iPad Air (2024) vs iPad Pro (2024): How Apple’s two power-packed iPads compare

iPad Air, iPad Pro

When it comes to the iPad, Apple has spoilt buyers with too many choices. There’s a ‘regular’ iPad, there’s an iPad mini and then there are two pro-level iPads — the iPad Air and the iPad Pro. Powered by the M-series processors, both the iPad Air and the iPad Pro have a lot going for them. Which one between the two should you buy? Does the iPad Air have enough for most buyers? Or whether you want to go for the ultimate iPad experience with the iPad Pro? We compare two of Apple’s most powerful iPads:

Design and display

For a long time, the iPad Air was the thinnest and lightest iPad you could buy. But now the iPad Pro is the thinnest and lightest iPad out there.  The iPad Air (2024) features an 11-inch LED display with a resolution of 2360 x 1640 pixels and a 13-inch LED display with a resolution of 2732 x 2048 pixels. Both models offer vibrant colours and sharp images, but they lack the advanced display technology found in the iPad Pro.

The iPad Pro (2024), on the other hand, boasts an 11-inch and a 13-inch Tandem OLED display with resolutions of 2420 x 1668 pixels and 2752 x 2064 pixels, respectively. The OLED technology provides deeper blacks, higher contrast ratios, and more vivid colours. Additionally, the iPad Pro supports a 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate, which makes scrolling and animations smoother.

The iPad Air and iPad Pro share a similar design language with slim profiles and thin bezels. However, the iPad Pro is slightly thinner and lighter, making it the thinnest device Apple has ever made.

Processor

The iPad Air (2024) is powered by the Apple M2 chip, which offers excellent performance for everyday tasks, multitasking, and even some demanding applications. It’s a significant upgrade from previous generations and ensures smooth operation across various apps.

On the other hand, the iPad Pro (2024) is equipped with the more powerful Apple M4 chip1. This chip provides superior performance, especially in tasks that require heavy processing power, such as video editing, 3D rendering, and gaming. The M4 chip also enhances the overall efficiency and speed of the device, making it ideal for professional use. Because it has the new and more powerful chip, the iPad Pro edges out the iPad Air.

Camera

Both the iPad Air (2024) and the iPad Pro (2024) come with a 12MP front landscape camera and a 12MP rear camera. However, the iPad Pro includes an additional LiDAR scanner in its rear camera array. This scanner enhances depth sensing and is particularly useful for augmented reality (AR) applications, providing more accurate and immersive AR experiences.

Other Features

The iPad Air offers storage options of 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB, while the iPad Pro provides more extensive options, including 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB.

Both models support Wi-Fi 6E and 5G, ensuring fast and reliable internet connectivity.

The iPad Air is available in more vibrant colours like Blue and Purple, in addition to Starlight and Space Gray. The iPad Pro, however, is limited to Silver and Space Black.

Both iPads support the Apple Pencil Pro and the Magic Keyboard, making them versatile tools for productivity and creativity.

What we think

The iPad Air (2024) is a fantastic choice for users who need a powerful, versatile tablet without breaking the bank. It offers excellent performance, a vibrant display, and a range of useful features. However, for those who require the absolute best in performance, display quality, and additional features like the LiDAR scanner, the iPad Pro (2024) is the superior option. Its advanced OLED display, powerful M4 chip, and professional-grade features make it the ideal choice for power users and professionals.