iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) vs iPad Pro (2022, M2 series)
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iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series)
Starting at
£316.24£669.00 new
iPad Pro (2022, M2 series)
Starting at
£565.31£1,079.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) and iPad Pro (2022, M2 series)?
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) vs iPad Pro (2022, M2 series) comes down to the screen size, screen type and weight. Refurbished, the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) starts at £316.24, £249.07 less than the iPad Pro (2022, M2 series).
Refurbished from
Screen size
Screen type
Weight
- Screen size: 10.9 inch on the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series), 11 inch on the iPad Pro (2022, M2 series).
- Screen type: Liquid Retina display on the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series), Liquid Retina XDR on the iPad Pro (2022, M2 series).
- Weight: 462 g on the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series), 470 g on the iPad Pro (2022, M2 series).
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) vs iPad Pro (2022, M2 series) specs
The iPad Air 5 and iPad Pro 2022 are both strong choices for different needs. The iPad Air 5 offers a slightly smaller screen and a solid Apple M1 chip suitable for everyday use and light creative work. The iPad Pro has a larger, brighter screen with the Apple M2 chip and features like Face ID and a LiDAR scanner, making it better suited for professionals or users who want enhanced visual and sensing capabilities. Storage options for the iPad Pro are broader, reaching up to 2TB, while the iPad Air 5 covers 64GB to 256GB. Both support the same software updates and Apple Pencil models, so your choice depends on whether you prioritise screen size, brightness, advanced sensors, or storage capacity.
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) vs iPad Pro (2022, M2 series) price
Colour
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) vs iPad Pro (2022, M2 series) battery life and software updates
Durability covers software support and release year, important for how long your iPad stays current.
Software Updates
Both the iPad Air 5 and iPad Pro 2022 support software updates up to iPadOS 27, ensuring you receive the latest features and security improvements for several years. This means either device will stay current on software for a similar period.
Operating System Support
Each device supports a maximum operating system version of iPadOS 18, aligning their potential lifespan for new iOS capabilities. Both were released in 2022, so their update timelines start from the same point.
Maximum operating system supported
Software updates
Year of release
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) vs iPad Pro (2022, M2 series) performance
Performance centres on processor power, memory, and storage. Both iPads have 8 GB of RAM, but the iPad Pro 2022 uses the newer M2 chip and offers more storage options, which can be important depending on your usage.
Processor
The iPad Air 5 features the Apple M1 chip, which handles everyday tasks and multitasking smoothly. The iPad Pro 2022 uses the Apple M2 chip, offering improved processing power that suits more demanding workflows like video editing and complex apps.
RAM
Both devices have 8 GB of RAM, which keeps everyday apps running smoothly and supports multitasking well for most users. This amount of memory suits a wide range of activities from browsing to creative apps.
Storage Options
The iPad Air 5 is available with 64GB and 256GB storage options, making it suitable if you mainly use cloud storage or have moderate file needs. The iPad Pro 2022 offers a wider range from 128GB up to 2TB, ideal for users who store large files, run professional apps, or want more local space.
Processor
RAM
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) vs iPad Pro (2022, M2 series) screen
Screen quality affects how you see content and interact with your iPad. The iPad Pro 2022 has a larger and brighter display with a different screen type, which enhances viewing in various lighting conditions and for detailed work.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPad Air 5 has a 10.9 inch screen at 2360 by 1640 resolution, which is compact and sharp for everyday use. The iPad Pro 2022 offers an 11 inch screen with a slightly higher resolution of 2388 by 1668 pixels, providing a bit more room for video, reading, or multitasking.
Brightness and Screen Type
The iPad Pro 2022 reaches a maximum brightness of 600 nits and uses a Liquid Retina XDR display, which gives brighter highlights and better contrast for HDR content. The iPad Air 5 offers 500 nits brightness with a Liquid Retina display, which still delivers clear and vibrant visuals but is less intense in bright conditions.
Pixel Density and True Tone
Both devices share the same pixel density of 264 pixels per inch, ensuring text and images look sharp. They also include True Tone technology, which adjusts colour temperature based on ambient light for natural viewing.
Display Glass
Both iPads have standard display glass, providing good durability and clarity for everyday use without specialised coatings or materials.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) vs iPad Pro (2022, M2 series) camera
Audiovisual features influence your experience with media and video calls. Both iPads have similar cameras and video recording capabilities, but the iPad Pro 2022 offers more advanced speaker setup.
Cameras
Both iPads have 12 megapixel front and rear cameras capable of recording 4K video at 60 frames per second. This means they capture clear photos and videos suitable for video calls, content creation, or scanning documents.
Speakers
The iPad Air 5 includes stereo speakers, which provide solid sound for casual media use. The iPad Pro 2022 features four speaker audio, delivering richer, more immersive sound that can benefit music, movies, and gaming.
Front camera definition
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) vs iPad Pro (2022, M2 series) size and design
This section covers additional features that affect usability and connectivity. The iPad Pro 2022 includes some advanced features for convenience and sensing that the iPad Air 5 does not.
Face ID and Touch
The iPad Pro 2022 supports Face ID for unlocking and authentication using facial recognition, providing a hands-free security option. The iPad Air 5 uses Touch for unlocking, relying on fingerprint recognition.
LiDAR Scanner
The iPad Pro 2022 has a LiDAR scanner, which enhances augmented reality experiences and improves depth sensing for apps that use 3D mapping. This feature is useful for professionals and creative users working with AR.
Bluetooth Version
The iPad Air 5 uses Bluetooth 5.0, while the iPad Pro 2022 supports Bluetooth 5.3. The newer Bluetooth version can offer improved connectivity and efficiency with compatible accessories.
Weight and Dimensions
The iPad Air 5 weighs 462 grams and has a depth of 6.1 mm. The iPad Pro 2022 is slightly heavier at 470 grams with a thinner depth of 5.9 mm. Both have the same height and width, making them similar in portability.
Connectivity and Extras
Both devices use USB-C connectors and support the same Apple Pencil models. They both have unlocked carrier compatibility and use Nano SIM cards. The iPad Pro 2022 supports promotion technology for smoother display performance, which the iPad Air 5 does not.
Apple pen compatible
Bluetooth version
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
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 (2022, M2 series): which should you buy?
Buy the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £316.24, £249.07 less than the iPad Pro (2022, M2 series)
What our customers say
Customers say the iPad Air 5 2022 feels like a new device with excellent condition screens and strong battery life. The M1 chip provides fast and smooth performance for daily use and multitasking. Many appreciate the lighter weight and the quality of the Liquid Retina display for video streaming and productivity. Users recommend pairing it with the Apple Pencil for notes and drawing. Some mention that the iPad Air 5 works well for productivity on the go and offers reliable WiFi connectivity. Minor points include some chargers not matching and occasional battery drain that is typical for Apple devices.
Reviews for the iPad Pro 2022 highlight its smooth and fast performance with the M2 chip, handling professional apps and large storage needs well. The larger and brighter screen is appreciated indoors, although some find it less visible in direct sunlight. The four speaker audio and 1TB storage options are praised for media consumption and file management. Overall, customers find it runs apps without lag and feels almost new. It suits users who want a spacious screen and enhanced features like Face ID and LiDAR.
The iPad Air 5 suits those seeking a lighter, highly capable tablet for everyday productivity and media, while the iPad Pro 2022 fits users needing more storage, a bigger brighter screen, and advanced sensing features for creative or professional tasks.
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) vs iPad Pro (2022, M2 series) FAQs
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) vs iPad Pro (2022, M2 series) comes down to the screen size, screen type and weight. Screen size: 10.9 inch on the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series), 11 inch on the iPad Pro (2022, M2 series). Screen type: Liquid Retina display on the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series), Liquid Retina XDR on the iPad Pro (2022, M2 series).
The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £316.24 compared with £565.31 for the iPad Pro (2022, M2 series).
The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27. The iPad Pro (2022, M2 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27.
Refurbished, the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) comes in 64GB and 256GB, and the iPad Pro (2022, M2 series) in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB.
