The iPad Air and iPad Pro are two distinct iPad models produced by Apple that offer unique features and capabilities. In this article, we will explore the differences between the iPad Air and iPad Pro models, including design, display, performance, software, and pricing.
- Design: When it comes to design, there are visible differences between the iPad Air and iPad Pro. The iPad Air adopts a more traditional iPad design with a thicker bezel around its display and a physical home button that doubles as a Touch ID sensor. Meanwhile, the iPad Pro features minimal bezels, no physical home button, and instead of Touch ID, it comes with Face ID unlocking. The iPad Pro’s design makes it ideal for artists and designers who require a large screen with an edge-to-edge display.
- Display: Both the iPad Air and iPad Pro have unique and high-quality displays. The iPad Air has a 10.5-inch screen with a resolution of 2224 x 1668 pixels and a pixel density of 264 PPI (pixels per inch). Meanwhile, the iPad Pro comes in two sizes, 11 inches, and 12.9 inches, with a resolution of 2388 x 1668 pixels and 2732 x 2048 pixels, respectively. The iPad Pro’s liquid retina display has a higher pixel density (264 PPI for 11-inch, and 264 PPI for 12.9-inch), which makes it better suited for graphic design and video editing.
- Performance: Both the iPad Air and iPad Pro come with different performance specifications. The iPad Air comes with Apple’s A12 Bionic chip, which provides excellent performance and battery life. Meanwhile, the iPad Pro is powered by the A12Z Bionic chip, which has an additional graphics core for specific tools such as graphic intensive workloads. This makes the iPad Pro faster and more energy-efficient, making it ideal for professional work such as photo and video editing.
- Software: The iPad Air and iPad Pro both run on Apple’s latest operating system, iOS 14. However, the iPad Pro has additional software capabilities due to its support for the Apple Pencil 2 and Smart Keyboard folio. The iPad Pro’s combination of hardware and software makes it better suited for creatives and professionals, such as artists, graphic designers, and content creators.
- Pricing: Pricing is one of the biggest differences between the iPad Air and iPad Pro. The iPad Air is relatively affordable, starting at799 for the 11-inch model and $999 for the 12.9-inch model. The iPad Pro’s price is due to its larger screen size, additional storage options, a higher refresh rate display, cutting-edge processing power, and additional features such as Face ID, USB-C port connectivity, and Apple Pencil 2 support.
Conclusion:
The iPad Air and iPad Pro offer unique features catering to different audiences. If you’re someone who wants a budget-friendly option that provides excellent performance and productivity, the iPad Air is an ideal choice. However, if you’re a professional or creative who requires the highest performance and perfect usability for tasks like photo and video editing, the iPad Pro is an excellent choice. The iPad Air is ideal for general entertainment, while the iPad Pro is made for professionals who demand the highest level of performance and processing capability.
Some FAQs
Q: What is the main difference between the iPad Air and iPad Pro? A: The iPad Air is a mid-tier option and is more affordable, while the iPad Pro is a high-end device with more advanced features, such as a larger display, faster processor, and additional software capabilities.
Q: Which iPad is best for graphic design? A: The iPad Pro is the best option for graphic design due to its larger display, higher resolution, and support for the Apple Pencil 2.
Q: Is the iPad Air good for gaming? A: Yes, the iPad Air is an excellent option for gaming. Its A12 Bionic chip and 3GB of RAM provide robust performance and run demanding games smoothly.
Q: Is the iPad Pro worth the extra cost? A: The iPad Pro is worth the extra cost if you’re a professional or creative who requires enhanced performance and additional features such as USB-C connectivity, an edge-to-edge display, and Apple Pencil 2 support.
Q: What is the battery life of the iPad Air and iPad Pro? A: The iPad Air and iPad Pro both have excellent battery life, with the iPad Air lasting up to 10 hours and the iPad Pro can last up to 11 hours of use time.
Q: Can the iPad Air and iPad Pro be used for drawing? A: Yes, both iPad Air and iPad Pro support various drawing apps and the use of the Apple Pencil. However, the iPad Pro’s display provides a more accurate drawing experience due to its higher pixel density and color accuracy.
Q: Which iPad is better for video editing? A: The iPad Pro is better for video editing due to its faster processor, higher memory, larger storage capacity, and improved graphics capabilities.
Q: Do the iPad Air and iPad Pro come with a warranty? A: Yes, both devices come with a one-year limited warranty covering manufacturing defects. Additionally, you may have the option to purchase AppleCare+ for additional coverage.