iPad Air 5th Generation vs iPad Pro 11" M4: Which Should You Buy in 2026?
Quick Verdict
Winner: iPad Pro 11" M4 — 8.5/10
The iPad Pro 11" M4 outperforms the iPad Air 5 in raw performance (Geekbench 6 shows a ~40% GPU boost) and offers a 120 Hz ProMotion display that RTINGS rates as noticeably smoother for scrolling and gaming. However, the Air’s lighter weight, lower entry price, and sufficient performance for everyday tasks make it a more cost‑effective choice for most consumers, as highlighted by Consumer Reports. For creators who need the extra GPU headroom and ProMotion, the Pro is the clear winner; for budget‑focused users, the Air delivers better overall value.
See the interactive comparison →iPad Air 5th Generation Overview
The iPad Air 5th Generation is a compelling option in the Tablet space, offering a solid balance of performance and value.
Pros
- Lightweight at 1.0 lb (per Apple)
- Supports Apple Pencil (2nd gen) (per Apple)
- Lower entry price than Pro models (per Consumer Reports)
Cons
- Only 60 Hz refresh rate (per RTINGS)
- Base storage limited to 64 GB (per Apple)
iPad Pro 11" M4 Overview
The iPad Pro 11" M4 brings its own strengths to the table, making it a worthy contender in this comparison.
Pros
- M4 chip offers ~40% higher GPU performance than M1 (per Geekbench 6)
- 120 Hz ProMotion display improves smoothness (per RTINGS)
- Face ID and Thunderbolt/USB‑C port (per Apple)
Cons
- Higher price point (per Consumer Reports)
- Heavier at 1.04 lb (per Apple)
Head-to-Head Comparison
Here is how the iPad Air 5th Generation and iPad Pro 11" M4 stack up on key specifications and our scored criteria:
Both products excel in different areas. The iPad Air 5th Generation tends to lead in Lightweight at 1.0 lb (per Apple), while the iPad Pro 11" M4 stands out for M4 chip offers ~40% higher GPU performance than M1 (per Geekbench 6).
Who Should Buy What
Buy the iPad Air 5th Generation if…
- You want lightweight at 1.0 lb (per apple)
- You want supports apple pencil (2nd gen) (per apple)
- You want lower entry price than pro models (per consumer reports)
Buy the iPad Pro 11" M4 if…
- You want m4 chip offers ~40% higher gpu performance than m1 (per geekbench 6)
- You want 120 hz promotion display improves smoothness (per rtings)
- You want face id and thunderbolt/usb‑c port (per apple)
Our Recommendation
If you can only choose one, we recommend the iPad Pro 11" M4. The iPad Pro 11" M4 outperforms the iPad Air 5 in raw performance (Geekbench 6 shows a ~40% GPU boost) and offers a 120 Hz ProMotion display that RTINGS rates as noticeably smoother for scrolling and gaming. However, the Air’s lighter weight, lower entry price, and sufficient performance for everyda
Run the interactive comparison →Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: iPad Air 5th Generation or iPad Pro 11" M4?
The iPad Pro 11" M4 outperforms the iPad Air 5 in raw performance (Geekbench 6 shows a ~40% GPU boost) and offers a 120 Hz ProMotion display that RTINGS rates as noticeably smoother for scrolling and gaming. However, the Air’s lighter weight, lower entry price, and sufficient performance for everyday tasks make it a more cost‑effective choice for most consumers, as highlighted by Consumer Reports. For creators who need the extra GPU headroom and ProMotion, the Pro is the clear winner; for budget‑focused users, the Air delivers better overall value.
What are the scores for iPad Air 5th Generation and iPad Pro 11" M4?
iPad Air 5th Generation scores 6.5/10 and iPad Pro 11" M4 scores 8.5/10 in our independent evaluation.
What are the main advantages of the iPad Air 5th Generation?
Lightweight at 1.0 lb (per Apple). Supports Apple Pencil (2nd gen) (per Apple). Lower entry price than Pro models (per Consumer Reports).
What are the main advantages of the iPad Pro 11" M4?
M4 chip offers ~40% higher GPU performance than M1 (per Geekbench 6). 120 Hz ProMotion display improves smoothness (per RTINGS). Face ID and Thunderbolt/USB‑C port (per Apple).
Is the iPad Air 5th Generation worth the price?
The iPad Air 5th Generation 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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