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Apple’s iPad generations and lineup continue to evolve, offering consumers a range of powerful and versatile tablets. Among the most popular options are the iPad Air and iPad Pro, both of which have received significant updates in recent months.
These new iPad 2024 models bring impressive enhancements in performance, display technology, and overall functionality, making the choice between them more compelling—and potentially more challenging—than ever before.
In this comprehensive comparison of Apple iPads, we’ll delve into the specs, features, and use cases of the latest iPad Air and iPad Pro, helping you determine which Apple tablet best suits your requirements and budget in 2024.
Key Takeaways
- iPad Pro outperforms iPad Air with its M4 chip, better suited for demanding tasks like 4K video editing and 3D rendering.
- The iPad Pro’s OLED display with ProMotion offers superior visuals and smoother performance compared to the iPad Air’s LED display.
- Both models have similar battery life and accessory compatibility, but Pro includes a Thunderbolt port for faster data transfer and advanced peripherals.
- iPad Air is lighter and more affordable, making it ideal for students and casual users, while Pro is tailored for creative professionals and power users.
iPad Air vs. iPad Pro Specs
Choosing the right iPad for your needs is crucial, as it represents a significant investment in a device that may serve as your primary computing tool for years to come. Whether you’re a student, creative professional, business user, or simply someone who enjoys the latest smart devices, understanding the key differences between the iPad Air vs. iPad Pro is essential to making an informed decision.
To give you a clear overview of how these two Apple tablets stack up against each other, let’s dive into a comprehensive iPad comparison chart. This will highlight the key specifications and features of the latest iPad models, making it easier to spot the differences at a glance.
Apple iPad Air M2 vs. iPad Pro M4 2024 Comparison
| Feature | iPad Air (2024) | iPad Pro (2024) |
| Chip | M2 | M4 |
| Display | 11″ or 13″ Liquid Retina LCD | 11″ or 13″ Ultra Retina XDR OLED |
| Resolution | 2360×1640 (11″), 2880×1864 (13″) | 2388×1668 (11″), 2732×2048 (13″) |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | Up to 120Hz with ProMotion |
| Brightness | 500 nits max | 1000 nits max, 1600 nits peak (HDR) |
| Storage Options | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB or 16GB |
| Rear Camera | 12MP Wide | 12MP Wide, 10MP Ultra Wide, LiDAR |
| Front Camera | 12MP Ultra Wide | 12MP TrueDepth |
| Biometric Security | Touch ID (in power button) | Face ID |
| Port | USB-C | Thunderbolt 4 / USB-C |
| Battery Life | Up to 10 hours | Up to 10 hours |
| Pencil Compatibility | Apple Pencil Pro | Apple Pencil Pro |
| Keyboard Compatibility | Magic Keyboard | Magic Keyboard with function keys |
| Weight | 1.02 lbs (11″), 1.36 lbs (13″) | 1.03 lbs (11″), 1.51 lbs (13″) |
| Starting Price | $599 (11″), $799 (13″) | $1299 (11″), $1499 (13″) |
iPad Air vs. iPad Pro Performance
With Apple iPad Pro 2024, users can perform AI-enabled tasks even faster. Source: Apple
Both iPad Air and iPad Pro feature Apple’s latest chip technology, offering impressive performance and efficiency. However, there are significant differences in their chip configurations.
iPad Pro vs. Air Chips
- iPad Air: M2 chip with 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU
- iPad Pro: M4 chip with 10-core CPU and 12-core GPU
In benchmark tests, the iPad Pro scores approximately 20% higher in multi-core performance and up to 25% higher in GPU tasks compared to the Air. In real-world usage, the Air is more than capable of handling everyday tasks like web browsing, document editing, and light photo/video editing.
However, the Pro’s extra CPU and GPU cores, combined with its advanced cooling system, allow it to sustain high performance over longer periods, making it better suited for demanding workloads like 4K video editing, 3D rendering, and complex AR applications.
Is iPad Pro more powerful than Air? The answer is definitively yes, especially for resource-intensive tasks.
Design
The iPad Air and iPad Pro share a similar modern design with flat edges and slim bezels. However, there are subtle differences in their physical characteristics
iPad Dimensions
- iPad Air: 6.1mm thick, available in 10.9″ and 13.6″ iPad sizes
- iPad Pro: 5.1mm and 5.3mm thick, available in 11″ and 12.9″ sizes, which makes it the thinnest iPad model ever.
Weight
When it comes to iPad weight, the differences are minimal:
- 11″ models: iPad Air (1.02 lbs) vs. iPad Pro (1.03 lbs)
- Larger models: iPad Air 13.6″ (1.36 lbs) vs. iPad Pro 12.9″ (1.51 lbs)
Colors
iPad Air offers more varied colors than iPad Pro:
- iPad Air: The new iPad Air is available in space gray and starlight, in addition to new purple and blue finishes.
- iPad Pro: Comes in Silver and Space Black
Both devices offer excellent portability, making them suitable for on-the-go use. The slight weight difference in the larger models may be noticeable for users who frequently carry their devices for extended periods.
Display Technology
The display technology marks one of the biggest differences between these iPad versions:
- iPad Air: Liquid Retina LED-backlit display with 60Hz refresh rate
- iPad Pro: Ultra Retina XDR OLED display with ProMotion (up to 120Hz refresh rate)
The Pro’s OLED technology offers deeper blacks, higher contrast ratios, and more vibrant colors. It also supports HDR content with up to 1600 nits of peak brightness, compared to the Air’s 500 nits max brightness.
In real-world usage, the Pro’s ProMotion technology provides noticeably smoother scrolling, more responsive touch input, and improved Apple Pencil performance. The Air’s display, while excellent, may show some motion blur during fast-moving content or quick scrolling.
Storage & Memory Options
The iPad Air and iPad Pro offer different storage and memory configurations:
- iPad Air: 64GB, 256GB storage; 8GB RAM
- iPad Pro: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB storage; 8GB or 16GB RAM
Price implications vary significantly, with higher storage tiers commanding a premium. The Pro’s additional options cater to users with more demanding storage needs.
Battery Life & Charging
Both iPad models boast impressive battery life:
- iPad Air: Up to 10 hours of web browsing on Wi-Fi
- iPad Pro: Up to 10 hours of web browsing on Wi-Fi
In real-world usage, both devices typically last a full day with moderate use. The Pro’s variable refresh rate can help conserve battery during static content viewing.
Ports & Connectivity
Connectivity options differ between the models:
- iPad Air: USB-C port
- iPad Pro: Thunderbolt / USB 4 port
Both support 5G and Wi-Fi 6, but the Pro’s Thunderbolt port offers faster data transfer and support for more advanced peripherals.
Camera Systems
Camera capabilities vary between the models:
- iPad Air: 12MP rear camera, 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage
- iPad Pro: 12MP Wide and 10MP Ultra Wide rear cameras, LiDAR Scanner, 12MP TrueDepth front camera with Center Stage
The Pro’s additional rear camera and LiDAR Scanner enhance its AR capabilities and photo/video versatility.
Audio Capabilities
Audio features differ slightly:
- iPad Air: Two-speaker audio in landscape mode
- iPad Pro: Four-speaker audio with support for Dolby Atmos
Both models feature dual microphones for calls, audio recording, and video recording.
Biometric Security
The models use different biometric systems:
- iPad Air: Touch ID integrated into the top button
- iPad Pro: Face ID via TrueDepth camera system
Both systems are secure, but Face ID offers a more seamless experience in most scenarios.
Accessory Compatibility
Both iPad models support key accessories:
- Apple Pencil: Both support the 2nd generation Apple Pencil
- Keyboards: Both work with the Magic Keyboard and Smart Keyboard Folio
The Apple iPad Air and Pro offer similar accessory support, ensuring versatility for various use cases.
Use Cases & Target Audiences
iPad Pro vs. iPad Air for Students
For students, both devices offer excellent capabilities, but the choice depends on specific needs:
- iPad Air: Ideal for most students due to its balance of performance and affordability. Perfect for note-taking, research, and basic content creation.
- iPad Pro: Better suited for students in demanding fields like graphic design, engineering, or video production, where the extra power and advanced display can be beneficial.
Creative Professionals
Creative professionals have distinct needs that can influence their choice:
- iPad Air: Suitable for light to moderate creative work, including digital art, photo editing, and basic video editing.
- iPad Pro: The preferred choice for serious creatives. Its M4 chip, ProMotion display, and Thunderbolt port make it ideal for complex design work, 4K video editing, and 3D modeling.
Business Users
For business users, the choice depends on the nature of their work:
- iPad Air: Excellent for most business tasks, including email, document creation, video conferencing, and light multitasking.
- iPad Pro: Better for power users who need to run multiple demanding apps simultaneously, work with large datasets, or require the best possible video conferencing experience.
Casual Users & Entertainment
Both devices will perfectly fit for everyday use and entertainment:
- iPad Air: More than capable of handling streaming, gaming, web browsing, and social media use. It’s the better value for most casual users.
- iPad Pro: Offers a premium entertainment experience with its superior display and audio, but may be overkill for many casual users.
The Bottom Line: Which Should You Buy in 2024?
So, after careful examination of iPad Pro vs. iPad Air, which is better? When choosing your Apple tablet in 2024, consider your specific needs and budget.
The iPad Air offers excellent value for most users, providing robust performance, a great display, and Apple Pencil support at a more accessible price point. It’s ideal for students, casual users, and even many professionals.
On the other hand, the iPad Pro is the ultimate choice for power users, creative professionals, and those who demand the latest technology. Its M4 chip, ProMotion OLED display, advanced camera system with LiDAR, and Thunderbolt port justify the higher price for those who need these features.
Both tablets represent the latest iPad technology, ensuring that whichever you choose, you’ll have a powerful and versatile tablet.
