The latest upgrades to Apple’s iPad Air and iPad Pro have elevated their performance and functionality, making them the most advanced tablets yet. With sleek designs, powerful processors, and compatibility, these tablets offer unparalleled creativity and productivity. Apart from the already mentioned, they come with a wide range of accessories including the iPad Pro (M4) Cases and Keyboards and the iPad Air M2 Cases and Keyboards.
Now the question is: iPad Air 2024 vs iPad Pro 2024: which is better for you? Before making a decision, it’s essential to understand the key distinctions between the two models. So let us guide you through the features and differences to help you determine which Apple Tablet is right for you.
iPad Air 2024 vs iPad Pro 2024: Which Apple Tablet is Right for You?
iPad Air 2024 vs iPad Pro 2024: Price and Storage
The 11-inch iPad Air is available at a starting price of $599 for 128GB storage, with higher storage options at $699 (256GB), $899 (512 GB), and $1,099 (1TB). The 13-inch version is priced $200 higher. For cellular connectivity, an additional $150 is required.
On the other hand, the 11-inch iPad Pro starts at $999 for 256GB storage, with higher storage options at $1,199 (512GB), $1,599(1TB), and $1,999(2TB). Upgrades for a larger screen, 5G support, and Nano-texture Glass come at additional costs.
Despite the price tags, the iPad Air is considered the more affordable choice compared to the iPad Pro, especially when factoring in accessories.
iPad Air 2024 vs iPad Pro 2024: Size and Design
The sleek and sophisticated 11-inch iPad Air boasts dimensions of 9.74 by 7.02 by 0.24 inches (HWD) and a weight of 1.02 pounds, slightly thicker and heavier than its counterpart, the 11-inch iPad Pro. Similarly, the 13-inch iPad Air and iPad Pro closely mirror each other in size and weight. The iPad Air is offered in vibrant color options such as Blue, Purple, Space Gray, and Starlight, catering to individual style preferences. In contrast, the iPad Pro is available in Silver or Space Black.
While the iPad Air features regular USB-C 3 ports, the iPad Pro offers a Thunderbolt 3/USB 4 connector, providing faster data transfers and enhanced compatibility with a range of accessories, including external hard drives.
iPad Air 2024 vs iPad Pro 2024: Display and Biometrics
The latest models of the iPad Air and iPad Pro both offer impressive display technology, with the iPad Pro standing out as the first to feature the cutting-edge OLED screen known as Ultra Retina XDR. This upgrade brings richer contrast and deeper black levels, providing a truly immersive viewing experience. On the other hand, the iPad Air retains its high-quality IPS LCD screen with LED lighting.
Furthermore, the iPad Pro boasts a higher peak brightness for HDR content and an adaptive refresh rate for smooth performance. In context, iPad Air has a 60Hz refresh rate, and 500 nits of max brightness, while the iPad Pro has a 10-120Hz adaptive refresh rate and a peak brightness of 1,600 nits for HDR content.
Both models offer convenient unlocking options, with the iPad Pro featuring Face ID and the iPad Air incorporating Touch ID into the top button.
iPad Air 2024 vs iPad Pro 2024: Features
The distinguishing factor between the iPad Air and iPad Pro lies in their processors. The iPad Air has upgraded from the M1 chip to the M2 chip, promising a boost in performance. This advanced chip features an 8-core CPU, a 10-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine, paired with 8GB of RAM.
On the other hand, the iPad Pro featuring 256GB or 512GB of storage is powered by an M4 chip housing a 9-core CPU, a 10-core GPU, a 16-core neural engine, and 8GB of RAM.
iPad Air 2024 vs iPad Pro 2024: Battery Life
Talking about battery life, both tablets, according to Apple, have a battery life of approximately 10 hours when using Wi-Fi. However, battery life depends on individual usage. Both the iPad Air and iPad Pro are equipped with Wi-Fi 6E and feature a cellular upgrade for sub-6GHz and C-band 5G connectivity, although they do not support mmWave. Additionally, both tablets support eSim usage and come with Bluetooth 5.3 compatibility, ensuring seamless connection with devices like AirPods.
iPad Air 2024 vs iPad Pro 2024: Cameras and Software
The iPad Air and Pro boast matching 12MP rear- and front-facing cameras, positioned on the landscape side for optimal use of the Center Stage feature that keeps you centered in the frame. While the Pro offers additional perks like auto image stabilization, burst photo mode, ProRes Video recording, and stereo audio capture, both models run on the latest iPad OS, a reliable platform for multitasking and productivity.
iPad Air 2024 vs iPad Pro 2024: Accessories and Pencil Support
Talking about accessories, they come with a wide range of accessories including the iPad Pro 13 M4 Cases and Keyboards and the iPad Air M2 Cases and Keyboards. The exquisite Magic Keyboard is compatible with both the iPad Air and iPad Pro, each with its unique version. The iPad Air model mirrors the design of previous iPads, offering a sleek and sophisticated option starting at $299 for the 11-inch size in a choice of classic white or black. On the other hand, the M4 iPad Pro exclusive version boasts additional features such as a function row and a larger trackpad with haptic feedback, all available at the same affordable price and color options as its predecessor.
Without a doubt, the Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil are essential tools for unleashing your creativity on the iPad Air and iPad Pro. The Apple Pencil Pro, priced at $129, boasts innovative features such as a squeeze gesture with haptic feedback and a gyroscope for effortless manipulation of text and images.
iPad Air 2024 vs iPad Pro 2024: Which iPad Is Best for You?
- The iPad Air is the perfect choice for those looking for exceptional value. With its impressive performance capabilities, it can effortlessly handle any iPad app you throw at it. Additionally, it is compatible with a wide range of the latest accessories and is available in a variety of vibrant colors to suit your personal style.
- If you are looking at getting involved in demanding and creative tasks, or you need more than 1TB of storage or desire the top-of-the-line trackpad, then the iPad Pro is the device for you. However, be prepared to invest a significant amount as you would for a MacBook Pro
Conclusion
When choosing between the iPad Air 2024 and iPad Pro 2024, it is important to consider your priorities – whether you look for exceptional value or get involved in demanding and creative tasks. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what features are most important to you and how you plan to use your device in your daily life.
