iPad Air or iPad Pro: Which is right for you?
The price difference is significant. The specs vary considerably. And yet, many people choose the wrong tablet for their needs. But here's what no one tells you: the more expensive iPad Pro is completely unnecessary for most users. In fact, those extra features you pay hundreds of euros for? You probably never use them.
Face ID instead of Touch ID, four speakers instead of two, a ProMotion display with a 120Hz refresh rate—sounds impressive. Until you realize you'll mostly be watching Netflix, surfing the web, and occasionally editing a document. Then the iPad Air suddenly seems a lot smarter. Unless you really need that laptop power. Or that massive storage. Or that professional camera setup. Let's be honest about what you actually need .
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The most important differences at a glance
The price difference between an iPad Air and an iPad Pro is significant. A refurbished iPad Air 3 costs around €449, while a comparable iPad Pro easily costs €400 more. But what exactly do you get for that extra money? And is it worth the investment for your situation?
Performance and processor
The iPad Pro features more powerful chips like the A12X, A12Z, or even the M1 processor in newer models. These offer about 20-30% better performance than the A12 or A14 Bionic chip in the Air models. For everyday use like browsing, watching Netflix, and editing documents, you'll barely notice this difference. It only becomes relevant during demanding tasks like 4K video editing, professional-grade photo editing, or running multiple apps simultaneously.
Screen technology and size
A key difference is the screen quality. The Pro models have a ProMotion display with a 120Hz refresh rate, which delivers smoother animations and more responsive pen input. This is especially noticeable when scrolling through web pages and drawing with the Apple Pencil. The Air has a decent Liquid Retina display, but lacks this extra fluidity.
The Pro has more size choices, with both 11-inch and 12.9-inch options available. The Air is only available in 10.9 inches. The larger 12.9-inch Pro model also features a Liquid Retina XDR display with better brightness and contrast — ideal for pro-level content creation.
Ease of use and operation
Login methods
The Pro models use Face ID for facial recognition, while older Air models still have Touch ID via the Home button. Newer Air versions have moved Touch ID to the power button. Both systems work perfectly, but Face ID is slightly more convenient because you only need to look at the screen.
Audio and speakers
For the movie buffs among us: the iPad Pro has four speakers compared to the Air's two. This delivers noticeably better and fuller sound, especially when watching without headphones. The sound automatically adjusts based on how you hold the device.
Cameras and photography
The Pro has a more advanced multi-lens camera system and a LiDAR scanner for better depth sensing. This is useful for augmented reality applications and professional photography. The 12-megapixel main camera takes better quality photos than the Air's single camera.
The front camera is also better on the Pro, with support for portrait mode, Animoji, and Memoji. For video calls, the difference is minimal, but for content creators who film themselves, the improved quality is definitely noticeable.
Storage and connectivity
Storage options vary considerably. While the Air offers a maximum of 256GB, the Pro offers configurations up to a whopping 2TB. For most users, 256GB is more than enough, but professionals working with large video files will appreciate the extra space.
Both models have a USB-C port, but the Pro supports Thunderbolt/USB 4 for faster data transfer. This allows you to connect external displays and fast SSDs – handy if you truly want to use the tablet as a laptop replacement.
Apple Pencil support
A subtle but important difference: the Air supports the first-generation Apple Pencil, while the Pro works with the second generation. The newer version charges wirelessly via the side of the tablet and has a flatter design that fits more comfortably in the hand. For artists and designers, this is a significant difference.
Who is which model suitable for?
Choose the iPad Air if you:
- Mainly consumes: watching series, browsing, social media
- Occasionally work productively on documents or presentations
- Have a limited budget but still want quality
- The tablet is mainly used at home or in the office
- Are you satisfied with 256GB of storage?
Choose the iPad Pro if you:
- Creates professional content (video, photo, design)
- Want to replace your laptop for mobile working
- Lots of multitasking with multiple apps at once
- You want the best screen for precision work
- Want to connect external equipment
- Budget is not an obstacle
Practical considerations
Remember, both tablets are excellent devices that will last for years. A refurbished model can save you hundreds of euros without compromising on quality. Software updates will be supported for both models for years to come.
The biggest difference lies in whether you actually use the extra features. Those four speakers sound great, but with good earbuds, you won't hear the difference. The ProMotion screen is beautiful, but it doesn't make much difference for Netflix. The more powerful processor is impressive, but it's overkill for most tasks.
So think carefully about your actual use. For 90% of users, the Air is more than sufficient. That extra investment in the Pro is only worthwhile if you have specific professional needs or simply want the very best. In either case, you'll get a fantastic tablet that will last for years.
The smartest choice for your situation
The choice between the iPad Air and Pro ultimately comes down to one simple question: will you actually use those extra features? For the vast majority of people, a refurbished iPad Air is the smartest choice. You get a lightning-fast tablet that can handle everything you need daily, without paying for bells and whistles that just gather dust.
Only if you're truly professional in video editing, graphic design, or want to completely replace your laptop is investing in a Pro worthwhile. For everyone else, save yourself those extra hundreds of euros and just go for the Air.
