iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series)

The iPad Air 2022 and the iPad Pro 2021 are both powerful tablets from Apple, sharing the same core processing unit. While the iPad Air 2022, released in March 2022, offers a balance of performance and portability, the iPad Pro 2021, launched in April 2021, provides advanced display technology, a more comprehensive camera system, and expanded connectivity. Both devices run on iPadOS, offering a consistent software experience.

Considering the current date of April 2026, both the iPad Air 2022 and the iPad Pro 2021 have been on the market for several years.

• Software Longevity: Apple typically provides iPadOS updates for 5-7 years from a device's release. The iPad Pro 2021, released in April 2021, is likely to receive major iPadOS updates until at least 2026-2028. The iPad Air 2022, released in March 2022, can expect support to extend into 2027-2029, offering a slightly longer period of current software features and security updates.
• Physical Design: Both models feature an aluminum enclosure and a durable glass front. They are built to withstand typical daily use. Repairability scores for both devices are generally moderate, indicating that some components can be replaced, but certain repairs may be complex.
• Expected Lifespan: Users can expect both tablets to remain functional and perform well for many years. The primary factor influencing their practical lifespan will be software support and battery degradation over time, especially when considering a quality-assured refurbished option.

Both the iPad Air 2022 and the iPad Pro 2021 are equipped with the same high-performance processing unit, ensuring a similar foundation for demanding tasks.

• Processing Power: Both tablets handle intensive applications, complex multitasking, and graphic-heavy games with smooth responsiveness. Users will experience quick app launches and seamless transitions between multiple open applications, suitable for professional creative work, advanced productivity, and entertainment.
• Memory and Storage: The iPad Air 2022 comes with 8GB of unified memory and storage options up to 256GB. The iPad Pro 2021 offers more flexibility with 8GB or 16GB of unified memory, depending on the storage configuration, and storage options extending up to 2TB. This larger memory capacity in higher-end Pro models can provide an advantage for users working with extremely large files or running numerous memory-intensive applications.
• Battery Behavior: Both devices offer comparable battery life under typical usage conditions, generally providing a full day of mixed use. Heavy tasks will naturally consume power more quickly on both models.

The display is a significant differentiator between these two tablets, impacting visual experience for various tasks.

• Display Technology and Brightness: The iPad Air 2022 features a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina IPS display with 500 nits peak brightness. The iPad Pro 2021 offers an 11-inch Liquid Retina IPS display (600 nits) and a 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED display. The 12.9-inch Pro model stands out with significantly higher brightness (1000 nits sustained, 1600 nits peak for HDR) and superior contrast, well-suited for HDR video and professional color work.
• Resolution and Clarity: Both tablets provide sharp and clear visuals. The iPad Air 2022 offers a 2360 x 1640 resolution, the 11-inch iPad Pro 2021 a 2388 x 1668 resolution, and the 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2021 has the highest resolution at 2732 x 2048. All models offer excellent pixel density for reading, browsing, and viewing detailed content.
• Refresh Rate: The iPad Air 2022 has a standard 60Hz refresh rate. The iPad Pro 2021 models feature ProMotion technology, allowing for an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz. This results in smoother scrolling, more fluid animations, and a more responsive feel, especially noticeable in drawing applications and fast-paced games.

The camera systems and audio capabilities vary between the two iPad lines, catering to different user needs.

• Camera System: The iPad Air 2022 includes a 12MP wide camera on the rear and a 12MP ultra-wide front camera with Center Stage. The iPad Pro 2021 features a more advanced rear camera setup with a 12MP wide camera, a 10MP ultra-wide camera, and a LiDAR Scanner for enhanced augmented reality experiences and improved low-light focusing. Both devices offer the Center Stage feature for video calls.
• Photography and Video: For general photography and casual video recording, both tablets perform well in good lighting. The iPad Pro's additional ultra-wide lens and LiDAR scanner provide more versatility for creative users and those utilizing AR applications. Video recording quality is strong on both, with the Pro offering slightly more advanced features due to its hardware.
• Audio Experience: The iPad Air 2022 provides stereo speakers, delivering a clear audio experience for media consumption. The iPad Pro 2021, however, features a quad-speaker system, offering a richer, more immersive sound profile with better stereo separation, beneficial for watching movies, listening to music, or video conferences.