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enigma2k

macrumors regular
Original poster
May 12, 2010
189
58
Hi guys,

I currently got the iPad Pro 2017 and was wondering if it is worth to upgrade to the new iPad Air 2020? The big benefit of the Air is the new design without the touch ID at the bottom and bigger screen compared to the 2017 Pro. A disadvantage would be that it does not have 4 sound speaker and no 120hz promotion display. but the new iPad Air 2020 will be more future proof and get longer iOS updates from Apple.

The reason behind this is that I am considering giving my old iPad Pro as a present to my mum instead of buying her the cheap iPad 10.2" model and getting myself the iPad Air 2020.

what do you guys think?
 
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AutomaticApple

Suspended
Nov 28, 2018
7,401
3,378
Massachusetts
Hi guys,

I currently got the iPad Pro 2017 and was wondering if it is worth to upgrade to the new iPad Air 2020? The big benefit of the Air is the new design without the touch ID at the bottom and bigger screen compared to the 2017 Pro. A disadvantage would be that it does not have 4 sound speaker and no 120hz promotion display. but the new iPad Air 2020 will be more future proof and get longer iOS updates from Apple.

The reason behind this is that I am considering giving my old iPad Pro as a present to my mum instead of buying her the cheap iPad 10.2" model and getting myself the iPad Air 2020.

what do you guys think?
Do you care about the quad speakers and the ProMotion display?
 

snipr125

macrumors 68000
Oct 17, 2015
1,952
3,023
UK
Do you care about the quad speakers and the ProMotion display?

Yes basically it’s quad speakers and pro motion verses iPad Pro 11 design, USB C, significantly more powerful A14 chip (single, multicore, gpu and neural engine), compatibility with Pencil 2 and Magic keyboard, larger 10.9” Liquid Retina display and different colours.

Both have 4GB ram. The speakers on the Air 4 are landscape stereo and sound great, although not as good as 4 speakers.

The 2017 iPad Pro is a great device but the Air 4 is better overall. If your giving your Ipad to your mum, then the Air 4 is a great upgrade unless you really absolutely have to have pro motion, then look for a refurb Pro 11. Its Black Friday time so you should be able to get a good deal.
 
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SkiHound2

macrumors 6502
Jul 15, 2018
455
375
Does your iPad Pro feel sluggish? Are you using software that makes it feel too slow? While the Air has a faster processor, it may matter little in everyday use. I'm still using a 9.7" Pro with some A9 variant. It doesn't feel slow though I'm probably not doing things that push it. You mention that an advantage is that the Air would be more future proof. Well, if you wait for the next generation of iPads they will be even more future proof. FWIW, I often think buying something because it's more future proof is not a good strategy in terms of value. Any technology we buy today will not be state of the art in a very short time. Apple will continue to support your current iPad for a long time. Does a 10.9" screen really provide a better experience in terms of screen size? There's nothing wrong with wanting and buying new technology. And I'm not trying to talk you out of "upgrading." I just don't think the Air is going to provide a substantially better user experience than your current pro.
 

Markgnyc2

macrumors 6502
Nov 17, 2013
379
681
I did this upgrade. Totally worth it for me. Just having the magic keyboard makes the Air more versatile than the 2017 pro. The speakers are good and I honestly do not even notice that promotion is not there.
 

rui no onna

Contributor
Oct 25, 2013
14,845
13,119
Why not just get yourself an iPad Pro 2018? That way you retain all the Pro features while still getting a new design and a lower price. The iPad Pro 2018 will probably get updates just as long as the Air 2020.

There's a lack of brand new or Apple certified refurb stock. Personally, I'm not a fan of buying used and OP may feel the same.
 
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