iPad Air 2022 vs. iPad Pro 2021 Buyer's Guide

[octoviaa]

In March 2022, Apple introduced the fifth-generation iPad Air, featuring the M1 chip, 5G connectivity, and a new front-facing camera system. The new iPad Air comes almost a year after in Apple introduced its current iPad Pro lineup, which also features the M1 chip and 5G connectivity, but sports a number of high-end features like ProMotion and a Thunderbolt port.

The introduction of the previous, fourth-generation iPad Air in September 2020 brought the device much closer to the iPad Pro in terms of design, and with the latest model, the iPad Air has gained the same M1 chip as the iPad Pro, bringing them even closer together. Despite this, the iPad Air and iPad Pro are still quite different devices intended for different groups of users.

Should you consider purchasing the iPad Air to save money, or do you need the high-end features of the iPad Pro? Our guide answers the question of how to decide which of these two iPads is best for you.

Comparing the iPad Air and iPad Pro

The iPad Air and iPad Pro share a large number of key features, such as a squared-off industrial design, a 12MP rear Wide camera, a 12MP front-facing Ultra Wide camera, and a USB-C port:

Similarities

• Industrial design with flat edges
• Liquid Retina display with 264 ppi, full lamination, oleophobic and anti-reflective coating, P3 Wide Color, and True Tone
• M1 chip with next-generation Neural Engine
• 5G connectivity
• ƒ/1.8 12MP Wide rear camera, with digital zoom up to 5x and Smart HDR 3 for photos
• ƒ/2.4 12MP front-facing Ultra Wide camera with 2x optical zoom out and Center Stage
• 4K video recording at 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps, or 60 fps, 1080p HD video recording at 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps, Extended dynamic range for video up to 30 fps, 3x video zoom, slo-mo video support for 1080p at 120 fps or 240 fps, time-lapse video with stabilization
• "All-day" 10 hour battery life
• Wi‑Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity
• USB‑C connector
• Compatible with Magic Keyboard, Smart Keyboard Folio, and Apple Pencil (2nd generation)

Apple's specification breakdown shows that the two iPads share many of their most important features, not least the M1 chip. Even so, there are an even larger number of meaningful differences between the iPad Air and iPad Pro that are worth highlighting, including their displays, authentication technologies, and rear camera setups.

Differences


iPad Air

• Touch ID built into the top button
• 10.9-inch display
• Liquid Retina LED display
• 500 nits max brightness (typical)
• 8GB of memory
• Sub-6GHz 5G connectivity
• ƒ/1.8 12MP Wide rear camera
• Digital zoom up to 5x
• 3x video zoom
• ƒ/2.4 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with 2x optical zoom out and Center Stage
• Two speaker audio landscape mode
• USB‑C connector
• Up to 256GB storage
• Available in Space Gray, Starlight, Pink, Purple, and Blue
• Price starting at $599

iPad Pro

• Face ID enabled by TrueDepth camera
• 11-inch or 12.9-inch display, with 120Hz ProMotion technology
• Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED display on 12.9-inch model with 1,000 nits max full-screen brightness and 1,600 nits peak brightness (HDR)
• 600 nits max brightness (typical)
• 8GB or 16GB of memory
• Sub-6GHz and mmWave 5G connectivity
• ƒ/1.8 12MP Wide and ƒ/2.4 10MP Ultra Wide rear cameras with LiDAR scanner
• True Tone flash
• Digital zoom up to 5x and 2x optical zoom out
• Video zoom up to 3x and 2x optical zoom out
• Extended dynamic range for video up to 30 fps
• Audio zoom
• ƒ/2.4 12MP TrueDepth Ultra Wide front camera with 2x optical zoom out, Center Stage, Portrait Mode, and Portrait Lighting, Animoji, and Memoji
• Stereo recording
• Four-speaker audio
• USB‑C connector with support for Thunderbolt / USB 4
• Up to 2TB storage
• Available in Silver and Space Gray
• Price starting at $799

Final Thoughts

Overall, the iPad Air is the better option for the majority of users, simply on the basis of value for money. For most people, the additional $200+ needed to buy the iPad Pro will not be justified to get the likes of Face ID, a more versatile rear camera system, four-speaker audio, and a ProMotion display with refresh rates up to 120Hz.

Some iPad Pro features, such as LiDAR, the Ultra Wide rear camera, larger storage options and up to 16GB of memory, and Thunderbolt connectivity, will only be practically useful to a small niche of iPad users. Most users will never use some of these high-end features. Indeed, many features such as the True Tone flash, mmWave 5G connectivity, Audio zoom, and stereo audio recording may not be meaningfully utilized by many users.

Professionals who have a clear use case for needing larger amounts of RAM and storage, Thunderbolt connectivity, and mini-LED for HDR content will benefit from buying the iPad Pro. Prosumers will also enjoy features such as 120Hz ProMotion for smoother scrolling and gaming, deeper blacks and more vivid colors with the mini-LED display, and LiDAR for AR experiences, even if they are not necessary, and those who want a larger 12.9-inch display for content consumption will similarly need to go with the higher-end iPad Pro model.

Prosumers and professionals who want the iPad to replace their laptop or computer should likely choose the 12.9-inch iPad Pro if they are pairing it with the Magic Keyboard due to the added screen space for multiple applications. This larger iPad Pro is considerably different to the iPad Air, setting itself apart with mini-LED and a much larger display.

Beyond these individual circumstances, the iPad Air is the best option and will be more than ample for most users' needs. With the iPad Air, users can get an all-screen design, the M1 chip, practical features like USB-C and 5G connectivity, and compatibility with the latest Apple accessories.

Article Link: iPad Air 2022 vs. iPad Pro 2021 Buyer's Guide

The buyers guide is missing one of the most important factor which is storage. The cheapest iPad Air has only 64GB.
Just like many of the comment once you want to get the bigger storage, then the 11 Pro start to become more attractive.

 

[Pezimak]

Well having bought myself a new iPad Pro 11" and Apple Pencil about 2 weeks ago, I'm super happy with it. To me it's still superior to the iPad Air, it's awesome the Air has the M1 though as it'll keep it powerful for years.

I just hope Apple gives iPad OS the boost it is crying out for on the M1 chip. It doesn't need to be a Mac but some extra features would be nice.

 

[julesme]

"For most people, the additional $200+ needed to buy the iPad Pro will not be justified..."

This is misleading. It's an extra $150 when you compare the 256 GB version ($749 vs $899). The Air also doesn't offer a 128GB capacity model at all, so the entry level $200 difference compares a 64GB Air to a 128GB Pro.

(Edit: I initially got the specs wrong).

 

[GuruZac]

I don't think the 'Air' brand is going anyway anytime soon, in fact it appears Apple are 'doubling down' on the Air naming.

The back of the new iPad Air has "iPad Air" branding*, rather than just "iPad" like previous iterations did.

To drive the point home, the product page leans heavily on embodying a carefree lightness to the 'Air' iPad, using multiple floating device animations as you scroll down.

*This seems to be part of the shift for recent products (new MacBook Pro, Mac Studio) to have their product name stamped on the underside.

I actually hadn’t noticed the doubling down on branding. When the original iPad Air and MacBook Air came out, they were branded Air due to their physical design. The iPad Air 4 and 5 are just using the chassis from the 11” iPad Pro with larger bezels. There’s nothing about the design that makes it more ‘Air’ than the 11” Pro model.

 

[applicious84]

Are they going to add a M1Max to the next iPad?

There won't be an iPad that can cool it

 

[GuruZac]

Well technically it’s $749 for the 256GB iPad Air 5 vs $799 for the 128GB 11” iPad Pro. But your point stands. It is very misleading. Most people buying an Air would be totally fine with 128GB while 64GB is too small these days. That forces you to move to the 256GB Air which is annoyingly greedy and intentional by Apple, and quite honestly isn’t a good deal when comparing to the $50 more expensive Pro model. They know most people would buy a 128GB model.

 

[JippaLippa]

I wanted to get one too...
Before I saw how much the M1 Ultra Studio was costing me...
Perhaps in the holiday season...

 

[DeepIn2U]

The iPad Air with the Magic Keyboard is the best iPad I’ve ever owned. Heck, it’s one of the best computers I’ve ever owned as I get a fair amount of work done on it. If you’re going to buy an iPad (and you have the money) the Air is definitely a good direction.

That being said, I wish it had 128GB, which is why I’ve decided to hold onto my previous generation Air and upgrade to the Pro in a year or two. If I have the money I may even consider the larger size. I’m hoping for big things from iPadOS at WWDC this year (but I’m not holding my breath). With M1 on a majority of iPad models iPadOS desperately needs some love from Apple.

More critically absolutely NO appearance from Craig during the last 2 events ... has he been grounded or putting in the grind to really advance macOS and iOS/iPadOS? Hmmm.

 

[GregoriusM]

More critically absolutely NO appearance from Craig during the last 2 events ... has he been grounded or putting in the grind to really advance macOS and iOS/iPadOS? Hmmm.

He doesn’t need to be on stage unless iOS, iPad OS, or Mac OS is a real focus. This was a hardware event primarily. Lots of other excellent presenters for what’s was shown.

 

[MacFin]

I have the 10.5" iPad Pro and I don't think I could go back to an iPad without ProMotion and stereo/four-speaker setup. My previous iPad Air 2 was excellent in every way but I just hated that all of the sounds came from one side. While it "faked" the surround sound pretty well, it was frustrating that you could very easily block all the sound based on how you held or used the iPad. Four speakers (or stereo) makes a huge difference when watching stuff!

Promotion on the other hand is something that once you get used to it, it's really hard to go back. I noticed this when I was using my old Air at my parent's place during Christmas, and oh boy did the scrolling feel sluggish and jittery!

 

[DeepIn2U]

He doesn’t need to be on stage unless iOS, iPad OS, or Mac OS is a real focus. This was a hardware event primarily. Lots of other excellent presenters for what’s was shown.

To be honest this presentation was spot on, from speeches (words used), graphics (that swing graphic on the iPad Air 5 launch video was pretty dope), and the music - both person intro and product in use - I really enjoyed the music chosen added to my streaming playlist.

The hastflag animated logo was really Apple showing love for international women's day along with their users, products and everyone, yet special for March 8th.

 

[UsernameAlreadyInUse]

You're almost cursed if you've already experienced ProMotion. User experience is that much better.

 

[_Spinn_]

If I was going to get one right now it would be the Air.

 

[rui no onna]

Did Apple think about this? I mean, I will be the same professional using the Air instead of the Pro. Why buy the Pro? I was saving money just for the M1 chip on the next iPad Pro, and now they will add a M1 on the Air?? Are they going to add a M1Max to the next iPad? That's the plan? Because is that's the case, my next iPad to IMPROVE MY WORKFLOW and PRODUCTIVITY will be the Air, my friends. They shoot their own leg.

The 2021 iPad Pro is already mid-cycle approaching 1 year old.

I expect the upcoming iPad Pro will come with M2 chipset and XDR display further widening the gap. Who knows, we might get 16GB RAM across the board, too. Do factor in an extra $100 savings though. I'm guessing the Pro 11 with XDR will start at $899.

 

[rui no onna]

I keep telling people, the best way to play Apple's new drip-drop release game is to wait. Still on my 2017 iPad Pro 12.9. I won't be upgrading until the company actually stops supporting it with new iOS updates. And I am sure it will still be useful. Found an iPad 2 at work and surprisingly it still works.

I never use my iPads that long (at least not as primary). By the time Apple stops providing firmware updates, I'm usually annoyed by performance enough to want to shuck it against the wall.

My family does benefit from my pickiness. My mom got my 2017 Pro 12.9 after I upgraded to the 2021. For video streaming and conferencing, she's quite content with it.

 

[DcGamer05]

128gb storage compared to 64. Pro is still the better deal especially since it goes on sale for $749 often... air is nice just the pro is still the better deal. The airs black levels sucked compared to the pro. Hope it’s different for the new model

 

[Currry]

Just a thought, but since the new iPad Air and current iPP 11” are more similar, I wonder if Apple will eventually phase out the iPP 11”.

Maybe they will opt for 12.9” + a larger form factor.

Or perhaps not. Maybe having two iPads somewhat similar to each other at different price points is a good marketing strategy ??‍♂️. I guess time will tell.

 

[FrozenDarkness]

Chips to me doesnt matter considering an ipad air has the same chip as a 24” imac. Form factor and experience using the product is what apple is selling.

 

[dannyyankou]

About as incremental as it gets lol.

I love my Air 4, but I'll definitely get the next 11 inch pro if it has mini-led. Hopefully it works with the current magic keyboard.

 

[Mr. Dee]

I never use my iPads that long (at least not as primary). By the time Apple stops providing firmware updates, I'm usually annoyed by performance enough to want to shuck it against the wall.

My family does benefit from my pickiness. My mom got my 2017 Pro 12.9 after I upgraded to the 2021. For video streaming and conferencing, she's quite content with it.

It does about everything I need from it as a consumption device. Hasn't slowed down either. I'm sure Apple will give 2 to 3 more iOS releases before the A10 is really considered useless.

 

[Chancha]

As long as refurb or discounted 2018-2021 iPad Pro 11" are available, the Air just doesn't make sense, especially if you need more than 64GB.

 

[Shirasaki]

Why the article still fixated on “iPad Pro” is for professional users?

Affordability aside, why 120Hz, larger storage, better rear camera, higher brightness and four speaker sound suddenly becomes a “pro” feature?

Yes, iPad Pro is not for everyone, but it’s not “niche” either.

 

[RajBan]

Will be good to have a 12 in iPad air with 128gb storage in future. Like most users have said, the Pro features particularly the camera setup is nit needed by most of the iPad Air users but the screen size can be a deal for them . This will obviously mean that only those people buying Pro who really need it, so Apple may not be encouraged to bring a larger Air anytime soon.

 

[erikkfi]

The two storage tiers on the Air ruin the whole iPad shopping experience for me. First I look at the 64GB Air, then talk myself up to the 128GB Pro, then realize I started at $599 and am now looking at $1000 after taxes. Then do you know what I do? I buy nothing, and decide to make my current iPad last through yet another refresh cycle.

 

[Ash Pole]

^ Yep that’s how I feel as well. They gouge on storage. $150 for 64GB more capacity is insulting. This isn’t 2008. Here’s a revolutionary idea…implement a custom order option like laptops have.