Are you caught in the dilemma of choosing between the
iPad Air 5th Generation vs iPad Pro? If so, you’re not alone.
These two powerful Apple tablets boast
impressive specs and cutting-edge features that often make it difficult for potential buyers to decide which device best suits their needs.
In this blog post, we’ll break down every aspect of these popular iPads—from design and display to performance and pricing—to help you pick the perfect tablet companion tailored precisely for your personal or professional exploits.
Quick Summary
- The iPad Pro has a larger display size, higher resolution, and better maximum brightness than the iPad Air 5th Generation.
- The iPad Pro offers better performance and processing power due to its M2 chip and higher RAM capacity, making it ideal for professional or creative work.
- While the iPad Air is more affordable than the iPad Pro, the latter offers superior camera features with LiDAR Scanner technology, Magic Keyboard support, USB-C port compatibility for faster data transfer speed and charging capability with external devices.
- Both iPads are excellent choices depending on personal needs. Those looking for an affordable device with high-end features can opt for the iPad Air. At the same time, those who need cutting-edge hardware capabilities geared towards professional use scenarios only iOS can offer should choose the iPad Pro.
iPad Air 5Th Generation Vs iPad Pro Design And Display Comparison
The
iPad Air 5th generation and the iPad Pro have different screen sizes, with the Air having a 10.9-inch display and the Pro featuring a larger 12.9-inch screen.
Display Size And Resolution
The iPad Air 5th generation and the
iPad Pro 2022 showcase differences in
display size and
resolution, further emphasizing the uniqueness of each model.
The following table highlights these distinctions:
| Device |
Display Size |
Resolution |
| iPad Air 5th Generation |
10.9 inches |
2360 x 1640 pixels |
| iPad Pro 2022 |
12.9 inches |
2732 x 2048 pixels |
The table shows that the iPad Pro 2022 boasts a
larger 12.9-inch display compared to the slightly smaller 10.9-inch screen on the iPad Air 5.
This difference in size also translates to a
higher resolution on the iPad Pro, offering a more detailed and immersive visual experience.
Additionally, the iPad Pro features a
higher maximum brightness of 1600 nits, while the iPad Air has a peak brightness of 500 nits, illustrating the superior display capabilities of the iPad Pro.
Weight And Dimensions
One of the key factors to consider when comparing the iPad Air 5th generation and the iPad Pro is their
weight and dimensions.
The iPad Air 5 is slightly
smaller and lighter than the iPad Pro, making it a
more portable option for those frequently on the go.
It
measures 247.6 x 178.5 x 6.1 mm and weighs approximately one pound, while the larger
iPad Pro measures 280.6 x 214.9 x 5.9 mm and weighs around one-and-a-half pounds.
However, it’s important to
note that while the iPad Air is lighter, it’s not necessarily less sturdy or durable than its counterpart.
Both devices feature high-quality construction materials that protect
against everyday wear and tear, such as scratches or accidental drops.
Overall, if you value portability above all else in your tablet selection process, then you may find that the lighter weight of the iPad Air makes it ideal for your needs.
However, if screen size is more important to you than ultimate portability – especially if you intend on using your device as a primary tool for content creation or media consumption, then opting for an iPad Pro might be worth considering despite its slight increase in size and weight compared to its little sibling model.
Apple Pencil Compatibility
I enjoy using the Apple Pencil with my iPad, so this is an important feature. The iPad Air
5th Gen and iPad Pro models support the second-generation Apple Pencil, which means you can easily take notes, draw, or mark up documents.
The Pencil
attaches magnetically to the side of the iPad when not in use and
charges wirelessly while attached.
However, one key difference between the two devices regarding pencil compatibility is that only the iPad Pro supports the Magic Keyboard with built-in trackpad and backlit keys, making typing more comfortable in low-light environments.
Performance And Processing Power
The iPad Pro boasts better performance and processing power than the iPad Air 5th generation, thanks to its M2 chip and higher RAM capacity.
Chipset And RAM
Regarding the processing power of both devices, the iPad Pro 2022 has an edge over the iPad Air 5.
While the Air is powered by Apple’s
A15 Bionic chip with a 6-core CPU and a 5-core GPU, the
iPad Pro is equipped with Apple’s latest M2 chip, which boasts an even more powerful CPU and GPU than its predecessor.
Regarding RAM, both devices come with different options depending on their storage capacity. The iPad Air comes with either 4GB or 6GB of RAM, depending on whether you choose the base model or opt for more storage.
Meanwhile, the iPad Pro models start at 8GB of RAM and go up to 16GB for higher storage variants.
Overall, while both devices offer significant processing power and can handle demanding tasks like editing videos or running multiple apps simultaneously, users looking for ultimate performance and speed may want to consider investing in an iPad Pro model with higher RAM capacities.
Battery Life
Regarding battery life, the iPad Pro outperforms the iPad Air 5th generation. The latest
iPad Pro has a bigger battery than its predecessor, allowing up to 10 hours of web surfing on Wi-Fi or watching videos.
Meanwhile, the
iPad Air 5 offers up to nine hours of web browsing and video playback on a single charge.
Both
devices had impressive battery life in real-world use, lasting me through multiple hours of continuous use with ease.
However, if you need longer-lasting battery performance for your work or entertainment needs, the iPad Pro might be the better option due to its larger capacity.
Additionally, both iPads support fast charging via USB-C PD chargers (sold separately), but only the iPad Pro includes a 20W power adapter in the box.
Overall, while both devices offer solid battery performance and longevity without frequent recharging, those looking for maximum endurance might want to consider investing in an iPad Pro instead of an iPad Air 5th generation.
Storage Options
The iPad Air 5th generation and the iPad Pro differ regarding storage options. The Air is available in two variants – 64GB or 256GB of internal storage, while the iPad Pro models start at a higher base storage of 128 GB.
However, the Pro offers variations with larger storage capacities up to a massive 2TB.
The decision on which device to choose will depend on one’s usage and personal preference regarding storage capacity needs.
For example, opting for an iPad Pro with more extensive internal memory may be favourable if you plan on storing high-quality videos and images.
On the other hand, those who don’t need as much space for everyday use can go for the more affordable option, iPad Air.
It’s essential also to note that both devices support Apple’s cloud services like iCloud Drive, allowing users to store their files online seamlessly.
Regardless of your choice between these two impressive gadgets from Apple, you can rest assured they deliver premium performance that fits your mobile technology lifestyle.
Camera And Audio Features
The iPad Air 5 has a single 12MP rear-facing camera and a 7MP front-facing camera. At the same time, the iPad Pro boasts a Pro camera system with two lenses- an ultra-wide and wide lens-supported by LiDAR Scanner for augmented reality applications.
The audio quality of both devices is top-notch, but the Pro offers more advanced speakers that support spatial audio technology and better sound staging.
Camera Specifications
The camera specifications on the iPad Air 5th generation and iPad Pro are quite different. The iPad Air 5 has a single rear-facing camera with a resolution of only 12 megapixels.
At the same time, the Pro boasts an advanced Pro Camera System with three cameras – including ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto lenses – along with a LiDAR scanner for depth sensing.
This results in much higher-quality photos from the iPad Pro than from the Air. Only the Pro model includes a flashlight feature to enhance low-light photography.
If you’re someone who intends to use your tablet primarily for taking photos or making videos, then it’s clear that the iPad Pro is going to provide much better results than what’s provided by its counterpart.
However, suppose you don’t place as much emphasis on camera quality and are more interested in other features like processing power or storage capacity instead.
In that case, you might be perfectly happy choosing the less expensive option of Apple’s fifth-generation iPad Air.
Audio Quality And Features
Regarding audio quality and features, the iPad Pro has a slight edge over the iPad Air 5th generation. Both devices have four speakers and support spatial audio, but the Pro offers a more immersive listening experience with its wider stereo sound.
Another key feature of the iPad Pro’s audio system is its ability to pair with external accessories like wireless headphones and speakers via Bluetooth.
This allows users to enjoy their content without disturbing others around them, whether they’re watching movies on a plane or jamming out in their living room.
Port
The iPad Air 5th generation and the iPad Pro have different port configurations. The iPad Air uses a Lightning port, while the iPad Pro has USB-C.
This difference means that users can connect more accessories and use different peripherals on the newer device than they can with the older one.
Another advantage of having USB-C is its higher transfer speed when transferring files between devices such as a camera or external hard drive.
Not only will you appreciate this during file transfers from your laptop to your tablet, but also for charging other devices quickly, such as phones or headphones, without needing an additional adapter.
Price And Value Comparison
The iPad Air 5th generation is priced lower than the iPad Pro, making it a more affordable option for those looking for an Apple tablet; however, the iPad Pro offers better value in terms of its advanced camera and processing power.
Cost Comparison
Regarding cost, the iPad Air 5th generation is generally more affordable than the latest iPad Pro models. The starting price for the iPad Air is $599, while the base model of the 2022 iPad Pro starts at $1099.
However, if you’re looking for a larger display or higher storage capacity, you’ll need to shell out even more money for an iPad Pro.
Cost shouldn’t be your only deciding factor when choosing between these two tablets. You also need to
consider what features are most important to you and how you plan on using your device.
If you’re an artist or graphic designer who needs precise pen input and multi-tasking capabilities, then the latest iPad Pro may be worth the extra expense.
But if you need a reliable tablet that can handle basic tasks such as web browsing and streaming videos, then the more budget-friendly iPad Air 5th generation might be perfect for you.
Key Factors To Consider When Choosing Between The Two
When deciding between the iPad Air 5th Generation and the iPad Pro, there are a few key factors to consider:
- Display size and resolution: The iPad Pro has a larger screen with higher resolution, making it better for graphic design, video editing, or simply consuming media.
- Processing power: The iPad Pro’s M2 chip is faster than the A15 chip in the iPad Air 5. The Pro may be better if you need a tablet that can handle demanding tasks such as video editing or gaming.
- Camera quality: If you plan on using your tablet for photography or videography, the iPad Pro’s Pro system with LiDAR scanner and flashlight is superior to the single camera on the iPad Air 5.
- Audio features: The Pro has more advanced audio features, such as four speakers instead of two and spatial audio support.
- Accessories: Only the iPad Pro supports the Magic Keyboard, which turns your tablet into a laptop-like device with an attached keyboard and trackpad.
- Price: The iPad Air 5th generation is less expensive than the latest iPad Pro models but offers impressive specs for most use cases.
Ultimately, your choice depends on your specific needs and budget. If you need a tablet that can handle intensive tasks, require high-quality cameras or audio features, or want to use accessories like the Magic Keyboard, go for the iPad Pro.
However, if you’re looking for a more affordable option that still offers great performance and features for everyday use, then the iPad Air 5th Generation may be right for you.
Pros And Cons Of iPad Air 5th Generation And iPad Pro
Regarding the iPad Air 5th generation and the iPad Pro, both devices have pros and cons.
The iPad Air 5 is more affordable than the Pro, offering impressive features like a
Liquid Retina display,
A15 chipset, and
Apple Pencil support. It also has a smaller form factor, making it easier to carry around.
However, the iPad Pro is worth considering if you need a device with more processing power for tasks like video editing or gaming. It also has an
edge-to-edge display with minimal bezel and
Face ID technology for added security.
On the downside, it’s significantly pricier than the Air models and some features like 5G connectivity are only available on select versions of the Pro.
In summary, choosing the iPad Air or Pro ultimately depends on your needs and budget. If you’re looking for an affordable tablet with impressive specs for everyday use cases like web browsing or streaming media content, go with the iPad Air.
However, consider investing in an iPad Pro if you require advanced features such as faster performance speeds or sleeker design elements coupled with enhanced security options.
Conclusion: Which iPad Is Right For You?
When choosing between the iPad Air 5th Generation and the iPad Pro, there are a few key factors to consider. If you’re looking for a more
affordable option with high-end features, the iPad Air is an excellent choice.
On the other hand, if you require
top-of-the-line specs for professional use or creative work, then the iPad Pro might be your best bet.
Ultimately it all depends on what you need from a tablet device.