iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) vs iPad Pro (2022, M2 series)
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iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series)
Starting at
£755.45£899.00 new
iPad Pro (2022, M2 series)
Starting at
£565.31£1,079.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) and iPad Pro (2022, M2 series)?
iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) vs iPad Pro (2022, M2 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the iPad Pro (2022, M2 series) starts at £565.31, £190.14 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
Screen type
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.
- Screen type: Liquid Retina display on the iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series), Liquid Retina XDR on the iPad Pro (2022, M2 series).
iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) vs iPad Pro (2022, M2 series) specs
The iPad Air 8 and the iPad Pro offer different strengths for different users. The iPad Air 8 has a larger 13 inch screen with higher resolution, more RAM at 12 GB, and supports the latest Wi-Fi 7 standard. It also includes a touch screen and weighs more at 616 grams. The iPad Pro has a smaller 11 inch screen with Liquid Retina XDR technology, more built-in storage options up to 2 TB, and features Face ID. It is lighter at 470 grams and supports Nano SIM, which may suit users needing cellular connectivity. Choose the iPad Air 8 for a more spacious display and multitasking, and the iPad Pro for advanced display technology and a lighter device with Face ID.
iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) vs iPad Pro (2022, M2 series) price
Colour
iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) vs iPad Pro (2022, M2 series) battery life and software updates
Durability covers how long the devices will keep up with software updates and their year of release.
Software Compatibility
This means you can expect both to receive current features and security patches, suitable for users wanting a device that stays up to date.
Year Of Release
The iPad Air 8 was released in 2026, while the iPad Pro came out in 2022. This context may help you consider how each fits into your preferences but does not affect their durability or update support.
Maximum operating system supported
Software updates
Year of release
iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) vs iPad Pro (2022, M2 series) performance
Performance depends on memory capacity and storage options, which affect multitasking and how much content you can keep on your device. These two iPads differ notably in RAM and storage choices.
Memory Capacity
The iPad Air 8 has 12 GB of RAM, which helps keep more apps open and running smoothly, benefiting users who multitask heavily or use demanding apps. The iPad Pro has 8 GB of RAM, which suits everyday use and regular app multitasking.
Storage Options
The iPad Pro offers a wider range of storage, including 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, and 2 TB options. This suits users who need ample space for large files or extensive app libraries. The iPad Air 8 is stocked with 128 GB and 512 GB models, fitting users with moderate to high storage needs.
Processor
RAM
iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) vs iPad Pro (2022, M2 series) screen
Screen quality affects how clear and vibrant what you see will be. These iPads differ in screen size, resolution, and type, which influences your viewing experience for videos, reading, and creative work.
Screen Size And Resolution
The iPad Air 8 has a larger 13 inch screen with a resolution of 2732 by 2048 pixels. This means more room for apps, videos, and documents with sharp detail. The iPad Pro has an 11 inch screen with a resolution of 2388 by 1668 pixels, making it more compact and easier to hold in one hand.
Screen Type
The iPad Pro features a Liquid Retina XDR display, which is designed to deliver higher dynamic range for visuals, while the iPad Air 8 has a Liquid Retina display. Both have the same maximum brightness of 600 nits and standard display glass, suited for typical indoor and outdoor viewing.
Pixel Density And True Tone
Both devices have a pixel density of 264 pixels per inch, ensuring sharp images and text. They also include True Tone technology, which adjusts the screen to ambient lighting for a more natural viewing experience.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) vs iPad Pro (2022, M2 series) camera
Front camera definition
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) vs iPad Pro (2022, M2 series) size and design
The miscellaneous features cover connectivity, biometric options, weight, and other functional details that affect daily use and convenience.
Weight
The iPad Pro weighs 470 grams, making it lighter and easier to hold for extended periods. The iPad Air 8 weighs 616 grams, which may feel more substantial but also supports its larger screen size.
Biometric Features
The iPad Pro includes Face ID, allowing secure facial recognition for unlocking and authentication. The iPad Air 8 does not have Face ID but supports Touch, which offers fingerprint recognition as an alternative.
Connectivity And SIM
Both devices have USB Type-C connectors and unlocked carrier compatibility. The iPad Pro supports a Nano SIM, which suits users wanting cellular data options. The iPad Air 8 does not have a SIM slot.
Wireless Technology
The iPad Air 8 supports Wi-Fi 7 802.11be, the latest Wi-Fi standard for faster and more reliable wireless connections. The iPad Pro supports Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax, a strong and widely used standard that handles everyday wireless needs well.
Promotion And Touch
The iPad Pro includes promotion technology, which can make animations and scrolling appear smoother. The iPad Air 8 supports touch input, allowing you to interact directly with the screen.
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
Network
Promotion
Sim format
Touch
Weight
Width
Wifi technology
iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) or iPad Pro (2022, M2 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 (2022, M2 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £565.31, £190.14 less than the iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series)
- you want a lighter build (470 g vs 616 g)
iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) vs iPad Pro (2022, M2 series) FAQs
iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) vs iPad Pro (2022, M2 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. 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 (2022, M2 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £565.31 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 (2022, M2 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 £190.14 more (from £755.45 vs £565.31).
Refurbished, the iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) comes in 128GB and 512GB, and the iPad Pro (2022, M2 series) in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB.
