iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series)
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iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series)
Starting at
£316.24£669.00 new
iPad Pro (2020, A12 series)
Starting at
£390.20£769.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) and iPad Pro (2020, A12 series)?
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and weight. Refurbished, the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) starts at £316.24, £73.96 less than the iPad Pro (2020, A12 series). The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) is the newer model, released in 2022.
Refurbished from
RAM
Screen size
Weight
- The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
- The iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) has a bigger screen: 12.9 inch vs 10.9 inch.
- The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) has a lighter build: 462 g vs 641 g.
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) specs
The iPad Air 5 and iPad Pro 2020 differ in several key areas that suit different needs. The iPad Air 5 uses the Apple M1 processor and has 8 GB of RAM, which keeps everyday apps running smoothly, while the iPad Pro 2020 features the Apple A12Z Bionic with 6 GB of RAM. The iPad Pro offers a much larger 12.9 inch display with higher resolution and brightness, ideal for those needing more screen space for video and detailed work. Storage options also vary: the iPad Pro can have up to 1TB compared to the iPad Air 5's 64GB and 256GB options. The iPad Air 5 is lighter, supports touch input, and has a higher front camera resolution, making it suitable for video calls and portability. The iPad Pro includes a lidar scanner and four speaker audio for immersive experiences.
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) price
Colour
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) battery life and software updates
Durability covers software support and device longevity. They run the same operating system and are both suitable for long-term use in terms of software.
Software Updates
This means either device will continue receiving system improvements and security updates, keeping your tablet up to date with new features for years to come.
Battery
Maximum operating system supported
Software updates
Year of release
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) performance
Performance affects how smoothly apps run and how much multitasking you can do. The iPad Air 5 offers newer hardware with more RAM, while the iPad Pro 2020 provides significantly larger storage capacities.
Processor and RAM
The iPad Air 5 uses the Apple M1 chip paired with 8 GB of RAM, which keeps everyday apps running smoothly and supports multitasking well. The iPad Pro 2020 has the Apple A12Z Bionic processor with 6 GB of RAM, delivering solid performance for a wide range of tasks.
Storage Options
The iPad Air 5 comes in 64 GB and 256 GB storage options, suitable for users with moderate storage needs. The iPad Pro 2020 offers a wider range, from 128 GB up to 1 TB, catering to those who require more space for large files, apps, or media.
Chipset
Processor
Processor speed ghz
RAM
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) screen
Screen quality influences how much you enjoy watching videos, working, or browsing. The iPad Pro 2020 has a larger and brighter display, while the iPad Air 5 offers a slightly smaller screen with standard brightness and resolution.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPad Pro 2020 features a 12.9 inch Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 2732 x 2048, offering a spacious workspace and detailed visuals. The iPad Air 5 has a 10.9 inch Liquid Retina display at 2360 x 1640 resolution, which suits users who prefer a more compact device.
Brightness and Pixel Density
The iPad Pro 2020 reaches up to 600 nits brightness, making it well suited for use in bright environments. The iPad Air 5 provides 500 nits brightness, which still delivers clear and vibrant images. Both have the same pixel density of 264 ppi, ensuring sharp visuals.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) camera
Audiovisual features impact your experience during video calls, recordings, and media playback. The iPad Air 5 has a higher resolution front camera, while the iPad Pro 2020 offers more advanced speaker setup and lidar scanning.
Front Camera
The iPad Air 5 has a 12 megapixel front camera, which captures more detail and suits users who prioritise higher quality video calls or selfies. The iPad Pro 2020 comes with a 7 megapixel front camera, which is still capable for video conferencing.
Speakers
The iPad Air 5 features stereo speakers, offering clear sound for everyday media consumption. The iPad Pro 2020 has four speaker audio, providing a more immersive audio experience that benefits watching films or playing games.
Lidar Scanner
The iPad Pro 2020 includes a lidar scanner, which enhances augmented reality applications and depth sensing. This suits users interested in AR or creative apps that use spatial mapping.
Front camera
Front camera definition
Main camera
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) size and design
Miscellaneous features cover connectivity, physical design, and other capabilities. The iPad Air 5 is lighter, supports touch input, and includes a SIM slot, while the iPad Pro 2020 is larger, heavier, and has Face ID and lidar support.
Physical Size and Weight
The iPad Air 5 measures 247.6 mm in height, 178.5 mm in width, and weighs 462 g, making it a lighter and more portable option. The iPad Pro 2020 is larger at 280.6 mm tall, 214.9 mm wide, and weighs 641 g, offering a bigger device for users who prefer more screen real estate.
Biometric and Input Features
The iPad Air 5 does not include Face ID but supports touch input, which allows for quick unlocking and interaction via the screen. The iPad Pro 2020 features Face ID but does not support touch input.
SIM and Connectivity
The iPad Air 5 is unlocked and accepts a Nano SIM, which is useful if you want to use cellular data. The iPad Pro 2020 does not have a SIM port. Both devices use USB Type-C connectors and support Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax.
Apple Pencil Compatibility
Both iPads are compatible with the Apple Pencil 2nd generation and the Apple Pencil (USB-C), supporting precise input for drawing, note-taking, and creativity.
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 5 (2022, M1 series) or iPad Pro (2020, A12 series): which should you buy?
Buy the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £316.24, £73.96 less than the iPad Pro (2020, A12 series)
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB)
- you want a lighter build (462 g vs 641 g)
Buy the iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) if
- you want a bigger screen (12.9 inch vs 10.9 inch)
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) FAQs
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and weight. The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB. The iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) has a bigger screen: 12.9 inch vs 10.9 inch.
The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £316.24 compared with £390.20 for the iPad Pro (2020, A12 series).
The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27. The iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27.
The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) adds more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB) and a lighter build (462 g vs 641 g). Refurbished, it costs £73.96 less (from £316.24 vs £390.20).
Refurbished, the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) comes in 64GB and 256GB, and the iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
