Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M4) vs Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M5)
Get the iPad Air (M4). Unless you edit video, draw seriously or make music — then the Pro's OLED screen and M5 chip are worth the extra.
Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M4)
The tablet most people should buy: fast, light, with a sharp screen and support for the best Apple Pencil and keyboard. No 120Hz screen and no Face ID.
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M5)
The best tablet you can buy: a stunning 120Hz OLED screen, Face ID and the fastest chip, in a very thin body. It costs a lot, and the keyboard more again.
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Both work with the Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard. The Pro has the best screen on any tablet, the fastest chip and Face ID, but the Air gives you most of the speed for much less.
- —You want one tablet for films, notes, drawing, games and some work.
- —You mainly browse, stream and take notes.
- —You'd rather keep the difference.
- —You edit video or photos, draw seriously, or make music.
- —You want the best screen for films.
- —You want Face ID.
Key differences
Pros and cons
- +Fast M4 chip
- +Works with Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard
- +Light, with a sharp screen
- −60Hz screen, so scrolling isn't as smooth as on the Pro.
- −Touch ID only, no Face ID.
- −The keyboard and Pencil cost a lot extra.
- −Battery life is about the same as the last model.
- +Best screen on any tablet: 120Hz OLED
- +Fastest chip, Face ID
- +Very thin and light
- −Very expensive, before the keyboard and Pencil.
- −The design is the same as the M4 model.
- −The matte nano-texture glass is only on the pricier versions.
Ready to choose?
- Is the iPad Air (M4) worth it?
- Is the iPad Pro (M5) worth it?
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How we reached this verdict
We compared independent expert reviews with the manufacturer's specifications, then checked it's sold at a major retailer where you live. We don't test products ourselves.
Sources: Tom's Guide, TechRadar, manufacturer specifications.