Learn more about what differentiates both iPad categories and how iPad Air and iPad Pro models compare.
Model Overview
In 2022, Apple sells five models of iPads:
iPad Pro, 5th generation, 12.9 inchiPad Pro, 3rd generation, 11 inchiPad Air, 5th generation, 10.9 inchiPad, 9th generation, 10.2 inchiPad Mini, 6th generation, 8.3 inch
Although the sizes decrease as you go down the line, the main differences between iPad Pro and Air models are more about power and price than size.
Overall Findings
The main differences between the two iPad Pro models are size and price. The iPad Pro comes in two sizes: an 11-inch version and the more expensive 12.9-inch model. Otherwise, both versions of the latest-generation iPad Pro share the same relative specs and improvements over the iPad Air (more storage, faster processor, and better speakers and cameras). The 5th-generation iPad Air comes in a single size, a 10.9-inch model and has impressive specs, but it falls behind slightly in almost every category compared to the iPad Pro.
Speed: The iPad Pro Is Faster
The latest generation iPad Pro is fast—PC fast—but the iPad Air isn’t far behind. The iPad Pro models support multitasking in split-screen mode, which is an ideal way to use the extra screen space on the 12.9-inch version. Both the 12.9-inch and the 11-inch models run on an Apple M1 chip and have a 16-core Neural Engine. The 5th-generation iPad Air is no slouch in the speed category. It is also equipped with the Apple M1 chip and an Apple Neural Engine, making it second in speed only to the iPad Pro.
Productivity: Equal Support for Apple Peripherals
Both the iPad Pro and iPad Air share support for the latest Apple peripherals, including:
Apple Pencil (2nd generation)Magic KeyboardSmart Keyboard Folio
This compatibility makes either model suitable for business as much as play.
Audio Quality: Four Speakers vs. Dual Speakers
If you’re interested in enjoying movies with your tablet, the iPad Pro has an advantage over the iPad Air. iPad Pro models contain four speakers versus a two-speaker audio system on the iPad Air. The iPad Pro adjusts the sound based on how you hold it to avoid accidental muffling, and the sound is much fuller than the audio quality from the iPad Air. The five studio-quality microphones on the iPad Pro are vastly superior to the two microphones on the iPad Air for calls, video recording, and audio recording.
Camera and Video: iPad Pros Offer Ultra-Wide Shooting
The latest iPad Pros have a rear-facing wide 12-megapixel and an ultra-wide 10-megapixel camera with 2x optical zoom and up to 5x digital zoom. The iPad Air rear-facing camera is also a 12-megapixel camera, but it lacks an ultra-wide lens. Both iPad Pro models and the iPad Air come with a 12-megapixel front-facing camera, but the iPad Pro TrueDepth camera delivers higher photo quality with features such as Portrait mode and lighting. Both iPad Pro models and the iPad Air record 4K video, but the latter lacks ultra-wide shooting ability.
Storage Space: More Room to Grow With iPad Pros
The iPad Pro offers more storage options than the iPad Air, starting at 128 GB and offering up to 2 TB of storage. The iPad Air starts at 64 GB and expands up to 256 GB of storage.
Price: iPad Pro Requires a Bigger Investment
Both iPad Pro models surpass the capabilities of the iPad Air in many areas. Still, the iPad Air holds its own and is an impressive tablet. The decision about which iPad to buy may come down to price more than any other factor.
12.9-inch iPad Pro is priced from $1099.11-inch iPad Pro is priced from $799.10.9-inch iPad Air is priced from $599.
Final Verdict: The iPad Pro Offers Slightly More
The iPad Pro is an outstanding tablet, but do you need that much horsepower? The extra processing speed is handy for multitasking, but it won’t make streaming a movie on Netflix any smoother. However, the additional speakers make that movie sound better. If you want to buy a solid iPad without spending too much money, the iPad Air is an excellent choice. Apple will support it for years to come. While it doesn’t have some of the Pro’s bells and whistles, you won’t be disappointed. However, if the idea of spending an additional $300 or $400 or more doesn’t scare you off, the iPad Pro lineup is the way to go. While the 11-inch iPad Pro is an impressive and powerful tablet, the 12.9-inch iPad Pro is the ultimate iPad. Once you get used to the bigger screen, anything else seems diminutive by comparison.
