Summary
iPad Air 2024 vs iPad Pro 2024.. Our comparison of the iPad Air 2024 and the iPad Pro 2024 will show you all you need to know about the differences between the two iPads, whether you are on the fence about which new iPad to purchase or you just want to know what makes them different.
We are pleased to announce the arrival of the new iPad Air 2024, which has an M2 processor, a relocated front camera, and a bigger 13-inch size option that complements the 11-inch choice. Additionally, there is the iPad Pro 2024, which is a more sophisticated model that is available in the same two sizes as its predecessors. It is distinguished by its new OLED display, its ultra-thin design, and its powerful new M4 processor.
There is a significant pricing difference between the iPad Air and the iPad Pro, which begins at $799 for the iPad Air and goes up to $999 for the iPad Pro. In order to help you choose the iPad that is most suitable for your needs, I will take you through all of the other significant distinctions that exist between these new tablets.
IPAD AIR 2024 VS IPAD PRO 2024: PRICE AND SPECS
Price and processing power are the two aspects that differentiate these two tablets the most, as can be seen from the specifications shown above.
Although both are available in the same sizes (11 inches and 13 inches) and are nearly the same size, the iPad Pro 2024 is really slimmer than the iPad Air 2024 now that Apple has revamped it. Both are available in the same format. Specifically, this is the tiniest gadget that Apple has ever produced.
However, the iPad Pro contains a LiDAR scanner in its rear-facing camera array, which is meant to measure depth and distance to objects in the room. Because of this, it is excellent for augmented reality applications, which will be discussed more below. Both tablets come with roughly the same networking choices and cameras.
On the other hand, the iPad Air 2024 is offered in a wider range of colour options, including blue and purple, in comparison to the iPad Pro 2024, which is only available in silver and black (sorry, Space Black).
iPad Air 2024 (11″/13″) | iPad Pro 2024 (11″/13″) | |
Price | from $599/$799 | from $799/$1,299 |
Display | 11-inch LED (2360 x 1640 pixels) / 13-inch LED (2732 x 2048 pixels) | 11-inch Tandem OLED (2420 x 1668 pixels) / 13-inch Tandem OLED (2752 x 2064 pixels) 120Hz ProMotion |
Colors | Blue, Purple, Starlight, and Space Gray | Silver, Space Black |
Chip | M2 | M4 |
Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB |
Cameras | 12MP front landscape, 12MP rear | 12MP front landscape, 12MP rear |
Wireless | Wi-Fi 6E, 5G | Wi-Fi 6E, 5G |
Size | 9.7 x 7 x 0.24 inches / 11.04 x 8.5 x 0.24 inches | 9.83 x 6.99 x 0.21 inches, / 11.09 x 8.48 x 0.2 inches |
Weight | 1.02 pounds / 1.36 pounds | 0.98 pounds / 1.28 pounds |
Compared to the iPad Pro 2024, the iPad Air 2024 design
Apple has effectively standardized the design of iPads throughout the whole range now that the base iPad 2022 has been upgraded with a design that is similar to that of the iPad Air, which has reduced bezels and a repositioned camera array. This is the reason why the 2024 iPad Air looks so much like the 2024 iPad Pro.
Because of this, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the iPad Air 2024 and iPad Pro 2024 have a very similar appearance, particularly considering that both models are available in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes.
On the other hand, because it is the first iPad to be launched with an OLED screen, the iPad Pro 2024 may still be recognizable from a considerable distance. Not just one, either; Apple claims that the displays of the iPad Pro 2024 are constructed with two layers of OLED display, which is the reason why the firm refers to it as a Tandem OLED display.
OLED screens on televisions and computers have always been my favorites since they have a tendency to produce image quality that seems to be much superior to that of non-OLED displays. This is because OLED displays have brighter brights, perfect blacks, and intriguing contrasts between the two.
Furthermore, despite the fact that these two new series of Apple slates seem to be quite identical in terms of their style, there is a significant distinction that gives the iPad Pro 2024 an advantage over its rivals.
The iPad Pro 2024 uses FaceID to authenticate users, but the iPad Air makes use of a TouchID sensor that is integrated into the power button. This is yet another significant design difference between the two devices. The first way is more efficient and requires less effort.
IPad Air 2024 against iPad Pro 2024: Display Comparison
At this point, let’s get into the specifics of the differences in the screens of these two tablets.
Since the LED display on the iPad Air 2024 is identical to the one on its predecessor, which measures 11 inches and has a resolution of 2360 by 1640 pixels, I anticipate that its performance will be comparable to that of the previous iPad Air 2022. Due to the fact that it has a 13-inch LED screen with 2732 x 2048 pixels, the larger model is anticipated to provide the same performance as the smaller one, but it will be larger.
As a point of contrast, the iPad Pro 2024 is equipped with Tandem OLED panels, which Apple claims are capable of reaching a maximum brightness of 1,000 nits, or 1,600 nits, while watching HDR content.
You can see that the screens on the iPad Pro 2024 feature a 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate and somewhat higher resolutions than those on the iPad Air 2024. This information is shown in the table of specifications that is located above. When compared to the 60Hz screen on the iPad Air 2024, the 120Hz refresh rate may make scrolling seem more comfortable. Additionally, some games may provide a more fluid gameplay experience if they are able to operate at a higher frame rate than 60 frames per second.
The displays of the iPad Pro 2024 have a resolution that is marginally greater than the resolution of the screens of the iPad Air 2024. Additionally, you have the option of ordering the iPad Pro with an anti-reflective nano-texture coating, which is a costly additional feature. However, despite the fact that it is a very little difference, so minuscule that you almost definitely wouldn’t see it unless you were holding numerous tablets side by side, it is still worth mentioning since it helps explain the additional cost of between $200 and $500 for the Pro.
IPad Air 2024 vs iPad Pro 2024: Comparison of Performance
One other significant area in which you begin to realize how the iPad Pro 2024 deserves its greater price is as follows: The performance.
The M2 chip that is included inside the iPad Air 2024 tablets is an improvement over the M1 processor that was used to power the iPad Air 2024 tablets’ predecessors. The M2 is not what you would call a slacker, and it ought to make the new iPad Airs seem like they have sufficient speed and power.
Despite the fact that the M2 processor that will be included in the iPad Air 2024 may turn out to be of high quality, it will almost certainly not be able to compete with the brand-new M4 chip that will be used to power the iPad Pro 2024.
The most recent piece of Apple’s silicon is now only available in the new iPad Pro 2024, which is the only device that can purchase it. In spite of the fact that the more affordable iPad Pro 2024 versions (those with less than 1 terabyte of storage) are equipped with the somewhat less powerful Apple M4 processor with a 9-core CPU, these new chips are equipped with a GPU with a maximum of 10 cores and a CPU with up to 10 cores.
To add insult to injury, Apple does not make it abundantly obvious that the quantity of random-access memory (RAM) on the M4 chip varies depending on the amount of money you pay. While the most affordable variants of the iPad Pro 2024 come with just 8GB of RAM, the more expensive ones come with 16GB of RAM and either 1TB or 2TB of storage space.
All of the iPad Air 2024 models come with just 8 gigabytes of random-access memory (RAM), which means that the more expensive iPad Pro 2024 models should have a substantial performance advantage over the iPad Air 2024. This is because the iPad Pro 2024 models will feature a processor that is two generations better and will also have twice as much memory.
iPad Air 2024 vs iPad Pro 2024: Audio Comparison
There have never been more speakers on the iPad Air than there are on the iPad Pro, and this is not something that has changed with these new tablets.
As with its predecessor, the iPad Air 2024 has landscape stereo speakers, which are two speakers located inside the tablet and are separated from one another in order to provide the best possible stereo sound when the tablet is held in the same manner as a landscape painting. These speakers produced a sound that was very pleasing to our ears.
In order to have a clearer idea of how the new 2024 models sound, we will have to wait till we get the opportunity to try one for ourselves.
Even though the iPad Pro 2024 does not differ much from its predecessors, it is anticipated that it will have superior sound quality over the iPad Air 2024 due to the fact that the Pro has twice as many speakers. The iPad Pro 2024 has four built-in speakers, which means that it should be able to produce music that is more robust and has a more pleasing sound.
iPad Air has two microphones; however, the iPad Pro 2024 has four microphones. This means that the iPad Pro 2024 has twice as many microphones as the iPad Air. Therefore, if you want to make a significant number of video calls or record on your tablet, you should find that the Pro gives you a higher-quality recording experience.
The CAMERAS of the IPAD AIR 2024 and the IPAD PRO 2024
Despite the fact that the cameras on these new iPads are almost identical to those on the older models, the older iPads were perfectly enough for taking photographs (and who, anyway, shoots pictures with an iPad??). If this is the case, then there should be nothing to complain about.
There is a 12-megapixel camera on the back of the iPad Air 2024, in addition to an ultra-wide camera on the front that is now positioned above the display when the device is in landscape mode. This makes it simpler to make video calls. For the front-facing camera, it is powered by Apple’s own technology. Additionally, Apple’s Center Stage function is supported with the iPad Air cam. It is also possible to record video at a resolution of up to 4K using the back camera.
Not only does the iPad Pro 2024 include cameras that are almost identical to those of its predecessor, but they are also marginally superior than those found on the iPad Air 2024.
The iPad Pro boasts a TrueDepth camera that enables it to support FaceID, which is often known as signing in with your face. This is in addition to the fact that it has a 12MP ultra-wide front camera and a 12MP back camera. The rear camera on the iPad Pro 2024 is capable of recording video at resolutions as high as 4K or ProRes, which may be a significant advantage for professionals working in the film industry.
ACCESSORIES: Comparing the iPad Air 2024 and the iPad Pro 2024
Both the iPad Air 2024 and the iPad Pro 2024 are compatible with a selection of Apple’s most popular iPad accessories; however, depending on which tablet you choose to purchase, you will need to consider purchasing a separate keyboard.
The iPad Air 2024 is compatible with Apple’s Magic Keyboard for iPad Air M2, and the price of this sleek keyboard cover is $299 for the 11-inch model and $349 for the 13-inch variation. The iPad Air 2024 is intended to function with the mouse. Additionally, the Air is compatible with both the old Apple Pencil (USB-C) ($79) and the brand-new Apple Pencil Pro ($129), which comes with additional capabilities like as a squeezable and rotatable barrel that allows you to do actions such as changing the size of the brush or scrolling down a page if you so want.
The new Apple Smart Folio, which costs $79 and $99 for 11-inch and 13-inch models, is compatible with the iPad Air 2024, just in case you are looking for an official Apple cover for your iPad.
Both the Apple Pencil (USB-C) and the Apple Pencil Pro are compatible with the new iPad Pro 2024, which also supports Bluetooth. Additionally, Apple is offering it in conjunction with a new Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro, which is developed exclusively for these new tablets and costs $299 or $349 for 11-inch and 13-inch models, respectively.
There are four significant enhancements that have been made to the new Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro. These upgrades include a bigger glass trackpad than the previous Magic Keyboard, a new metal palm rest, and a new row of function buttons that seem to be more similar to those found on a laptop.
The fact that these enhancements should, when taken as a whole, make the experience of typing on a Magic Keyboard Pro a little bit more pleasurable is quite encouraging, especially considering that the Magic Keyboard is already an excellent device.
A Comparison between the iPad Air 2024 and the iPad Pro 2024
The fact of the matter is that the iPad Pro 2024 is not just more costly than the iPad Air 2024, but it also has a greater range of capabilities. Considering that Apple charges an additional $200–$500 for the Pro over the air, this is not a very shocking finding. In my opinion, what is shocking is the fact that the iPad Air 2024 is still superior to the iPad Pro in some specific aspects for certain individuals.
If you choose the Air, you will not only be able to save money, but you will also have access to a more colorful range of colors (why does Apple not provide colors for the Pros?), a strong enough M2 processor, and the capability to utilize TouchID. All things considered, the iPad Air 2024 seems to be an excellent tablet.
Spending a lot of money on an iPad Pro 2024, however, comes with a number of additional enhancements that you cannot afford to pass on. The M4 CPU is more future-proof, particularly for machine learning and artificial intelligence applications, and the OLED display is far more brilliant. Additionally, the design is astonishingly slim. Moreover, the speakers on the Pro are superior to those on the Pro.
It is very evident that the iPad Pro 2024 continues to be the most captivating iPad that can be purchased. If you do not need a bigger screen, the fact that you can get an iPad Air 2024 with an 11-inch display for the same price as a 13-inch model makes it a rather simple choice to determine whether or not to purchase the device. The iPad Air 2024, on the other hand, seems to be an excellent deal overall.