iPad Air vs iPad Pro comparison: the main differences between the tablets

Screen

To begin with, you should know that the screens of the iPad Pro and iPad Air are very different. By their size, already: if the iPad Air 5 is limited to10.9 inches, the two diagonals offered on iPad Pro go further. It is therefore possible to choose between11 inches and 12.9 inches, the large slab allowing you to work more peacefully when you want to draw (graphic designers, designers, architects, etc.).

In addition, the 2022 iPad Pros are the only ones to benefit from a refresh rateProMotionat one hundred and twenty frames per second. For video editing or gaming, this is a real plus. Moreover, the pixel density is the same but the brightness is also better on the 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pros which therefore resist better in direct sunlight.

Performance comparison

On the power side, the debate is a little different. Apple offers us hereproprietary chips, the M1 (on iPad Air) and the M2 (on iPad Pro). Both are also integrated into computers (up to MacBook Pro) and offer performance beyond reason. The M2 is obviously faster, especially since it is the only one here to have an encoding engine that processes the ProRes photo format.

As soon as we launch fairly demanding apps, forpostproductionfor example, the iPad Pro M2 fares better, especially in the long term. Besides, you probably won't notice the difference, including for games, because the iPad Air only has two fewer GPU cores. Here are some results inbenchmarkmulti-core with Geekbench 5 to get a more precise idea of ​​the execution differences:

• iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th generation): 8,404 points
• iPad Pro 11-inch (4th generation): 8,381 points
• iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation): 7 206 points
• iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation): 7,203 points
• iPad Air (5th generation): 7,140 points

Let's quickly move on to the design. Since the iPad Air 4, Apple has chosen to offer the iPad Air range the same design as the iPad Pro. Sharp chassis, edge-to-edge screen: everything is made for an impression of premium finishes, and it is. Just be aware that the iPad Air, which is not necessarily aimed at the professional public, is published infive colors for the fifth generation versus two for the 2022 iPad Pros.

Which has the best autonomy?

There does not existno noticeable differencebetween iPad Pro and iPad Air on the battery side, at least on paper. Indeed, the two collections still have some specificities that can work in their favor. Already, the iPad Pro can reach 120 Hz, which consumes more energy and can therefore drain battery life faster. However, its refresh rate is adaptive, so the screen is also capable of limiting itself to much less when necessary. The iPad Air, for its part, is always clocked at the same frequency.

On the other hand, we will tend to carry outmore energy-intensive tasks on iPad Pro, so that it will easily be possible not to last ten hours as announced. So take this into account before purchasing.

Photo sensors

When it comes to photo sensors, however, comparison is essential.The iPad Pro M2s have an ultra wide angle that the iPad Air is not entitled to. In addition, a 2x optical zoom is available here on the back, again unlike the iPad Air 5. And ProRes is included: you guessed it, this is not the case on iPad Air (5th generation) either. ). Same for thePortrait modewhich blurs the background of profile photos. If you edit in Lightroom or Photoshop, the iPad Pro will be the best choice. Not to mention LiDAR, of course…

No difference on the software side?

iPad Pro and iPad Air are now all equipped withiPadOS. The version delivered with the device depends on its generation and there issome key differences from one to the other. In 2022, withiPad Air (5th generation)and the iPad Pro M2, iPadOS 16 is here with several brand new features, particularly with confidentiality or messages.

Note all the same that for thebiometric unlock, iPad Pros benefit from Face ID while iPad Airs go through a fingerprint scanner. Besides, you should not encounter any major difference in daily use, provided you regularly install the updates offered by Apple.

Prices compared

The prices of iPad Air and iPad Pro depend on theirstorage capacity, size and compatibility with 5G. Here are the basic prices:

• 759 euros for the iPad Air (5th generation) with Wi-Fi in 64 GB
• 989 euros for the iPad Air (5th generation) with Wi-Fi and 64 GB mobile data
• 1,069 euros for the 11-inch iPad Pro (4th generation) with Wi-Fi in 128 GB
• 1,269 euros for the 11-inch iPad Pro (4th generation) with Wi-Fi and 128 GB mobile data
• 1,469 euros for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro (6th generation) with Wi-Fi in 128 GB
• 1,669 euros for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro (6th generation) with Wi-Fi and 128 GB mobile data

iPad Pro vs iPad Air: our final opinion

To conclude this comparison, let's take a look at the different profiles who can opt for either the iPad Pro or the iPad Air. Clearly, our two adversaries are not intended for all audiences. With their triple rear photo sensor and large screen, the 12.9-inch iPad Pros targetfreelancerslooking for productivity, developers using augmented reality or even nomadic artists.

As for the iPad Air 5, it's more towards thegraphic designersamateurs, casual sketchers and other game enthusiasts looking for a lag-free experience that we turn to. The tablet is still less efficient than the iPad Pro and it lacks some key advantages of its cousin, such as greater storage capacity or ProMotion technology. But the iPad Air remains one of the best iPads, far ahead of the classic model which is limited to entertainment and with a larger screen than the iPad mini.

In short:iPad Pro is the bestof all iPads, all categories (photo, performance, screens). But the iPad Air 5 offers much better value for money with almost identical software, an equally successful design, similar battery life and a more compact format.

Good to know: compatibility of Apple Pencil and other accessories

The iPad Pro M2 and iPad Air (5th generation) are all compatible with the second generation Apple Pencil. However, it has recently acquired a unique functionality: thehover. The idea here is to allow you to preview the exact location where your mine will land, with an associated indication displayed on the screen. A brilliant solution but only available on iPad Pros running iPadOS 16. Too bad, because the iPad Air 5 also seems to be equipped with the sensors necessary for this little feat.

Finally, note that Apple also sellshome keyboardsto go with its iPad Pro and iPad Air: the Magic Keyboard and the Smart Keyboard Folio. But the price is not the same depending on your model: the diagonal increases the bill even further.