iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) vs iPad Pro (2024, M4 series)

The iPad Air 2022, powered by the M1 chip, and the iPad Pro 2024, featuring the M4 chip, represent distinct tiers within Apple's tablet lineup. While both operate on iPadOS and offer robust performance, the iPad Pro 2024 introduces significant advancements in display technology and processing power, positioning it for more demanding professional workflows. The iPad Air 2022, released in March 2022, offers a strong balance of performance and features for a wider audience. The iPad Pro 2024, launched in May 2024, is designed for users requiring cutting-edge capabilities and a premium visual experience.

When considering the longevity of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release dates, expected software support, and repairability.

• Release Timeline and Software Support: The iPad Air 2022 was released in March 2022, while the iPad Pro 2024 launched in May 2024. This two-year difference means the iPad Pro 2024 will likely receive major iPadOS updates for a longer period, potentially extending its practical lifespan by an additional year or two compared to the iPad Air 2022. Both models are expected to support iPadOS 26.
• Repairability: The iPad Pro 2024 shows some improvements in repairability, particularly regarding battery replacement, which is now more accessible after the screen is removed. However, its ultra-thin design still presents challenges, and the display remains a delicate and potentially costly component to replace. The iPad Air 2022's repairability is generally considered moderate, with components often glued down, making repairs complex.
• Expected Practical Lifespan: Both devices are built with durable materials, but the newer processor and display technology in the iPad Pro 2024 may offer a longer period of optimal performance for future demanding applications. Users prioritizing the absolute longest software support and cutting-edge performance for years to come may find the iPad Pro 2024 more suitable.

Both the iPad Air 2022 and iPad Pro 2024 are equipped with powerful processors, but they cater to different levels of performance needs.

• Processor Capabilities: The iPad Air 2022 features a capable processor that handles demanding applications, multitasking, and graphics-intensive games smoothly. The iPad Pro 2024, however, is equipped with a newer generation processor designed for even more intensive tasks, offering a significant leap in raw processing power and graphics performance. This newer chip is also optimized for the device's advanced display and is more power-efficient.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: For everyday use, web browsing, and standard productivity apps, both tablets offer a highly responsive experience. The iPad Pro 2024 provides more headroom for extremely demanding professional applications, such as high-resolution video editing, complex 3D rendering, or advanced AI workloads, where its newer processor can deliver noticeably faster speeds and smoother operation.
• Storage Options: The iPad Air 2022 is available with 64GB or 256GB of internal storage. The iPad Pro 2024 offers a wider range of storage configurations, starting at 256GB and going up to 2TB, providing more flexibility for users with large files or extensive app libraries.

The display is a key differentiator between these two iPad models, offering distinct visual experiences.

• Display Technology: The iPad Air 2022 features a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD display. The iPad Pro 2024, in contrast, introduces a new Ultra Retina XDR display, which utilizes Tandem OLED technology. This dual-layered OLED design allows for enhanced brightness and contrast.
• Resolution and Clarity: The iPad Air 2022 has a resolution of 2360 x 1640 pixels at 264 pixels per inch (ppi). The iPad Pro 2024 offers higher resolutions (2420 x 1668 pixels for the 11-inch and 2752 x 2064 pixels for the 13-inch) at the same 264 ppi, resulting in sharp and clear visuals on both devices.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: The iPad Air 2022 provides a maximum brightness of 500 nits and a standard 60Hz refresh rate. The iPad Pro 2024 significantly surpasses this with a full-screen SDR brightness of 1000 nits and a peak HDR brightness of 1600 nits. It also features ProMotion technology, offering an adaptive refresh rate from 10Hz to 120Hz for smoother scrolling and more responsive interactions.

Both tablets offer capable camera systems, but the iPad Pro 2024 includes more advanced features for photography and video.

• Rear Camera System: The iPad Air 2022 is equipped with a single 12MP Wide camera with an f/1.8 aperture, capable of 4K video recording. The iPad Pro 2024 also features a 12MP Wide camera with an f/1.8 aperture, but it includes an Adaptive True Tone flash and an upgraded LiDAR scanner for improved depth sensing and augmented reality applications. The iPad Pro 2024 notably omits the ultrawide rear camera found in some previous Pro models.
• Front Camera and Video Calls: Both devices feature a 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage, which keeps users in the frame during video calls. A key difference is the placement: the iPad Pro 2024's front camera is now located on the landscape edge, optimizing it for video calls when the tablet is used with a keyboard.
• Audio Experience: The iPad Air 2022 features dual speakers. The iPad Pro 2024 offers a quad-speaker audio system, providing a fuller and louder sound experience, which can enhance media consumption and video conferencing.