iPad Pro vs iPad Air 2024: A Comprehensive Comparison of Apple's Latest Tablets

Discover which iPad is right for you: cutting-edge power or budget-friendly performance?

Apple's 2024 iPad lineup brings exciting updates to both the iPad Pro and iPad Air, offering users more choices than ever before. In this comprehensive comparison, we'll explore the key differences between these two powerful tablets, helping you make an informed decision based on your needs and budget.

Design and Display

Size Options:

Both the iPad Pro and iPad Air now come in two sizes:

• iPad Pro: 11-inch, 13-inch

• iPad Air: 11-inch, 13-inch

This marks a significant change for the iPad Air, which previously was only available in a 10.9-inch model. The introduction of a larger 13-inch iPad Air gives users who prefer a bigger screen a more affordable option compared to the iPad Pro.

Display Technology

iPad Pro (2024):
The new iPad Pro models feature an OLED display, marketed as the Ultra Retina XDR. This cutting-edge screen technology offers:

• Superior contrast ratios

• Deeper blacks

• Improved detail in shadow areas

• 1,000 nits of full-screen brightness

• 1,600 nits of peak HDR brightness

The OLED display represents a significant upgrade from the previous generation's mini-LED technology, providing even better visual quality for professionals and enthusiasts alike.iPad Air (2024):
The iPad Air retains its Liquid Retina IPS LCD display. While it's still a high-quality screen, it doesn't quite match the visual impact of the Pro's OLED panel. However, it does include features such as:

• True Tone technology

• P3 wide color gamut support

• 500 nits of brightness

Design Elements

Both iPad models maintain Apple's sleek and modern design language, featuring:

• Thin bezels

• Flat edges

• Premium build quality

The iPad Pro continues to use a more premium stainless steel frame, while the iPad Air opts for a lightweight aluminum enclosure.

Performance

iPad Pro (2024):
The latest iPad Pro introduces the M4 chip, Apple's most advanced mobile processor to date. Key features include:

• Up to 50% faster CPU performance compared to the M2 chip

• Significant improvements in GPU performance

• 16-core neural engine capable of 38 trillion operations per second

• Enhanced machine learning capabilities

This powerful chip makes the iPad Pro an ideal choice for demanding tasks such as 3D rendering, video editing, and running complex applications.

iPad Air (2024):
The iPad Air receives an upgrade to the M2 chip, which, while not as cutting-edge as the M4, still offers impressive performance:

• Nearly 50% faster than the previous iPad Air with M1

• 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU

• 16-core Neural Engine

  

The M2 chip provides ample power for most users, handling tasks like photo editing, gaming, and multitasking with ease.

RAM and Storage

iPad Pro (2024):

• RAM options: 8GB or 16GB (depending on storage capacity)

• Storage options: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB

iPad Air (2024):

• RAM: 8GB (all models)

• Storage options: 64GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB

The iPad Pro offers more flexibility in terms of RAM and storage, catering to power users who need to run memory-intensive applications or store large files locally.

Cameras and Features

Camera Systems

Both iPad models feature high-quality camera setups:iPad Pro (2024):

• Rear: 12MP Wide + 10MP Ultra Wide

• Front: 12MP Ultra Wide with Center Stage

• LiDAR Scanner for improved AR experiences and depth sensing

• Adaptive True Tone flash for better low-light photography and document scanning

iPad Air (2024):

• Rear: 12MP Wide

• Front: 12MP Ultra Wide with Center Stage

A notable improvement for both models is the repositioning of the front-facing camera to the long edge of the device, making it more suitable for video calls in landscape orientation.

Additional Features

iPad Pro (2024):

• ProMotion technology with variable refresh rates up to 120Hz

• Thunderbolt / USB 4 port for faster data transfer and external display support

• Face ID for secure authentication

iPad Air (2024):

• Touch ID integrated into the power button

• USB-C port for connectivity and charging

Connectivity and Accessories

Both iPad models support:

• Wi-Fi 6E for faster wireless performance

• 5G connectivity on cellular models

• Apple Pencil 2nd generation

• Magic Keyboard and Smart Keyboard Folio

The iPad Pro's Thunderbolt port gives it an edge in terms of expandability and connectivity to high-performance peripherals.

Battery Life and Charging

Both the iPad Pro and iPad Air offer all-day battery life, with Apple claiming up to 10 hours of web surfing on Wi-Fi or watching video. Both models support fast charging, but the iPad Pro may have a slight edge in charging speed due to its more advanced internals.

Software and Ecosystem

Both iPads run on iPadOS, Apple's tablet-specific operating system. However, the iPad Pro's more powerful hardware may enable it to take better advantage of advanced features and future software updates.

Price and Value

The iPad Air starts at a lower price point, making it an attractive option for users who want a powerful tablet without breaking the bank. The Pro models command a premium price but offer cutting-edge features that power users and creative professionals might find indispensable.

• iPad Air 11-inch: $599

• iPad Air 13-inch: $749

• iPad Pro 11-inch: $799

• iPad Pro 13-inch: $1099

Actual prices may vary based on storage capacity and cellular options.

Conclusion

Choosing between the iPad Pro (2024) and iPad Air (2024) ultimately depends on your specific needs, preferences, and budget:Choose the iPad Pro if you:

• Need the most powerful performance for demanding tasks

• Want the best possible display quality with OLED technology

• Require advanced features like LiDAR and Thunderbolt connectivity

• Are a professional or power user who can leverage the cutting-edge capabilities

Choose the iPad Air if you:

• Want a balance of performance and affordability

• Don't need the absolute latest display technology

• Are a general user, student, or casual content creator

• Prefer Touch ID over Face ID

Both devices represent significant upgrades in Apple's tablet lineup, ensuring that whichever you choose, you'll have a capable and future-proof device in your hands. The iPad Pro pushes the boundaries of what's possible in a tablet, while the iPad Air offers an excellent blend of performance and value for most users.