iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad Pro (2018, A12 series)

The iPad Air 2020 (4th generation) and the iPad Pro 2018 (3rd generation) are both tablets from Apple, released in 2020 and 2018, respectively. While both devices offer a premium tablet experience running on iPadOS, they present distinct features that cater to different user priorities. Key differentiators include their display technology, biometric authentication methods, and internal processing capabilities, despite both running on Apple's iPadOS.

When considering the practical lifespan of these tablets, several factors come into play, including their release timeline, software support, and overall build quality.

• Release Timeline: The iPad Air 2020 was released two years after the iPad Pro 2018. This difference in launch date typically translates to a longer period of official software updates and security patches for the newer device.
• OS Support: Apple generally provides iPadOS updates for approximately 5-7 years for its devices. The iPad Air 2020, with its A14 Bionic chip, is expected to receive major iPadOS updates for a slightly longer duration than the iPad Pro 2018, which features the A12X Bionic chip. Users of the iPad Pro 2018 have reported it still performs well in 2025 and supports iPadOS 26, but future major OS updates are less certain.
• Durability and Repairability: Both models feature an aluminum back and glass front, offering a similar level of physical durability. Repairability scores for iPads are generally moderate, meaning components can be replaced, but often require specialized tools and expertise.

The performance of a tablet is crucial for handling demanding applications, multitasking, and gaming. Both the iPad Air 2020 and iPad Pro 2018 deliver robust performance, though with different underlying architectures.

• Processor Capabilities: The iPad Air 2020 is equipped with a newer generation processor, while the iPad Pro 2018 features a powerful chip from its release year. In real-world usage, both processors handle demanding apps and multitasking smoothly. While the newer chip in the Air 2020 may offer slightly better single-core performance, the Pro 2018's chip, designed for professional tasks, can sometimes show an edge in multi-core performance or sustained workloads due to its architecture.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: Both tablets offer a highly responsive user experience, with quick app loading and fluid navigation within iPadOS. The iPad Pro 2018, particularly the 1TB storage variant, came with 6GB of RAM, while other configurations and the iPad Air 2020 typically feature 4GB of RAM. For users who frequently engage in heavy multitasking with many applications open simultaneously, the additional RAM in some iPad Pro 2018 models could offer a marginal advantage.
• Storage Options: The iPad Air 2020 is available with 64GB or 256GB of internal storage. The iPad Pro 2018 offers a wider range of storage capacities, including 64GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB, providing more flexibility for users with extensive storage needs.

The display is a primary interface for any tablet, and both devices offer high-quality viewing experiences with some notable distinctions.

• Display Technology and Resolution: Both the iPad Air 2020 and iPad Pro 2018 feature Liquid Retina IPS LCD displays, known for their accurate color reproduction and wide viewing angles. The iPad Air 2020 has a 10.9-inch display with a resolution of 2360 x 1640 pixels, while the 11-inch iPad Pro 2018 offers a slightly larger screen at 2388 x 1668 pixels. Both displays support True Tone technology, which adjusts the white balance to match ambient light, and P3 wide color for vibrant visuals.
• Refresh Rate and Brightness: A significant difference lies in the refresh rate. The iPad Air 2020 features a standard 60Hz refresh rate. In contrast, the iPad Pro 2018 includes ProMotion technology, which allows for an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz. This results in smoother scrolling, more fluid motion, and a more responsive feel, particularly noticeable during fast-paced content or when using the Apple Pencil. The iPad Pro 2018 also boasts a higher peak brightness of 600 nits compared to the iPad Air 2020's 500 nits, which can improve visibility in bright environments.
• Viewing Experience: While the iPad Air 2020's display is clear and bright, the ProMotion display of the iPad Pro 2018 offers a perceptibly smoother visual experience, especially for tasks involving rapid movement or drawing.

While tablets are not typically primary photography devices, their camera systems are important for video calls, document scanning, and casual photography. Both models offer capable camera setups.

• Rear Camera System: Both the iPad Air 2020 and the iPad Pro 2018 feature a 12-megapixel wide-angle rear camera with an f/1.8 aperture. This camera is capable of recording 4K video at various frame rates, providing good quality for everyday photos and videos.
• Front Camera System: The iPad Air 2020 has a 7-megapixel front-facing FaceTime HD camera. The iPad Pro 2018 also features a 7-megapixel front-facing TrueDepth camera, which supports Portrait Mode, Portrait Lighting, and Smart HDR, and is designed for Face ID authentication. This means the iPad Pro 2018 offers more advanced front-camera features, including the ability to take Portrait mode selfies.
• Audio Quality: The iPad Air 2020 features stereo speakers, providing a decent audio experience for media consumption. The iPad Pro 2018, however, is equipped with a quad-speaker audio system, offering a richer, more immersive sound experience with better bass and overall clarity. Both devices include good microphones for clear audio during video calls.