Apple iPad Pro M4 vs iPad Air M3: Which Do You Actually Need?
When it comes to choosing between the Apple iPad Pro M4 and the iPad Air M3, the decision might seem straightforward at first glance—they look quite similar on the outside. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll find that these two iPads have a number of significant differences that can impact your workflow and overall experience. Whether you’re debating which iPad is right for you or just curious about how these models compare, this guide will break down everything you need to know.
Screen Differences: Brightness and Display Technology
The most noticeable difference between the iPad Air M3 and the iPad Pro M4 is their displays. Both feature Liquid Retina screens with the same resolution and anti-reflective coatings, but the iPad Pro’s screen truly stands out for its brightness and clarity.
At maximum brightness, the iPad Pro’s screen is significantly brighter than the iPad Air’s. The iPad Air tops out at 500 nits of brightness, while the iPad Pro reaches 1,000 nits in SDR mode and can boost up to an impressive 1,600 nits in HDR content. This makes a huge difference, especially when using the device outdoors or in bright environments.
Moreover, the iPad Pro employs an OLED screen, which enhances the visual experience with deeper blacks and more vibrant colors. It also supports a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz, providing smoother animations and scrolling compared to the iPad Air. The Air, on the other hand, has a standard refresh rate which is still good but not quite as fluid.
For those opting for higher-end storage models (1 or 2 terabytes) on the iPad Pro, there’s an additional option for a nano-texture display. This reduces glare even further, enhancing visibility in bright conditions.
Performance Comparison: M3 vs. M4 Chip
Under the hood, the iPad Air M3 is powered by Apple’s M3 chip, featuring an 8-core CPU and a 9-core GPU. The iPad Pro M4, meanwhile, steps things up with a starting configuration of a 9-core CPU and a 10-core GPU. If you upgrade the iPad Pro to the 1TB or 2TB model, it gains an additional CPU core and doubles the RAM from 8GB to 16GB, which can be a big boost for heavy multitasking or professional workflows.
Despite these differences, for most day-to-day tasks like browsing, note-taking, and media consumption, you won’t notice a significant performance gap. Both iPads share the same media engine, so video editing and similar creative tasks perform similarly well on either device.
Camera Features and Differences
Cameras are another area where the iPad Pro pulls ahead, particularly for users interested in photography, video, or augmented reality (AR). The iPad Air has a single rear camera without LiDAR or TrueDepth capabilities. The iPad Pro, on the other hand, boasts a more advanced rear camera system that supports ProRes video and includes LiDAR, which enhances AR experiences, room scanning, and 3D mapping.
On the front, both devices feature landscape cameras ideal for FaceTime and video calls. However, the iPad Pro’s front camera supports TrueDepth technology, enabling portrait mode with background blur—a handy feature for professional-looking video calls. While the video quality between the two front cameras is close, the Pro’s front camera edges out the Air’s slightly.
Audio and Microphone Quality
Audio is another point of differentiation. The iPad Pro features four speakers, providing richer, louder sound with more depth, ideal for watching videos or listening to music without headphones. The iPad Air has two speakers, which still deliver good audio but lack the fullness of the Pro’s setup.
Regarding microphones, the iPad Pro has a technically better mic setup, though in everyday use, the difference is subtle and unlikely to be a dealbreaker for most users.
Security: Touch ID vs. Face ID
Security and unlocking methods differ as well. The iPad Air M3 uses Touch ID integrated into the side button. While secure, it can be a bit inconvenient when typing on a keyboard since you have to reach to the side to unlock the device.
The iPad Pro M4 offers Face ID, which is fast, seamless, and works well in various lighting conditions. This makes unlocking the iPad Pro a more fluid experience and is a significant plus for users who prefer hands-free access.
Design and Port Differences
In terms of design, both iPads are very similar in size, but the iPad Pro is slightly thinner and marginally lighter. This difference is subtle in daily use but contributes to the Pro’s premium feel.
Both models include a USB-C port for charging and accessories, but the iPad Pro supports Thunderbolt/USB 4 speeds up to 40 Gbps, whereas the iPad Air’s USB-C port maxes out at USB 3.1 speeds of 10 Gbps. This difference matters if you’re connecting high-speed external drives or pro-grade accessories, but for typical users, it won’t impact everyday tasks.
Both iPads support external displays, including compatibility with the Apple Studio Display, and these features are expected to improve further with the upcoming iPadOS 16 update.
Storage Capacities
Storage options also vary between the two models. The iPad Air starts at 128GB and goes up to 1TB, while the iPad Pro begins at 256GB and can be configured with up to 2TB of storage. If you need a lot of onboard storage for large files, apps, or media, the iPad Pro offers more flexibility.
Accessories: Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard
Both iPads support the Apple Pencil (USB-C) and the Apple Pencil Pro. I highly recommend the Apple Pencil Pro for its advanced features and convenient magnetic charging and pairing on the side of the iPad.
When it comes to keyboard cases, each iPad has a dedicated Magic Keyboard designed specifically for it. The iPad Pro’s Magic Keyboard stands out with backlit keys and an aluminum top, giving it a more premium, durable feel. The iPad Air’s Magic Keyboard has a leather top that’s comfortable but less robust.
If you plan to use a Magic Keyboard extensively, investing in the iPad Pro might be worthwhile for the superior typing experience and build quality.
Pricing Comparison
iPad Pro M4: Starts at $1,000 for the 11-inch model and $1,300 for the 13-inch model.
iPad Air M3: Starts at $600 for the 11-inch model and $800 for the 13-inch model.
The iPad Air offers a more budget-friendly entry point, making it an excellent choice for users who want solid performance without breaking the bank. The iPad Pro’s higher price reflects its premium features and enhanced capabilities.
Who Should Buy the iPad Air M3?
If you’re looking for an iPad that’s a step above the basic models like the iPad A16 or iPad Mini but don’t require all the premium features, the iPad Air M3 is a fantastic option. It delivers excellent screen quality, powerful performance with the M3 chip, and is perfect for everyday activities such as note-taking, web browsing, and email.
For most people, the Air strikes the right balance between price, performance, and portability.
Who Should Buy the iPad Pro M4?
The iPad Pro M4 shines for users who demand the best display technology, extra computing power, and enhanced accessory support. Its OLED Liquid Retina display with 120 Hz refresh rate, superior speakers, Face ID, and expanded storage options make it ideal for professionals and creative users.
If you plan to use your iPad as a laptop replacement or need the highest performance for advanced workflows, the Pro is the clear choice. The premium Magic Keyboard and other subtle quality improvements also elevate the overall experience.
Long-Term Investment and Conclusion
One of the great things about Apple’s iPads is their longevity. Thanks to powerful chips like the M3 and M4, these devices can easily remain relevant and fast for four to six years or more, making them a smart long-term investment.
Ultimately, if you want an iPad that covers all your needs with a premium feel and extra power, the iPad Pro M4 is worth the investment. But if you want a capable, affordable, and reliable iPad for everyday use, the iPad Air M3 won’t disappoint.
Whichever you choose, you’re getting a top-notch device that will serve you well for years to come.
If you’re interested in purchasing either model, I’ve included links below to help you find the best deals and accessories:
If you have any questions about the iPad Air M3 or the iPad Pro M4, feel free to leave a comment. I’d love to help you make the best choice for your needs.
