers up to 10Gbps.
Both models support the new Magic Keyboard—though the camera cutouts fit a little nicer on the 11-inch Pro—as well as the 2nd-generation Apple Pencil. Both iPads have Wi-Fi 6 with MIMO, simultaneous dual-band, and speeds up to 1.6Gbps, so they’ll work great at home.
Our pick: You should consider carefully whether you really need cellular access on your iPad—using your iPhone as a wireless hotspot works extremely well.
This year, thanks to the processor upgrade and improved front camera in the iPad Air, our opinion has reversed. The iPad Pro is essentially the same size and performance and supports the same peripherals, but it costs $200 more ($250 more if you want a cellular-equipped model).
Be First to Comment