iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series)
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iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series)
Starting at
£481.05£749.00 new
iPad Pro (2020, A12 series)
Starting at
£390.20£769.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) and iPad Pro (2020, A12 series)?
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and refresh rate. Refurbished, the iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) starts at £390.20, £90.85 less than the iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series). The iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) is the newer model, released in 2024.
Refurbished from
RAM
Screen size
Refresh rate
Weight
- The iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
- Screen size: 13 inch on the iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series), 12.9 inch on the iPad Pro (2020, A12 series).
- The iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) has a smoother screen: 120 Hz vs 60 Hz.
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) specs
The iPad Air 6 and the iPad Pro 2020 both run iPadOS 18 and share many key features like screen resolution and brightness. The iPad Air 6 offers a larger 13 cm screen and a more recent Apple M2 processor with 8 GB of RAM, suited for users who want more memory and processing power. The iPad Pro 2020 has a 12.9 inch screen with a faster 120 Hz refresh rate and a lidar scanner, appealing to those who prioritise smoother visuals and augmented reality use. Storage options are identical, but the Pro includes four speakers and Face ID, which may suit media and security preferences. Both have good front and rear cameras but differ in audio and other extras.
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) price
Colour
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) battery life and software updates
They share the same operating system family, so daily use will feel familiar regardless of your choice.
Software Support
The iPad Air 6 and the iPad Pro 2020 both support iPadOS 18, meaning they can run the latest apps and features. This ensures long-term usability for either device without concerns about missing software updates.
Battery
Maximum operating system supported
Software updates
Year of release
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) performance
Performance varies between these iPads mainly in processing power, memory, and storage capacity. Your choice depends on how much multitasking, storage, and speed you need.
Processor and RAM
The iPad Air 6 features the Apple M2 chip and 8 GB of RAM, which keeps everyday apps running smoothly and supports more intensive tasks. The iPad Pro 2020 uses the Apple A12Z Bionic with 6 GB of RAM, which is well suited for many professional and creative uses but offers less memory for keeping multiple apps active.
Storage Options
Both models are available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage sizes. The iPad Pro 2020 example here has 512 GB, which suits users needing more space for files and media. The iPad Air 6 example has 128 GB, which fits everyday use and lighter storage needs.
Chipset
Processor
Processor speed ghz
RAM
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) screen
The screen experience differs mainly in size and refresh rate. Both offer high resolution and brightness with the Liquid Retina display and True Tone feature, so colour accuracy and clarity are strong on both.
Screen Size
The iPad Air 6 has a 13 cm screen, which provides a roomier view for watching videos or working on documents. The iPad Pro 2020 sports a slightly smaller 12.9 inch screen, which is still spacious but more compact for portability.
Refresh Rate
The iPad Pro 2020 offers a 120 Hz refresh rate, making animations and scrolling feel smoother, which benefits tasks like drawing or gaming. The iPad Air 6 runs at 60 Hz, which suits everyday use and most media consumption.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) camera
Audio and camera features on these iPads offer different advantages depending on your priorities for video calls, photography, and sound quality.
Front Camera
The iPad Air 6 has a 12 megapixel front camera which captures more detail for video calls and selfies. The iPad Pro 2020 has a 7 megapixel front camera, which still delivers good quality for everyday video use.
Speakers
The iPad Pro 2020 features four speaker audio, providing a richer sound experience suited for media and music. The iPad Air 6 has stereo speakers optimised for landscape use, which work well for casual listening and video.
Rear Camera
Both iPads have 12 megapixel rear cameras capable of 4K 60FPS video recording, making them equally capable for photography and video capture.
Front camera
Front camera definition
Main camera
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) size and design
Other features like connectivity, biometric options, and accessory compatibility vary between these two iPads, affecting how you interact with the device daily.
Biometric Security
The iPad Pro 2020 includes Face ID, providing facial recognition for unlocking and authentication. The iPad Air 6 does not have Face ID but supports Touch ID for fingerprint security.
Connectivity and Accessories
The iPad Air 6 uses Bluetooth 5.3 and supports eSIM for cellular plans, offering more recent wireless technology. The iPad Pro 2020 uses Bluetooth 5.0 and does not include SIM card support. Both have USB Type-C connectors and work with Apple Pencil models compatible with their generation.
Additional Features
The iPad Pro 2020 includes a lidar scanner, which is useful for augmented reality applications. The iPad Air 6 is slightly lighter and a bit deeper, with a 6.1 mm depth and 617 g weight compared to the Pro's 5.9 mm and 641 g.
Wi-Fi Technology
The iPad Air 6 supports Wi-Fi 6E 802.11ax, which may offer faster wireless connections in supported networks. The iPad Pro 2020 supports Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax.
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 6 (2024, M2 series) or iPad Pro (2020, A12 series): which should you buy?
Buy the iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB)
- you want a lighter build (617 g vs 641 g)
Buy the iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £390.20, £90.85 less than the iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series)
- you want a smoother screen (120 Hz vs 60 Hz)
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) FAQs
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and refresh rate. The iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB. Screen size: 13 inch on the iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series), 12.9 inch on the iPad Pro (2020, A12 series).
The iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £390.20 compared with £481.05 for the iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series).
The iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 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 6 (2024, M2 series) adds more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB) and a lighter build (617 g vs 641 g). Refurbished, it costs £90.85 more (from £481.05 vs £390.20).
Both come in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB refurbished.
