iPad Air 2022 vs iPad Pro 2021, which one is better?

If you are thinking about buying a new iPad, it is likely that you will have doubts about which model to choose if the new one iPad Air 2022 or iPadPro which Apple announced in 2021. Both tablets share many features such as flat-edge design with an aluminum back, up to 10 hours of battery life, support for Apple Pencil and 2nd generation Magic Keyboard, and most importantly; chip M1. However, the company’s two most powerful iPads also share key differences that can make all the difference when choosing one over the other. Among them is screen technology or price. But, Which model is more expensive? We compare them.

One of the main reasons why you can choose between iPad Air and iPad Pro for a long time is that they both have the same processor. Both include M1 chip, an SoC developed by Apple and originally designed for Mac computers, but which has proven itself very well on both tablets. The chip configuration is the same in both cases, so the performance results are identical. Except, yes, for the larger storage variant of the iPad Pro 2021, as its RAM goes up to 16GB instead of 8 like the other versions.

The battery is basically the same. This is partly due to CPU optimization. Therefore, both iPad Air 5 and iPad Pro They have up to 10 hours of web browsing with Wi-Fi and 9 hours with mobile data..

Now we are starting to see differences in different memory settings. The iPad Air is available in 64GB and 128GB, while the iPad Pro has both versions and additional options in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB or 2TB.

Screen differences

Where there are important differences is on the screen. To start andl iPad Pro is available in two screen sizes.: 11 and 12.9 inches. Both panels are slightly different, as the more compact model has an LCD backlight, while the 12.9-inch one has a mini-LED backlight. The resolution is, yes, the same, despite being adapted so that both have a density of 264 pixels per inch. The 5th generation iPad Air is only available in 10.9-inch version. slightly smaller than the iPad Pro despite the fact that they have the same dimensions, but are caused by the thin bezels of the front screen. The resolution of 2360 x 1640 pixels also provides a density of 264 pixels per inch.

There are now two important differences in this area that go beyond the screen size and mini-LED technology of the 12.9-inch model. One of them is the refresh rate. iPad Pro 2021 has ProMotion technology., which provides a screen refresh rate of up to 120 Hz. The fifth generation iPad Air does not include ProMotion. So your screen moves at 60Hz. The other difference is the brightness. The iPad Pro has a maximum brightness of 600 nits; iPad Air 500 nits

As for the screen – and moreover, multimedia content – it should be noted that the iPad Pro in its two screen versions has four speaker systemand the 2022 iPad Air has two speakers.

Biometrics and Cameras: More Differences

Another difference between both tablets is unlocking system. The 2021 iPad Pro comes with a TrueDeph camera that lets you unlock the system with Face ID. iPad Air, on the other hand, has Touch ID on the side. Both methods work very well, so choosing between one device or the other shouldn’t be a big deal.

Cameras, on the other hand, can be an important area to choose between one of the two models. Partly because there are so many differences. The iPad Air has one 12MP primary camera. Same resolution on the 2021 iPad Pro, with the difference that includes an optional ultra wide-angle sensoralso 12 megapixels as well lidar sensor. This scanner allows you to measure the depth of field and can be a very good ally for some professional applications. It also helps improve the accuracy of augmented reality as well as photos.

Another important detail is that the iPad Pro 2021 camera you can take pictures with 2x optical zoom, and iPad Air is digital. The front lens, although the same as the iPad Pro, can take selfies in portrait mode thanks to the TrueDeph system.

iPad Air 2022 vs iPad Pro 2021, Which Should You Buy?

Before choosing one or another option, it is important to know the prices of each version. The 5th generation iPad Air is the cheaper model of the two and can be purchased for 679 in 64 GB Wi-Fi only version. The 2021 iPad Pro 128GB Wi-Fi variant is priced at 879 euros. That is between them a difference of 200 euros, although it should be taken into account that the Pro variant has twice as much memory in the basic version. Which model is more expensive?

iPad Air no doubt the most balanced model in terms of price and features. It has the same power as the iPad Pro, a very similar design, an identical battery, and is compatible with both the second generation Apple Pencil and the Magic Keyboard. If you are looking for a tablet for work, this is the best option. If, on the other hand, you’re looking for a device to watch multimedia content, the iPad Air is also ideal.

On the other hand, the iPad Pro might be a more interesting option for those professional users who need a team with more productivity – remember that there are options up to 2 TB -. Also for designers or users who need a more advanced photography section. Other differences, such as a 120Hz screen, 600 nits of brightness, or the TrueDeph system for Face ID, are not so decisive points. However, if you prefer smoother interface navigation, as well as extra brightness for outdoor use, and don’t mind paying what it costs, go for the iPad Pro.

iPad Pro 12.9 inch, available for 1,999 euros, plays in a different league not only because of its price, but also because of its screen size. This is a much more expensive model and is not comparable in size to other Apple tablets. And that’s what it is designed for those users who are looking for a portable computer with a touch screen and a large screen to work with. If you think the 12.9-inch iPad Pro fits your needs and, like the 11-inch model, don’t mind paying more than €1,000, it’s a good alternative too.