All iPads I need advice on which iPad to buy for school/ digital art

[Isabel Rea]

I'm having a lot of trouble deciding between the iPad air 4 vs. the iPad pro 2020. I currently have a 32GB 2018 iPad 6 and mostly use it for drawing but also take all my notes on it for uni. I'm quickly outgrowing the 2018 iPad in terms of storage and the 2GB of ram really limits the amount of layers I can use in procreate.

If I go for the air, I would have 4GB of ram and I'd have to go for the 256GB version as I need more than just 64. If I go for the pro I would have 6GB of ram (which would be great for procreate) and I would just get the 128 GB version, as I really don't need more storage than that and it's only $50 more than the 256 air.

From these criteria I think the Pro would be the better choice just in terms or ram and the promotion technology, but I'm not sure how the A12Z on the pro vs. the A14 on the air would affect my drawing. I'm not sure if it's worth getting the air for the newer processor, or if the A12Z will work fine or even better for drawing.

I am also debating waiting for a new pro to release, which would most likely have a newer processor (A14Z). My only hesitancy is having to possibly wait well into 2021 for it to release, and if it does come out with a higher price tag I would just go for the 2020 pro anyways. I also don't know if its even worth waiting for the newer processor if the A12Z or A14 (whatever I choose) will work perfectly fine for what i need it to anyways.

So... 256GB 2020 air, 128GB 2020 pro, or wait for the new pro?

Thanks for any input!

 

[tucogovinda]

Don’t worry about the processors – they’re basically a wash. Get the better screen and bettreally memory for what you’re doing. If you have a need now, buy now and enjoy.

 

[blurryvision]

You can‘t go wrong with either my friend. They both draw well and are fast. Don’t be too concerned about RAM unless you’re using 80+ layers on Procreate. If you need more than that go Pro, if not, Air. It’s really based on if you want more storage and color options VS slightly better screen/speakers and cameras.

 

[AutomaticApple]

Don’t be too concerned about RAM unless you’re using 80+ layers on Procreate.

80 layers? It seems to struggle at 40.

 

[1193001]

80 layers? It seems to struggle at 40.

I think it maxes out layers differently depending on resolution you give it

 

[Isabel Rea]

80 layers? It seems to struggle at 40.

Yeah my 2018, even though it has only 2GB ram only lets me do 2 layers on a canvas that is big enough to not be pixelated when printing out my design on printer paper... so any extra ram I can get will definitely be used

 

[Isabel Rea]

So I think I've decided on the pro, but should i wait for the 2021 upgrade or will it not be worth it for everything I'm currently using my ipad for?

 

[blurryvision]

80 layers? It seems to struggle at 40.

Watch this video. Procreate is not updated for the iPad Air yet. Once it updates and optimizes it’ll be able to handle ~90 layers, which is what the iPad Pro 2018 has with 4GB RAM. The 2020 Pro is tested at handling around 110 maximum layers, so you’re looking at maybe 20 less layers on the Air. Of course the canvas size will make a difference but the Air can hold it’s own.

You’re not going to get a ton more layers with just 2GB more RAM. If you’re really concerned about having a massive layer difference you’re going to have to wait for the future iPads with 8GB RAM.

I do think the 2020 Pro is the better choice at the moment for your usage. If you need it now, get it now.

 

[Starfia]

Gosh. I was happy using Procreate with the Apple Pencil and the entry-level iPad (non-Pro, non-Air) from 2018, but I'm not super-heavy with layers. Either of those options would be a luxury by comparison for my needs. I'm now using my 2018 entry-level iPad Pro for everything including Procreate, and it's never shown any sign of slowing at anything I've thrown at it.