Apple iPad Air 5th Gen (M1) vs Apple iPad Pro 11" (M5, 2025)
The Verdict
The Apple iPad Air 5th Gen (M1) and Apple iPad Pro 11" (M5, 2025) sit in the same category and end up appealing to slightly different buyers. The Apple iPad Air 5th Gen (M1) is the cheaper of the two at $599 versus $999, a difference of about $400. The Apple iPad Pro 11" (M5, 2025) is the newer release, which usually means a faster chipset and longer software support. Apple iPad Air 5th Gen (M1) stands out for m1 chip delivers laptop-class performance at a mid-range price, while Apple iPad Pro 11" (M5, 2025) is praised for m5 chip with 3.5x ai performance vs m4. Use the side-by-side spec table below to compare cameras, displays, battery life and connectivity in detail and decide which one fits your priorities.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple iPad Air 5th Gen (M1) if…
- →M1 chip delivers laptop-class performance at a mid-range price
- →Same sleek design as iPad Pro 11" with flat edges
- →Apple Pencil 2 support with magnetic charging
Buy the Apple iPad Pro 11" (M5, 2025) if…
- →M5 chip with 3.5x AI performance vs M4
- →Ultra Retina XDR tandem OLED display
- →Wi-Fi 7 via N1 chip, C1X modem for cellular
Pros & Cons
Apple iPad Air 5th Gen (M1)
Pros
- M1 chip delivers laptop-class performance at a mid-range price
- Same sleek design as iPad Pro 11" with flat edges
- Apple Pencil 2 support with magnetic charging
- Center Stage keeps you in frame during video calls
- 5G cellular option for on-the-go productivity
Cons
- 60Hz display feels dated next to 120Hz ProMotion on Pro models
- Only 64 GB and 256 GB options — no 128 GB middle ground
- No Face ID — uses Touch ID in the power button
- No headphone jack or expandable storage
Apple iPad Pro 11" (M5, 2025)
Pros
- M5 chip with 3.5x AI performance vs M4
- Ultra Retina XDR tandem OLED display
- Wi-Fi 7 via N1 chip, C1X modem for cellular
- Apple Pencil Pro support
- Thunderbolt / USB 4 connectivity
Cons
- Starting at $999 is expensive
- Still 5.1mm thin limits thermal headroom
- No headphone jack
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPad Air 5th Gen (M1) | Apple iPad Pro 11" (M5, 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iPadOS 15 (upgradable to iPadOS 17+) | iPadOS 19 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 461 g (Wi-Fi) | 444 g |
| Dimensions | 247.6 x 178.5 x 6.1 mm | 249.7 x 177.5 x 5.1 mm |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 10 hours web browsing on Wi-Fi | Up to 10 hours |
| Capacity | 7606 mAh (28.6 Wh) | — |
| Display | ||
| Size | 10.9 inches | 11.0 inches |
| Type | Liquid Retina IPS LCD | Ultra Retina XDR tandem OLED |
| Resolution | 2360 x 1640 | 2420 x 1668 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz ProMotion |
| Storage | ||
| Storage options | 64 GB, 256 GB | 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB |
| Expandable storage | ||
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 16 GB |
| Chipset | Apple M1 (8-core CPU, 8-core GPU) | Apple M5 (10-core CPU) |
| Connectivity | ||
| USB | USB-C | Thunderbolt / USB 4 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 (N1 chip) |
| Cellular | ||
| Stylus Support | ||
| Cameras | ||
| Rear | — | 12 MP wide, 12 MP ultrawide, LiDAR |
| Front camera | — | 12 MP TrueDepth, Center Stage |
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