iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series)
Shop iPad
iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series)
Starting at
£755.45£899.00 new
iPad Pro (2021, M1 series)
Starting at
£476.53£749.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) and iPad Pro (2021, M1 series)?
iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and refresh rate. Refurbished, the iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) starts at £476.53, £278.92 less than the iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series). The iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) is the newer model, released in 2026.
Refurbished from
RAM
Screen size
Refresh rate
Weight
- The iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
- The iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) has a bigger screen: 13 inch vs 11 inch.
- The iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) has a smoother screen: 120 Hz vs 60 Hz.
iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) specs
The iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) and the iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) offer different strengths that suit different needs. The iPad Air 8 has a larger 13 inch screen with higher resolution and more RAM, making it a good choice if you want a roomier display and extra memory for multitasking. The iPad Pro has a faster 120 Hz refresh rate, Face ID, and weighs less, which suits users who want smoother screen motion, facial recognition, and a lighter device. Both devices support up to iPadOS 27 and have similar brightness and camera resolution. Your choice depends on whether you prioritise screen size and RAM or refresh rate and biometric features.
iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) price
Colour
iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) battery life and software updates
Durability here is mainly about software support and release year. Both iPads receive updates up to iPadOS 27, ensuring current software compatibility.
Software Updates
Both the iPad Air 8 and the iPad Pro support software updates up to iPadOS 27. This means they will continue to receive new features and security updates for the foreseeable future, keeping the devices secure and capable.
Release Year
The iPad Air 8 was released in 2026, while the iPad Pro came out in 2021. This gives a context for their generation and design but does not affect how long each device will receive software support.
Battery
Maximum operating system supported
Software updates
Year of release
iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) performance
Processor
RAM
iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) screen
Screen quality is important for viewing comfort and clarity. Both use Liquid Retina displays with True Tone and 600 nits brightness, but they differ in size, resolution, pixel density, and refresh rate.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPad Air 8 offers a larger 13 inch screen with a resolution of 2732 by 2048 pixels. This means more room for video, reading, and multitasking. The iPad Pro has a smaller 11 inch screen at 2388 by 1668 pixels, which is more compact and easier to hold one-handed.
Refresh Rate
The iPad Pro features a 120 Hz refresh rate, making animations and scrolling appear smoother and more fluid. This is ideal for users who value responsive visuals, such as creatives or gamers. The iPad Air 8 has a 60 Hz refresh rate, which suits everyday use like browsing and watching videos.
Pixel Density and Brightness
Both devices have the same pixel density of 264 pixels per inch and a maximum brightness of 600 nits. This means text and images look sharp and clear on either device under various lighting conditions.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) camera
Front camera
Front camera definition
Main camera
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) size and design
Miscellaneous features include connectivity, biometric options, weight, and wireless technology, which affect daily convenience and device handling.
Biometric Authentication
The iPad Pro includes Face ID for unlocking and authentication, which uses facial recognition. The iPad Air 8 does not have Face ID but supports Touch, allowing fingerprint unlocking instead. This difference suits users who prefer either facial recognition or fingerprint access.
Weight and Portability
Weighing 470 grams, the iPad Pro is lighter than the iPad Air 8, which weighs 616 grams. The lighter iPad Pro may be easier to hold for long periods or carry around, while the iPad Air 8 offers a larger screen but with more weight.
Wireless Connectivity
The iPad Air 8 supports Wi-Fi 7 802.11be, the latest Wi-Fi standard, which can provide faster wireless speeds when paired with compatible networks. The iPad Pro supports Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax, which is still fast and reliable but a generation older.
Storage Options
The iPad Air 8 is available with 128 GB or 512 GB storage options. The iPad Pro offers a wider range including 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, and 2 TB, which suits users needing very large storage for files or apps.
SIM and Connectivity
The iPad Pro supports a Nano SIM card, which allows mobile data use with a SIM plan. The iPad Air 8 does not have a SIM slot. Both devices are unlocked and use USB-C connectors for charging and accessories.
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
Network
Promotion
Sim format
Touch
Weight
Width
Wifi technology
iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) or iPad Pro (2021, M1 series): which should you buy?
Buy the iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 8 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (13 inch vs 11 inch)
Buy the iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £476.53, £278.92 less than the iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series)
- you want a smoother screen (120 Hz vs 60 Hz)
- you want a lighter build (470 g vs 616 g)
What our customers say
Customers buying the iPad Air 8 praise its smooth performance and reliability for everyday use like browsing, streaming, and work. Many highlight the device's solid condition with minimal marks and good battery life, making it suitable for daily tasks. The larger screen size and higher storage options are appreciated for multimedia and file storage. Some find setup easy and enjoy the device's look, especially in the blue finish.
Reviews of the iPad Pro focus on its fast and responsive performance, handling apps and gaming well. Customers note the excellent battery life lasting through a full day and the benefit of larger storage options up to 1 TB or more. Some users mention that charging takes longer but appreciate the device's speed and reliability.
In summary, customers who prefer a larger screen and more RAM for multitasking find the iPad Air 8 suits their needs well. Those seeking smoother display motion, Face ID, and lighter weight tend to favour the iPad Pro. Both devices meet the expectations of users wanting dependable refurbished iPads for their specific uses.
iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) FAQs
iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and refresh rate. The iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB. The iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) has a bigger screen: 13 inch vs 11 inch.
The iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £476.53 compared with £755.45 for the iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series).
The iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27. The iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27.
The iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) adds more RAM (12 GB vs 8 GB) and a bigger screen (13 inch vs 11 inch). Refurbished, it costs £278.92 more (from £755.45 vs £476.53).
Refurbished, the iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) comes in 128GB and 512GB, and the iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB.
