iPad Air or iPad Pro: the eternal doubt
You're standing in front of the shelf. iPad Air or iPad Pro ? Some swear by the Pro with its 120Hz screen. Others find the Air more than enough. It's understandable that you're hesitant – the price difference can be hundreds of euros.
But here's what no one tells you: most Pro buyers barely use 30% of their tablet's capabilities. They pay for features that just gather dust. While Air users sometimes miss that one little thing that makes their workflow sluggish.
The real problem ? We choose tablets like we choose cars—based on what we think we need, not what we actually do. That's why people continue to struggle with this seemingly simple choice. Time to make that decision based on facts, not feelings.
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The core of the difference
At first glance, the iPad Air and iPad Pro seem very similar. Both run iPadOS and support the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard. However, there are fundamental differences that determine which model suits your daily needs. It's not just about the price difference of a few hundred euros, but more importantly: what will you actually do with it?
The Air positions itself as the golden mean. This model offers 90% of what most users need at about 60% of the price of a comparable Pro. The 10.9-inch screen is sharp enough for most tasks, the M1 chip is powerful enough, and its 461-gram weight makes it an ideal travel companion.
The Pro, on the other hand, is Apple's flagship model. With its 120Hz ProMotion display, Thunderbolt connectivity, and advanced camera systems, this model is aimed at professionals who don't want to compromise. But therein lies the catch: many buyers pay for features they never use.
Screen technology under the microscope
The main difference between the two tablets is the display. The Air has an excellent Liquid Retina display with 2360 x 1640 pixels. For watching Netflix, browsing, and even editing photos, this is more than sufficient. The colors are accurate, and the 500 nits brightness works well indoors and outdoors.
The Pro model takes this to the next level with ProMotion technology. This means a refresh rate of up to 120Hz, where the Air stays at 60Hz. In practice, you'll especially notice this when scrolling, drawing, and gaming. Everything feels smoother. For artists working with the Apple Pencil, this difference is significant—the lower latency makes for a more natural drawing experience.
The size options also vary. While the Air only comes in 10.9 inches, the Pro offers a choice between 11 and 12.9 inches. The latter is especially interesting for people who use their tablet as a laptop replacement or frequently work with split-screen mode.
Performance and daily use
Both tablets run on Apple silicon chips, but there are nuances. The latest Air models have the M1 or M2 chip, depending on the generation. These processors are lightning-fast for everyday tasks like email, browsing, Microsoft Office, and even demanding apps like Photoshop.
The Pro line is usually a generation ahead of the latest M-series chips. This translates to about a 20-30% increase in performance. For most users, this difference is imperceptible. Only during intensive tasks like 4K video editing, 3D rendering, or running multiple demanding apps simultaneously will the extra power become useful.
There are also differences in RAM. The Air comes standard with 8GB of RAM, while Pro models offer options up to 16GB. This makes a significant difference for multitasking and keeping multiple Safari tabs open.
Cameras and creative possibilities
For video calling, both tablets are excellently equipped with a 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage. This feature automatically keeps you in frame during calls, even when you're moving.
The difference lies on the back. The Air has a single 12MP Wide camera that takes excellent photos for document scans and casual photography. The Pro model adds a 10MP Ultra Wide camera and a LiDAR scanner. This LiDAR is particularly useful for augmented reality applications and can assist with autofocus in low light.
For content creators, the Pro also offers ProRes video recording and improved microphones. If you regularly create content directly from your tablet, these extras might justify the price premium.
Accessories and expansion options
Both models work with the second-generation Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard. This makes them true workhorses for note-taking, drawing, or typing. The difference is in the details.
The Pro has four speakers compared to the Air's two. This provides a fuller, richer audio experience when watching movies or listening to music. The Pro also supports Thunderbolt/USB 4, while the Air uses USB-C. This is a significant difference for connecting external displays or transferring data quickly.
Face ID is present on both models, but the Pro has a slightly more advanced TrueDepth camera that works in more angles. In practice, you won't notice much of this.
Battery life and mobility
Apple promises approximately 10 hours of battery life for both tablets with normal use. In practice, both models easily achieve this with browsing and watching video. With more intensive use, such as gaming or video editing, this drops to 6-7 hours.
The weight difference is minimal but noticeable. The 11-inch Pro weighs 466 grams compared to 461 grams for the Air. The 12.9-inch Pro comes in at 682 grams. This makes a difference for extended handheld use, especially when paired with a case.
Which model for which user?
Choose the iPad Air if you:
- Mainly browses, emails and consumes media
- Do some creative work occasionally but are not a professional
- Looking for a good balance between price and performance
- The tablet is mainly used at home or in the office
- Take notes for study or work
Choose the iPad Pro if you:
- Professional creative work (design, video, photography)
- Want the smoothest screen for drawing or gaming?
- Works a lot with augmented reality
- Want to completely replace your laptop
- You have the budget for the best experience
Refurbished considerations
A smart option is to choose a refurbished model. You'll save considerably on the purchase price while still getting a fully functional device. With refurbished tablets, it's especially important to pay attention to the battery's condition. A good refurbished model has at least 85% battery capacity.
The generation is also important. A two-year-old Pro might be more interesting than a new Air, depending on your priorities. Do pay attention to software support – Apple usually supports iPads with updates for 5-6 years.
The practical choice
For 80% of users, the iPad Air is the smartest choice. This model offers everything you need for productivity, entertainment, and light creative work. You can invest the savings compared to the Pro in accessories like an Apple Pencil or Magic Keyboard, allowing you to get more out of your purchase.
The Pro justifies its premium price primarily for specific use cases. If you spend hours every day working with your Apple Pencil, the 120Hz display is worth the investment. For video professionals, the extra cameras and ProRes support are essential. And for those who use their tablet as their primary computer, the Thunderbolt port and extra RAM make all the difference.
Ultimately, it's all about being honest about your usage. Don't buy based on what you might eventually do, but based on what you do now. An Air you use to its full potential is more satisfying than a Pro where half the features remain unused.
The choice is simpler than you think
The choice between iPad Air and iPad Pro is ultimately simpler than it seems. For the vast majority of users, the Air offers everything they need—from studying to streaming, from taking notes to networking.
Only if you're a truly professional illustrator, video editor, or want to permanently replace your laptop will the Pro be worth the extra cost. Be honest about your daily usage and don't be tempted by features you don't use.
A well-chosen Air with the right accessories will give more satisfaction than an underused Pro.
