iPad Air 5th Generation 128GB Space Gray vs iPad Pro 13‑inch M4 128GB Space Gray: Which Should You Buy in 2026?
Quick Verdict
Winner: iPad Pro 13‑inch M4 128GB Space Gray — 8.5/10
The iPad Pro 13‑inch M4 delivers roughly double the CPU performance of the iPad Air 5 (5,847 vs 2,800 single‑core Geekbench scores per Notebookcheck) and adds a 120 Hz ProMotion display that reaches 600 nits peak brightness (per Apple). While the Air is lighter and cheaper, its 60 Hz panel and older A14 chip limit creative workloads. For professionals needing the extra GPU power and Thunderbolt connectivity, the Pro is the clear winner.
See the interactive comparison →iPad Air 5th Generation 128GB Space Gray Overview
The iPad Air 5th Generation 128GB Space Gray is a compelling option in the Tablet space, offering a solid balance of performance and value.
Pros
- Lightweight at 1.02 lb (per Apple)
- Supports Apple Pencil (2nd gen)
- Touch ID in top button (per Apple)
Cons
- Only 60 Hz display (vs 120 Hz ProMotion)
- No ProMotion or Thunderbolt support
iPad Pro 13‑inch M4 128GB Space Gray Overview
The iPad Pro 13‑inch M4 128GB Space Gray brings its own strengths to the table, making it a worthy contender in this comparison.
Pros
- 120 Hz ProMotion display with high brightness
- M4 chip delivers up to 2× CPU performance vs A14 (per Notebookcheck)
- Thunderbolt/USB‑4 port for fast peripherals
Cons
- Higher price point than Air
- Heavier at 1.5 lb (per Apple)
Head-to-Head Comparison
Here is how the iPad Air 5th Generation 128GB Space Gray and iPad Pro 13‑inch M4 128GB Space Gray stack up on key specifications and our scored criteria:
Both products excel in different areas. The iPad Air 5th Generation 128GB Space Gray tends to lead in Lightweight at 1.02 lb (per Apple), while the iPad Pro 13‑inch M4 128GB Space Gray stands out for 120 Hz ProMotion display with high brightness.
Who Should Buy What
Buy the iPad Air 5th Generation 128GB Space Gray if…
- You want lightweight at 1.02 lb (per apple)
- You want supports apple pencil (2nd gen)
- You want touch id in top button (per apple)
Buy the iPad Pro 13‑inch M4 128GB Space Gray if…
- You want 120 hz promotion display with high brightness
- You want m4 chip delivers up to 2× cpu performance vs a14 (per notebookcheck)
- You want thunderbolt/usb‑4 port for fast peripherals
Our Recommendation
If you can only choose one, we recommend the iPad Pro 13‑inch M4 128GB Space Gray. The iPad Pro 13‑inch M4 delivers roughly double the CPU performance of the iPad Air 5 (5,847 vs 2,800 single‑core Geekbench scores per Notebookcheck) and adds a 120 Hz ProMotion display that reaches 600 nits peak brightness (per Apple). While the Air is lighter and cheaper, its 60 Hz panel and older
Run the interactive comparison →Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: iPad Air 5th Generation 128GB Space Gray or iPad Pro 13‑inch M4 128GB Space Gray?
The iPad Pro 13‑inch M4 delivers roughly double the CPU performance of the iPad Air 5 (5,847 vs 2,800 single‑core Geekbench scores per Notebookcheck) and adds a 120 Hz ProMotion display that reaches 600 nits peak brightness (per Apple). While the Air is lighter and cheaper, its 60 Hz panel and older A14 chip limit creative workloads. For professionals needing the extra GPU power and Thunderbolt connectivity, the Pro is the clear winner.
What are the scores for iPad Air 5th Generation 128GB Space Gray and iPad Pro 13‑inch M4 128GB Space Gray?
iPad Air 5th Generation 128GB Space Gray scores 6.5/10 and iPad Pro 13‑inch M4 128GB Space Gray scores 8.5/10 in our independent evaluation.
What are the main advantages of the iPad Air 5th Generation 128GB Space Gray?
Lightweight at 1.02 lb (per Apple). Supports Apple Pencil (2nd gen). Touch ID in top button (per Apple).
What are the main advantages of the iPad Pro 13‑inch M4 128GB Space Gray?
120 Hz ProMotion display with high brightness. M4 chip delivers up to 2× CPU performance vs A14 (per Notebookcheck). Thunderbolt/USB‑4 port for fast peripherals.
Is the iPad Air 5th Generation 128GB Space Gray worth the price?
The iPad Air 5th Generation 128GB Space Gray offers strong value for its price point, especially for users who prioritize performance and build quality.
Who should buy
Buyers who prioritize iPad's strengths and want the best in this category.
Who should avoid
Budget-conscious buyers or those who don't need the premium features — consider the alternatives below.
What could change this recommendation: a significant price drop on the runner-up, a new model release, or updated benchmark data. This page is re-verified periodically.
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We'll alert you when iPad Air 5th Generation 128GB Space Gray or iPad Pro 13‑inch M4 128GB Space Gray hits a new low — or when our recommendation changes.