The 2024 new iPad Pro and iPad Air bring different upgrades and surprises. Perhaps you are also hesitant in choosing between these two new products, this OTOFLY's guide will compare the new iPad Pro and iPad Air to help you make an informed decision based on your needs and budget.
Step 1: Define your needs
Apple iPad has new upgrades every year. If you already have an iPad, you need to first understand the main upgrades of the new iPad before choosing one for your needs.
iPad Air：
- M2 chip
- Horizontally placed front camera
- Apple Pencil Pro with hover support
- Up to 1TB capacity
- Optional larger screen
iPad Pro：
- M4 chip
- 11-inch upgraded XDR display with OLED screen
- Nano-texture glass optional for 1TB and above model
- Horizontally placed front camera
- Supports Apple Pencil Pro
- Lighter and thinner
- Rear camera becomes single camera
- Microphones reduced from 5 to 4
Next, let's go a step further and associate the configurations. We have prepared a requirements table for you to check your requirements:
We provide five usage scenarios for each new product. If one iPad meets your needs in more than four check marks, then it is likely to be the product that can meet your needs.
Step 2: Select the size
Maybe you have already determined the iPad model you want to buy in the first step, but if you choose an iPad size that you have not used before, it is recommended that you learn about the size of the iPad before buying it.
Open the iPad's details page in Safari and scroll down to the bottom, you will see the entrance to view the new device with VR.
If you want to go for the largest size iPad (13-inch), you will have a better viewing experience, as well as a multi-tasking and split-screen experience. But you should note that the larger size means less portability. Even though the new 2024 iPad Pro is lighter than the iPad Air, with the Magic Keyboard, the 13-inch iPad Pro will be on par with the MacBook Air in terms of weight.
If you want to choose an 11-inch iPad, except for the smaller screen, in fact, the experience is not much different from the 13-inch model. Moreover, the 11-inch size takes into account both portability and productivity, you can write articles, edit videos, and watch TV shows. However, if you want to use it for split-screen operation, its screen size is a bit insufficient.
Step 3: Consider the price
Finally, price is an important factor in deciding which device to buy. Generally, the price of iPad Pro is higher than that of iPad Air, but the high performance, premium display and wide accessory compatibility it offers often make it the first choice for professional users. If you have a limited budget but want good performance and experience, iPad Air is undoubtedly a more cost-effective choice.
11-inch M2 iPad Air：
- 128GB: From $599
- 256GB: From $699
- 512GB: From $899
- 1TB: From $1099
13-inch M2 iPad Air：
- 128GB: From $799
- 256GB: From $899
- 512GB: From $1099
- 1TB: From $1299
11-inch M4 iPad Pro：
- 256GB: From $999
- 512GB: From $1199
- 1TB: From $1599
- 2TB: From $1999
13-inch M4 iPad Pro：
- 256GB: From $1299
- 512GB: From $1499
- 1TB: From $1899
- 2TB: From $2299
No matter which device you choose, Apple's iPad series can provide you with an excellent user experience. The most important thing is to choose the one that best suits your needs and budget.
Read more:
- Apple 'Let Loose' Event: New iPad Pro and iPad Air unveiled
- iPad Air 2024 Review: Appearance, Display, Camera and Performance
- Apple iPad Air (2024) Review: Is iPad Air Worth Buying
- iPad Pro 2024 Review: Thin Tablet, M4 Chip and OLED Display
- Apple iPad Pro (2024) Review: Is iPad Pro Worth Buying
- Apple Pencil Pro: Everything you need to know
