Comparison: 2022 iPad Air vs 2021 iPad vs 11-inch iPad Pro Which is better?

With the addition of 5G and M1 chip to the new iPad Air, this mid-range tablet becomes more competitive. Here's how it compares to Apple's other iPads.

In recent years, the iPad Air 5 has become a cheaper version of the 11-inch iPad Pro. They have similar body styles and feature sets, and have similar performance levels to the M1 chip on the 2022 iPad Air.

So choosing between iPad models can be difficult. To help you out, here's how the 2022 iPad Air compares to the 11-inch iPad Pro and the entry-level 2021 iPad.

2021 iPad vs 2022 iPad Air vs 11-inch iPad Pro - Specs

##Base price$329$599$799Screen size (inches)10.210.911Solution2160 x 1,6202,360 x 1,6402388 x 1667Pixel Density (dpi )264264264Brightness (night)500500600Display typeRetina,Liquid Retina,Liquid Retina,ProcessorA13 BionicM1M1Apple PencilFirst GenerationSecond GenerationSecond GenerationSmart ConnectorYesYesYes (back)Dimensions (inches)9.8 x 6.8 x 0.299.74 x 7.02 x 0.249.74 x 7.02 x 0.23Weight pounds)1.071.021.03Capacity64GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, Rear camera (megapixels)8 wide12 wide 12 wideFront camera (megapixels)121212Video Recording1080p HD 25/30fps4K 24 /30/60fps, 4K 24/30/60fps, Battery Life (Video)Up to 10 hoursUp to 10 hoursUp to 10 hoursConnectivity4G LTE, 5G (below 6GHz)5G (below 6GHz and millimeter wave) ##Biometrics SpeakerPort

2021 iPad vs 2022 iPad Air vs 11-inch iPad Pro - Physical Dimensions

The iPad Air has an edge-to-edge display corresponding to the Pro.

Despite differences in features and prices, all three iPads are similar in size and weight. In fact, the iPad Air and iPad Pro are nearly identical.

Apple’s 2021 iPad measures 9.8 x 6.8 x 0.29 inches, and the Wi-Fi version weighs 1.07 pounds. The Wi-Fi Cellular model weighs a few grams more at 1.09 pounds.

The iPad Air measures 9.74 x 7.02 x 0.24 inches, which is essentially the same as the iPad Pro’s 9.74 x 7.02 x 0.23 inches. The iPad Air is thicker.

iPad Air 5

In terms of weight, the iPad Pro is only slightly heavier. The Wi-Fi and Cellular models of the iPad Air 5 both weigh 1.02 pounds, while the Wi-Fi iPad Pro weighs 1.03 pounds and the Cellular model weighs 1.04 pounds.

iPad (9th Gen) vs iPad Air (5th Gen) vs 11-inch iPad Pro - Processor and Memory

Both the iPad Air and iPad Pro are powered by the M1 chip.

On the processor side, there is really only one outlier in this comparison.

The 2021 iPad runs on the A13 Bionic chipset, which is a few years old. Despite its age, it's still capable, but it's not Apple's latest and greatest.

Both iPad Air and iPad Pro run on Apple’s M1 chip. Originally aimed at Macs, the M1 is a piece of silicon that dwarfs many Windows laptops.

The M1 chip in iPad Air and iPad Pro features an eight-core CPU, eight-core GPU, and next-generation Neural Engine.

All variants differ in RAM. Apple has not listed memory specs for the 2021 iPad, but the device is said to have 3GB of RAM. The iPad Air has 8GB of RAM, while the iPad Pro comes in 8GB and 16GB RAM configurations.

2021 iPad vs 2022 iPad Air vs 11-inch iPad Pro - Display

The cheaper ninth-generation iPad is the only one to retain a Retina display and home button.

The differences between the three models become even more pronounced when it comes to monitors and display technology.

Apple’s 2021 iPad retains a Retina display that measures 10.2 inches diagonally. It has a 2160 x 1620 resolution, 264 pixels per inch, and a maximum brightness of 500 nits. Unlike other similar products, it supports sRGB colors.

The 2022 iPad Air comes with an upgraded 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display. It has a resolution of 2360 x 1640, which is 264 pixels per inch. Apple says it also has a fully laminated anti-reflective coating and supports P3 wide color gamut. It has a maximum brightness of 500 nits, the same as the iPad.

The 11-inch iPad Pro lives up to its name with an 11-inch Liquid Retina display. It has a resolution of 2388 x 1668, 264 pixels per inch, and a maximum brightness of 600 nits. Unlike the iPad and iPad Air, the iPad Pro features ProMotion technology with a 120Hz refresh rate.

2021 iPad vs 2022 iPad Air vs 11-inch iPad Pro - Camera and Microphone

The 11-inch iPad Pro is the only model here with a dual-lens camera and lidar.

The cameras on the iPad models vary widely, and this could be a good tie-breaker for anyone considering one of the three Apple tablets.

The ninth-generation iPad has an 8MP wide-angle camera on the rear with an aperture of f/2.4. It only supports 1080p HD video recording and up to 5x digital zoom.

On the front, the iPad has an upgraded 12MP ultra-wide-angle camera that takes center stage. It's a better camera than the rear one, and it's tailor-made for video calls.

The iPad Air has a better 12MP rear camera. It supports Smart HDR3, 4K video recording up to 60 fps, and extended dynamic range for video up to 30 fps.

On the front, the iPad Air features the same Center Stage 12MP ultra-wide-angle camera as its cheaper sibling.

The 11-inch iPad Pro features a dual-lens camera setup with 12MP Wide and 10MP Ultra Wide cameras with 2x optical zoom. It also has a brighter True Tone flash on the rear and supports s4K video recording at up to 60fps, audio scaling, and stereo recording. The camera also supports the iPad Pro’s LiDAR sensor for AR.

On the front, the iPad Pro’s camera is a system that supports TrueDepth. It's 12MP and supports Portrait mode and Portrait Lighting, as well as Animoji and Memoji.

In terms of audio, the 2021 iPad uses a dual-speaker system, the iPad Air uses a dual-speaker audio landscape system, and the iPad Pro uses a four-speaker system.

2021 iPad vs 2022 iPad Air vs 11-inch iPad Pro - Connections and Accessories

iPad Air 5 works with the iPad Pro with the second-generation Apple Pencil.

All three iPads here support Apple Pencil—the only difference is which one.

The 2021 iPad supports the first-generation Apple Pencil, while the iPad Air and iPad Pro support the second-generation Apple Pencil.

The entry-level iPad features 4G LTE Cellular and Bluetooth 4.2. Both the iPad Air and iPad Pro support 5G and Bluetooth 5.0, although only the iPad Pro has mmWave.

The 2021 iPad has a Lightning port like the iPhone. The iPad Air has a USB-C connection, while the iPad Pro has a Thunderbolt/USB4 port.

While all three devices have the Apple Smart Connector, the iPad Pro is the only one with a connection point on the back.

The iPad also only supports Smart Keyboard, while the other two tablets work with Apple's Magic Keyboard and Smart Keyboard Folio.

2021 iPad vs 2022 iPad Air vs 11-inch iPad Pro – Battery, charging, and other details

The iPad Pro’s LiDAR sensor enables AR functionality.

Battery life is essentially the same for all three models, according to Apple. Your own mileage may vary in real life.

All three iPad models support up to 10 hours of Wi-Fi browsing or watching videos. They can also surf the web for up to 9 hours using cellular data.

Biometric technology differs between the three models. The entry-level iPad has a Home button with Touch ID, while the iPad Air has Touch ID on the power button. iPad Pro is the only model equipped with Face ID.

In terms of colors, the iPad Pro and 2021 iPad come in space gray and silver.

The iPad Air comes in a wider range of color options, including space gray, starlight, pink, purple and blue variants.

2021 iPad vs 2022 iPad Air vs 11-inch iPad Pro - Pricing and Capacity

The iPad 9 is a great value if you're on a budget.

The 2021 iPad is the cheapest on the list, starting at just $329 for a Wi-Fi-only model with 64GB of internal storage. It is also available in 256GB configuration.

Cellular iPad models start at $459 for the 64GB model and $609 for the 256GB model. However, discounts are available when you compare prices in our iPad 9th generation prices tutorial.

iPad Air is also available in 64GB and 256GB storage versions. Pricing starts at $599 for the Wi-Fi-only model, while the cellular-enabled model starts at $749.

Apple’s iPad Pro has the widest range of storage configurations, available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB models.

It also has the widest price range. Wi-Fi-only iPad Pro starts at $799 for 128GB and $1,899 for 2TB. Adding cellular to the mix brings those prices to $999 for 128GB and up to $2,099 for 2TB. Get up to $150 off in our 11-inch iPad Pro price tutorial.

2021 iPad vs. 2022 iPad Air vs. 11-inch iPad Pro – Which One Fits Your Needs

The iPad Air 5 comes in a wider color range than its peers.

Each iPad here plays a different role in Apple's product lineup. On paper, they may look very similar, but they definitely have the best use cases.

With limited features and starting at $329, the 2021 iPad is the best entry-level device. It's perfect for the education market and is a great choice for parents looking to buy an iPad for younger users.

If you only use your iPad occasionally for video calls, the 2021 model is also a good choice.

The 2022 iPad Air is probably the best all-around tablet for the average user. Its M1 chip is powerful, and while its rear camera is lacking compared to the iPad Pro, most people aren't taking many images on a tablet.

If you need a good iPad that's good enough to last a while, the iPad Air is the perfect middle ground between entry-level and Pro.

Those who will benefit most from the 11-inch iPad Pro already know who they are. The device comes with features including a LiDAR scanner and a 120Hz ProMotion display aimed at professional users and other high-end use cases.

If you use your iPad as a computer replacement, the iPad Pro can do a better job than other devices. It can be configured with up to 2TB of storage, and its Thunderbolt 4/USB4 allows for a wider range of accessories.

	iPad (2021)	iPad Air (2022)	11-inch iPad Pro
	True Tone,sRGB	True Tone, Wide Color Gamut (P3), Fully Laminated	ProMotion True Tone, Wide Color (P3), Fully laminated
	256GB	256GB	1TB, 2TB
			10 ultra wide
			True Depth
	720p 120fps Slow Motion	1080p 240fps slow motion	1080p 240fps slow motion
	Gigabit LTE, Bluetooth 4.2, Wi-Fi (802.11.a/b/g/n/ac)	Thousands Gigabit LTE, Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi 6	Gigabit LTE, Bluetooth 5.0, Wi- Fi 6
Touch ID (Home button)	Touch ID (Power button)	Face Identify
2	2	4
USB-C	USB-C	Thunderbolt/USB4

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