Apple's latest iPad releases present a compelling choice: the M3-powered iPad Air and the M4-equipped iPad Pro. Both offer 11-inch and 13-inch screen sizes, but significant differences in performance, display, and price make the choice crucial. This comparison will help you decide which best suits your needs.
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Design and Dimensions:
Both iPads share a similar design aesthetic, with symmetrical bezels (slightly thinner on the Pro). Both feature aluminum bodies, but the Pro's camera array (including LiDAR) distinguishes it. While dimensional differences are minor, the 2024 iPad Pro is remarkably lighter and thinner than its predecessor, earning the title of Apple's thinnest device yet. Color options differ; the Pro is available in Space Black and Silver, while the Air offers a broader palette. Neither model is water-resistant.
Display Technology:
A key differentiator is the display. The iPad Air boasts a Liquid Retina IPS LED display (500-600 nits brightness), while the iPad Pro features a stunning Ultra Retina XDR display using Tandem OLED technology (1000 nits SDR, 1600 nits HDR). The Pro's OLED technology delivers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and brighter highlights. Further enhancing the Pro's visual experience is its ProMotion technology, offering a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother animations compared to the Air's 60Hz. Higher-end Pro models include a nano-texture glass coating to minimize glare. Both share similar resolution and True Tone features.
Processor Performance:
The iPad Air utilizes the M3 chip (eight-core CPU, nine-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine, 8GB RAM), while the iPad Pro features the more powerful M4 chip (nine/ten-core CPU, ten-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine, 8GB/16GB RAM depending on storage). The M4 offers significantly improved performance, particularly beneficial for demanding tasks like 4K video editing and 3D modeling. However, the M3 provides ample power for most users.
Apple Intelligence and Software:
Both iPads support current and future iPadOS features, including Apple Intelligence. The M4's superior processing power should result in more responsive GenAI features. Both are expected to receive several years of software updates.
Camera Systems:
Both iPads share similar 12MP rear and front cameras. However, the iPad Pro offers enhancements such as True Tone flash, 4K 60fps ProRes video recording, Audio Zoom, stereo recording, portrait mode, and Face ID (versus Touch ID on the Air). Both offer Center Stage for video calls, but the Pro's front camera capabilities are more advanced.
Battery Life and Connectivity:
Apple claims similar battery life for both (around 10 hours Wi-Fi, 9 hours cellular). Connectivity options are largely identical, including 5G (sub-6GHz), Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and GPS. The iPad Pro distinguishes itself with Thunderbolt connectivity (up to 40Gbps) via USB-C, while the Air offers USB 3 speeds (up to 10Gbps).
Accessories:
Both iPads support the new Magic Keyboard with a larger trackpad, and both are compatible with the Apple Pencil (Pro and USB-C). The iPad Pro's Magic Keyboard features a premium aluminum palm rest and haptic feedback trackpad. Smart Folio cases are available for both.
Pricing:
The iPad Air (M3) starts at a significantly lower price than the iPad Pro (M4), almost half the cost for the base models. The price difference increases with higher storage options.
| M3 iPad Air (Wi-Fi) | M3 iPad Air (Cellular) | M4 iPad Pro (Wi-Fi) | M4 iPad Pro (Cellular) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 128GB | $599 (11-inch), $799 (13-inch) | $749 (11-inch), $949 (13-inch) | ||
| 256GB | $699 (11-inch), $899 (13-inch) | $849 (11-inch), $1,049 (13-inch) | $999 (11-inch), $1,299 (13-inch) | $1,199 (11-inch), $1,499 (13-inch) |
| 512GB | $899 (11-inch), $1,099 (13-inch) | $1,049 (11-inch), $1,249 (13-inch) | $1,199 (11-inch), $1,499 (13-inch) | $1,399 (11-inch), $1,699 (13-inch) |
| 1TB | $1,099 (11-inch), $1,299 (13-inch) | $1,249 (11-inch), $1,449 (13-inch) | $1,599 (11-inch), $1,899 (13-inch) | $1,799 (11-inch), $2,099 (13-inch) |
| 2TB | $1,999 (11-inch), $2,299 (13-inch) | $2,199 (11-inch), $2,499 (13-inch) |
Conclusion:
$559 $599 Save $40 2025's iPad Air upgrade features an M3 chip, is compatible with a new keyboard folio case, and has support for Apple Intelligence. It's almost identical to the previous model in terms of look and feel. $559 at Amazon $599 at Apple
$909 $999 Save $90 The new iPad Pro is impossibly thin, featuring outrageous performance with the Apple M4 chip, a breakthrough Ultra Retina XDR display, and superfast Wi-Fi 6E. $999 at Best Buy $909 at Amazon
The iPad Air (M3) offers excellent value for most users, providing ample performance for everyday tasks. The iPad Pro (M4), while significantly more expensive, justifies its cost for creative professionals demanding top-tier performance and display quality. Consider your workflow and budget to make the best decision.
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