Apple iPad Air M2 11" vs Apple iPad Pro 11" (M5, 2025)
The Verdict
The Apple iPad Air M2 11" and Apple iPad Pro 11" (M5, 2025) sit in the same category and end up appealing to slightly different buyers. The Apple iPad Air M2 11" 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 M2 11" stands out for m2 chip provides powerful performance for creative and productivity tasks, 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 M2 11" if…
- →M2 chip provides powerful performance for creative and productivity tasks
- →Landscape front camera placement is ideal for video calls
- →Apple Pencil Pro support with squeeze and barrel roll gestures
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 M2 11"
Pros
- M2 chip provides powerful performance for creative and productivity tasks
- Landscape front camera placement is ideal for video calls
- Apple Pencil Pro support with squeeze and barrel roll gestures
- Slim and light design at 462 g is easy to carry all day
- Wi-Fi 6E for faster wireless connectivity
Cons
- 60Hz display feels dated compared to iPad Pro ProMotion
- 128 GB base storage is restrictive for demanding workflows
- No mini-LED or OLED — LCD panel has limited contrast
- Keyboard and Pencil accessories add significant cost
- Single speaker pair — audio is less immersive than iPad Pro
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 M2 11" | Apple iPad Pro 11" (M5, 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iPadOS 17 | iPadOS 19 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 462 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 | 28.93 Wh | — |
| Display | ||
| Size | 11 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 | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB | 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB |
| Expandable storage | ||
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 16 GB |
| Chipset | Apple M2 (8-core CPU, 10-core GPU) | Apple M5 (10-core CPU) |
| Connectivity | ||
| USB | USB-C 3.1 (10 Gbps) | Thunderbolt / USB 4 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E | 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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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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