The iPad Air vs the iPad Pro - Which Device Comes Out on Top?
Since its debut, Apple has sold the iPad, in all its various models, over 500 million times. With such mind-blowing sales, it’s easy to see that the iPad is one of Apple’s most dynamic sellers.
With 500 million sales (and counting), is it possible that the iPad is all it’s hyped up to be?
What’s the iPad hype all about?
The short and simple answer is “yes”. Are there more options available? Sure! But customers flock to the “original” tablet due to its advanced features and the power of the Apple brand.
Plus, you can use your iPad to connect to the App Store, which, unlike the Android Play Store, has countless apps optimized for a larger screen. This means that you can expect to have better pixel quality, resolution, and functionality on an iPad than you’d find on an Android tablet. Your iPad will also likely have better-equipped features and updates before its non-Apple counterparts.
All of these features are exactly why iPads can be costly and are the reasons that protecting your iPad is important. That means using a case - especially one that fits. For example, if you have a 4th generation iPad Air, then it needs to be in an iPad Air 4th generation case. Ill-fitting cases don’t protect your device like ones that fit perfectly. Remember - a case helps your device stay functioning for as long as possible.
One of the major areas that you’ll find iPad fans disagreeing on is which model and version of the iPad are the best. In this article, we’ll compare the iPad Air and the iPad Pro to help you decide which device you think comes out on top.
iPad Air vs iPad Pro
Differences
Size
The latest version of the iPad Air, the 4th generation, is available in 10.9-inches, while the latest iPad Pro versions come in two sizes, 11-inches and 12.9-inches. Although the Pro 11 and the Air aren’t far apart in size, the Pro 12.9 and the Air are. Their two-inch difference is often a deal-breaker.
If you’re looking for a smaller, easier-to-carry device, then the Air wins this round. However, if you like the look and feel of a larger screen, then the Pro 12.9 takes the crown.
Brightness
The iPad Air has a 500-nit display, while the iPad Pro has a display that is 100 nits greater at 600-nits.
What exactly is a nit? It’s a unit of measurement that’s used to denote luminosity, or, light intensity. The Pro having an extra 100 nits simply means that its display is brighter than the display on the Air. A brighter display is great for increasing visibility in dark spaces, while the Air’s less bright display won’t matter in spaces that are moderately lit or dim.
Camera
The iPad Air has an HD FaceTime 7MP front camera, while the iPad Pro has a 12MP front-facing camera with TrueDepth technology. The Pro also has an Ultra-Wide camera with portrait mode and lighting, which can make for better selfies and video call quality.
The Pro’s back camera is impressive since it contains three rear cameras - a 12MP main camera, 2x telephoto zoom lens, and 10MP ultra-wide camera. The Air also has a 12MP rear camera, which, if fancy camera technology isn’t your focus, is all you may need.
Similarities
Resolution
The iPad Air, Pro 11, and Pro 12.9 don’t all have the same resolution, but this point still falls under ‘similarities’. That’s because, even though the Air has a 2360 x 1640 resolution, the Pro 11 has a 2388 x 1668 resolution, and the Pro 12.9 has a 2732 x 2048, they are all actually the same.
All these fancy numbers might not mean much to you, but they are pretty important. They are the reason that even though the screen sizes are different, each iPad still has 264 pixels per inch. This ensures that no matter the model, you still get the same crystal-clear, vivid display quality.
Battery life
One area you won’t have to sacrifice, regardless of the iPad model you choose, is battery life. Both the iPad Air and the iPad Pro last up to ten hours on a single charge while on WiFi. You can expect nine hours on data, which uses up more battery life.
Accessory compatibility
If you love the functionality of being able to use Apple accessories like the Apple Pencil, then you’re in luck with both the iPad Air and the iPad Pro. Both the Air and the Pro are compatible with the 2nd generation of the Apple Pencil, while some older iPads don’t have the capabilities to connect to the newest generation pencil.
This is also true of the Magic Keyboard and Smart Keyboard Folio, two wireless keyboard options that many iPad swear by. Whether you invest in the iPad Pro or iPad Air, you’ll be able to use these popular, useful accessories.
Which one should you choose?
Truthfully, there is no real winner between the iPad Air and the iPro. The model that you choose will largely be based on your needs and the features that are most important to you.
For example, if you’re interested in watching Netflix and reading books on your device, then the iPad Pro 12.9 Case is a great match with its larger size and brighter screen.
If almost 13 inches of tablet is too much for you, the iPad Pro 11 gives you all the functionalities of the Pro 12.9, in a smaller package. But, if you’ll just be playing games and scrolling the web, and features aren’t your main focus, you can probably opt for the lighter, smaller iPad Air.
Remember that protecting your iPad requires a well-made, well-fitting case. If you invest in the newest iPad Air (the 4th generation), then you should also find a sturdy iPad Air 4th generation case to safeguard your device. The same goes for the iPad Pro 11 Case and the iPad Pro 12.9 - commit to finding cases that are visually appealing, but also functional and heavy-duty.