iPad Pro vs iPad Air for Drawing

The iPad Pro and iPad Air have for a long time been the top pick for artists and general tablet users. This is because of their powerful performance and great display. However, choosing the best one for you is of late a little complicated because of the new improved versions that have come up.

Both iPad Pro and iPad Air come as an older 2022 version or a new updated 2024 version. In this article, we will compare the iPad Pro 13-inch (M4, 2024) vs the iPad Air (M2, 2024) and the iPad Pro 12.9 2022 vs the iPad Air 4 2022.

1. iPad Pro 13-inch (M4, 2024): Best Overall
2. iPad Air (M2, 2024): Best Value for Money
3. iPad Pro 12.9 2022: Best iPad for Drawing
4. iPad Air 4 2022: Best Budget

iPad Pro vs iPad Air Comparison

For years, the battle between an iPad Pro and an iPad Air was always considered to be one-sided. The iPad Pro was granted victory because of its more powerful features and unique security features, such as facial recognition, not available on the iPad Air.

However, of late, the need for portability has been highly considered over efficacy, especially by students. Most college and high school students today prefer an iPad that is not only powerful but also easy to carry around from one lecture to another.

The small iPad Air is easier to carry compared to the iPad Pro. Additionally, the iPad Air has an equally long 10-hour battery life, just like the iPad Pro. This makes it possible to use it away from a consistent power source or when traveling.

This iPad Air tablet uses the same processors used in the MacBook Air and its competitor, the iPad Pro. After its launch and the revamp, so many creatives have been bombarded with the question of whether the iPad Air is good for creative work. 

After using both of them, especially the 5th Gen iPad Air, we are convinced that this iPad Air has no huge difference from the iPad Pro in terms of power and performance. It is only slightly faster thanks to the faster M2 chip on the iPad Pro instead of the M1 processor on the iPad Air.

With most iPad Pro features, you can work on your projects flawlessly like never before. If you’re yet to attain the iPad Pro’s budget, then you can go for the Air and still make the most of it. 

iPad Pro M4 11 inches vs. iPad Air M2 2024

Design and build quality

These tablet versions have maintained the sturdy and durable yet sleek build design found on earlier iPad versions. They come with an aluminum body with a flat-edge design and round corners.

They are both slim and seem to weigh the same overall. However, on keen observation, you will notice that the iPad Pro is thinner and slightly lighter than the iPad Air.

Most users will not notice this, so it will make no major difference. The Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M2) weighs 1.03 pounds (.462 kg) with an overall.24 inches (.61 cm) thickness. The Apple iPad Air 13-inch (M2) weighs 1.36 pounds (.68 kg) with 24 inches (.61 cm) thickness as well.

The iPad Pro 11 M4 measures 0.21 in thickness and 444 g in weight—similarly, the iPad Pro 13 M4 measures 0.20 inches in thickness and 579 grams. Therefore, the iPad Pro is 5-6% lighter and 15-20% thinner than the iPad Air.

Both tablets feature a modern look with thin bezels around the large-screen display. The iPad Pro will look more modern thanks to thinner bezel sizes running around the screen.

Screen and Display

Both the iPad Pro and iPad Air 2024 come in two separate screen sizes. They have a large 13-inch screen and an 11-inch screen option to choose from. The screens are similar but still quite different.

The Apple iPad Air comes with the old screen version with Liquid Retina display technology. It has a screen resolution of 2732 by 2048 pixels on the 13-inch option and 2360 by 1640 pixels on the 11-inch option. It uses an LCD-type display at 500 nits of maximum brightness.

The iPad Pro uses a better OLED screen type with an Ultra Retina XDR display, which is better. It also features a 2752 by 2064-pixel resolution on the 13-inch option and 2420 by 1668 pixels on the smaller 11-inch option.

The iPad Pro has a brighter screen at 1000 to 1600 nits, compared to 500 nits on the iPad Air. The screen refresh rate is also different, with 120 Hz on the iPad Pro and 60 Hz on the iPad Air.

Despite the difference, the display on both of them is crisp and clear thanks to the 264 pixels per inch of sharp displays. Overall, the iPad Pro is better with a nanotexture display option for high-end iPad models.

Accessories and connectivity

Both the iPad Pro and iPad Air are compatible with the older Apple Pencil 2 and the new Apple Pencil Pro. They both also support the Magic Keyboard. 

However, the keyboard on the iPad Pro features a full aluminum body and has a full row of function keys. The keyboard on the iPad Air is made of rubber and does not have any function keys included.

Connectivity slightly differs between the iPad Pro using Thunderbolt USB 4 and the iPad Air using USB 3 connectivity. Both still support one USB-C display with up to 6K or 4K resolution at  60 Hz via an adapter.

Processing Power and Storage

Thanks to its better processor, the iPad Pro is more powerful than the iPad Air. It features an Apple M4 chip processor, compared to the Apple M2 chip on the iPad Air.

It also features a 16 GB RAM size and 256 GB to 2 TB storage space that is not expandable. The iPad Air has 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB to 2 TB of storage that is also not expandable.

This means that, although they are both fast and lag-free, the iPad Pro will be faster and less likely to lag.

Price

Both iPads are not cheap devices due to their top-of-the-pile premium features. They will not come with any accessories, like pencils or keyboards, which you have to buy separately. 

The iPad Pro has a better display and additional specifications. This means it comes at a higher cost than the iPad Air.

The iPad Air, on the other hand, will offer better value for your money. This is because it is cheaper and will still perform 99% of what an iPad Pro can do.

The main differences between these two tablets are their price and display. Other factors are similar and negligible.

Conclusion

The iPad Pro has a better screen with a new OLED-type screen and higher brightness levels. It also has twice as good a refresh rate at 120 Hz, making it better for outdoor use.

Both have the same-sized screens, either 13 inches or 11 inches in size. We found 11 inches to be more user-friendly for both versions. It is neither too large nor too small for comfortable use.

Multitasking is easy on both tablets thanks to the iPad OS operating system on both tablets and 16 GB and 8 GB of RAM on the iPad Pro and Air, respectively. 

The iPad Pro is faster with its better M4 chip compared to the M2 chip on the iPad Air.

Both tablets feature similar cameras, only that the iPad Pro includes a LiDAR scanner, which is absent on the iPad Air. Sound quality is also better on the iPad Pro, which has four speakers set up for immersive audio output.

The security features on the two tablets also differ, with Face ID on the iPad Pro and Touch ID on the iPad Air. iPad Pro scores better here as well since Face ID is the latest security technology.

iPad Air (M2, 2024) Review

Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2022) vs iPad Air (2022)

• Apple M2 chip processor for next-level performance
• Large and brilliant 12.9-inch screen size with Liquid Retina XDR display
• 2732×2048 Pixel Resolution
• Good 12 MP wide rear camera, 10 MP ultra-wide rear camera, and front 12 MP camera
• Long (10-hour battery life)
• Cool Facial ID for secure authentication and Apple Pay
• Four-speaker audio and five studio-quality microphones
• Support for Apple Pencil (2nd generation), Magic Keyboard, and Smart Keyboard Folio
• This is an example of an iPad compatible with Apple Pencil 2

The Apple iPad Pro is a premium-level tablet for many general tasks. It comes with a large 12.9-inch screen size and 2732×2048 Pixel Resolution with unique Liquid Retina display technology. Only the new 2024 iPad Pro 13 M4 has a better screen.

You can use this screen both indoors and outdoors in high light conditions thanks to a 1000 nits to 1600 nits brightness levels and 120 Hz refresh rate. iPad Pro is also sleek and ergonomically designed with a slim lightweight body and long battery life. This makes it easy to use it out of the office without a consistent power source.

It comes with an Apple M2 chip processor which has long been the most powerful processor on a tablet. Additionally, it comes powered with 8 GB and 16 GB RAM options. Whether you want an iPad for Music, Digital art, or even animation, this processor and RAM will be all you need.

The Apple iPad Pro is therefore more powerful than the iPad Air. Just like the iPad Air, the iPad Pro is compatible with Apple Pencil 2 and Magic Keyboard. This makes it perfect for note-taking and drawing.

To save your files, the iPad Pro has a massive 128 GB to 2 TB storage space, providing a wide variety to choose from. However, like other iPads, the space is not upgradable and you have to buy the next size every time you want a size upgrade.

Tablets are normally not the best option for taking pictures. However, this tablet comes with a powerful front and rear camera that enables both video conferencing and high-quality videography on the rear camera.

The rear camera comes with a high 12 MP resolution wide and 10 MP ultra-wide while the front camera comes with 12 MP resolution. Both cameras can shoot in 1080P Full HD video resolution, which is perfect.

1. Apple iPad Air (5th Generation)
2. Screen Size: 10.9-inch Liquid Retina Display
3. Resolution: 2360 x 1640 Pixels
4. Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
5. Brightness: 500 to 600 nits
6. Processor: M1 chip
7. Pen: Apple Pencil 2
8. Storage: 64 GB/ 256 GB
9. Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6
10. Cameras: 12MP front / 12MP Back Camera
11. Touch ID
12. Battery Life: 10 hours

The iPad Air features an 11-inch screen size with a 2360×1640 pixels resolution and a Liquid Retina display. It has a crisp and wide color display with 500 nits brightness and a 60 Hz maximum screen refresh rate.

For processing power, it features a powerful Apple M1 Processor and 8 GB RAM. This is perfect for both Photo and video editing. Although it is compatible with Apple Pencil 2 and the Magic Keyboard, you will have to buy them separately.

Unlike Android tablets, you will not have an expandable MicroSD storage space to boost the memory. You will either have 64 GB or 256 GB if you choose the iPad Air. To upgrade, you will have to buy the next higher memory option since it is not upgradable.

Screen and Display

As an artist, the most important thing to check for in a laptop is the display. The display carries everything essential that determines the quality of your drawings, like resolution, viewing angle, and color accuracy.

vs iPad Air (2022)	Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2022)
Display Size: 10.9 inches	Display Size: 12.9 inches
Refresh Rate: 60 Hz	Refresh Rate: 120 Hz
Resolution: 2360×1640 pixels	Resolution: 2732×2048 Pixels
Brightness : 500 t0 600 nits	Brightness: 500 t0 600 nits
Stylus: Apple Pencil 2	Stylus: Apple Pencil 2
Processor: Apple M1 Processor	Processor: Apple M2 Processor
Security: Touch ID protected	Security: Facial Recognition
Battery Life: 10 hours	Battery Life: 10 to 12 hours

Screen and Display

Based on the report above, the iPad Pro 12.9 seems to be more powerful than the iPad Air. However, the difference will seem slight when compared to the smaller iPad Pro 11-inch.

If you work outdoors most of the time, then the iPad Air’s brightness might not be good enough. This means that you might need to go for the Pro 12.9 inch with 1000 nits or the Pro 11 inch with 600 nits of brightness levels. 

When it comes to sharpness, the two tablets simply have the same strengths. With 264 pixels per inch and a slight difference in resolution, the iPad Pro and the iPad Air seem to deliver the same amount of display sharpness. 

Refresh Rate

This is where the iPad Pro beats the iPad Air big time. With a refresh rate of 120 Hz, it means that the iPad Pro screen takes approximately 60 seconds to update when drawing. The iPad Air, on the other hand, takes twice as long to refresh the screen. 

Stylus Compatibility

For quite a while, the Wacom Stylus has been receiving so much glory as far as creativity is concerned. The Apple Stylus 2nd Generation is a great one too.

The fact that both the iPad Pro and iPad Air are compatible with this Apple Stylus means that the drawing experience of both tablets is pretty much similar. 

Processor and RAM

Both the iPad Pro and iPad Air use an M1 chip that makes your drawing experience flawless. A good tablet should have a powerful processor to handle large-resolution projects. 

The M1 chip is basically a MacBook’s processor, so getting yourself the iPad Pro or iPad Pro means you’re purchasing an iPad with super high-level performance. 

Both the iPad Pro and Air come with 8 GB of RAM. This means that you can have multiple layers in drawing apps. RAM also plays a vital role in multitasking. A tablet with low RAM limits you so much that you cannot multitask. 

Storage

You need enough storage for your projects, and for that reason, most creatives check for storage after display. The iPad Air comes in two versions, one with 64 GB of storage and the other with 264 GB of storage. On the other hand, the iPad Pro has many storage options to choose from, starting at 128GB and going up to 1TB.

While larger storage is the best choice, you need to understand that the larger the storage, the more you’re going to pay for it. 

Design, Camera, and Battery Life

As a creative, you also need a drawing tablet with a good camera for your projects. You might want to snap an important thing to paint later. 

Both iPads have powerful 12 MP cameras, with the iPad Air coming with a single rear camera and the iPad Pro with three rear cameras. Both also have 12 MP front cameras for webcams and selfies. 

iPads are usually super slim, and that is where they take the mantle most of the time. With their slim design, iPads are more portable than other tablet brands and are ideal when working remotely. 

iPads are good when it comes to battery life. Ideally, most of them can serve you for up to 12 hours. However, the battery life mainly depends on several factors, like the apps you’re using, display size, and resolution, among others. 

Both the iPad Pro and iPad Air have the same battery capacity of 28.6 W. It runs for approximately 10 hours of continuous use.

What is the Difference between iPads and tablets?

When comparing iPads to other tablets, it becomes evident that Apple’s devices excel in several key areas. For instance, the latest iPad Pro showcases a stunning Liquid Retina display equipped with ProMotion technology, ensuring smooth visuals and responsiveness, complemented by the powerful A12Z Bionic chip that enhances performance across applications.

Meanwhile, the iPad Air boasts a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display and the A14 Bionic chip, making it a versatile companion for both productivity tasks and entertainment.

These specifications highlight Apple’s commitment to delivering high-resolution screens, robust processors, and extended battery life, setting iPads apart in the competitive tablet landscape.

Market Trends and Evolution

The tablet market has witnessed significant evolution, driven largely by innovations from leading brands like Apple. iPads have pioneered trends by redefining tablets as viable alternatives to traditional laptops, a shift catalyzed by the introduction of the iPad Pro 12.9 and iPad Pro 13 M4 in 2024. You can either choose for a WIFI or cellular iPad that has some Phone functionality enabled as per your preference.

This transformation has influenced consumer preferences toward devices that offer not only portability but also the performance capabilities required for demanding tasks.

Concurrently, hybrid devices such as the Microsoft Surface series have expanded the market by blending tablet functionality with the productivity features of laptops.

Despite this, iPads maintain dominance through their seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem, continuous hardware advancements, and the growing demand for tablets that serve as powerful productivity tools.

Company

One of the main differences between iPads and drawing tablets is the company they are manufactured by. iPads are manufactured by Apple, while drawing tablets are from various companies such as GAOMON, Wacom, Huion, XP-Pen, and many others.

Connectivity

iPads all have an inbuilt computer and a screen, meaning they don’t need a computer connected to use them. Drawing tablets, on the other hand, come in different types. Most brands create drawing tablets with screens but no computer, such as the GAOMON PD1161 from GAOMON.

However, older brands such as Wacom and Huion have in recent years come up with their own standalone tablets that are not computer-dependent.

Operating Platform

All iPads run on Apple’s IOS, while tablets use different operating systems such as Android, Microsoft’s Windows, and Apple’s IOS. When it comes to online videos and videos, iPads do not support Flash videos and Flash games, while tablets fully support them.

Multitasking is a task that most users prefer, and Apple’s iPad downplays this role. Tablets, on the other hand, allow you to interact with multiple applications to the maximum.

Software compatibility

Although iPads exhibit a load of software as compared to tablets, they are not compatible with most software on the market. Tablets come as a shell with little software and allow you to take your path depending on what software you need.

Body and Build

iPads feature an impressive premium build on all their products, with a variety of color options and features. Alternatively, since tablets are a product of different companies, the nature of the build can be quite difficult to establish, but what is obvious is that the higher the budget, the better the build.

Conclusion

We promised you an honest opinion on which is better, the iPad or the tablet. Honestly, it all depends on user preference. iPads are impressive, premium products from one of the best-rated companies. The IOS operating system and quality screen display technology are two of their greatest advantages.

On the bad side, they are not compatible with a list of likable software and compatibility features. Tablets, on the other hand, fall into different budget ranges, and this helps you work with what your pocket can afford. They are additionally easy to use, with a maximum compatibility scale.

Tablets, however, are produced by numerous companies, posing a problem when looking for the best one. Other differences fully depend on user preferences and likes.

The biggest difference between these two tablets is their refresh rate. While the iPad Pro has a whooping refresh rate of 120 Hz, the iPad Air comes with half the refresh rate of 60 Hz. 

Although this difference is huge, the iPad Air still offers you an amazing drawing experience. The iPad Pro, on the other hand, is smoother and offers a smoother feeling when drawing. If you are wondering what the difference is between iPads and regular tablets, check out our earlier post

Frequently Asked Questions