Is iPad Pro M4 Worth Upgrading from iPad Air M2?

Are you considering upgrading your iPad or stepping into the Apple ecosystem with a new tablet in 2025? If you have an iPad Air M2 and are thinking of upgrading to the powerful iPad Pro M4, the decision isn’t as straightforward as it once was. Both models have significant bonuses — ranging from sleek design to next-gen performance enhancements — making them top contenders for students, professionals, creatives, and casual users. But with overlapping features and a noticeable price gap, how do you know if it’s worth upgrading? Whether you're eyeing a lightweight multitasking machine or a high-performance powerhouse, this in-depth comparison breaks down the key M2 vs M4 display difference, chip performance, accessories, and overall value to help you confidently decide whether to upgrade or not. The iPad M3 is not much different from the M2, so if you want to upgrade, going straight for the newest model M4 would be your best choice. Let’s go over each model to see the differences.

iPad Air M2: Still a Workhorse

Let's start with the iPad Air M2, which brought significant upgrades over its predecessor. Available in both 11-inch and 13-inch sizes, as with the iPad Pro lineup, the iPad Air offers a larger canvas for your creativity and productivity needs. The added screen real estate enhances experiences like drawing and video calls, making it a versatile option for various tasks.

Powered by the M2 chip, the device boasts impressive performance, with Apple claiming a 50% boost over its predecessor and enhanced machine-learning capabilities. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app launches, and improved graphics for gaming and creative work. The newest iPad Air has the M3 chip, which is 15% faster than the M2 version. Everything else is the same. 

A notable feature is the landscape ultra-wide selfie camera, similar to the 10th-Generation iPad. This camera improves video call experiences by aligning eye lines with the screen's center for more natural interactions.

Moreover, the iPad Air M2 boasts a starting storage of 128GB, offering ample space for apps, photos, documents, and more. This increased capacity, combined with the M2 chip's efficiency, ensures smooth multitasking and quicker app launches.

Despite its affordability, the iPad Air M2 maintains high quality. Its vibrant Liquid Retina display features ProMotion technology for a smooth and responsive viewing experience. Its compatibility with accessories like the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard further extends its versatility and productivity. The display provides a larger canvas for creativity and productivity, enhancing tasks like drawing and video calls.

The iPad Air M2 is no longer available, but you can get the iPad Air M3. This tablet offers a balance between performance and affordability, making it an attractive option for users seeking a premium tablet experience without breaking the bank.

Related: Get on the Case: Get Ready for the New iPad Air 11/13-inch M2 with ZUGU's Cutting-Edge Cases.

 

iPad Pro M4: Pushing the Boundaries

If you crave the pinnacle of performance and innovation, the iPad Pro M4 pushes the boundaries with cutting-edge features and enhancements. The iPad Pro M4 is designed to meet the demands of professionals and power users seeking unparalleled performance and productivity. 

One of the most striking features of the iPad Pro M4 is its stunning OLED Ultra Retina XDR display. Utilizing "Tandem OLED" technology, the display offers unparalleled contrast ratios, vibrant colors, and true blacks, providing an immersive viewing experience for content creators and consumers alike. With support for up to 1,600 nits of brightness for HDR content, the iPad Pro M4 ensures exceptional clarity and detail, even in the most challenging lighting conditions.

In addition to its impressive display, the iPad Pro M4 boasts a range of advanced camera features, including a wide lens, LiDAR sensor, and improved dual-tone flash. These enhancements improve the quality of photos and videos and also enable new AR experiences and applications, making the iPad Pro M4 a powerful tool for creative professionals and developers.

The new M4 chip makes AI tasks faster and smoother than ever. Thanks to the upgraded Neural Engine, using features like Scene Removal Mask in Final Cut Pro to cut out backgrounds in 4K video is now incredibly quick.

With the ability to perform 38 trillion operations per second, the M4’s Neural Engine is 60 times faster than the one in the old A11 chip — and faster than anything in today’s AI PCs. It works with advanced machine learning tools, a powerful GPU, and more memory bandwidth to turn the iPad Pro M4 into a true AI powerhouse.

Backed by iPadOS, the iPad Pro M4 supports pro-level features like multitasking, creative apps, and AR tools, giving users a powerful and flexible platform for work and play. The Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro receives a significant upgrade, featuring an aluminum base, a larger trackpad, and an improved keyboard layout. This transforms the iPad Pro into a productivity powerhouse, blurring the lines between tablet and laptop functionality.

Starting at $999 for the 11-inch model and $1299 for the 13-inch variant, the iPad Pro M4 represents a premium investment for users who demand the best in performance and versatility.

Should I Upgrade from iPad Air M2/M3 to Pro M4? 

The iPad Air M2 and iPad Pro M4 offer compelling features tailored to different user needs and preferences. If you prioritize affordability without compromising performance, the iPad Air M2 is an excellent choice. However, if you seek the utmost power, versatility, and innovation, the iPad Pro M4 is the pinnacle of Apple's tablet lineup.

Ultimately, the decision boils down to your specific requirements and budget. Whether you're a casual user, creative professional, or business executive, Apple's latest iPad lineup has something for everyone. So, weigh your options carefully and choose the iPad that best suits your needs, unlocking possibilities and productivity.

iPad Air M2 vs iPad Pro M4 At a Glance

Specs and Pricing

Accessories and Performance

Related: iPads and AI: What The Future Holds for iPadOS

Frequently Asked Questions about iPad Air M2/M3 and Pro M4

What’s the price difference between iPad Air M3 and Pro M4?

The iPad M2 is no longer available for purchase; the M3 has the same characteristics aside from the processing chip. There’s a $400 difference between the Air M3 and Pro M4 (11") new — and a full $700 difference if you're looking at the larger 13" Pro. If your main driver is budget, consider keeping your M2/M3 and investing in premium accessories like the ZUGU Case.

What are the main differences between the iPad Air M2/M3 and iPad Pro M4?

The most significant differences are the chip (M2/M3 vs. M4), display quality (Liquid Retina vs. OLED), camera, and Face ID features. If you’re a creative professional, media enthusiast, or someone who works extensively on visuals (designers, photographers, video editors), the OLED display is worth the premium. But for casual users, students, and everyday tasks, the iPad Air’s screen still delivers fantastic quality without the hefty price tag.

Is the iPad Pro M4 worth the extra cost over the iPad Air M3?

It depends on your needs. The iPad Pro M4 is ideal for creative professionals or power users who need the best display and performance. The iPad Air M2/M3 offers excellent value for students, everyday users, and light creatives.

Can both models use the same accessories, like the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Pro?

Yes! Both support the Magic Keyboard (new model) and Apple Pencil Pro, thanks to their updated USB-C and Pencil hover support.

Is the performance difference noticeable for everyday tasks?

Not really. Both perform exceptionally well for email, browsing, note-taking, and streaming. The M4 Pro shines in 3D design, video editing, and multitasking-heavy workflows.

Does the iPad Air M2 support Face ID?

No. The iPad Air M2 uses Touch ID built into the top button, while the iPad Pro M4 supports Face ID for faster unlocking and authentication.

Which is better for digital artists?

The iPad Pro M4, due to its OLED display with better contrast, HDR support, and a higher refresh rate. However, the iPad Air M2 is still very capable for casual and student artists.

How do battery life and gaming performance compare?

Battery life is very similar, though the Pro’s advanced display may consume slightly more power under heavy use. Both offer all-day battery life under typical workloads. However, due to the performance headroom and display tech, the iPad Pro M4 may drain slightly faster under creative or gaming workloads.

Which iPad is more future-proof?

Thanks to its newer chip, OLED screen, and more RAM, the iPad Pro M4 is more likely to remain relevant for professional apps and future iPadOS features.

What size options are available for each?

• iPad Air M2: 11-inch and 13-inch
• iPad Pro M4: 11-inch and 13-inch.

Don’t Forget to Protect Your iPad

No matter what iPad you choose, you’ll want to protect it with the most durable iPad cover on the market today. Made of durable TPU plastic, the ZUGU iPad case offers significant drop protection of up to a five-foot drop on concrete. So, no matter how you use your iPad, it’ll be protected for years.