IPad pro generation comparison. Apple iPad Pro Vs. Apple iPad Air: Which Should You Choose

21.08.2023 dakus Tablets

Comparing the iPad Pro 6th Gen vs 5th Gen: Which is the Best Choice?

If you’re in the market for a new iPad Pro, you may be considering the latest 6th generation model versus the previous 5th generation. The 6th generation iPad Pro was released in 2022 and boasts several improvements over the 5th generation, which was released in 2021. In this article, we’ll compare the two models and help you determine which one is right for you.

iPad Pro 6th Gen vs 5th Gen

Performance: M2 Chip vs. M1 Chip

One of the most significant differences between the iPad Pro 6th Gen and the 5th Gen is the chip that powers the device. The iPad Pro 6th Gen features the new M2 chip, which offers faster performance than the M1 chip found in the iPad Pro 5th Gen.

The M2 chip has a 15% faster CPU, a 35% faster GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine that can process 40% more operations per second. If you’re a professional who needs maximum performance and works with large assets, the M2 chip in the iPad Pro 6th Gen may be worth considering.

Apple Pencil Hover Feature

Another difference between the iPad Pro 6th Gen and the 5th Gen is the Apple Pencil hover feature. The iPad Pro 6th Gen supports Apple Pencil hover, which allows the Pencil to be detected up to 12mm above the display. This allows users to see a preview of their mark before they make it, making sketching and illustrating more precise.

If you use the Apple Pencil heavily for note-taking and illustration, the hover feature in the iPad Pro 6th Gen may be beneficial. This feature is not available on the 5th Gen.

Display: Liquid Retina Displays

Both the iPad Pro 6th Gen and the 5th Gen have Liquid Retina displays, but there are some differences. The iPad Pro 6th Gen has a slightly larger 12.9-inch display compared to the 11-inch display on the 5th Gen. Additionally, the 6th Gen has a higher resolution of 2732 x 2048 pixels, while the 5th Gen has a resolution of 2388 x 1668 pixels.

While both displays offer excellent quality, the iPad Pro 6th Gen’s display may offer slightly better image clarity and detail due to the higher resolution. However, if portability is important to you, the smaller display on the 5th Gen may be more appealing.

Battery Life

Both the iPad Pro 6th Gen and the 5th Gen offer up to 10 hours of battery life, so you can use them throughout the day without needing to recharge. However, the iPad Pro 6th Gen may offer slightly better battery efficiency due to its newer, more efficient chip.

Storage

Another important consideration when comparing the iPad Pro 6th Gen vs 5th Gen is storage. The 6th Gen is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB storage options, giving users a wide range of choices depending on their needs and budget. On the other hand, the 5th Gen is also available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage options. While both tablets offer ample storage space, the 2TB option on the 6th Gen may be especially appealing for users who need a lot of storage for their files, photos, and other media.

Connectivity

Connectivity is another important factor to consider when deciding between the iPad Pro 6th Gen vs 5th Gen. Both tablets support Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity, allowing users to connect to the internet and make phone calls from their device. However, the 6th Gen offers 5G connectivity, while the 5th Gen does not. This may be a consideration for users who need fast, reliable internet connectivity on the go.

Pricing

Price is always a factor when considering any purchase, and the iPad Pro 6th Gen vs 5th Gen comparison is no exception. The 6th Gen is more expensive than the 5th Gen, with a starting price of 1099 for the 128GB Wi-Fi model, compared to the 5th Gen’s starting price of 799. The price difference increases as you move up to higher storage options and cellular connectivity.

Color Options

The iPad 5th Gen and the iPad Pro 12.9″ 6th Gen 2022 have some differences in their color options.

Specifically, the iPad 5th Gen has added a new shade of Gray to its color palette, which is not available in the iPad Pro 12.9″ 6th Gen 2022. While both devices offer the Silver option, the iPad 5th Gen has eliminated the Gold and Gray colors that were available on the iPad Pro 12.9″ 6th Gen 2022.

Should you upgrade?

So, should you upgrade from the 5th Gen to the 6th Gen? It depends on your needs and priorities. If you already have a 5th Gen iPad Pro and it is meeting your needs, upgrading to the 6th Gen may not be worth the additional cost. However, if you are in the market for a new tablet and the new features of the 6th Gen are important to you, it may be worth the investment. Ultimately, the decision to upgrade comes down to whether the new features and improvements are worth the additional cost for your specific use case.

Final Thoughts

The iPad Pro 6th Gen vs 5th Gen comparison shows that both tablets offer impressive features and capabilities. The 6th Gen offers faster performance, the Apple Pencil hover feature, 5G connectivity, and more storage options, but at a higher price point. Meanwhile, the 5th Gen is still a great tablet with excellent performance and a lower price tag. When making a decision, it’s important to consider your specific needs, budget, and priorities to determine which model is the right fit for you.

If you are looking for more than iPad Pro 6th Gen vs 5th Gen comparison you can also check out the comparison of all iPads here: All the iPad Models 2022 – 10 Best Devices

You can also check all the features on Apple’s website.

Tips for New Buyers

If you’re considering purchasing an iPad Pro for the first time, there are a few things you may want to keep in mind in addition to the iPad Pro 6th Gen vs 5th Gen comparison.

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One thing to consider is the size of the iPad Pro. The 2022 model is available in two sizes: 11 inches and 12.9 inches. The 11-inch model is a good choice for those who want a more compact device that’s easier to carry around, while the 12.9-inch model is ideal for those who want a larger display for multitasking and productivity.

Another factor to consider is the type of work you’ll be doing on the iPad Pro. If you’ll be using the tablet for creative work such as drawing, design, or video editing, you may want to invest in the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard accessories. The Apple Pencil is a highly precise stylus that allows you to sketch and draw with ease, while the Magic Keyboard provides a full-sized keyboard and trackpad for a more laptop-like experience.

You may also want to consider the storage capacity of the iPad Pro, especially if you’ll be using it for work or storing large files such as photos and videos. If you plan on storing a lot of content on your device, you may want to opt for a higher storage capacity.

Finally, it’s worth considering the cost of the iPad Pro, especially if you’re on a budget. The 2022 model is more expensive than the 2021 model, and the cost of the accessories can also add up. However, if you’re looking for a powerful, high-quality tablet that can handle a wide range of tasks, the iPad Pro is an excellent choice.

Tips for Laptop Users

As this article is focused on comparing the iPad Pro 6th Gen vs 5th Gen, it may not be directly relevant to laptop users. However, if you’re a laptop user considering switching to an iPad Pro, there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, it’s important to note that the iPad Pro is not a traditional laptop replacement. While it offers powerful hardware and an intuitive interface, it may not be the best choice for users who need to run specialized software or require a lot of multitasking.

That said, the iPad Pro can be an excellent choice for users who need a portable, lightweight device for productivity, creativity, and entertainment. With its powerful chip, high-quality display, and support for accessories like the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard, the iPad Pro can handle a wide range of tasks, from sketching and note-taking to video editing and gaming.

When comparing the iPad Pro 6th Gen vs 5th Gen, laptop users may be particularly interested in the performance differences between the two models. While the M2 chip in the 6th Gen offers faster performance than the M1 chip in the 5th Gen, it’s worth considering whether this will make a significant difference for your specific use case. If you’re a heavy user of resource-intensive software, you may find that the 6th Gen’s performance boost is worth the additional cost. However, if you mainly use your device for everyday tasks like web browsing and word processing, the 5th Gen may be more than sufficient.

In summary, while the iPad Pro may not be a direct replacement for a laptop, it can be an excellent choice for users who value portability, versatility, and high-quality hardware. When comparing the iPad Pro 6th Gen vs 5th Gen, laptop users should consider their specific needs and use cases to determine which model is the best fit for them.

Overall, the 2022 iPad Pro is a minor upgrade over the 2021 model, with the M2 chip and Apple Pencil hover being the main new features. If you already have a 2021 iPad Pro, it’s unlikely that these features will justify the cost of upgrading. However, if you have an older iPad Pro or are looking for a new tablet, the 2022 model may be worth considering if price is not a concern. Just be sure to weigh the pros and cons and decide whether the new features are worth the additional cost for you.

Benefit In Case You Have iPad Pro 6th Gen

The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th generation) is a powerful and versatile device that offers a range of features and capabilities that can benefit professionals, including freelance writers, students, graphic artists, photographers, and musicians. With its M2 chip, 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine, the iPad Pro offers fast and efficient performance, making it ideal for multitasking and running demanding applications.

For freelance writers and students, the iPad Pro’s large 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display, with its 2D backlighting system and 2596 full-array local dimming zones, offers a bright, clear, and high-resolution display that is perfect for reading, writing, and taking notes. The iPad Pro also supports the Apple Pencil (2nd generation), which is ideal for taking handwritten notes, sketching, and marking up documents.

For graphic artists and photographers, the iPad Pro’s display, color accuracy, and support for the Apple Pencil make it a great device for creating digital art, editing photos, and designing graphics. The True Tone display, wide color display (P3), and ProMotion technology all combine to create a stunning visual experience, while the iPad Pro’s powerful camera system, including a 12MP wide camera, 10MP ultra-wide camera, and advanced video recording capabilities, make it a great tool for capturing and editing photos and videos.

For musicians, the iPad Pro offers powerful media and sound capabilities, with its hardware-accelerated H.264, HEVC, ProRes, and ProRes RAW, video decode and encode engines, and 4-speaker audio system, making it ideal for recording, producing, and mixing music. The iPad Pro’s high-quality microphones and support for external audio equipment make it a versatile and portable tool for any musician.

Overall, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th generation) is a top-of-the-line device that offers powerful performance and a range of features and capabilities that can benefit a variety of professionals. Its large, high-resolution display, powerful camera and audio capabilities, and support for the Apple Pencil and external audio equipment make it a great tool for creative professionals, while its fast and efficient performance and multitasking capabilities make it ideal for freelance writers, students, and professionals who need to work on the go.

Freelance Writers

As a freelance writer, the iPad Pro can be a valuable tool to help you create content more efficiently and effectively. Here are some ways that the iPad Pro can benefit freelance writers:

Portable and lightweight: The iPad Pro is thin and lightweight, making it easy to take with you on the go. This means you can work from anywhere, whether it’s at a coffee shop, library, or while traveling.
Long battery life: The iPad Pro has a long battery life, which means you can work for several hours without needing to recharge. This is especially useful if you’re working on a tight deadline and need to work for long hours without any interruptions.
Digital note-taking: The iPad Pro allows you to take notes and annotate documents using the Apple Pencil. This can be especially useful for taking notes during interviews or meetings, and for annotating drafts and manuscripts.
Writing apps: The iPad Pro comes with a range of writing apps that can help you create content more efficiently. Some popular apps include Ulysses, Scrivener, and iA Writer, which offer distraction-free writing environments, document organization tools, and Cloud syncing.
Multi-tasking: The iPad Pro has the ability to run multiple apps simultaneously, which can be useful for freelance writers who need to switch between different writing, research, and communication tasks.
Editing and proofreading: The iPad Pro can also be used for editing and proofreading content. You can use the Apple Pencil to annotate and mark up documents, and there are a range of editing and proofreading apps available, such as Grammarly and Hemingway.

Students

The iPad Pro 6th generation is a powerful device that can be an excellent tool for students to improve their productivity, creativity, and learning experience. Here are some ways a student can benefit from an iPad Pro 6th gen:

Note-taking: The iPad Pro with Apple Pencil support is an excellent tool for note-taking. Students can use apps like Notability, GoodNotes, or OneNote to take handwritten notes, annotate PDFs, and highlight important points.
Productivity: The iPad Pro is a powerful device that can help students be more productive. They can use apps like Google Docs, Microsoft Office, or Apple Pages to work on assignments and projects, and use apps like Trello, Todoist, or Things to manage their tasks and schedule.
Research: Students can use the iPad Pro to access online resources and conduct research. They can use apps like Safari, Google Scholar, or JSTOR to search for information, and use apps like Evernote or to save and organize their findings.
Creativity: The iPad Pro has a powerful graphics processor and is an excellent tool for creative work. Students can use apps like Procreate or Adobe Creative Cloud to create digital art, design graphics, or edit photos and videos.
Portability: The iPad Pro is a lightweight and portable device that students can take with them to class, the library, or study sessions. They can use the iPad Pro to access their textbooks, take notes, or work on assignments, no matter where they are.

Graphic Artists Photographers

the iPad Pro 6th generation can benefit graphic artists and photographers in several ways. Here are a few examples:

Procreate: The iPad Pro 6th generation is powerful enough to run the Procreate app, which is a popular and powerful digital art tool. With Procreate, graphic artists can create digital illustrations, paintings, and sketches with ease.
Apple Pencil: The iPad Pro 6th generation is compatible with the second-generation Apple Pencil, which provides a natural and intuitive drawing experience. The Apple Pencil has low latency, which means that the lines you draw appear on the screen immediately, making it feel like you’re drawing on paper.
Display: The iPad Pro 6th generation has a high-quality display that can show a wide range of colors, making it a great tool for photographers. They can view and edit photos with great detail, and the display can even be calibrated for color accuracy.
Portability: The iPad Pro 6th generation is lightweight and portable, making it easy for artists and photographers to take it with them wherever they go. This can be especially useful for artists who want to draw or paint on the go or for photographers who want to edit photos while they’re out in the field.
Connectivity: The iPad Pro 6th generation has a USB-C port, which makes it easy to connect to external devices like cameras or monitors. This can be especially useful for photographers who want to import photos directly from their camera or for artists who want to use an external monitor to view their work in greater detail.

Apple iPad Pro Vs. Apple iPad Air: Which Should You Choose?

Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own.

You’ve decided you want an Apple tablet, but you’re not sure which. Of course, there’s the regular iPad (available in both ninth- and tenth-generation models) but maybe you want something more powerful, or with a bigger display. That leaves you with a choice among two core products: the Apple iPad Air, with its 10.9-inch display and the Apple iPad Pro, which comes with either an 11-inch or a 12.9-inch screen. The iPad Air and the iPad Pro lines each have unique benefits, which complicates the decision of which model to buy.

The most obvious difference among these models is price. All three tablets cost more than the regular iPad. The iPad Air’s regular price starts at 599, while the similarly sized iPad Pro costs 799 and the 12.9-inch iPad Pro costs 1,099. Every Apple tablet, unlike most rival manufacturers, comes in Wi-Fi only or Wi-Fi and cellular options. The latter costs more but ensure you can connect to the internet wherever your SIM card (real or electronic) can find a suitable signal.

If you’ve narrowed your choice down to iPad Air and iPad Pro, which one is best for you? The iPad Air is less costly, but you miss out on some tangible benefits of the iPad Pro line, which include a processor bump to the latest Apple M2 processors and Face ID. Read on for full details, from design and display to processor power (and what that really means) on how the iPad Air compares to the iPad Pro.

Apple iPad Air Specifications

Balancing price and performance
Easy-to-use Touch ID security
A choice among colorful designs
The paltry on-board storage crimps your style
You won’t benefit from the boosted performance over the tenth-generation iPad

Apple iPad Pro 11-Inch Specifications

Brightness is paramount (it lacks a Mini LED display)
You need to keep costs down
The extra storage and performance won’t matter

Apple iPad Pro 12.9-Inch Specifications

Productivity and content creation on a large screen
Stunning display
Multitasking performance

Apple iPad Pro Vs. Apple iPad Air Design: Svelte, But Different Footprints

Our FOCUS here is on the iPads that sit at the premium end of Apple’s range. All the Apple tablets available now, apart from the ninth-generation entry-level iPad released in 2021, use the same industrial design—with cliff-edge sides and displays that cover the entire front of the tablet.

The Apple iPad Pro, which leapt to the new design first in 2018, has the narrowest bezels around the display. And while you might expect the Apple iPad Air to be the thinnest, it’s the 11-inch iPad Pro which claims that crown, measuring just 5.9 millimeters. Next thickest is the iPad Air (6.1 millimeters) and then the 12.9-inch iPad Pro at 6.4 millimeters. Bottom line: All three tablets are very thin, and it’s hard to eyeball a difference in thickness given it’s just a 0.5-millimeter variance, or less.

Though the iPad Air and iPad Pro 11-inch have similar designs, one glance tells you which is which because of the slightly bigger display on the Pro, and the consequently slimmer bezels. The iPad Air and iPad Pro 11-inch both weigh 1 pound and have an identical footprint—which translates into each feeling about the same in-hand. Not surprisingly, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch feels very different in-hand, given it is larger than the iPad Air in every way, with a bigger footprint and heavier weight. The extra screen size is useful for productivity, since you see more on-screen at any given time. But 1.5 pounds gets heavy to hold in your hands, making the 12.9-inch iPad Pro less conducive to use as a handheld tablet.

Both the iPad Air and iPad Pro have camera panels protruding from the back, though neither sticks out so much that it lops the device to one side if you’re typing on the on-screen keyboard (more on cameras below). The iPad Air and iPad Pro are both compatible with the second-generation Apple Pencil, which handily snaps magnetically to the side of the device. The iPad Air and iPad Pro use a USB-C connector, but only the iPad Pro models support up to 40Gbps speeds (including support for Thunderbolt 3 and USB4). This point matters most if you plan to fill the tablet to the max and have lots of large files (such as videos) you’re transferring to and from the device over time. In practice, I found the Air’s transfer speeds were decent enough that this was rarely a problem, but your mileage may vary.

If colors matter to you, the iPad Air has more room for choice, with space gray, starlight, pink, purple and blue. The iPad Pro is available in only space gray and silver, more staid colors in line with the iPad Pro’s “professional” veneer.

Decision: From a design perspective, the big differences among these three models’ design lies with the weight and screen size of the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, and with the speed of the USB-C connector.

Apple iPad Pro Vs. Apple iPad Air Storage: Less Or ?

The 599 Apple iPad Air starts out at a surprisingly low 64GB of storage—the same baseline as the entry-level tenth-generation iPad. If you jump to the next level, 256GB, the iPad Air’s price skyrockets to 749.

By contrast, the 799 11-inch iPad Pro comes with 128GB of storage, a much more reasonable starting point. Plus, you get the other benefits of the Pro’s performance and features, which we delve into below. And the iPad Pro line comes in options up to 2TB, so if you are a high-volume creative with demanding storage needs, the iPad Pro lineup is the obvious choice here.

Decision: If you want more storage and to get additional features, go with the 11-inch iPad Pro, which strikes a balance between price and performance. Or you can choose the 256GB iPad Air as the least expensive path to that much storage on a powerful iPad.

Apple iPad Pro Vs Apple iPad Air Display: Dynamic Refresh Rate And High Brightness

The iPad Air has a 10.9-inch display, with an anti-reflective coating, a wider color range and a fully laminated display. That’s an upgrade over the 10.9-inch tenth-generation iPad, but a bigger difference still exists between the Air and the 11-inch Pro. And the gap widens further when you compare the iPad Air to the larger iPad Pro. The iPad Air and iPad Pro all have the same pixel density of 264 pixels per inch (ppi). But that’s where the display similarities end.

Both Pro displays offer ProMotion, Apple’s term for a dynamic refresh rate. It automatically adjusts the rate from 24Hz up to 120Hz according to what’s on screen, with the higher rates making for smooth scrolling and fast response to your touch, whether that’s from an Apple Pencil or your finger. When you’re looking at a static image, it slows the rate to save battery.

And then there’s the 12.9-inch model, which boasts Apple’s “Liquid Retina XDR”—Apple-speak for extreme dynamic range. The display has high-contrast and high brightness, with 10,000 Mini LEDs in 2,500 local dimming zones. This means dark areas stay black and bright areas shine. These Mini LEDs are the best thing about the bigger Pro display, which looks bright, with accurate colors. In my testing, I found movies and videos definitely benefit from this display’s qualities, but so did my still images. I saw realistic colors, deep blacks and a real vibrancy to the pictures. The danger with Mini LEDs is it can lead to a blooming effect of white light spilling over on to black areas, but I saw none of this—Apple has optimized the effect with granular detail.

Decision: For smoother animations and fast motion, the iPad Pro line has an edge over the iPad Air. And if you’re using the iPad in a bright environment, you can benefit from the high brightness of the 12.9-inch iPad Pro.

Apple iPad Pro Vs Apple iPad Air Cameras: Pro Has

Let’s be clear: a big, flat slab of glass and aluminum does not make for an ergonomic camera—and that remains true with the iPad Air and the two iPad Pros. But sometimes, your tablet is the best—and only—camera you have with you. Plus, a tablet has one benefit as a camera: Its large screen offers an exceptional surface on which to frame your shots or video.

But tablets are neither easy to carry, nor easy to hold for taking pictures and videos. That’s one reason that cameras on the iPad have never been as advanced as on the iPhone, nor has Apple meant them to be. The iPad Air has a single camera, with 12-megapixel resolution and a reasonably wide, f/1.8 aperture. There’s no flash. It takes adequate images, and it is good for shooting video, but this is not a photography machine.

Ironically, the larger—and harder to hold—iPad Pro series (both sizes) is much better. These tablets have a primary 12-megapixel lens, and a second ultra-wide 10-megapixel lens. Since the ultra-wide has a focal length that’s half that of the wide, the screen reads 0.5x or 1x zoom according to which lens is in use.

The main reason the Pro cameras are better is because they also include a time-of-flight LiDAR sensor to analyze and assess depth in the image. This helps with the sharpness of the photos. The dual lenses also make for excellent bokeh effects in Portrait mode shots. And the LiDAR sensor also works for augmented reality (AR) applications.

Augmented reality is one use for tablet cameras that, in theory, will grow in the coming years. The large screen works well to display AR content—where you can view what the camera sees with a digital data overlay. AR apps have been around for a while; there still aren’t that many of them, but there will be more, eventually. One of the best AR apps today is Apple’s own: Measure, a virtual measuring tape that works on both the iPad Air and iPad Pro (but the Pro version is that bit more accurate thanks to LiDAR). The LiDAR sensor is also useful for 3D scans of a room, which is useful in apps such as ones where you place virtual furniture ahead of buying the real stuff.

The front-facing camera on the iPad Air and Pro is a 12-megapixel sensor, mostly there to make the most of Center Stage, Apple’s clever video conferencing feature which ensures you stay plumb in the center of the screen, even if you move. Center Stage worked well for me on all three tablets.

The Pro models have another benefit that taps the camera: Their Face ID security is powered by a TrueDepth camera, which is why there’s also a Portrait option on the iPad Pro’s front-facing camera, but not the Air.

Decision: If you want to use your tablet’s camera frequently for photos or videos, or want to use the cameras for augmented reality applications, the iPad Pro series has the edge.

Apple iPad Pro Vs Apple iPad Air Face ID or Touch ID: A Case Of Preference

The iPad Pro is the only iPad which unlocks using Face ID, with all others (apart from the older, ninth-generation iPad) using Touch ID mounted in the power button on the tablet’s top edge. The pricier Pro must have the best arrangement, right? I’m not so sure. While Face ID is a better technology with extremely high security, I find the convenience of the iPad Air’s Touch ID hard to overstate.

I find if my face is not exactly in the right place, Face ID struggles to recognize me and unlock the iPad. The execution of Touch ID on the iPad Air is sensational: I simply touch my finger on the home button, and it reacts instantly and unlocks the tablet. If I rest it there a little longer, my finger not only unlocks the tablet, but it opens to my last displayed screen. The iPad Air’s Touch ID works better than fingerprint sensors on all rival tablets and—for my money—is far more convenient than the iPad Pro’s Face ID system.

Decision: I preferred the simplicity of the Touch ID on iPad Air. But the iPad Pro’s Face ID system works, and I wouldn’t let my proclivity towards Touch ID keep me from an iPad Pro that model suits my needs in all other ways.

Apple iPad Pro Vs Apple iPad Air Features: Subtle Differences

The iPad Pro and iPad Air have a lot of features in common, such as the interface and apps. Almost all iPadOS apps are available across the board, though some work even better on the Pro than the Air (see below). But most of the million-plus apps in the App Store will work identically, adapting to match the screen resolution automatically. The latest Pro and Air models have processors powerful enough to make the most of Apple’s Stage Manager, which improves multi-tasking on the tablet to be as good as on a Mac. Not all iPads can do this.

Stage Manager gives you easy access to five programs, like multi-Windows on a Mac. Well, almost. The active app is front-and-center, while the others float in miniature form, off to the left edge. It means you can flip from one app to the next with a tap, or you can go back to the full screen view at will. It’s great, but I just don’t find it as intuitive as switching among apps on a Mac, and there’s sometimes that sense of dread when I catch myself thinking, now, where did I put that app? One false tap and you’re left searching. That said, it’s way better than multi-tasking on a tablet has been before. I could easily resize the dominant app with a tug at the corner, for instance. But on a Mac, you can have over five Windows open, so the iPadOS Stage Manager still feels more limited to me. It was easier to use on the larger iPad Pro, but still feels limited.

As on the iPhone, the variety of apps provides the greatest capabilities for the tablet, making it a great entertainment device with video apps such as Netflix and Apple TV, podcasts and audio content. Both the Pro and Air have four speaker grilles for superior sound quality when not using headphones. However, this doesn’t mean they are the same. Where the Pro has four separate speakers, the Air has the same number of grilles but only stereo speakers. On the Pro, the effect is especially impressive because the audio changes according to whether your tablet is in portrait or landscape mode. The Air still sounds fine but lacks this extra subtlety. In use, since I routinely played games and movies in landscape orientation, I didn’t hear much of a difference but, yes, I’d say the Pro is a little better.

Then there are creativity apps, designed as all the apps are for intuitive touch operation, but some of which benefit from a stylus like the Apple Pencil (like the brilliant Procreate drawing and painting app). Because the Pro uses the M2 Processor, it supports the second-generation Apple Pencil’s hover feature—which means the iPad Pro recognizes the Pencil before it makes contact with the glass. This is already an intimate-feeling gesture, but it also adds more capability. For instance, I could adjust brush stroke size in some apps, without putting Pencil to screen. This feature needs more broad support to really fly, but Procreate has plans to offer more functions, such as showing a preview of the brush you’re using before you make contact. Since I often touched the screen, decided I had the wrong brush and needed to delete and start again, extras like this saved me time.

Both the iPad Air and the iPad Pro work with a companion physical keyboard, such as the excellent, if expensive, Apple Magic Keyboard, available for both Pro and Air.

Decision: If you plan to use Apple Pencil a lot, you may appreciate the conveniences of the hover feature supported by the M2-based iPad Pros.

Apple iPad Pro Vs Apple iPad Air Performance: Better And Best

Every single iPad you can buy today has reliably speedy performance, enough for everyday tasks and entertainment. Things just get much faster with the more advanced tablets.

The iPad Air uses the Apple M1 chip, the game-changing, high-performing Apple processor first seen on the iMac, MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. The M1 chip is amazingly fast, and the 8-core GPU that goes along with the 8-core CPU ensures graphics look great, too. I found games graphics that were amazingly detailed and stutter-free, making for highly satisfying playability with no distractions.

But the iPad Pro series—which is newer than the iPad Air—goes one better. The iPad Pros use the latest M2 processor inside, with a 10-core GPU and extra system memory (RAM) on the 1TB and 2TB storage configurations. Who needs that, you may ask, when the M1 is so speedy, powerful and efficient?

It’s a good question. The word Pro is the clue: The M2 chip targets the most demanding users. Processor and graphics content creation tasks like video editing and photo editing can take advantage of that extra processing power. For example, in movie editing apps, you can open multiple high-resolution video streams at the same time, with no slowdown or anything more than a brief wait as you move content around—even on some high-end laptops, this can take significant time to process, but not here.

Decision: If you’re a demanding user, choose an iPad Pro. The iPad Pro’s M2 processor will make a noticeable difference in how you can get things done. For editing and productivity, you may prefer the 12.9-inch version so you can make the most of the stellar screen, too.

Apple iPad Pro Vs. Apple iPad Air Verdict: Which Should You Choose?

How much power do you want, exactly? If you’re a reasonably demanding user, who enjoys watching videos and playing advanced, graphics-heavy games, then the iPad Air will be enough. It has plenty of power and its M1 chip is extremely fast.

Other benefits of the Air include a lower price, colorful finishes and a Touch ID fingerprint sensor which unlocks the tablet reliably and rapidly. I found the Touch ID security option was the one I enjoyed using the most, by a long way.

But if your demands are the highest because you need powerful programs and you want them to run full-bore, with no hiccups or slowdowns, then the iPad Pro is calling your name. Besides the superior processor, the iPad Pro series has superior cameras and includes a LiDAR sensor to make AR apps perform better. The iPad Pro has a dynamic refresh rate to make even scrolling through menus a smooth experience. And the 12.9-inch iPad Pro has Mini LED backlighting, so that everything looks better on-screen, from HDR video to your own photos.

In short, you’ll get a great experience from the iPad Air, better than all other tablets around—except one. For better than best performance, it’s iPad Pro all the way.

I’ve been writing about technology for two decades and am routinely struck by how the sector swings from startling innovation to persistent repetitiveness. My areas of specialty are wearable tech, cameras, home entertainment and mobile technology. I also work as an actor, enjoying equally the first Mission Impossible movie, a season at Shakespeare’s Globe and a part in the fourth series of The Crown.

I’ve written for the Daily Telegraph, the Sunday Times, the Daily Mail, the Sun, Metro, Stuff, T3.lint, Wareable.com and Wired. Right now most of my work away from Forbes appears in the Independent, the Evening Standard and Monocle Magazine. Follow me on Instagram: davidphelantech, or : @davidphelan2009.

iPad Size Comparison Chart: Every iPad Generation Compared

Apple makes a bunch of iPads these days, and they’re all slightly different with respect to size, dimensions, specs, and design. Here’s a simple size comparison chart to show you how they’re all different…

iPad Size Comparison Chart – Models and Sizes

The latest iPad Pro models are the 2020 iPad Pro 12.9 and the iPad Pro 11, both of which are detailed above. You can still buy Apple’s older iPad Pro models, though you will have to do it through a third-party refurbished specialist like Gazelle – and you will save around 40% doing this too!

iPad Air Sizes

The iPad Air, launched in 2019, is Apple’s second-tier flagship. Sitting just below the iPad Pro in terms of pricing, the iPad Air is designed to offer a premium iPad experience, just without the imposing price tag of the iPad Pro.

The iPad Air is designed for pleasure, as a second screen to enjoy content on and the web, whereas the iPad Pro is designed as a work machine that also doubles as an awesome tablet.

The iPad Air, like the iPad Pro, however, does support the Apple Pencil, and you can pair wireless keyboards and mouse devices to it. The iPad Air just lacks some of the performance-punch you’ll find inside the iPad Pro.

iPad Size

The iPad is Apple’s entry-level iPad. It is designed to be cost-effective, powerful, simple to use, and is the one to go for if you’re after a relatively cheap Apple iPad.

The iPad does not pack in the same level of spec or hardware as the iPad Pro or iPad Air. This is why it retails for a lot less. It is still a great device, though, but it’s not quite as powerful as the iPad Air and iPad Pro.

If you’re just looking for a basic iPad, something to browse the web on, respond to emails, and run apps and games on, the entry-level iPad is a great option – it’s cheap, it runs all the same apps and games as the iPad Pro and iPad Air, and it looks gorgeous too.

iPad mini Sizes

The iPad mini is the smallest iPad Apple makes; it has a 7.9in display and is great for those that are looking for a more portable iPad option. The iPad mini will fit pretty much anywhere – from your jacket to a purse. And this makes it a great device for those that travel a lot.

The iPad mini carries more or less the same specifications and hardware as the standard, entry-level iPad; you have 3GB of RAM, Apple’s A12 Bionic chipset, and up to 256GB of storage, though there is also a 64GB model available which is considerably cheaper.

The iPad mini is a popular choice with consumers that want a smaller second screen, something that is more able and can be used with a single hand. The iPad mini is great for reading books on, browsing the web, playing games, and working/catching up with email on. It also supports the Apple Pencil too, so you can make notes on it as well.

What iPad Should I Buy?

Apple’s iPad comes in many shapes and sizes. You have several models to choose from at the moment: ]

The iPad is Apple’s entry-level iPad; it’s the cheapest option and is ideal for casual users. The iPad Air is designed for tablet users that want a slightly more premium experience than what you get on Apple’s standard iPad.

The iPad Air has better specs, a nicer design, and has more performance. It also costs slightly more too, though when you factor in its performance, this is to be expected.

The iPad mini is an odd one; it’s the smallest iPad Apple makes (it has a 7.9in display) and is only slightly larger than the iPhone 11 Pro Max (that phone has a 6.7in display). The iPad mini is fairly cheap too.

The iPad mini is ideal for users that want portability – the iPad mini will fit easily inside a bag or jacket

If you want a proper work machine, something that can replace your laptop, you’ll want to go with the iPad Pro. The iPad Pro is the most powerful iPad Apple makes; it supports keywords, mouse, and trackpads and, thanks to the latest build of iPadOS, it functions just like a MacBook.

If you want a machine you can work on and consume media on, the iPad Pro is essentially unbeatable. Even when you compare it to other hybrid PCs like Microsoft’s Surface X Pro.

Wrapping Up…

As you can see from the table and comparison chart above, Apple has made a fair few iPads over the years. The iPad line-up, either its standard models or Pro models, are updated every year, although the iPad Pro models are updated at a slower rate. As of right now, Apple’s latest iPads are as follows:

Latest iPad Models:

If you’re in the UK, AO carries ALL of Apple’s latest iPad models (see the full range here). And for the USA, your best bet is BH Photo – it has all models of the iPad, including older, cheaper models.

Alternatively, if you want to save 40% on the price of an iPad, you could go the refurbished route and pick one up via Gazelle – doing this will let you get a higher spec model with more storage for a lot less than buying new. And the refurbished iPads look and function as good as new. And check out Apple Pencil Tips Tricks: Get The Most Out Of The Apple Pencil! And check out This is The Best iPad For Drawing – Here’s Why!

iPad Sizes Compared

Whatever you have heard – size matters. iPad currently offers a range of iPad models with different screen sizes:

iPad Mini: 8.3 inchesiPad: 10.9 inchesiPad Air: 10.9 inchesiPad Pro: 11 inches, 12.9inches

These are the latest models. You can also find 7.9 inches, an older version of iPad Mini and the classical iPad used to be 10.2 inches. iPad Mini 6 is the smallest and most portable option. 12.9 inch screen is the biggest you can get, and when you work, draw, and take notes, it’s the best screen size you can get.

Luckily you don’t have to choose between an 8-inch tablet and a 12.9-inch tablet. There are other options in between.

iPad Size Comparison Chart

iPad Pro, iPad Air, Classic iPad, iPad Mini latest generations and their sizes and dimensions and weight for convenient comparison.

From personal experience, I can only say that when you’re working, you want that big screen, but when you’re chilling on your couch, surfing the internet, you want something smaller. I prefer an 11-inch iPad for that purpose. Some choose the iPad Mini for that purpose, but I enjoy a bigger screen. 12.9 is a bit too big, and it gets heavy on the hands, but the 11-inch is the perfect size and weight. For me, that is. For you, it might be different. Surly, this table should help a bit.

iPad Pro 12.9

I personally like this size the most. It’s bigger than iPhone, it’s smaller than MacBook, and it’s convenient enough to hold in your hand and surf the internet. It’s big enough to take notes, draw, and do some work, but it’s still much more convenient to do the work on Mac, but that’s my personal preference, you might have a different one.

iPad Air

iPad Air. The perfect midway between iPad and iPad Pro. If iPad Pro is too powerful and you don’t need them, but the iPad is just a bit too slow, then iPad Air is a perfect choice. 10.9-inches on the latest iPad Air. 1.02lbs. It’s medium size, and I would categorize it as a lightweight tablet. Great option for students.

iPad vs. iPad Air vs. iPad Pro vs. iPad mini: iPad Buying Guide

With four different iPads covering a variety of sizes and ranging from 329 to over 2,000, there are plenty of excellent Apple tablets to choose from. That’s a good thing, but how do you decide which iPad is the right fit for you?

Do you just want to watch videos and use a few apps or are you looking for something that can be a laptop replacement or a creative tool? Use our handy iPad buying guide to get the right Apple slate for your needs and budget.

The iPad Air 5 is still arguably the best iPad for most users, bringing the M1 processor and optional 5G in a more affordable package than the iPad Pros. However, the newly announced iPad Pro 2022 or iPad 2022 could tip the scales away from the iPad Air 5, but we’ll have to see once we get them in for review. At first blush, the new iPad Pros don’t seem like a significant upgrade over the previous models for most users, but the new iPad 2022 may be a spoiler for the Air as it bridges the gap between the base iPad 2021 and the iPad Air 5.

If you’re in the market for a new iPad right then you should take a look at the best iPad deals as there are often excellent discounts on the previous models in the wake of a new iPad launch.

iPad Pro vs. iPad Air vs. iPad mini vs. iPad: Compared

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The iPad lineup is made up of four families: the iPad Pro, the iPad mini, the iPad Air and the iPad. But as you drill down to the individual models, you’ll find plenty of variety in specs, features, and prices. Here’s a quick breakdown.

Common Features

All iPads provide access to more than 1 million apps optimized for the big screen, which is far more than what Android or Windows devices offer. You can also expect a high-quality aluminum unibody design and a bright and crisp display.

The tablets all come with iPadOS. As with the iPhone the software support from Apple is second to none and you can expect at least 5-6 years of software updates regardless of which model you select.

Also note that all iPad models can be ordered with 4G LTE or 5G capability, which allows you to get online when you’re out of Wi-Fi range. If you’re an iPhone user you may want to forgo the added cost for the cellular iPad and the associated plan as the personal hotspot feature works fairly seamlessly, but it’s a nice option to have.

Reasons to avoid

Simply called the iPad, this 10.2-inch slate is the most affordable Apple tablet, with a starting price of just 329. Despite its lower price, the iPad has plenty of premium specs, including a 2160 x 1620-pixel Retina display, a speedy A13 Bionic processor, Apple Pencil support and dual 8-MP / 12-MP cameras. It comes in 64GB or 128GB capacity.

This model is actually staying around following the release of the iPad (2022) as the new iPad is making the jump to a 449 starting price. Now it earns it with a bump to a 10.9-inch display, an A14 Bionic processor, improved cameras, a USB-C port, and a more modern design that eliminates the home button, but the iPad (2021) is going to remain a strong affordable option.

Best For: Because of its relatively low price and generous screen size, the iPad is a great choice for media consumption, gaming, social media and some light productivity. Although the iPad mini 4 is a better size for small hands, many parents will prefer the iPad’s lower price when choosing a slate for their kids. College students on a budget will also find this model appealing.

Reasons to avoid

The more portable, purse-friendly tablet in the iPad family, the iPad mini is a great handheld device. It features an 8.3-inch display and an A15 chip.

Best For: If you like to read on the couch, in bed, or on the go, the iPad mini is a great size for books, especially comic books. Its relatively small screen makes it easy to type quick social media posts or send off emails, during one-handed use or while standing up. The mini is the best size for kids, but parents may prefer to get the less-expensive iPad.

Reasons to avoid

This 599 iPad Air looks to provide the best mix of pro and consumer features at a price that won’t hurt too much. With support for the current Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard, it can be your next 2-in-1, acting as a laptop when you need to be productive.

The biggest differences between it and the entry-level 329 iPad are its larger 10.9-inch screen and blistering fast M1 processor. It also mirrors the iPad Pro with USB-C charging and while it would have been nice to get Face ID, the fingerprint sensor is fast and moving it to the side button gives the Air thinner display bezels and a more modern iPad Pro design.

Best For: Overall, the iPad Air is a great option for most people who aren’t on such a tight budget but don’t need the niche features that make the iPad Pro so expensive. The only reason to consider the upgrade to a Pro now that the Air also features the M1 processor, are the superior cameras, Face ID, and the larger 120Hz displays.

Reasons to avoid

This is what happens when you take the 10.5-inch iPad Pro, increase its screen, shrink its bezels and swap its home button out for Face ID. Oh, and then there’s the Ferrari engine under the hood: Apple’s unbelievable M1 processor still flies in the 2021 iPad Pros.

The iPad Pro 2021 is for the same crowd as the previous models: those without a budget who want the absolute best tablet on the market, as well as professionals and enthusiasts using intensive apps for content creation or editing. Unless Apple changes direction and turns the iPad Pro into a true laptop replacement, the market for this tablet will remain limited.

The iPad Pro (2022) adds a faster M2 processor and Wi-Fi 6E support in both models, but those are the only significant upgrades, so if you can find a good deal on an iPad Pro 2021 then you shouldn’t be worried that you are missing out on much. Most users will never touch the upward limit of even the M1-powered iPad Pros performance.

Best For: Creative pros who love their styluses, want a smaller device and push their iPad to the limits. Also, pros on a budget will go for this model, as it’s just as fast and capable, but starts at 200 less and its 179 Smart Keyboard Folio is 20 less than the 12.9-inch iPad Pro’s keyboard cover.

Sources:

https://ipadzine.com/comparing-the-iPad-pro-6th-gen-vs-5th-gen/
https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/article/Apple-iPad-pro-vs-Apple-iPad-air/amp/
https://www.knowyourmobile.com/user-guides/iPad-size-comparison-chart/
https://wolfoftablet.com/iPad-sizes-compared/
https://www.laptopmag.com/articles/iPad-buying-guide