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Did you want to buy an iPad Pro or Air? Apple has released so many iPad models and generations over the years it can be hard to keep up, especially if you've never owned an iPad before. 

If you're stuck between the iPad Air or Pro, we're here to help! Some iPad models are cheaper or offer more advanced features than others. When choosing an iPad (or any piece of tech), take into consideration your budget and the main features you need. Buying refurbished is a great way to the cut the cost and you can even get your hands on a refurbished iPhone too. 

Keep reading to find out the difference between iPad Air and iPad Pro, including iPad specifications, iPad size comparison and more!

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In this blog:

• Price 
• Features
• Overall

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Price

Ready to compare iPad models? There are some significant differences between the iPad Air vs iPad Pro and the price is definitely one of them. Basically, the iPad Pro is a premium tablet and the iPad Air is more of a standard tablet. 

With a premium tablet, comes premium features. The iPad Pro is not cheap and if you're looking for an affordable tablet, you're unlikely to find that this model suits your budget. 

For example, if you're interested in the iPad Pro 2022, the 11-inch model will set you back at least £899 and that's for the lowest storage option. If you want to buy the 12.9-inch version, it starts at a whopping £1,249. 

Whereas the iPad Air price, if we look at the 5th generation, it starts at £669 for 64GB and from £849 for 256GB.

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Features

Processor 

If you want to buy an Apple iPad Pro, you'll find they are a lot more powerful than other models, including the iPad Air. The iPad Pro 2022 has an M2 chip and the iPad Air 5th gen has an M1 chip, but this doesn't mean it's not fast! This iPad Air is still a speedy device.

Display 

Both the iPad Pro 2022 and iPad Air 5th gen have high-quality displays. But you'll get a little bit more from the 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2022, with its Liquid Rentia XDR display and a mini-LED backlit Multi-Touch display with IPS technology. Whereas the 11-inch version has a Liquid Retina display and a LED-backlit Multi-Touch display with IPS technology. 

The iPad Air 5th gen also has a Liquid Retina display and LED-backlit Multi-Touch display with IPS technology.

Design 

Again, if you're comparing iPad Air vs iPad Pro and looking solely at the newest versions, you'll find that they have similar designs. They both have flat surfaces, a USB-C port and sharp aluminium bodies. 

If you're looking for the biggest iPad screen, the iPad Pro 2022 offers a 12.9-inch version, as well as 11-inches. However, the iPad Air 5th gen is still a good option, with a pretty large 10.9-inch display. 

The only thing the iPad Air 5th gen really has over the iPad Pro 2022 in terms of design is the colour choice. The iPad Pro 2022 only offers Silver and Space Gray, whereas the iPad Air 5th gen comes in Space Gray, Starlight, Pink, Purple and Blue. 

Camera

Now this is where the differences come into play! If the main feature you want from an iPad is the camera, then go with the iPad Pro 2022 or an iPad Pro in general. The iPad Pro 2022 has a dual camera set-up, including a 12MP wide and 10MP ultra-wide camera. It also has a LiDAR scanner, Face ID and ProMotion.

Whereas the iPad Air 5th gen has a 12MP single wide camera and 12MP ultra-wide front camera.

Battery 

iPad devices are easily portable as they're lightweight, so they're perfect for travelling. Battery is an important feature as the last thing you want if you're on a long flight is your iPad running out of battery.  

The iPad Pro 11-inch has a built-in 28.65-watt-hour rechargeable lithium-polymer battery and the 12.9-inch model has a built-in 40.88-watt-hour rechargeable lithium-polymer battery.

Whereas the iPad Air 5th gen has a built-in 28.6-watt hour rechargeable lithium-polymer battery.

However, all three of these iPad models have up to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi-Fi or watching videos.

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Overall

So, what's the difference between iPad Pro and iPad Air? The newest versions of the iPad Pro and iPad Air seem to have a lot more similarities than differences, however, if you look at older models, you'll find there are a lot more differences. 

Overall, if you're looking for a budget device, then the iPad Air is a no-brainer. It's more affordable, it's fast enough and has a decent battery for commuting and travelling. If you're not bothered about a top-notch camera then this a good iPad to choose. 

However, if you want the best of the best and have the money to spend on a premium device, then the iPad Pro is perfect. You know you're getting a top quality device, with different screen sizes, amazing camera capabilities and if you go for the newest iPad Pro, you'll get a super fast processor.

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Want to upgrade without breaking the bank? Shop refurbished iPad Pro devices or refurbished iPad Air models at the musicMagpie Store and get the same features for much less. We even sell a great range of refurbished phones too if you're looking for your next phone for cheaper than new. You can make your upgrade even cheaper by trading in your unwanted phones too – check out our Sell My Phone or iPhone trade in pages to get started!