Apple's newest iPad is here in the form of the fifth-generation iPad Air. It's a very good tablet. So good, in fact,it's giving me a hint of buyers remorsefor paying $2,000 for my 2021 iPad Pro.
There are a lot of similarities between the two tablets. Both of them:
- Run iPadOS 15.4
- Use Apple's M1 processor
- Have USB-C ports for charging and transferring data
- Have a similar display size as the smaller iPad Pro
- Come with the FaceTime camera's Center Stage feature.
With so many features in common, there have to be differences to justify the price different between the $599 iPad Air, $799 11-inch iPad Pro and the $1,099 12.9-inch iPad Pro, right? Right! Let's take a closer look.
iPad Pro VS. iPad Air
| Specifications | iPad Pro | iPad Air |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Apple M1 | Apple M1 |
| Display | 11-inch/12.9-inch | 10.9-inch |
| Memory | Up to 16GB | 8GB |
| Storage | Up to 2TB | Up to 256GB |
| Front Camera | True Depth 12MP Ultra Wide | 12MP Ultra Wide |
| Rear Cameras | 12MP Wide, 10MP Ultra Wide | 12MP Wide |
| Battery | 10 hours | 10 hours |
| Biometrics | Face ID | Touch ID |
| Connectivity | Thunderbolt 4, 5G, Wi-Fi | USB-C, 5G, Wi-Fi |
| Colors | Space gray, silver | Space gray, starlight, pink, purple, blue |
| Starting price | $799/$1,099 | $599 |
Storage
The iPad Air only has two storage options. The base model is 64GB, with an upgrade option of 256GB. The 64GB model isn't nearly enough in 2022.
Both iPad Pro models are available in the same storage allotments. You can pick between storage amounts of 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB.
The amount of storage you need is based on how you use or plan to use your iPad. But with the iPad Air, you're almost forced into buying the 256GB option for $749, which is very close to the $799 starting price of the 11-inch iPad Pro.
Memory
The amount of memory in an iPad determines when apps are put to sleep in the background, or how often you have to refresh a Safari tab after it hasn't been used for an extended amount of time.
Apple rarely talks about the amount of memory in its iPad line, with the lone exception being the 2021 iPad Pro. You can pick between an iPad Pro with 8GB or 16GB of memory, but that decision is also based on the amount of storage you buy. If you want 8GB of memory, stick with storage under 512GB. Anything over that mark will come with 16GB of memory.
Also:iPad Air (2022) review: So good I almost regret buying my iPad Pro
As for the iPad Air, you're stuck with a single option: 8GB of memory.
Personally, I've seen a noticeable difference between my iPad Pro with 16GB of memory and other iPads with less memory. For me, the major takeaway is that apps stay running in the background longer. However, I'd wager 8GB is usually more than enough for most users.
Display
The display technology differences between the Air and the Pro aren't insignificant.
The iPad Pro line has a faster refresh rate of up to 120Hz (called ProMotion), a higher max brightness level, and the larger iPad Pro uses mini-LED technology for a better picture. If you care about display quality, the iPad Pro is the better choice for you.
The iPad Air's Liquid Retina display measures 10.9-inches and is an LED panel. It has a resolution of 2360x1640, with True Tone support and 500nits of total brightness.
The smaller iPad Pro has an 11-inch Liquid Retina Display that's resolution is 2388x1668, with True Tone, ProMotion, and a max brightness of 600 nits.
The larger iPad Pro has a 12.9-inch mini-LED display with 2,596 full-array local dimming zones, a 2732x2048 resolution, ProMotion, True Tone, SDR max brightness of 600 nits, XDR brightness of 1,000 nits max for full screen, or 1,600 nits peak for HDR content.
The USB-C port
If you know anything about USB-C ports, you know the general rule is that not all USB-C ports are created equal. There are far too many different standards for the one connection that I have a hard time keeping up with it all — and it's my job to do just that.
For the iPad Air, Apple added USB 3.1 Gen 2 to the USB-C port. That means you'll see speeds of up to 10Gbps when transferring files, or you can connect the iPad Air to an external monitor with support for resolution of up to 6K.
The iPad Pro offering has a USB-C port, as well, but with support for Thunderbolt and USB 4. That means you get up to 40Gbps during file transfers (thanks to USB 4), and support for the same 6K resolution when connected to an external monitor.
If you do a lot of file transfers between your iPad Pro and external storage or a camera, then you'll benefit from the newer USB connection technology. But, to be honest, the iPad Air's speed isn't a dealbreaker.
5G connectivity
Another area where the iPad Air lineup differs from the iPad Pro is when it comes to the type of 5G connectivity it supports. Both iPad Pro tablets support 5G's Sub6 and mmWave technology, while the iPad Air only supports Sub6.
For the average person, the lack of mmWave on the iPad Air is a non-issue.
See:Apple iPad Pro (2021) review: Impressively powerful, but the hardware is only part of the story
Sub6 5G networks are just a little faster than current LTE networks, with lower latency and more bandwidth for more users, while mmWave 5G technology will give you the network speeds you see touted in commercials of up to 2Gbps. However, those speeds are only achieved in very specific conditions.
Don't base your iPad buying decision on which flavor of 5G the iPad supports.
Finally, the price
The price is one of the biggest differentiators between the three models. The iPad Air is priced between the base iPad and the iPad Pro, so it would make of sense for it to be the iPad of choice for people who want a tablet for more than just watching Netflix and browsing the web.
Here's the pricing breakdown for the iPad Air and both sizes of the iPad Pro. Keep in mind, however, that all three iPads work with the $129 second-generation Apple Pencil, and have keyboard options that range in price from $299 for the iPad Air and 11-inch iPad Pro, to $329 for the larger iPad Pro. Those accessories raise the overall price of your investment in Apple's tablet, should you need them.
Price comparison
| iPad Air | 11-inch iPad Pro | 12.9-inch iPad Pro | |
| Wi-Fi Only | |||
| 64GB | $599 | N/A | N/A |
| 128GB | N/A | $799 | $1,099 |
| 256GB | $749 | $899 | $1,199 |
| 512GB | N/A | $1,099 | $1,399 |
| 1TB | N/A | $1,499 | $1,799 |
| 2TB | N/A | $1,899 | $2,199 |
| Cellular | |||
| 64GB | $749 | N/A | N/A |
| 128GB | N/A | $999 | $1,299 |
| 256GB | $899 | $1,099 | $1,399 |
| 512GB | N/A | $1,299 | $1,599 |
| 1TB | N/A | $1,699 | $1,999 |
| 2TB | N/A | $2,099 | $2,399 |
If you max out an iPad Air with all of the accessories, the total cost comes close to the base model 11-inch iPad Pro.
So, then you're left asking yourself whether you want an iPad with a better display and a faster USB-C connection, with more base storage. For me, even though the iPad Air does everything I need from Apple's tablet, I don't regret buying my iPad Pro. A year later, it's still the best iPad I've ever owned.
Also: How to use an iPad Pro to power your home office
But for the majority of people, the display and USB-C differences are something that won't make or break the experience, and thus, the iPad Air is the best pick.
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FAQs
What is the difference between iPad Air 2022 and iPad Pro 2021? ›
The iPad Pro has more storage
Like the iPad Pro 2021, the iPad Pro 2022 comes with up to 2TB of storage. This is significantly more than the 256GB available on the iPad Air. The iPad Pro 2022 is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB configurations, while the iPad Air 2022 only comes in 64GB and 256GB versions.
The iPad Air's Liquid Retina display measures 10.9-inches and is an LED panel. It has a resolution of 2360x1640, with True Tone support and 500nits of total brightness. The smaller iPad Pro has an 11-inch Liquid Retina Display that's resolution is 2388x1668, with True Tone, ProMotion, and a max brightness of 600 nits.
Is there a new iPad pro coming out in 2022? ›The 2022 iPad Pro models are equipped with Apple's next-generation M2 Apple silicon chip, which was previously introduced in the MacBook Air and 13-inch MacBook Pro. The M2 chip features an 8-core CPU that's up to 15 percent faster than the M1 chip, offering improvements for both the performance and efficiency cores.
What can iPad Pro do that iPad can t? ›The screen is the most significant difference. Not only is it more substantial, but it provides sharper screen clarity than the standard iPad, and comes with a larger color gamut, which is vital for design work. The all-new iPad Pros are taking on a design change that is similar to the iPhone X.
Which is better iPad Air or iPad Pro for students? ›Study better with the best iPad for students
All the iPads that made this cut have features that are great for students, but the iPad Air 5 is our top pick. It's got the best features from the Pro, like a bigger, edge-to-edge display and the powerful M1 chip, but comes in at a much lower price point.
Multitasking with iPad is more intuitive and powerful than ever. Work seamlessly across apps. Use Slide Over or Split View to work with multiple apps at the same time, and even drag and drop content between apps with touch or a trackpad.
Is iPad Air worth getting? ›While battery life could be better, it's not bad, so that's a relatively minor complaint. If you're looking for a do-it-all tablet with top-notch accessories, the 2022 iPad Air is the best choice in Apple's tablet lineup—and a better bet than any Android tablet—earning it our Editors' Choice award.
Is iPad Air 64GB enough? ›An iPad with 64GB storage or less is suitable if you want to browse the internet, check your email, Facetime, or watch series. It's enough storage capacity to download apps and play some games.
What is iPad Air vs iPad? ›The iPad Air has a 10.9-inch screen
On paper, the Air is the better device. It offers more impressive specifications, including a larger screen and faster processor. On the other hand, the standard iPad is cheaper – by quite a margin – and still delivers an excellent experience.
07. Apple iPad (10th Gen, 2022) The base level iPad that reminds us of a 2021 iPad Air.
How long does an iPad last? ›
How Many Years Should an iPad Last? Apple usually supports a new iPad with iPadOS updates for at least five years and often several years longer. Most iPad models hold up well in performance, features, and storage over this timeframe which means that five years is a standard lifespan for any iPad.
Will there be a new iPad Air in 2022? ›The current model added the M1 chip from the iPad Pro, an upgraded front-facing camera with Center Stage, and a new range of color options. Announced in March 2022, the iPad Air is now the newest iPad in Apple's lineup and it is still fairly early in its product cycle.
When was iPad Air 2022 release? ›Apple is developing a larger 16-inch iPad that it hopes to release in the fourth quarter of 2023, according to a report today from The Information's Wayne Ma. This would be the largest-ever iPad model, topping the 12.9-inch iPad Pro.
What's the difference between an iPad and iPad Air? ›On paper, the Air is the better device. It offers more impressive specifications, including a larger screen and faster processor. On the other hand, the standard iPad is cheaper – by quite a margin – and still delivers an excellent experience.
Is iPad Air worth getting? ›While battery life could be better, it's not bad, so that's a relatively minor complaint. If you're looking for a do-it-all tablet with top-notch accessories, the 2022 iPad Air is the best choice in Apple's tablet lineup—and a better bet than any Android tablet—earning it our Editors' Choice award.
Does iPad Air 2022 have face ID? ›Apple almost had me. The iPad finally looks like the rest of Apple's tablet lineup. The Home button is gone, but there's no Face ID here. Instead, Touch ID is integrated into the top power button like on the iPad Mini and iPad Air.
When was iPad Air 2022 release? ›