In the recent March 2022 event apple has launched the fifth-generation iPad Air along with the new iPhone SE. The new iPad has the latest M1 chip, 5G connectivity, and a high-quality front-facing camera. In the launch line, we have an iPad Pro, which also shares some similar features like an M1 chip, 5G connectivity, and some other high-end features. This launch has led Apple users to rethink their decision of buying an iPad. The newly released iPad has many breathtaking features at an affordable price.
However, before we jump to conclusions, why not take a deeper dive?
In this article, we would take a closer look into both devices before we decide the winner. Although these two devices look the same at first glance, they have some specific features which we will be discussing in this article. Let’s divine in and have a close look at the features of both iPads.
Comparison Table
| Feature | iPad Air 5 2022 | iPad Pro 2021 |
| Starting Price | USD $599 | $ 1,077 |
| Screen Size | 10.9-inch display | 11 to 12.9-inch display |
| Processor | M1 chip | M1 chip |
| Storage | Up to 256GB storage | Up to 2TB storage |
| Rear Camera | ƒ/1.8 12MP Wide rear camera | ƒ/2.4 10MP Ultra Wide rear cameras |
| Front Camera | ƒ/2.4 12MP Ultra Wide front camera | ƒ/2.4 12MP TrueDepth Ultra Wide front camera |
| Battery | 10 hour battery life | 10 hour battery life |
| Speakers | Two speaker audio | Four-speaker audio |
| Weight(lbs) | 1.02 | 1.03 |
| Colors | Space Gray, Starlight, Pink, Purple, and Blue | Silver and Space Gray |
| Sensor | Touch ID enabled | Face ID enabled |
| Connectivity | Sub-6GHz 5G connectivity | Sub-6GHz 5G connectivity |
1.iPad Air 5 2022 vs. iPad Pro 2021: Display
The display of the iPad Air 2022 is 10.9-inch, along with an IPC LCD panel, and a peak brightness of 500 nits. It has an image resolution of 1640 x 2360 pixels, and you can add further protection to its scratch-resistant glass display with iPad Air 5 Screen Protectors. The design of the device is a glass front, aluminum back, and has an aluminum frame. Moreover, it can support Stylus Support and a keyboard.
In comparison, Apple iPad Pro 2021 has a 12.9-inch display. It comes with a mini-LED LCD panel, HDR10 support, and can support Dolby Vision. It has an image resolution of 2048 x 2732 pixels with a peak brightness of 1600 nits. Like an iPad Air 5, you can also add further protection to your iPad Pro 2021 scratch-resistant glass display with 11-Inch iPad Pro 2021 Screen Protectors.
The design of iPad Pro 2021 is built with a glass front, aluminum back, and aluminum frame
2.iPad Air 5 2022 vs. iPad Pro 2021: Size and Design
Although both devices share the same features, iPad Pro comes in a wider display. However, iPad Air 2022 is available in a wider range of colors. Both iPads have a design of a glass front, aluminum back, and has an aluminum frame. Moreover, it is able to support Stylus Support and a keyboard.
Most iPad users prefer using their iPad with a case for added safety and aesthetics. You can check some of the best iPad Air 5 Cases and 11-Inch iPad Pro 2021 Cases and pick the ones that suit you.
3.iPad Air 5 2022 vs. iPad Pro 2021: Camera:
Talking about camera specs, iPad Air 2022 has a single rear and a front camera. The rear camera has a 12MP wide-angle with dual pixel PDAF and a 12MP ultra-wide-angle camera upfront. You can shoot 4K videos with a rear camera along with gyro-EIS for added video stabilization.
In comparison, Apple iPad Pro 2021 has triple rear cameras and a single front camera. The three rear cameras comprise one 12MP wide-angle camera, a 10MP ultra-wide camera, and a TOF 3D LiDAR scanner for depth sensors.
The new iPad Air 2022 is excellent for taking good photos and videos. However, Apple iPad Pro 2021 offers more features for clearer photos and videos.
4.iPad Air 5 2022 vs. iPad Pro 2021: Performance:
The performance of both iPads is almost the same, but not so the same. One similarity is that they both use M1 chips. This chip has an Octa-core CPU and an Apple GPU (8-core graphics). This M1 chip supports 5G connectivity, which means you get fast connections in both devices. However, iPad Pro supports 5G’s Sub6 and mmWave technology, while the iPad Air only supports Sub6. The first network type is just a little faster than the latter one. However, you will notice this speed is different only under very specific conditions.
Pad Air 2022 has 8GB RAM and comes with storage options of 64GB to 256GB. In comparison, iPad Pro 2021 has 8GB to 16GB RAM, and has storage options 28GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB. Please note that both of these devices do not support a microSD card slot or a 3.5mm jack port.
When we look at the overall performance of both iPads in terms of gaming and graphics, there is not much difference to notice. However, iPad Pro 2021 allows bigger RAM and storage options.
5.iPad Air 5 2022 vs. iPad Pro 2021: Battery:
The battery of the Apple iPad Pro 2021 is powered with a 40.88Wh battery and has an 18W charge. Whereas, Apple iPad Air 2022 has a 28.6Wh battery with an 18W charge support.
When we look at the battery features, it is clear that the battery strength of iPad Pro 2021 is twice that of iPad Air 5 2022.
Conclusion:
The purpose of the recent iPad launch was to launch such devices which are comparatively affordable. While you may have noticed that the new iPad Air 5 2022 has lesser features, it is much cheaper than the previous iPads.
However, if you are a technology geek and do not want to compromise the features – it is best to go for an iPad Pro 2021. This iPad has much more technology options and allows you to enjoy greater.
If you want to go with the basic, yet classic features of the iPad, buying an iPad Pro 2021 is the best option.
