iPad Pro vs iPad Air: Pros and Cons

Apple‘s iPad Pro and iPad Air tablets, two of the company’s best-known lines, offer different specifications and features to their users. In this article you will understand the main differences, advantages and disadvantages of the technology giant’s models.

It is important to note that the iPad Pro is a superior version of the iPad Air, so it has a better processor, more speed, and other features. Because of this, the Pro device has a higher price in its different versions compared to the Ipod Air. However, the iPad Air can still be a great choice, taking into account the cost-effectiveness.

There are several versions of iPad Pro and iPad Air. Specifically, in this article we will talk about the 6th generation iPad Pro compared to the 5th generation iPad Air, the latest releases available on the brand’s website.

An interesting fact about iPad lines and versions is that they often seem rather confusing. For example, the 6th generation iPad Pro is superior to the 10th generation iPad. In turn, the 5th generation iPad Air, the latest model in the franchise, is from 2020, being a much more outdated version than the 6th generation iPad Pro.

• Also Read: 7 Things to Consider on whether to buy an iPad or not

 

iPad Pro vs iPad Air

In this article you will learn about the main advantages and disadvantages between Apple’s iPad Pro and iPad Air tablet lines.

Screen

The 6th-generation iPad Pro features a 12.9-inch screen, which is larger than the 10.9-inch display on the 5th-generation iPad Air. Both feature Liquid Retina displays, Apple’s proprietary technology that allows for thinner, more elegant bezels. However, iPad Pro features Liquid Retina XDR, an evolution of technology, which allows for better contrast, brightness and image quality. Only the iPad Pro has ProMotion Technology, which allows the screen to work at a frequency of 120Hz, which allows images with more fluid transitions and movements. Both devices feature identical color display technologies and an anti-glare coating, which improves screen visibility.

Processor

The iPad Pro features an M2 chip with an 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU. The iPad Air features an M1 chip with an 8-core CPU and an 8-core GPU. Because of this factor, the iPad Pro is the best choice for games and heavier applications. Both devices feature a 16-core Neural Engine, an Apple processing technology that uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to optimize complex tasks such as facial recognition, voice analysis and image processing.

Camera

iPad Pro has two rear cameras: a 12 MP wide-angle camera and a 10-megapixel ultra-wide camera. Both allow 4k video recording. Meanwhile, the iPad Air only has a 12-megapixel wide-angle camera identical to the iPad Pro and also enabled for 4k videos. Both devices have a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens on the front camera. However, the iPad Pro has a system called TrueDepth, which facilitates facial recognition and improves features of applications that use 3D technology.

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Input

The iPad Pro comes with a Thunderbolt 4 compatible USB-C port, while the iPad Air has a regular USB-C port. USB-C Thunderbolt 4 is an evolution of the connection technology that has a higher bandwidth and allows faster data transfer. USB-C Technology 4 enables file transfers at up to 40 Gbps.

Speakers and Microphone

iPad Pro has 4 speakers located at 4 ends of the device. In addition, the tablet features “five studio-quality microphones”, as highlighted on the Apple website. iPad Air has 2 side speakers and two microphones. The device’s 4 speakers provide an amazing sound experience, making it a better choice for listening to music without headphones, or for watching movies and videos. The location of the speakers allows the best audio enjoyment regardless of how the user is holding the device.

Internet Connection

iPad Pro is WiFi enabled at up to 2.4 Gbps. Meanwhile, the iPad Air is limited to 1.2 Gbps. Both devices have support for 5G technology, which aims to greatly increase and improve the connection of mobile devices. This better Ipad Pro connection facilitates online browsing, speeds up downloads and uploads, and allows you to play online videos in very high quality. The Ipad Pro is certainly a great option for anyone who wants or needs great internet access.

 

Touch Screen

The touch sensitivity of the two devices are identical, with both featuring Apple Pencil compatibility, “absolute precision, tilt, pressure and double-tap, wireless pairing and charging, and magnetic attachment.” As with other Apple devices, the screen is a differentiator compared to other brands. Ipads have accurate and sensitive touch screens, which greatly improves the user experience. The interaction with the screen becomes easier due to ProMotion technology, which accelerates the device’s image rate, which makes the touch more responsive.

Storage

The iPad Pro took the storage capacity of Apple devices to the next level. The iPad Pro is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB versions. Meanwhile, iPad Air is available 64GB and 256GB. The iPad Pro is an ideal choice for those who need a lot of storage. As many content producers like Apple devices to shoot footage, having plenty of space to store content is critical, especially for those working with content recorded in 4k.

Battery

Battery usage capacity is quite similar. As Apple points out, both models are capable of supporting 10 hours using the internet or watching videos, or 9 hours using the internet with mobile data. This ability demonstrates the evolution of Apple devices in holding charge. Even with the growth of screens and the addition of new features, device batteries continue to improve over time.

Siri

Both devices feature the Siri personal assistant, enabled by voice commands that can perform a number of tasks on Apple devices. Siri, as well as other personal assistants, are rapidly evolving with the improvement of artificial intelligences. With each update, Siri becomes a better assistant for the tech giant’s customers.

iPad Pro or iPad Air, which one should I buy?

There is no definitive answer to this question. Apple’s two tablet lines are considered benchmarks in the segment in terms of technology and design, standing out as the best options available. If your budget for this acquisition is limited and the device is mainly used for everyday activities, such as surfing the internet, accessing social networks and editing texts, the iPad Air will be more than enough to meet all your needs. However, if your goal is to use the device for professional purposes, with the use of more demanding applications, such as video editors and music production suites, the most suitable choice would be the iPad Pro, even if it has a higher price.