iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series)
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iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series)
Starting at
£496.00£749.00 new
iPad Pro (2020, A12 series)
Starting at
£390.20£769.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) and iPad Pro (2020, A12 series)?
iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 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, £105.80 less than the iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series). The iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
RAM
Screen size
Refresh rate
Weight
- The iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
- The iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) has a bigger screen: 12.9 inch vs 11 inch.
- The iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) has a smoother screen: 120 Hz vs 60 Hz.
iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) specs
The iPad Air 7 and iPad Pro 2020 differ in several key areas that suit different user needs. The iPad Air 7 offers an Apple M3 processor with more RAM, making it a strong choice for everyday use and multitasking. It has a smaller 11 inch screen with a 60 Hz refresh rate, which suits those who prefer a lighter and more portable tablet. The iPad Pro 2020 features a larger 12.9 inch screen with a higher 120 Hz refresh rate and greater brightness, ideal for users wanting a more spacious and vivid display. It also has a higher screen resolution and a LiDAR scanner for augmented reality experiences. Storage options overlap, with both devices available up to 1 TB. Buyers looking for a lighter device with newer internals may prefer the iPad Air 7, while those who prioritise screen size and refresh rate will find the iPad Pro 2020 appealing.
iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) price
Colour
iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) battery life and software updates
The maximum operating system supported is the same for both, ensuring ongoing software compatibility.
Software Support
This means either device will stay current with Apple's operating system advances for the foreseeable future.
Battery
Maximum operating system supported
Software updates
Year of release
iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) performance
Performance varies notably due to differences in processor design, speed, RAM, and storage capacity. These affect how smoothly apps run and how much multitasking you can do.
Processor Speed and Power
The iPad Air 7 uses the Apple M3 processor with 4 cores at 4.1 GHz and 4 cores at 2.7 GHz. This combination offers a higher clock speed compared to the iPad Pro 2020's Apple A12Z Bionic processor running at 2.5 GHz. The M3's architecture and speed suit users who want faster handling of everyday tasks and more demanding apps.
Memory and Multitasking
With 8 GB RAM, the iPad Air 7 keeps more apps open simultaneously and supports smoother multitasking compared to the iPad Pro 2020, which has 6 GB RAM. This benefits users who switch between apps or use memory-intensive software.
Storage Options
The iPad Air 7 starts at 128 GB and is available up to 1 TB in our stock. The iPad Pro 2020 also offers storage up to 1 TB, with a standard 512 GB capacity. Those needing more space for media or files can choose higher storage models from either device.
Chipset
Processor
Processor speed ghz
RAM
iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) screen
Screen size, resolution, refresh rate, and brightness differ between these iPads, affecting visual experience for video, gaming, and reading.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPad Air 7 has an 11 inch Liquid Retina display with 2360 x 1640 resolution, suited for users who want a lighter, more compact tablet. The iPad Pro 2020 features a larger 12.9 inch Liquid Retina display with 2732 x 2048 resolution, offering a roomier workspace and sharper image detail.
Refresh Rate
The iPad Pro 2020 supports a 120 Hz refresh rate, making scrolling and animations feel smoother. This is especially useful for users who prioritise fluid visuals in games or design work. The iPad Air 7's screen refreshes at 60 Hz, which is standard for general use.
Brightness
The iPad Pro 2020 reaches up to 600 nits brightness, which can enhance visibility in bright environments and produce more vivid images. The iPad Air 7 offers 500 nits brightness, suitable for typical indoor and outdoor lighting conditions.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) camera
Camera quality and audio features affect video calls, photography, and media playback on these iPads.
Front Camera Quality
The iPad Air 7 has a 12 megapixel front camera, capturing more detail for video calls and selfies. The iPad Pro 2020's front camera is 7 megapixels, which suits standard video conferencing needs.
Rear Camera and Video Recording
Both iPads have 12 megapixel rear cameras and support 4K video recording at 60 frames per second. This makes them capable of capturing high-resolution photos and smooth videos.
Speakers
The iPad Air 7 features stereo speakers designed for landscape orientation, providing clear audio for videos and calls. The iPad Pro 2020 includes four speaker audio, which offers a richer sound experience when watching media.
Front camera
Front camera definition
Main camera
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) size and design
Additional features like weight, connectivity, and sensors vary and may influence daily convenience and specific uses.
Weight and Size
The iPad Air 7 weighs 460 g and measures 247.6 mm in height by 178.5 mm in width, making it lighter and more portable. The iPad Pro 2020 weighs 641 g and is larger at 280.6 mm by 214.9 mm, offering a more substantial device for extended viewing.
Refresh Rate Feature
The iPad Pro 2020 supports 120 Hz refresh rate, enhancing smoothness in visual effects and interactions. The iPad Air 7 does not support 120 Hz and refreshes at 60 Hz.
Face ID and Touch
The iPad Pro 2020 includes Face ID for facial recognition, which may speed up unlocking and authentication. The iPad Air 7 does not have Face ID but supports Touch input.
Bluetooth and Wireless
The iPad Air 7 features Bluetooth 5.3, a newer version compared to the iPad Pro 2020's Bluetooth 5.0, potentially improving wireless device connections. Both support Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax for fast wireless internet.
LiDAR Scanner
The iPad Pro 2020 includes a LiDAR scanner, which is useful for augmented reality applications. The iPad Air 7 does not have this feature.
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 7 (2025, M3 series) or iPad Pro (2020, A12 series): which should you buy?
Buy the iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB)
- you want a lighter build (460 g vs 641 g)
Buy the iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £390.20, £105.80 less than the iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series)
- you want a bigger screen (12.9 inch vs 11 inch)
- you want a smoother screen (120 Hz vs 60 Hz)
iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) FAQs
iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and refresh rate. The iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB. The iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) has a bigger screen: 12.9 inch vs 11 inch.
The iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £390.20 compared with £496 for the iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series).
The iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 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 7 (2025, M3 series) adds more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB) and a lighter build (460 g vs 641 g). Refurbished, it costs £105.80 more (from £496 vs £390.20).
Both come in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB refurbished.
