iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series)
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iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series)
Starting at
£243.92£579.00 new
iPad Pro (2021, M1 series)
Starting at
£476.53£749.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) and iPad Pro (2021, M1 series)?
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and refresh rate. Refurbished, the iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) starts at £243.92, £232.61 less than the iPad Pro (2021, M1 series). The iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) is the newer model, released in 2021.
Refurbished from
RAM
Screen size
Refresh rate
Software updates
Weight
- The iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
- Screen size: 10.9 inch on the iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series), 11 inch on the iPad Pro (2021, M1 series).
- The iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) has a smoother screen: 120 Hz vs 60 Hz.
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) specs
The iPad Pro 2021 suits those wanting more power, with its Apple M1 chip, 8 GB RAM, and larger storage options starting at 128 GB. It also offers a larger, brighter screen with a smoother 120 Hz refresh rate, ideal for creative work or media. The iPad Air 4 is a solid option with a capable A14 Bionic chip, 4 GB RAM, and storage starting at 64 GB. It is lighter and includes Touch ID, making it a good choice for everyday use. The iPad Pro 2021 also adds features like Face ID, a Lidar scanner, and a more advanced front camera, appealing to users who want extra versatility.
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) price
Colour
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) battery life and software updates
The iPad Air 4 and iPad Pro 2021 maintain this support equally, so durability in terms of software updates is well matched.
Operating System Support
This means both devices can run current apps and receive updates, offering similar longevity for software compatibility.
Battery
Maximum operating system supported
Software updates
Year of release
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) performance
Performance differences come down to processor, memory, and storage. The iPad Pro 2021 offers more RAM and larger base storage, suited for users running demanding apps or storing more files locally. The iPad Air 4 fits everyday tasks with slightly lower specs.
Processor Power
The iPad Air 4 runs on the Apple A14 Bionic chip, which handles everyday apps and multitasking efficiently. The iPad Pro 2021 features the Apple M1 chip, designed for higher workloads and complex tasks such as video editing or professional creative apps.
Memory Capacity
With 4 GB RAM, the iPad Air 4 keeps everyday apps running smoothly. The iPad Pro 2021 doubles this to 8 GB RAM, which helps keep multiple demanding apps open and improves performance in intensive workflows.
Storage Options
The iPad Air 4 starts at 64 GB, with a 256 GB option available, suitable for users with standard storage needs. The iPad Pro 2021 begins at 128 GB and offers larger capacities up to 2 TB, making it better for users storing large files or many apps.
Processor
RAM
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) screen
Screen quality influences how you view content and interact with the device. The iPad Pro 2021 has a slightly larger and brighter display with a higher refresh rate, providing smoother visuals. The iPad Air 4 offers a solid screen for everyday viewing.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPad Air 4 has a 10.9 inch Liquid Retina display at 2360 x 1640 resolution, while the iPad Pro 2021 offers an 11 inch Liquid Retina display with a slightly higher 2388 x 1668 resolution. The larger screen on the iPad Pro 2021 provides more room for video and detailed work.
Brightness and Refresh Rate
The iPad Air 4 reaches 500 nits brightness, suitable for most lighting conditions. The iPad Pro 2021 delivers up to 600 nits brightness and a 120 Hz refresh rate, which results in a smoother experience during scrolling, gaming, or creative work.
Pixel Density and Display Features
Both devices have the same pixel density of 264 ppi and standard display glass with True Tone. This means text and images appear sharp and colours adjust to ambient lighting on both models.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) camera
The audiovisual features differ mainly in cameras and audio. The iPad Pro 2021 offers a higher resolution front camera and four speaker audio, which benefits video calls and media consumption. Both record 4K video at 60 fps and have the same rear camera resolution.
Front Camera Quality
The iPad Air 4 has a 7 megapixel front camera, suitable for video calls and selfies. The iPad Pro 2021 raises this to 12 megapixels, capturing more detail and clarity in video chats or selfies.
Audio Output
The iPad Air 4 features stereo speakers, providing good sound for personal use. The iPad Pro 2021 includes four speaker audio, offering richer and more immersive sound, which is useful for media playback or video conferencing.
Rear Camera and Video Recording
Both devices have a 12 megapixel rear camera and support 4K video recording at 60 frames per second. This makes both suitable for high-quality photos and video capture.
Front camera
Front camera definition
Main camera
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) size and design
Other features include biometric options, connectivity, and design details. The iPad Air 4 offers Touch ID, while the iPad Pro 2021 has Face ID and a Lidar scanner, suiting those who want advanced security and spatial sensing.
Biometric Security
The iPad Air 4 supports Touch ID for fingerprint unlocking, convenient for quick access. The iPad Pro 2021 uses Face ID facial recognition, which provides a hands-free unlocking experience.
Lidar Scanner
The iPad Pro 2021 includes a Lidar scanner, which enhances augmented reality applications and spatial awareness, useful for creative and professional tasks involving 3D scanning or depth mapping.
SIM and Carrier Compatibility
The iPad Air 4 comes without a SIM port, while the iPad Pro 2021 is unlocked and uses a Nano SIM format, allowing cellular connectivity and flexible carrier options for mobile data use.
Weight and Dimensions
The iPad Air 4 weighs 458 g and has a depth of 6.1 mm. The iPad Pro 2021 is slightly heavier at 470 g and thinner at 5.9 mm, with both sharing the same height and width. This can affect portability preferences.
Touch and Face Features
The iPad Air 4 includes touch functionality, supported by Touch ID. The iPad Pro 2021 uses Face ID for unlocking, offering different interaction methods.
120hz
Apple pen compatible
Bluetooth version
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Double sim
Face
Generation number
Headphones connectivity
Height
Lidar scanner
Minimum system requirements mac
Minimum system requirements windows
Promotion
Sim format
Touch
Weight
Width
Wifi technology
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) or iPad Pro (2021, M1 series): which should you buy?
Buy the iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £243.92, £232.61 less than the iPad Pro (2021, M1 series)
- you want a lighter build (458 g vs 470 g)
Buy the iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a smoother screen (120 Hz vs 60 Hz)
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) FAQs
iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and refresh rate. The iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB. Screen size: 10.9 inch on the iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series), 11 inch on the iPad Pro (2021, M1 series).
The iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £243.92 compared with £476.53 for the iPad Pro (2021, M1 series).
The iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) gets updates until Sep 2027. The iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27.
The iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) adds more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB) and a smoother screen (120 Hz vs 60 Hz). Refurbished, it costs £232.61 more (from £476.53 vs £243.92).
Refurbished, the iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) comes in 64GB and 256GB, and the iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB.
