iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series)
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iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series)
Starting at
£755.45£899.00 new
iPad Pro (2025, M5 series)
Starting at
£921.11£1,098.90 newWhat's the difference between the iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) and iPad Pro (2025, M5 series)?
iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) comes down to the screen type and weight. Refurbished, the iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) starts at £755.45, £165.66 less than the iPad Pro (2025, M5 series). The iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) is the newer model, released in 2026.
Refurbished from
Screen type
Weight
- Screen type: Liquid Retina display on the iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series), Ultra Retina XDR display on the iPad Pro (2025, M5 series).
- The iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) has a lighter build: 579 g vs 616 g.
iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) specs
The iPad Pro provides more storage options starting at 256 GB and going up to 2 TB, which is ideal if you store large files or apps. Both have a 13 inch screen, but the iPad Pro's Ultra Retina XDR display offers a slightly higher resolution and enhanced visuals for detailed viewing. The iPad Air 8 supports touch input and is heavier, while the iPad Pro has Face ID but no touch input. These differences make the Air 8 suitable for users who prefer touch control and unlocked cellular use, and the Pro better for those who value Face ID and a lighter device with higher storage capacity.
iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) price
Colour
iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) battery life and software updates
Their release years are close, which positions them similarly in terms of recent technology.
Latest Update Compatibility
That suits anyone wanting a device that stays current with software enhancements.
Software updates
Year of release
iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) performance
Performance is similar in memory capacity but differs in storage options. These differences influence how many apps you can keep open and how much data you can store locally.
RAM Capacity
Both the iPad Air 8 and the iPad Pro come with 12 GB of RAM. This amount keeps a large number of apps running smoothly side by side, which benefits users who multitask frequently or run demanding applications.
Storage Options
The iPad Air 8 starts at 128 GB and also offers a 512 GB option, making it suitable for everyday users who store standard app libraries, photos, and videos. The iPad Pro offers larger storage choices starting at 256 GB and extending up to 2 TB, which is better for users with extensive media libraries, professional apps, or large project files.
Processor
Processor speed ghz
RAM
iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) screen
Screen quality affects how you see content, especially for video, photos, and detailed work. Both devices have the same screen size but differ in display type and resolution.
Display Type and Resolution
The iPad Air 8 features a Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 2732 by 2048. It offers true tone technology, which adjusts screen colour to ambient light for comfortable viewing. The iPad Pro has an Ultra Retina XDR display offering a slightly higher resolution at 2752 by 2064, delivering more detail and brightness for users who often view high dynamic range content or require precision in visuals.
Screen Size
Both models share a 13 inch screen, providing a spacious viewing area suitable for productivity, creative work, and media consumption. This size suits users who want a large screen without moving to a laptop.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) camera
Front camera definition
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) size and design
Additional features such as biometrics, connectivity, and physical characteristics differ between the two iPads, influencing daily interactions and device handling.
Biometric Security
The iPad Pro includes Face ID, which uses facial recognition for unlocking and authentication. This suits users who prefer hands-free security. The iPad Air 8 does not have Face ID.
Touch Input
The iPad Air 8 supports touch control, allowing direct interaction with the screen through taps and gestures. The iPad Pro does not have touch input, which may appeal to users who rely on other input methods.
Weight
The iPad Pro weighs 579 grams, making it lighter to hold for extended use. The iPad Air 8 weighs 616 grams, which might be noticeable during long sessions but still remains portable.
Carrier and SIM Compatibility
The iPad Air 8 is unlocked, allowing use with various carriers. The iPad Pro does not have a SIM port, so it cannot connect through a cellular network in the same way.
Connector Type
Both devices use USB Type-C connectors for charging and accessories, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of peripherals.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Face
Generation number
Headphones connectivity
Lidar scanner
Minimum system requirements mac
Minimum system requirements windows
Network
Promotion
Sim format
Touch
Weight
Wifi technology
iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) or iPad Pro (2025, M5 series): which should you buy?
Buy the iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £755.45, £165.66 less than the iPad Pro (2025, M5 series)
- you want the newer model (2026)
Buy the iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) if
- you want a lighter build (579 g vs 616 g)
iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) FAQs
iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) comes down to the screen type and weight. Screen type: Liquid Retina display on the iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series), Ultra Retina XDR display on the iPad Pro (2025, M5 series). The iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) has a lighter build: 579 g vs 616 g.
The iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £755.45 compared with £921.11 for the iPad Pro (2025, M5 series).
The iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27. The iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27.
The iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) is newer, but the main specs we compare are the same. Refurbished, it costs £165.66 less (from £755.45 vs £921.11).
Refurbished, the iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) comes in 128GB and 512GB, and the iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB.
