The clear winner in this matchup is the iPad Pro 11‑inch (M4). With its blazing M4 chip, superior display technology, and significantly higher performance ceiling, it outperforms the iPad Air (5th generation) in nearly every demanding task while still maintaining the sleek Apple ecosystem experience. That said, the Air remains a compelling choice for users who want solid performance without the premium price tag.

Specs Comparison

Raw Power: M4 Crushes the M1

Let’s be brutally honest — the iPad Air 5’s M1 chip was revolutionary when it launched, but it now feels dated next to the M4. The M4 in the new iPad Pro isn’t just incrementally better; it’s a generational leap. Benchmarks show the M4 delivering nearly double the CPU performance and over 2.5x the GPU power of the M1. For creative professionals using apps like Logic Pro, Final Cut Pro, or Affinity Designer, this translates to buttery-smooth 4K video editing, complex 3D rendering, and AI-powered features that the Air simply cannot match without stuttering or throttling.

The M4 also brings hardware-accelerated ray tracing and vastly improved neural engine capabilities. If you’re into modern gaming or using machine learning tools on-device, the Pro feels like it’s from the future while the Air feels stuck in 2021. Apple’s decision to equip the Pro with up to 16GB of unified memory further widens this gap. The Air’s fixed 8GB is adequate for everyday multitasking but quickly becomes a bottleneck when juggling multiple heavy creative apps. This performance delta alone justifies the Pro’s higher price for power users.

Display Technology: OLED vs LCD

The display difference is night and day. The iPad Pro 11 M4 features a stunning tandem OLED Ultra Retina XDR panel that delivers perfect blacks, incredible contrast ratios, and peak brightness that makes HDR content pop. Colors are more accurate, and the 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate (even if Apple remains coy about publishing exact figures) makes scrolling, drawing, and gaming feel dramatically more fluid than the Air’s standard 60Hz LCD.

The iPad Air’s 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display is still very good by tablet standards — sharp, vibrant, and perfectly usable for streaming, browsing, and note-taking. But side-by-side with the Pro, it looks flat, with noticeable backlight bleed and less impressive HDR performance. For artists using the Apple Pencil, the Pro’s lower latency and higher refresh rate make a tangible difference in stroke precision and responsiveness. If your workflow involves color-critical work or you simply appreciate premium visuals, the Pro’s screen is worth the upgrade.

Storage, Battery, and Real-World Usability

Storage is another area where the iPad Pro pulls ahead decisively. Starting at 256GB and scaling all the way to 2TB, the Pro gives you breathing room for large creative files, 4K video libraries, and apps that consume massive amounts of space. The Air’s base 64GB model is frankly embarrassing in 2024 and forces most users into the $749 256GB variant, narrowing the price gap more than many realize.

Battery life is roughly comparable on paper — both claim up to 10 hours — but the Pro’s more efficient M4 chip often delivers better real-world endurance during intensive tasks. The Pro also supports faster charging and pairs beautifully with the new ultra-thin Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Pro, creating a more laptop-like experience that the Air cannot fully replicate.

Both devices are exceptionally thin and light, but the Air edges out slightly in pure portability at 461g versus the Pro’s 466g. For students or travelers who prioritize a smaller, cheaper device for reading textbooks, taking notes, and casual media consumption, that minor weight difference and lower price can matter.

Who Should Buy Which?

Buy the iPad Air (5th generation) if:

• You want the lowest possible price and don’t need cutting-edge performance.
• Your usage is primarily web browsing, streaming, note-taking, and light productivity.
• You prefer a slightly smaller and lighter 10.9-inch form factor for one-handed use.
• You’re upgrading from an older iPad and the M1 still feels plenty fast for your needs.

Buy the iPad Pro 11‑inch (M4) if:

• You demand maximum performance for professional creative work or gaming.
• You want the best display Apple has ever put in a tablet.
• You need generous storage starting at 256GB or 512GB.
• You plan to use it as a laptop replacement with the Magic Keyboard.
• Future-proofing for the next 4–5 years is important to you.

Final Verdict

The iPad Pro 11‑inch (M4) is the superior device and our confident recommendation for most people who can afford it. Its M4 chip, breathtaking OLED display, and generous storage make it the true successor to the iPad legacy. The iPad Air 5 is not bad — it’s actually excellent for the price — but it plays second fiddle in 2024.

• Winner: iPad Pro 11‑inch (M4) — 8.4/10
• iPad Air (5th Gen): 7.2/10 — still viable but clearly outclassed
• Choose Air for budget-conscious everyday use at $599.99
• Choose Pro for uncompromising performance, storage, and screen quality
• Neither device advertises exact refresh rates, but real-world testing confirms the Pro’s fluidity advantage

At the end of the day, Apple has created two excellent tablets for different audiences. The Pro is the powerhouse that professionals and enthusiasts crave. The Air is the sensible, affordable option that still delivers 80% of the experience for half the flagship price. For pure performance and future relevance, the iPad Pro 11 M4 reigns supreme.