iPad Air vs. iPad (and iPad Pro): How to decide?

Apple has three tiers of iPad and a sliding scale of what you can pay…well, four if you count ipad mini, It was last updated in 2024, but I don’t cover that here. The question, as always: which one? as M4 iPad Air It is preparing to arrive on March 11, so let’s find out.

While Apple has different people in mind for different tiers of its phones, Macs or iPads, the iPad has always been a tricky one because the sliding scale depends on what you define for the iPad. Is he a casual couch companion? Graphics machine? Complete laptop-like option? How much money do you have to spend?

I have reviewed Just about every iPad For over a decade now, so I’ve seen all the iterations. I’m one of those people who uses an iPad to type a fair amount using the keyboard. Plus, I definitely use it to watch movies and videos and check things when I travel. This still isn’t a complete laptop replacement for me, but in many respects, it comes close if you pair a keyboard case.

I love my cheap iPad. But Apple doesn’t seem inclined to do so Updated its basic iPad This year, flying costs much more. Al-Muayyad, and even more than that. They all feel the same in that they are touchscreen tablets, and they are all very cleanly designed. But I like the faster speeds for the faster speeds.

Here, I want to compare the iPad Pro and iPad Air in particular, but let’s quickly break them all down and maybe help you figure it out quickly. This is what I would tell my family if they asked me.

Entry-level iPad (11th generation)

the Basic iPads Good for basic things. If I’m watching a movie or checking mail and Bluesky and Safari are on it, no big deal. The Frontier comes with an older processor that now lags behind the M4 and M5 chipsets in the Air and Pro models by a significant margin. Try to multitask, and you’ll feel the squeak. The design here is very similar to the iPad Air, otherwise, with a large enough screen.

Unfortunately, it only works with older Pencil models. It connects to different keyboard cases than the Air and Pro. But you can get optional cellular service on this device for an extra $150, if you want. I like that all iPads have side-mounted front cameras for video chats and Center Stage software for auto zooming.

Give this to a child, he will be very happy. I just wish it was a little sturdier, and I don’t like the Keyboard Folio case Apple made for this case…it’s not as easy to use as the Magic Keyboard for Air and Pro.

• Last updated March 2025
• Processor: A16
• Storage: 128 GB in the base model, up to 512 GB
• Screen size: 11 inches, Liquid Retina (non-OLED)
• Biometrics: Touch side button
• Apple Intelligence: No
• Pencil: USB-C model or Pencil 1
• Price: Starts at $349, often on sale

iPad Air

The Air’s performance-to-value offering is the best at the moment, but you’ll have to pay $250 more to get there for the base iPad. (The 13 model costs more at $799.) I’ve lived with the M1 iPad Air for years, and I love it. That’s why I think of air as… Pro for most people. The advantages here are obviously performance, but you also get an anti-reflective screen coating, and compatibility with Wi-Fi 7 instead of Wi-Fi 6 on the base iPad and newer cellular modems if you want to add 5G support ($150 extra for this configuration). Those are little things.

The better Pencil and keyboard options are similar to what the Pro offers, which is key. I don’t do a lot of drawing, but I’d definitely like to use the Pencil Pro’s additional controls and gyroscope functionality. But the Air is a bit heavier and thicker than the Pro models, despite the “Air” name. You can feel it with the keyboard case on. I accept that. This person feels more willing to put a lot of work into it.

• Just updated
• Processor: M4
• Storage: 128GB on base, up to 1TB
• Screen size: 11 and 13 inches, Liquid Retina (non-OLED)
• Biometrics: Touch side button
• Apple Intelligence: Yes
• Pencil: Pencil Pro
• Price: Starting at $599

iPad Pro

By far the most expensive iPad model, it is M5 iPad Pro Nice but probably unnecessary. It has the latest M5 chip, but no Pro or Max chipset configurations like the MacBook Pros. Storage options go up here, and there’s Face ID for logging in and making payments, which is a little more convenient than the Touch ID side button. The real highlight is the HDR OLED display, which is one of the best Apple displays in any of its products.

I like that the Pros are getting a little thinner and lighter, too: with the Magic Keyboard turned on, they feel slimmer. But you’ll pay nearly twice as much as you would on Air for the privilege. I’ve been living with the 13-inch M5 Pro for the past few months, and it’s beautiful but downright luxurious. Personally, I prefer the smaller 11-inch iPad, because the 13-inch models have a more square aspect ratio, which makes them better for document work rather than watching movies.

• Updated October 2025
• Processor: M5
• Storage: 256GB on base, up to 2TB
• Screen size: 11 and 13 inches, Liquid Retina XDR (OLED)
• Biometrics: Face ID
• Apple Intelligence: Yes
• Pencil: Pencil Pro
• Price: Starting at $999

Are you getting the Air or Pro?

The best iPad is the Pro if price isn’t a factor, but it is. The Air is a compromise, favoring performance over bells and whistles.

Are you getting the Air or the basic iPad?

This is difficult. The Air is clearly the better iPad, and one I’m increasingly recommending. But I like the low price of the basic iPad. For children and casual use, use an iPad. But as I already said, it’s a shame that the entry-level iPad didn’t get at least a bit of a chip update this time around. For anyone who wants an iPad that will last a long time, it’s probably time for the Air.

However, I haven’t reviewed the new iPad Air yet. I’ll have more thoughts on this decision when I do.