In this blog, we will compare the iPad Air vs. iPad Pro. Highlight key differences and explain who might benefit from each of these spectacular devices.
In 2010, Apple unveiled the inaugural iPad, marking a groundbreaking moment in mobile technology. This launch initiated a series of iPad generations, with each introducing a different set of features. When it comes to iPad for rentals, choosing between the iPad Air and the iPad Pro might seem easy– but it’s not in reality.
The iPad Pro brings laptop-like performance, while the iPad Air isn’t far behind. When the iPad Air hit the scene, it raised eyebrows by offering a potent mix of features and a price that almost encroached on the territory of the iPad Pro. On the other hand, the latest iPad Pro promises laptop-level performance, especially with its mighty features.
But does it make the decision between the iPad Air and iPad Pro crystal clear? Let’s see how these tablets stack up against each other.
iPad Air
The original lineup eventually became known as the “Standard” edition, paving the way for a decade of continuous iPad evolution. The iPad Air holds a place between the regular iPad and the high-end iPad Pro. This series offers a balance of performance and affordability. Let’s compare all iPad Air generations:
Generation | Release Year | Display Size (diagonal) | Processor | Storage Options (GB) | Cameras (Rear/Front MP) | Apple Pencil Support |
1st | 2013 | 9.7″ | A7 | 16 – 128 | 5 / 1.2 | No |
2nd | 2014 | 9.7″ | A8X | 16 – 128 | 8 / 1.2 | No |
3rd | 2019 | 10.5″ | A12 Bionic | 64 – 256 | 8 / 7 | Yes (1st gen) |
4th | 2020 | 10.9″ | A14 Bionic | 64 – 256 | 12 / 7 | Yes (2nd gen) |
5th | 2022 | 10.9″ | M1 Chip | 64 – 256 | 12 (wide) / 12 (ultrawide) | Yes (2nd gen) |
Over the years, the iPad Air has seen significant improvements, including larger displays, faster processors, enhanced cameras, and Apple Pencil compatibility.
iPad Pro
The iPad Pro is Apple’s lineup of high-performance tablets tailored for creative professionals and hardcore users. Let’s compare all iPad Pro generations:
Generation | Release Year | Display Size (diagonal) | Processor | Storage Options (GB) | Cameras (Rear/Front MP) | LiDAR Scanner | Apple Pencil Support |
iPad Pro 12.9″ (1st) | 2015 | 12.9″ | A9X | 32 – 512 | 8 / 1.2 | No | No |
iPad Pro 9.7″ (1st) | 2016 | 9.7″ | A9X | 32 – 256 | 12 / 5 | No | No |
iPad Pro 10.5″ (1st) | 2017 | 10.5″ | A10X Fusion | 64 – 512 | 12 / 7 | No | Yes (1st gen) |
iPad Pro 12.9″ (2nd) | 2017 | 12.9″ | A10X Fusion | 64 – 512 | 12 / 7 | No | Yes (1st gen) |
iPad Pro 11″ (1st) | 2018 | 11″ | A12X Bionic | 64 – 1TB | 12 / 7 | No | Yes (1st gen) |
iPad Pro 12.9″ (3rd) | 2018 | 12.9″ | A12X Bionic | 64 – 1TB | 12 / 7 | No | Yes (1st gen) |
iPad Pro 11″ (2nd) | 2020 | 11″ | A12Z Bionic | 128 – 1TB | 12 (wide) / 12 | Yes | Yes (2nd gen) |
iPad Pro 12.9″ (4th) | 2020 | 12.9″ | A12Z Bionic | 128 – 1TB | 12 (wide) / 12 | Yes | Yes (2nd gen) |
iPad Pro 11″ (3rd) | 2021 | 11″ | M1 Chip | 128 – 2TB | 12 (wide) / 12 (ultrawide) | Yes | Yes (2nd gen) |
iPad Pro 12.9″ (5th) | 2021 | 12.9″ | M1 Chip | 128 – 2TB | 12 (wide) / 12 (ultrawide) | Yes | Yes (2nd gen) |
iPad Pro 11″ (4th) | 2022 | 11″ | M2 Chip | 128 – 2TB | 12 (wide) / 12 (ultrawide) | Yes | Yes (2nd gen) |
iPad Pro 12.9″ (6th) | 2023 | 12.9″ | M2 Chip | 128 – 4TB | 12 (wide) / 12 (ultrawide) | Yes |
Each generation of iPad Pro brings advancements in display size, processors, storage options, cameras, and support for Apple Pencil. Read the benefits of iPad in our detailed blog.
iPad Air vs. iPad Pro
Understanding Apple’s iPads is like exploring a busy city – thrilling, but you need a guide. Whether you’re a tech fan or an artist, knowing each iPad’s details helps you make the right choice.
iPad Pro: For Creatives and Pros
If you’re a digital artist, the iPad Pro is your limitless canvas. With the powerful M2 chip, it’s not just a tablet; it competes with laptops. The stunning Liquid Retina XDR display turns your Apple Pencil strokes into vibrant art. It’s a mini studio with ProRes video and a reliable camera. It is perfect for serious creatives or professionals.
The latest iPad Pro models come with robust M1 & M2 chips. With an immersive Liquid Retina display, storage options ranging from 128GB to 2TB, and a powerful M2 chip, these iPads deliver exceptional performance. The camera setup includes a 12MP Wide camera, a 10MP Ultra Wide camera, and a 12MP Ultra Wide front camera. Available in sophisticated colors like Space Grey and Silver, these iPad Pro models are designed to meet the demands of professional users with style and functionality.
iPad Air: Balancing Style and Power
Now, the iPad Air is the middle child! The 5th Gen iPad Air, with the M1 chip, is like the iPad Pro’s younger sibling with cool tricks. It’s perfect for editing videos or sketching on the go.
The newest iPad Air (5th generation) shares the powerful M1 chip with the iPad Pro, providing impressive performance comparable to the Pro model. However, it does not include advanced features like the LiDAR Scanner and Face ID found in the Pro series. With a vibrant 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, storage options of 64GB or 256GB, and a 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage functionality, this iPad Air offers an excellent user experience. It comes in a range of attractive colors, including Blue, Purple, Pink, Starlight, and Space Grey, catering to various style preferences.
Need to compare the iPad vs iPad Pro? We got you! Here’s our detailed blog – iPad vs iPad Pro: Which one Should You Rent?
Conclusion
Selecting the perfect iPad isn’t just about specifications; it’s about how it aligns with your lifestyle. Are you a professional requiring the top-tier power of the Pro, or do you prefer something more casual like the standard iPad? Perhaps you’re in between, leaning towards the versatility of the Air. You can simply try out the features by choosing iPad Rentals from Rental Bunny before making the investment.
