iPad Pro vs iPad Air vs Regular iPad: Which One Is Best for Your Work and Studies?

Are you wondering which iPad best meets your needs, but the prices are confusing you? Choosing a new iPad is a balancing act between power, functionality, and price.

Brief Overview of iPad Models and Target Groups

Apple offers iPads for different users:

• Regular iPad – for everyday use, studying, web browsing, and entertainment
• iPad Air – for creative users who need more power but don't want to pay the Pro model price
• iPad Pro – for professionals who need maximum performance for video and photo editing, 3D modeling, or other resource-intensive work

Let's look at how these models differ and how to choose the right device for you.

Design and Display: Clear Differences in Visual Experience

Screen Technologies and Quality

iPad Pro (2024)

• Ultra Retina XDR tandem OLED display, offering excellent contrast and colors
• 120Hz ProMotion technology ensures ultra-smooth scrolling and better drawing precision
• Available in 11" and 13" sizes
• Best contrast, vibrant colors, and deep blacks

iPad Air

• Liquid Retina LCD display
• 60Hz refresh rate
• Also available in 11" and 13" sizes
• Good quality, but not as contrasty as Pro OLED

Regular iPad

• Standard Retina display
• 60Hz refresh rate
• Smaller 10.9" screen
• Lowest brightness of the three models

The screen differences are noticeable especially when processing detailed images or reading for extended periods. ProMotion technology gives Pro models a noticeable advantage when displaying fast movements.

<img src="https://upgreat.ee/ugvam/resource/images/IPAD_PRO_11_5–wifi–space_black–1.jpg" alt="iPad Pro 11" (M4) product shot, black – screen and design illustration" style="max-width: 600px; width: 100%; height: auto; display: block; margin: 20px auto;">

Performance: Chip Comparison with Practical Examples

There are significant performance differences between iPads:

iPad Pro (2024)

• M4 chip (10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine)
• Up to 16GB RAM on 1TB and 2TB models
• Geekbench scores: single-core ~3671, multi-core ~14480
• Capable of running the most demanding apps like DaVinci Resolve, Illustrator, and 3D modeling

iPad Air

• M3 chip
• 8GB RAM
• Lower performance indicators than Pro, but still powerful
• Great for Lightroom, Procreate, and parallel use of multiple applications

Regular iPad

• A-series chip (latest with A16 Bionic)
• 4GB RAM
• Lowest performance of the three
• Great for studying, web browsing, e-book reading, and lighter photo editing

In performance tests, iPad Pro models clearly show better results than others, especially in graphics-intensive applications and games.

Battery Life

All three iPads have about 10 hours of battery life for web browsing or watching videos, according to Apple. In practice, however, it depends on usage:

• iPad Pro – more powerful chip may mean faster battery drain during intensive use
• iPad Air – good balance between performance and battery life
• Regular iPad – often has the longest battery life due to less demanding hardware

Cameras and LiDAR

iPad Pro

• The most advanced camera system
• LiDAR scanner (for precise 3D mapping and augmented reality applications)
• 12MP front camera with Center Stage function
• Best for video calls and professional photo/video

iPad Air

• Good quality camera system
• No LiDAR
• Also features Center Stage function

Regular iPad

• Basic level cameras
• Center Stage function available
• Suitable for everyday video calls

Apple Pencil and Keyboard Compatibility

Apple Pencil compatibility:

• iPad Pro – supports Apple Pencil Pro, 2nd generation Pencil, and USB-C Apple Pencil
• iPad Air – supports 2nd generation Apple Pencil and USB-C Apple Pencil
• Regular iPad – supports USB-C Apple Pencil and 1st generation Pencil (with adapter)

Keyboards:
All models support Bluetooth keyboards, but there's a difference in compatibility with specialized keyboards:

• iPad Pro and Air – support Magic Keyboard and Smart Keyboard Folio
• Regular iPad – supports Smart Keyboard Folio, but not Magic Keyboard

Ports and Connectivity

iPad Pro

• USB-C Thunderbolt port
• Wi-Fi 6E and 5G (Cellular models)
• Faster data transfer for external monitors and storage devices

iPad Air

• USB-C port (without Thunderbolt support)
• Wi-Fi 6E and 5G (Cellular models)

Regular iPad

• USB-C port
• Wi-Fi 6 and 4G/5G (Cellular models)

Storage and Price

Storage options:

• iPad Pro: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB
• iPad Air: 64GB, 256GB
• Regular iPad: 64GB, 256GB

Price range:

• iPad Pro: most expensive, starting from €1000+
• iPad Air: on average €400 cheaper than Pro, starting from €600+
• Regular iPad: most affordable, starting from €400+

Refurbished iPad models can offer great value for money.

Pros and Cons

iPad Pro

Pros:

• Ultra-high-quality OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate
• Powerful M4 chip for professional work
• LiDAR scanner for augmented reality applications
• Thunderbolt connection
• 4 speakers for better sound quality

Cons:

• High price
• Power may be excessive for many users
• Heavier than other models

iPad Air

Pros:

• Excellent balance of price and performance
• M3 chip offers sufficient power for most users
• Supports Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil 2
• Versatile use for both work and entertainment
• Available in various colors

Cons:

• 60Hz display (vs Pro's 120Hz)
• Limited storage options (max 256GB)
• No LiDAR and Thunderbolt

Regular iPad

Pros:

• Most affordable option
• Good battery life
• All basic functions available
• Perfect for studying and everyday use

Cons:

• More limited performance
• Fewer accessory options
• Simpler display
• Doesn't support Magic Keyboard

Usage Recommendations: Which iPad Fits Which Usage Scenario?

School and University

• Recommendation: iPad Air or regular iPad
• Reason: Good balance of price, performance, and functionality. Regular iPad is great for taking notes and reading study materials, Air offers extra power for more complex projects.

Digital Drawing and Design

• Recommendation: iPad Pro or iPad Air
• Reason: Pro model's 120Hz ProMotion display offers more precise drawing experience and OLED screen provides more accurate color reproduction. Air is still a capable alternative if budget is limited.

Photo and Video Editing

• Recommendation: iPad Pro
• Reason: Powerful M4 chip, more RAM, and better screen make video processing and photo editing significantly smoother.

Business Use and Multitasking

• Recommendation: iPad Pro or iPad Air
• Reason: Both support Magic Keyboard and multi-window use. Pro offers larger screen and better performance, Air is a more affordable alternative.

Media Consumption, Books, Children

• Recommendation: Regular iPad
• Reason: Affordable, durable, and powerful enough for watching movies, reading e-books, or for children to play with.

Budget-Conscious User

• Recommendation: Refurbished iPad Air or previous generations of iPad Pro
• Reason: Models 2-3 generations older offer the best price-to-performance ratio and still support the latest iOS versions.

Why a 2-3 Generation Older Model Might Be a Good Choice?

Apple devices typically receive software updates for 5-7 years. This means that a 2-3 year old iPad is still:

• Compatible with most new apps and features
• Significantly more affordable than the latest model
• Powerful enough for most users

For example, the iPad Pro 11" 3rd generation offers the M1 chip, which remains extremely powerful and suitable for demanding tasks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Apple Pencil Works with Which iPad?

• USB-C Apple Pencil works with all newer iPads
• 2nd generation Apple Pencil works with iPad Pro and newer iPad Air models
• 1st generation Apple Pencil works with older iPads and with the latest regular iPad using an adapter

Is 64GB Enough?

It depends on usage:

• For everyday use, documents, and streaming services, 64GB is usually sufficient
• For photographers, videographers, or gamers, we recommend at least 256GB

How Long Does an iPad Get Updates?

Apple typically supports iPads with software updates for 5-7 years after their release.

Is the ProMotion 120Hz Display Noticeable?

Yes, especially when drawing, scrolling content, and gaming. In regular use, the difference might not be as noticeable.

Conclusion: Which iPad Is Best for You?

For most users, the iPad Air offers the best balance of price and performance. It's powerful enough for all common tasks and even professional use.

If you're looking for maximum performance and the best display, the iPad Pro is the clear choice, especially if you regularly work with video, photos, or 3D models.

If you need an iPad primarily for web browsing, reading emails, social media, and entertainment, the regular iPad is still an excellent choice that will save your wallet.

In UPGREAT's selection, you'll find quality refurbished iPads with a 2-year warranty and at more affordable prices than new models.

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