All iPads Basic vs Air vs Pro screen quality

[babyexercise]

I honestly think the main difference of these three is screen quality, other stuff like cpu is not big deal. How much is the screen quality different?

 

[UltimateSyn]

There are substantial differences going up the product ladder. More vibrant colors, more brightness, more contrast, lamination (screen panel is closer to the cover glass and touchscreen), antireflective coating, etc.

iPad - Compare Models

Compare resolution, size, weight, performance, battery life, and storage of iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad, and iPad mini models.

www.apple.com

The 12.9" iPad Pro, not shown in this comparison, adds 'XDR brightness: 1000 nits max full screen, 1600 nits peak (HDR content only)'. Basically the screen has ~10,000 local dimming zones which can be turned on and off individually to allow for deeper blacks and more contrast, and it can get MUCH brighter when watching HDR content. That's a really impressive display.

 

[coolguy4747]

While the specs are quantifiable, the experience is extremely subjective. We can tell you that "Wide color display (P3)" is better than "sRGB," and in general it "is," but whether you as individual will be able to tell the difference is impossible to guess. It is even possible that some prefer the "lesser" quality display, based on the way their eyes/brain process visual information, aesthetic preferences, etc. Unfortunately, you will have to either guess or view them all side by side to determine which you like best.

 

[babyexercise]

While the specs are quantifiable, the experience is extremely subjective. We can tell you that "Wide color display (P3)" is better than "sRGB," and in general it "is," but whether you as individual will be able to tell the difference is impossible to guess. It is even possible that some prefer the "lesser" quality display, based on the way their eyes/brain process visual information, aesthetic preferences, etc. Unfortunately, you will have to either guess or view them all side by side to determine which you like best.

I agree. I had personal compared these three side by side in Apple store by showing some exact photos. I would use 10% better to describe each level different but even the basic has a very good screen already. The same price range Samsung basic model screen quality is much worse, no idea what is Samsung thinking since they make a lot of screens for Apple.

 

[Mark Stone]

While the specs are quantifiable, the experience is extremely subjective.

Agreed. They’re all great.

 

[Darth Tulhu]

ProMotion has ruined all other screens for me.

I'd get an older, refurb iPad Pro over a base or current M1 iPad Air, without hesitation.

And you get FaceID with the Pro, so the experience is as close to my iPhone as possible.

 

[SkiHound2]

While the specs are quantifiable, the experience is extremely subjective. We can tell you that "Wide color display (P3)" is better than "sRGB," and in general it "is," but whether you as individual will be able to tell the difference is impossible to guess. It is even possible that some prefer the "lesser" quality display, based on the way their eyes/brain process visual information, aesthetic preferences, etc. Unfortunately, you will have to either guess or view them all side by side to determine which you like best.

I'd agree with this. My wife isn't a heavy user and has a 10.2" ipad, I have an 11" Pro. The Pro screen is better and certainly specs better but the screen on the regular iPad. But the screen on the regular iPad is pretty darn good. If you had that and didn't know the other models existed, you'd probably be happy.