iPad Air (M3) vs. iPad Pro (M4) – What’s the Difference? Which One Should You Choose?

Apple’s iPad lineup offers powerful options, but choosing between the iPad Air (M3) and iPad Pro (M4) can be tricky. Both are excellent tablets, but key differences in display, performance, features, and price set them apart.

Let’s break down the iPad Air vs. iPad Pro debate to help you decide which one is right for you.

1. Display: OLED vs. LCD – A Big Difference

The iPad Pro (M4) features a stunning OLED screen, offering deeper blacks, better contrast, and vibrant colors. It also supports ProMotion with a 120Hz refresh rate, making scrolling and Apple Pencil use smoother.

The iPad Air (M3), meanwhile, has an LCD display with a standard 60Hz refresh rate. While still sharp, it lacks the Pro’s 1000 nits peak brightness (the Air maxes out at 500 nits).

Winner: iPad Pro (M4) – Best for creatives, media consumption, and HDR content.

2. Performance: M4 vs. M3 – Does It Matter?

• iPad Pro (M4) – The latest M4 chip delivers AI enhancements, better GPU performance, and improved efficiency.

• iPad Air (M3) – The M3 chip is still extremely fast for most tasks, including gaming, multitasking, and creative apps.

For most users, the M3 is more than enough. The M4 shines in pro workflows like 3D rendering and advanced video editing.

Winner: iPad Pro (M4) for power users, but iPad Air (M3) is plenty fast for everyday use.

3. Design & Features: Face ID vs. Touch ID

• iPad Pro (M4) – Thinner bezels, Face ID, and four-speaker audio for immersive sound.

• iPad Air (M3) – Touch ID (built into the power button) and dual speakers.

If security and premium audio matter, the Pro wins. But the Air’s Touch ID is still convenient.

Winner: iPad Pro (M4) for a more premium experience.

4. Accessories & Productivity

Both support:
? Apple Pencil Pro (hover, squeeze gestures)
? Magic Keyboard with function row
? One external monitor (via USB-C)

But the Pro’s 120Hz display makes Apple Pencil use smoother.

Winner: Tie – Both are great for productivity.

5. Battery Life – Nearly Identical

Both offer all-day battery life (~10 hours). The Pro’s OLED screen is more power-efficient, but real-world differences are minimal.

Winner: Tie.

6. Price – The Biggest Difference

• iPad Air (M3): Starts at 599(11")/599(11")/799 (13")

• iPad Pro (M4): Starts at 999(11")/999(11")/1,299 (13")

That’s a $400+ difference for OLED, Face ID, and the M4 chip.

Final Verdict: Which iPad Should You Buy?

Choose the iPad Pro (M4) if you:

? Want the best display (OLED, 120Hz, 1000 nits)
? Need Face ID & four-speaker audio
? Are a creative pro or power user
? Don’t mind paying $400+ extra

Choose the iPad Air (M3) if you:

? Want great performance at a lower price
? Don’t need OLED or ProMotion
? Prefer Touch ID over Face ID
? Want solid productivity without overspending

Related Articles:

• iPad Pro M4 Review: Is It Worth the Upgrade?

• Best iPad for Students: Air vs. Pro vs. Mini

• Apple Pencil Pro vs. Apple Pencil 2: What’s New?

Conclusion

The iPad Pro (M4) is the ultimate iPad with its OLED screen, M4 chip, and pro features, but it comes at a premium. The iPad Air (M3) delivers 90% of the experience for $400 less, making it the best value for most users.

Which one would you pick? Let us know in the comments!

#Apple #iPad #iPadPro #iPadAir #TechComparison

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iPad Air M3 (2025) vs. iPad Pro M4 (2024): Which One is Right for You?