The right tablet can change everything for a person juggling remote work, creative projects, and daily tasks. Choosing the right iPad isn’t just about specs; it’s about how you plan to use it daily. Whether you’re setting up a home office or looking for a creative sidekick, Apple’s iPads have plenty to offer, but the real matchup is between the 10th Gen iPad and the iPad Pro.
The iPad 10th Gen delivers plenty of punch for everyday tasks without stretching your wallet. Meanwhile, the iPad Pro offers rich performance and a brilliant OLED display, making it a top pick for artists and multitaskers.
Let’s dive deeper into which one truly fits your style and needs.
iPad Air vs iPad Pro Specs Comparison
| Specification | iPad Pro (2024) | iPad Air (2025) |
| Display | 11-inch: Ultra Retina XDR OLED with ProMotion (2,420 x 1,668); 13-inch: Ultra Retina XDR OLED with ProMotion (2,752 x 2,064) | 11-inch: Liquid Retina LED (2,360 x 1,640); 13-inch: Liquid Retina LED (2,732 × 2,048) |
| Processor | Apple M4 | Apple M3 |
| Memory (RAM) | 8GB; 16GB on 1TB and 2TB models | 8GB |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Rear Cameras | 12MP wide Camera | 12MP wide Camera |
| Front Cameras | 12MP TrueDepth camera with Center Stage | 12MP camera with Center Stage |
| Battery | 31.29 Wh (11-inch), 38.99 Wh (13-inch); 20W charger included | 28.93 Wh (11-inch), 36.59 Wh (13-inch); 20W charger included |
| Connectivity | WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, 5G sub-6 (optional) | WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, 5G sub-6 (optional) |
| Authentication | Face ID | Touch ID |
| Ports | USB-C, up to 40Gb/s (Thunderbolt 3, USB 4) | USB-C, up to 10Gb/s (USB 3) |
| Audio | Four speakers | Stereo speakers |
| Apple Device Compatibility | Smart Keyboard, Folio, Magic Keyboard, Apple Pencil Pro | Smart Keyboard, Folio, Magic Keyboard, Apple Pencil (Pro & USBC) |
| Starting price | $999 (11-inch) / $1,299 (13-inch) | $599 (11-inch) / $799 (13-inch) |
iPad 10th Gen or iPad Pro—Which Is the Best?
Even though both the iPad 10th Gen and the iPad Pro share Apple’s signature design language, they stand worlds apart once you dig deeper. The price difference says it all, as the iPad Pro demands nearly double the investment of the 10th Gen model, and for good reason. Each device fits a different type of user, and knowing which one matches your needs can save you both money and frustration.
The decision to choose between the iPad 10th Gen and the iPad Pro comes down to purpose and budget. The 10th Gen makes sense for everyday tasks without breaking the bank, while the Pro steps up with a sharper display and a professional-grade build. Both pack serious power with the M2 chip, but artists and professionals will likely find the Pro’s added features worth the extra cost, even as the gap narrows with updates to the standard iPad lineup.
iPad 10th Gen Overview
The 10.9-inch standard iPad may carry the lowest price tag in Apple’s listing, but it doesn’t feel stripped down. It handles streaming, casual work, and gaming without breaking a sweat, as the M2 chip powers it and features a crisp 10.9-inch display. It is a perfect balance between performance and price.
While it doesn’t pack the raw horsepower of the iPad Pro, the M2 processor still delivers enough performance for everything short of multitasking professional work. If you’re not hunting for a full-scale laptop replacement, the 10th Gen iPad more than meets daily needs with its smooth performance and dependable 10-hour battery life.
Pros
- Cheapest iPad available
- Compatible with Smart Keyboard
- 10.9-inch screen
Cons
- More expensive than previous iterations
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iPad Pro 11 7th Gen Overview
- Largest iPad screen yet
- Powered by the M4 chip
- New OLED display with 1,600 nits brightness
Apple’s 2024 iPad Pro raises the bar higher than ever, delivering a thinner, lighter frame paired with a stunning OLED screen that lights up with full-screen brightness reaching 1,600 nits. It is built for users who demand the best; it outshines its 6th-generation predecessor in both design and performance.
The 7th Gen model introduces the powerful M4 chip, packed with 28 billion transistors, which which drives faster speeds, sharper visuals, and improved power efficiency. The iPad Pro now brings advanced AI features like Visual Look Up, Subject Lift, Live Text, and Personal Voice, along with its sleek design. It sets a new standard for creativity and accessibility. Its price is $1,289.
| Pros | Cons |
| Powerful M4 processor | No headphone jack |
| Slim and light | A bit small for designers |
| USB-C port |
iPad Pro (2024) vs. iPad Air (2025): Performance
Apple’s M-series processors bring upscaling to the iPad collection to place them in the same class as Apple’s computers. The iPad Air runs on the M3 chip introduced in 2023, while the iPad Pro steps ahead with the M4 chip launched in May 2024. Although the M4 offers greater speed and efficiency, the M3 still handles demanding mobile tasks with ease.
- iPad Air now supports ProRes, ProRes RAW, and ProRes encoding and decoding
- Compatible with 8K HEVC and 4K H.264 formats
- iPad Pro adds extra support for 8K H.264 video
- 1TB and 2TB iPad Pro models feature 16GB of RAM and a stronger M4 version
Both models also bring Apple’s new intelligence features to life, but the Pro’s M4 chip works faster for AI-driven tasks. Gaming also looks better than ever as ray tracing support is now available on both, which gives the iPad Air a major lift over its previous M2 version.
iPad Pro (2024) vs. iPad Air (2025): Sizes & Design
The iPad Air and iPad Pro look almost identical at a glance, but the details tell a slightly different story. The 11-inch Air measures 9.74 by 7.02 by 0.24 inches and weighs 1.02 pounds, making it a touch thicker and heavier than the 11-inch Pro, which trims down slightly in both size and weight. The 13-inch versions follow the same pattern, with the Air carrying a little more heft compared to the Pro’s slimmer frame. The easiest way to tell them apart visually is by their camera. It’s smaller and more streamlined on the Air, while the Pro features a more square design.
- iPad Air is available in Blue, Purple, Space Gray, and Starlight
- iPad Pro is available in Silver and Space Black only
- iPad Air: USB-C 3 port with 10 Gbps data speeds
- iPad Pro: Thunderbolt 3/USB 4 port with 40 Gbps data speeds and more accessory support
iPad Pro (2024) vs. iPad Air (2025): Display & Biomatrices
The iPad Pro steps ahead with an OLED Ultra Retina XDR display that offers deeper contrast and richer colors than the iPad Air’s Liquid Retina screen. Both models support the wide P3 color space, but OLED technology delivers a more vivid viewing experience. The iPad Pro also reaches a peak brightness of 1,600 nits, easily outperforming the iPad Air’s 500-nit limit, making it a better fit for bright outdoor settings.
- iPad Pro offers optional nano-texture glass for $100 on 1TB and 2TB models
- Nano-texture glass reduces glare but may slightly dull color richness.
- ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate exclusive to the iPad Pro
- iPad Air maintains a standard 60Hz refresh rate
Both displays hold the same pixel sharpness at 264 ppi, even with the larger 13-inch size option on the iPad Air. Although the ProMotion technology on the iPad Pro delivers a noticeably smoother experience for fast-moving visuals, the iPad Air’s 60Hz screen remains more than capable for day-to-day use.
iPad Pro (2024) vs. iPad Air (2025): Storage and data transfer
The iPad Air lineup kicks off at 128GB and climbs up to 1TB, while the iPad Pro skips the base tier and starts at 256GB, and reaches up to 2TB for those who need maximum space. On pure storage value, the iPad Air offers similar capacity at hundreds of dollars less compared to the Pro.
- iPad Air: USB-C with USB 3 speeds (up to 10 Gbps)
- iPad Pro: USB-C with Thunderbolt 3 and USB 4 speeds (up to 40 Gbps)
- External devices must match the iPad’s connection standard for proper performance.
When choosing storage, it’s smart to think about how you’ll use your iPad. If you’re editing large 4K videos or working with bulky creative files, higher storage pays off. Otherwise, relying on cloud services or external drives makes the lower-capacity models a practical and cost-effective choice.
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iPad Pro (2024) vs. iPad Air (2025): Touch ID, Face ID, and Cameras
The iPad Air comes with Touch ID built into the power button, backed by a simple on-screen guide for setup. In everyday use, though, it can feel a little fussy, especially if your finger is damp or too dry. It’s quick most of the time, but you might find yourself reapplying your finger or punching in a PIN more often than expected.
- iPad Pro uses Face ID for quicker, more consistent unlocking
- Both feature 12MP rear cameras with 4K video recording up to 60fps
- iPad Pro adds ProRes 4K video recording at 30fps for pro-level editing
- Only the iPad Pro includes a lidar scanner for 3D imaging, and AR/VR uses
Up front, both models move the selfie camera to the longer edge of the display, which gives a much more natural angle for video calls. Center Stage support is also built into both devices. It helps the camera stay locked onto you even if you shift around during meetings or chats.
iPad Pro (2024) vs. iPad Air (2025): Battery Life
Apple promises up to 10 hours of Wi-Fi use for both the iPad Air and iPad Pro. When the tests were conducted, the 11-inch Air lasted 6 hours and 47 minutes, while the 12.9-inch Pro hit 7 hours and 43 minutes with HD streaming at full brightness.
iPad Pro (2024) vs. iPad Air (2025): Accessories
The iPad Air and iPad Pro are both compatible with the Apple Pencil and offer you versatile options for drawing, note-taking, and more. Both support the Apple Pencil USB-C model, as well as the more advanced Apple Pencil Pro.
Both pencils include Apple’s Hover feature, which allows you to preview actions before committing to them. The Apple Pencil Pro brings additional capabilities that can be invaluable to professionals.
- The Apple Pencil Pro offers enhanced control and pressure sensitivity for precise artwork
- A unique “squeeze” function activates a new tool palette, improving workflow for creatives
- The Magic Keyboard for iPad Air works with M2 and M3 models, while the iPad Pro Magic Keyboard supports M4 models
- Both keyboards feature a larger trackpad with haptic feedback
- 14 function keys on both models make productivity tasks more convenient to enhance the overall user experience
iPad Pro (2024) vs. iPad Air (2025): Which should you buy?
When it comes to choosing between the iPad Pro and iPad Air, your budget plays a crucial role. If you’re working with a $600 limit, the 2025 iPad Air offers impressive value and solid performance that will satisfy most users.
However, if your budget stretches a little further, the iPad Pro’s extra $400 might be worth it. Professionals will find the iPad Pro justifiable because they need a powerful processor for demanding tasks like video editing.
For casual users, gamers, or those who mainly stream videos and use popular apps, the iPad Air delivers exceptional performance. It’s a great choice if you plan to keep your device for years, though the iPad Pro’s advanced features, like Face ID and its OLED ProMotion display, can be tempting.
Ultimately, it boils down to whether you need the extra horsepower and longevity of the iPad Pro. For many, the iPad Air provides excellent value without sacrificing essential features.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the iPad and the iPad Pro?
The standard iPad features a 10.9-inch display paired with the M2 processor. The iPad Pro also uses the M2 chip, which delivers better overall performance. Moreover, the iPad Pro comes in slightly larger sizes, which offer an 11-inch or 12.9-inch screen for those who want more screen real estate.
What can the iPad Pro do that the iPad can’t?
The iPad Pro can handle demanding tasks like 3D modeling, high-resolution video editing, and graphic design thanks to its superior processing power and display technology. While both models support the Apple Pencil, the iPad Pro also works with the Smart Keyboard and Magic Keyboard and can run three apps simultaneously in split-screen mode, a feature not available on the standard iPad.
Is an iPad Pro or Air better for school?
The regular iPad meets most demands without a problem. The iPad Air has a better display, a faster processor, and a few more advanced features. The standard iPad offers excellent value for its price. It’s a reliable option, especially for a high school student.
Can iPad Air use Apple Pencil?
Yes, the iPad Air models, including the latest M2 and M3 versions, are compatible with both the Apple Pencil (USB-C) and the Apple Pencil Pro. These models also support Apple Pencil hover, as highlighted by Apple.
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