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Even the closest observers would have a hard time distinguishing between Apple's iPad updates year after year, and that's the case with the new 2022 11-inch iPad Pro, which is identical to several previous models.
While there have been some minor tweaks over time to the iPad Air, the fifth-generation iPad Air tablet is also identical to its predecessor. While some may chide Apple for its adherence to visual tradition, most users give a thumbs up for a familiar design that works well.
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When it comes to the iPad's underlying hardware and software, that's where Apple readily throws out the old and touches on the new. Every year, new iPads fresh off the assembly line are loaded with technical improvements invisible to the eye but obvious in the hand.
From updated processors and networking components to new Apple Pencil support and performance improvements, combined with operating system updates, 2022 Apple tablets continue to keep users in Apple's orbit.
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Although the size difference is infinitesimal between the 2022 models of the 11-inch iPad Pro and the 5th generation iPad Air, there is a considerable difference of US $ 200 in price.
As with all consumer technologies, the best choice is the one that meets your unique needs. We'll compare these two to determine whether the new 11-inch iPad Pro or iPad Air is best for you.
Specifications
| 11-inch iPad Pro (2022) | iPad Air (2022) | |
| Size | 247.6 x 178.5 x 5.9 mm (9.74 x 7.02 x 0.23 inches) | 247.6 x 178.5 x 6.1 mm (9.74 x 7.02 x 0.24 inches) |
| Weight | Wi-Fi: 466 grams (1.03 pounds) Wi-Fi + Cellular: 470 grams (1.04 pounds) | Wi-Fi: 461 grams (1.02 pounds) Wi-Fi + Cellular: 462 grams (1.02 pounds) |
| Screen size | 11 inches | 10.9 inches |
| Screen resolution | 2388 x 1668 pixels at 264 ppi | 2360 x 1640 pixels at 264 ppi |
| Operational system | iPad OS 16 | iPad OS 16 |
| Storage space | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB | 64GB, 256GB |
| microSD card slot | No | No |
| Tap to pay services | No | No |
| Processor | Apple M2 | Apple M1 |
| TO KNOCK | 8GB/16GB RAM | 8GB |
| Camera | Rear: 12 megapixel wide and 10 MP ultrawide cameras Front: 12 MP TrueDepth camera system with ultrawide | Rear: 12MP wide camera Front: 12MP ultrawide front camera |
| Video | ProRes video recording up to 4K at 30 fps (1080p at 30 fps for 128 GB capacity) 4K at 24/25/30/60 fps 1080p at 25/30/60 fps | 4K at 24/25/30/60 fps 1080p at 25/30/60 fps |
| Bluetooth version | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Ports | Thunderbolt/USB 4 compatible USB-C port Smart connector | USB-C Smart Connector |
| Fingerprint sensor | No | |
| Water resistance | No | No |
| Battery | To confirm | 28.6 Wh |
| Application Market | Apple App Store | Apple App Store |
| Network support | All major carriers (cellular version only) | All major carriers (cellular version only) |
| Colors | Silver, Space Gray | Space Gray, Starlight, Pink, Purple, Blue |
| Price | $ 799 | $ 599 |
| Buy from | Litter | Litter |
| Score evaluation | News | 4.5 out of 5 stars |
Design, display and durability
The design and display of the 2022 11-inch iPad Pro matches its previous three predecessors, while the 5th generation iPad Air also matches its immediate predecessor. Both are also similar to each other on the outside.
While observers have been waiting for the new mini LED-backlit display now available with its 12.9-inch sibling, that's not the case with the smaller Pro unit.
The screen is the same Liquid Retina Display as last year's model and has two rear cameras. Still, the iPad's new 11-inch screen is no slouch; It's crisp and colorful.
It is unlocked via Face ID and has 120Hz Pro Motion technology, which makes a huge difference between the two models. A 120Hz screen refresh rate refreshes the screen 120 times per second, providing a smoother experience. It also varies its refresh rate to suit current usage.
The iPad Air 5th Gen has a thin aluminum body, a camera lens on the back, and Touch ID built into the power button.
Its pleasant rounded corners are comfortable, while the 10.9-inch LED-backlit display with a resolution of 2360 x 1640 pixels is controlled by Apple's True Tone color management system. Unfortunately for FaceID fans, Touch ID is the only biometric option for unlocking the tablet.
Both 2022 iPads support the 2nd generation Apple Pencil for drawing, writing, browsing the web, and unlocking apps, and neither iPad model is dust or water resistant.
Different screen refresh rates separate the Pro model from the Air in terms of quality and user experience. The 11-inch iPad Pro refreshes the screen at up to 120Hz, and this makes the entire experience smoother and more enjoyable, which gives a nod to the Pro.
Winner: 11-inch iPad Pro (2022)
Performance, battery life and charging
The new iPad Pro 11 show stars Apple's latest M2 chip, with an eight-core CPU and a 10-core GPU. Among them, the new Pro model promises up to 15% faster performance and up to 35% faster graphics.
The integrated Neural Engine is designed to be 40% faster than previous models to speed machine learning and provide 50% more memory bandwidth. Professional-level users can rely on the M2 chip to facilitate the creation of 3D designs, AR models, and accelerated gameplay.
Up to 512 GB of storage, the tablet comes with 8 GB of RAM. However, to support up to 2TB storage, these higher-end models come with 16GB of RAM.
In contrast, the iPad Air is equipped with the previous generation M1 octa-core processor, 8GB of RAM, octa-core graphics and Apple's Neural Engine, comparable to Apple's MacBook Air M1 high-performance laptop. But let's face it, the M1 chip is a monster, delivering almost too much power to the small tablet.
Battery life mostly depends on how you use your tablet, but battery life has never been the iPad's strong point, and with the 2022 11-inch iPad Pro and 5th generation iPad Air, tradition still rules.
The new Pro model incorporates a 28.65 Wh battery in the 11-inch model, the same as the iPad Air, and battery life is cited as being the same as last year's models in both. Apple promises a solid 10 hours of use on Wi-Fi models and nine hours on cellular models.
This means you can charge your tablet in the morning and still have power to spare at night. In terms of performance, both are admirable, but as we mentioned earlier, the ProMotion 120Hz display refresh rate offers a better and more efficient overall tablet experience.
Apple provides a 20-watt charging brick and USB Type-C cable in the iPad Air 5th Gen box, which works well but not quickly, taking 2 hours and 20 minutes to reach 100%. Heavy use throughout the day means the battery may need to be recharged at night.
The new 11-inch Pro model includes a USB-C charging cable and a 20W USB-C power adapter in the box. It supports USB-C via a Thunderbolt/USB 4 port, and that's the main difference between the two models.
Thunderbolt 4 is more powerful and can transfer data at up to 40 Gbps — much faster than the 10 Gbps throughput of the Air's USB-C port. This gives the iPad Pro the edge.
Winner: 11-inch iPad Pro (2022)
Camera
Taking photos or videos with an iPad is enough to inspire wry laughter on the street. But who cares? The new 11-inch iPad Pro model features a stellar dual-camera system with 12-megapixel wide and 10MP ultrawide cameras, the same as last year except they have new upgrades.
The 2022 iPad Pro offers Smart HDR 4 for photos and ProRes video recording up to 4K at 30 fps (1080p at 30 fps for 128GB models). The M2 on-chip media engine accelerates ProRes performance, allowing you to convert videos to ProRes three times faster than before.
The M2's image signal processor and advanced cameras also allow you to capture ProRes video. Five microphones and four Dolby Atmos-compatible speakers allow you to deliver high-quality sound.
Sure, you probably won't use your iPad Air as your primary camera, but its 12MP camera with autofocus, Smart HDR, and an f/1.8 aperture will produce well-balanced, colorful photos with excellent dynamic range.
Interior photos show great detail, although interior lighting can appear harsh. The 12MP front-facing selfie camera is ideal for video conferencing and supports Apple's Center Stage feature, as the camera adjusts its 122-degree field of view to ensure you're front and center in the frame.
The presence of a lidar scanner and a second rear camera also distinguish the iPad Pro from the iPad Air 5.
Winner: 11-inch iPad Pro (2022)
Software and updates
Both iPads benefit from new features provided by the delayed iPadOS 16, such as multitasking via Stage Manager.
Traditionally, Apple offers excellent long-term software support so your tablet will stay up to date for at least four years and probably much longer than that.
Since both tablets arrived in the same year, you can expect both to get the same number of updates in the future, so this shouldn't be at the top of your list separating the two.
These two are very difficult to split here, so it's a tie.
Winner: Draw
Special features
There's a new feature on the horizon, increasing the functionality of the second-generation Apple Pencil. When you hover your Apple Pencil over your iPad Pro, it will be detected and show a preview of where the pen will touch the screen, adding a new level of precision.
Additionally, with Scribble and other applications, text fields expand as you hover your mouse over the screen. The second-generation Pencil also works with the iPad Air, but the new focus feature, in conjunction with iPadOS 16, is exclusive to the iPad Pro.
Plus, you can get the Magic Keyboard accessory for both, putting them on dead heat. As such, the Apple Pencil improvements bring it to the iPad Pro 11.
Winner: 11-inch iPad Pro (2022)
Price
The iPad Air 5 is now available. It costs US$$599 for the base 64GB version with Wi-Fi. Add 5G connectivity and the price rises to US$799 for the base model. There is a higher storage option of 256 GB for US $ 749 for the Wi-Fi version.
The new 11-inch iPad Pro will be available on October 26th, but pre-orders are now open. Prices start at US$799, the same price as the high-end models. Wi-Fi models cost: 256 GB for US$ 899, 512 GB for US$ 1,099, 1 TB for US$ 1,499 and 2 TB for US$ 1,899. Add $ 200 to each storage tier for a cell phone model.
Overall winner: 11-inch iPad Pro (2022)
The iPad Pro 11 wins in almost every category, which is why you'll pay a higher price for it. The iPad Air is a high-end consumer iPad, and the Pro, which lives up to its moniker, is designed for a higher level of professional productivity, especially for photo and video production, creative pursuits, and gaming.
In addition to the new M2 chipset, the new iPad Pro features a 120Hz ProMotion Liquid Retina display, improved Apple Pencil support, Wi-Fi 6E support, Thunderbolt 4, a lidar camera, and multiple microphones that put it in a more advanced category than than the iPad Air – although both are average performers in the battery department.
However, if you're not a creative professional, you can save hundreds of dollars by choosing the iPad Air and get all the features you need. It's an extremely powerful tablet with a slim, attractive design that will suit most professionals, students, and casual users, and will even act as a laptop replacement in most situations.
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