iPad Pro vs iPad Air: Which Apple Tablet is best for you

In this article, we will compare iPad Pro vs iPad Air to find out which Apple Tablet is the best for you.

iPad Pro 12.9

Best overall iPad for Drawing

Apple has with time amazed artists with their quality in the production of drawing iPad. We have seen them produce series from the iPad Mini and the iPad Air to the iPad Pros.

The big question artists ask themselves is which series is the best and today we are going head to head, iPad Pro vs iPad Air for Drawing.

iPad Air

Since the two models keep changing by either generation or year of production, we shall look at their latest versions, the iPad Pro 12.9 (M1 2022) and iPad Air 5th generation.

There are quite some similarities between the two including the introduction of the M1 chip and being the slimmest of their kind in the market but you will experience several differences along the way.

In this guide, we will give you an honest opinion on the two models, highlighting the pros that overpower the other.

Build and Design

The two iPads are great when it comes to portability, with the iPad Air 5 harboring a panel size of 10.8 by 7.02 by 0.4 inches. The iPad Pro 12.9 on the other hand has a hand panel size of 11.04 by 8.46 by 0.23 inches.

Apart from a small size, they both have a slim build that enables you to slide them into a backpack comfortably.

This is made better by a lightweight build of 462g for the Air 5 and 643g for the Pro 12.9.

They both are designed with the same Apple product design language featuring the industrial squared off-edges.

When it comes to colors, the iPad Air 5 comes with a wider option available in space gray, starlight, pink, purple, and blue. As for the iPad Pro 12.9, you only get a choice between space gray and silver.

On top of the Air 5 is a button with fingerprint detection for authentication. On the other hand, Pro 12.9 goes for face detection for authentication facilitated by the TrueDepth camera array.

Authentication is a key technology for privacy and since both fingerprint and face detection is foolproof, it all falls on user preference.

However, the iPad Air 5 steals the show when build and design are involved since it is both small in size and less heavy for easier portability and mobility.

Screen and Display

The small size might have won the iPad Air 5 the prize for the best portability, but when it comes to screen size it is quite the opposite.

With a diagonal screen size of 12.9 inches, the iPad Pro 12.9 offers a larger working area compared to the competitor’s 10.9 inches. This comes in handy for an artist, as a larger presentation of your design always brings about inspiration and a wider view of your work.

The display on the iPad Air 5 screen features the Liquid Retina Display boasting a screen resolution of 2350 by 1640 pixels with a pixel density of 264 PPI. The iPad Pro 12.9 uses the Liquid Retina XDR Display reaching a screen resolution of 2048 by 2732 pixels at a pixel density of 264 PPI.

One huge difference though is the quality of iPad Pro 12.9’s 120Hz response rate, compared to Air 5’s 60Hz rate, courtesy of the ProMotion technology.

All said and done, it is quite evident the iPad Pro 12.9 put in some work on the visuals, with the ProMotion technology low blow tipping the iceberg.

Apple Pencil 2nd Generation

Both tablets use the Apple Pencil 2nd Generation and you can tell by the quality of the pencil why. Apple does not reveal the level of pressure sensitivity the pencil holds. However, the stroke production and the response the screen offers to the pen create a natural and authentic experience. The pen is comfortable for the hand and the slim build offers you a fatigue-free session even in long-term use.

Processing and RAM Memory

Both iPads ensure fast processing courtesy of the new Arm-based M1 chip for 3 times faster CPU power. Arm-based M1 chip is the latest CPU technology in the market. As the best technology, you are guaranteed minimal lagging and processing.

The RAM on the iPad Pro 12.9 is large at 16GB while iPad Air 5 comes with 8GB RAM only. This means that the iPad Pro 12.9 2022 is faster and can run multiple programs simultaneously. It also renders files relatively faster and more efficiently.

Internal Storage

When it comes to internal storage the iPad Air 5 offers you only two internal storage. You can choose between 64GB and 256GB of internal storage.

iPad Pro 12.9 however offers you a wider range of options that are configured according to RAM. For the 8GB RAM model, you can pick either 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB of internal storage. If you need more storage, you will have to go for the 16GB RAM model harboring a massive 1TB or 2 TB of internal storage.

iPad Pro 12.9 wins this category. It offers you a wide range of options going as far as 2TB. The iPad Air 5 best size goes only up to 256GB.

When it comes to the price, the iPad Pro 12.9 ranges from $1200 to $2200, which is a little expensive.

If you are on a budget, the Apple Air 5 might just be the one for you. With the 64GB internal storage model going for just under $599. As for the larger 128GB internal storage model, it goes at just below $749.

Conclusion

The Apple Air 5 challenges the iPad Pro 12.9 in terms of portability and budget. When it comes to other features such as screen display, RAM, and internal storage, the Pro 12.9 comes on top.

Similarities in processors and stylus return the Apple Air 5 to the game. The price is quite friendly if you need a cheap iPad for drawing. If you are looking for the Best iPad for Drawing, then the iPad Pro 12.9 2022 is the best option for you.