Apple iPad Air 5th Gen (M1) vs Apple iPad Pro 12.9" (2022, M2)
The Verdict
Apple's M1-powered iPad Air 5 delivers excellent performance at a mid-range price, featuring a sharp 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, 8GB RAM, and solid 10-hour battery life. Its M1 chipset handles productivity and creative tasks admirably, making it ideal for most users. The iPad Pro 12.9 (2022) costs nearly $500 more but justifies premium positioning through several meaningful upgrades: a larger 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED display with 120Hz ProMotion for buttery smooth scrolling, the faster M2 chip with 10-core GPU, superior Thunderbolt connectivity, and higher base storage at 128GB. The Pro's display technology delivers significantly richer colors and contrast thanks to mini-LED backlighting, particularly noticeable for video editing, design work, and media consumption. Both support Apple Pencil and offer excellent build quality. Choose the Air if you value portability (461g vs 682g) and want powerful performance at a reasonable price. Opt for the Pro if you need the larger canvas, superior display quality, and willingness to invest in a premium tablet experience for demanding creative work.
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 12.9" (2022, M2) if…
- →Mini-LED display with 2596 dimming zones delivers stunning HDR contrast
- →M2 chip handles desktop-class apps and heavy creative workflows
- →Thunderbolt port enables pro external displays and fast storage
Category Scores
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 12.9" (2022, M2)
Pros
- Mini-LED display with 2596 dimming zones delivers stunning HDR contrast
- M2 chip handles desktop-class apps and heavy creative workflows
- Thunderbolt port enables pro external displays and fast storage
- 120Hz ProMotion for ultra-smooth scrolling and Apple Pencil tracking
- LiDAR scanner for AR and precision photography
Cons
- Extremely expensive starting at $1,099 before accessories
- iPadOS still limits true desktop multitasking despite Stage Manager
- Heavy at 682 g — noticeable during extended handheld use
- Base model only 128 GB with no expandable storage
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPad Air 5th Gen (M1) | Apple iPad Pro 12.9" (2022, M2) |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iPadOS 15 (upgradable to iPadOS 17+) | iPadOS 16 (upgradable to iPadOS 17+) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 461 g (Wi-Fi) | 682 g (Wi-Fi) |
| Dimensions | 247.6 x 178.5 x 6.1 mm | 280.6 x 214.9 x 6.4 mm |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 10 hours web browsing on Wi-Fi | Up to 10 hours web browsing on Wi-Fi |
| Capacity | 7606 mAh (28.6 Wh) | 10758 mAh (40.88 Wh) |
| Display | ||
| Size | 10.9 inches | 12.9 inches |
| Type | Liquid Retina IPS LCD | Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED |
| Resolution | 2360 x 1640 | 2732 x 2048 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz ProMotion |
| Storage | ||
| Storage options | 64 GB, 256 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB |
| Expandable storage | ||
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB (16 GB on 1 TB/2 TB) |
| Chipset | Apple M1 (8-core CPU, 8-core GPU) | Apple M2 (8-core CPU, 10-core GPU) |
| Connectivity | ||
| USB | USB-C | Thunderbolt / USB 4 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Cellular | ||
| Stylus Support | ||
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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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