It is down to Apple’s iPad Pro and iPad Air, the two flagship tablets that Apple updated in 2024, each specific to different user needs and budgets. The iPad Air got a bigger 13-inch sibling with the same power behind it as the M2 chip, while the iPad Pro took a huge step forward into the M4 with the new Tandem OLED displays. Which one is the right choice for you, however?
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The iPad Air and iPad Pro are very similar in terms of their size but have night and day differences in terms of price and performance. At $599 starting at 11-inches for what you get, if budget is in question, the iPad Air is a powerful, cost-effective option. The iPad Pro at $999 however, is an unparalleled power and also comes with a Tandem OLED display. So let’s take a look at the differences to see which fits you best.
Design and Build: Slim and Sophisticated
The iPad Pro and the iPad Air are both minimalist design machines with uniform cliff-edge sides and full-front displays. The iPad Pro is a little thinner and lighter than the Air, but the margin is so tiny that it does not really matter to everyday portability. But if a variety of colors matters, the iPad Air offers a little more with space gray, starlight, purple, and blue, whereas the iPad Pro keeps it professional with space gray and silver.
Verdict: The iPad Air has a slight edge for its slightly sleeker build, and the iPad Pro’s color options may be more appealing to folks looking for a splash of personality.
Display: Tandem OLED vs. Retina
The iPad Pro is where the iPad Pro shines, with Apple’s new Tandem OLED display offering vibrant colors, and some seriously bright brightness. The standard Retina display on iPad Air is outmatched by the Pro’s Ultra Retina XDR display for things like photo or video editing. Both support ProMotion, with adaptive refresh rates to keep the scroll and the interface fluid, but only iPad Pro gets the superior visual quality of OLED.
Verdict: Both the display of the iPad Pro is unbeatable for high-end tasks and its screen is excellent for general use, while the iPad Air’s screen is great for general use.
Performance: M4 Chip vs. M2 Chip
The iPad Air makes multitasking silky smooth, games run buttery, and creative apps run faster and smoother than ever thanks to its M2 processing power. But the M4 chip on the iPad Pro is a powerhouse of a chip, particularly for intensive tasks like 3D rendering, video editing, and graphics-heavy applications. It also has a more powerful Neural Engine to create an AI-rich experience, making the Pro perfect for professionals.
Verdict: The iPad Pro’s M4 chip is a clear step up, but if you can live with the M2 chip in the iPad Air, that will do just fine.
Camera: Small Differences with Big Impacts
The high-quality 12MP rear and front cameras come with advanced software features on both tablets. The iPad Pro also has a TOF 3D LiDAR depth scanner for augmented reality and creative projects. The iPad Pros setup gives most users a slight creative advantage, but few will rely heavily on a tablet camera.
Verdict: The quality of both cameras is decent, and the iPad Pro is better suited for creative types, but they are both solid offerings.
Face ID vs. Touch ID
Face ID on the iPad Pro is great, but some people like Touch ID with the iPad Air, nestled in the power button that also acts as a one-tap to the device. Face ID is easier to use while hands-free, but both are secure and quite easy to use.
Verdict: For those who like the simplicity of a tap, and are not bothered by having to type their password every day and being locked out if they momentarily forget, then perhaps Touch ID on the iPad Air might be more convenient.
Price and Storage Options
The iPad Air, with its $599 starting price tag of the 128GB model, is budget-friendly if that is a priority, and the iPad Pro’s 11-inch model starts at $999, among others. For professionals, the iPad Pro is available up to 2TB with an upgrade to the Nano texture glass for high-resolution workflows as well.
Verdict: The 128GB storage of iPad Air is a good value while the iPad Pro is the better option for folks that need more storage as well as additional features.
Conclusion: Which iPad is Right for You?
- Choose iPad Air: If you are looking for a budget option that can handle everyday tasks, casual gaming, and streaming straight away, with some extras such as being able to choose from a range of colors and it also has Touch ID.
- Choose iPad Pro: If you just want top-tier performance with a brilliant OLED display and the best creative projects experience. If you work with high-end apps and want Apple’s best tablet technology, it is ideal.
The iPad Pro and iPad Air are both fantastic tablets despite their drastically different budgets and ways people get to them, whether you are a student somebody who is a creative professional, or just someone who wants the best for their tablet.