iPad Air (5th generation) vs iPad Pro (4th generation) 11‑inch: Which Should You Buy in 2026?
Quick Verdict
Winner: iPad Pro (4th generation) 11‑inch — 8.5/10
The iPad Pro 11‑inch (4th gen) leads with a faster M2 chip (Geekbench 6 shows ~15 % GPU gain) and a 120 Hz ProMotion display, delivering smoother graphics for creative apps. The Air’s M1 still offers solid performance for everyday tasks and is lighter, but its 60 Hz panel and lack of Thunderbolt limit high‑end workflows. For users focused on professional content creation, the Pro’s advantages outweigh its higher price, while casual users will find the Air more than adequate.
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
- M1 performance comparable to MacBook Air (per Geekbench 6)
- Lightweight 1.02 lb (per Apple)
- Supports 2nd‑gen Apple Pencil (per Apple)
Cons
- Limited to 60 Hz refresh rate (per RTINGS)
- No ProMotion or mini‑LED display (per Apple)
iPad Pro (4th generation) 11‑inch Overview
The iPad Pro (4th generation) 11‑inch brings its own strengths to the table, making it a worthy contender in this comparison.
Pros
- M2 GPU ~15 % faster than M1 (per Geekbench 6)
- 120 Hz ProMotion display with True Tone (per Apple)
- Face ID and Thunderbolt/USB4 support (per Apple)
Cons
- Higher launch price (per Apple Store)
- Slightly heavier at 1.04 lb (per Apple)
Head-to-Head Comparison
Here is how the iPad Air (5th generation) and iPad Pro (4th generation) 11‑inch stack up on key specifications and our scored criteria:
Both products excel in different areas. The iPad Air (5th generation) tends to lead in M1 performance comparable to MacBook Air (per Geekbench 6), while the iPad Pro (4th generation) 11‑inch stands out for M2 GPU ~15 % faster than M1 (per Geekbench 6).
Who Should Buy What
Buy the iPad Air (5th generation) if…
- You want m1 performance comparable to macbook air (per geekbench 6)
- You want lightweight 1.02 lb (per apple)
- You want supports 2nd‑gen apple pencil (per apple)
Buy the iPad Pro (4th generation) 11‑inch if…
- You want m2 gpu ~15 % faster than m1 (per geekbench 6)
- You want 120 hz promotion display with true tone (per apple)
- You want face id and thunderbolt/usb4 support (per apple)
Our Recommendation
If you can only choose one, we recommend the iPad Pro (4th generation) 11‑inch. The iPad Pro 11‑inch (4th gen) leads with a faster M2 chip (Geekbench 6 shows ~15 % GPU gain) and a 120 Hz ProMotion display, delivering smoother graphics for creative apps. The Air’s M1 still offers solid performance for everyday tasks and is lighter, but its 60 Hz panel and lack of Thunderbolt lim
Run the interactive comparison →Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: iPad Air (5th generation) or iPad Pro (4th generation) 11‑inch?
The iPad Pro 11‑inch (4th gen) leads with a faster M2 chip (Geekbench 6 shows ~15 % GPU gain) and a 120 Hz ProMotion display, delivering smoother graphics for creative apps. The Air’s M1 still offers solid performance for everyday tasks and is lighter, but its 60 Hz panel and lack of Thunderbolt limit high‑end workflows. For users focused on professional content creation, the Pro’s advantages outweigh its higher price, while casual users will find the Air more than adequate.
What are the scores for iPad Air (5th generation) and iPad Pro (4th generation) 11‑inch?
iPad Air (5th generation) scores 7/10 and iPad Pro (4th generation) 11‑inch scores 8.5/10 in our independent evaluation.
What are the main advantages of the iPad Air (5th generation)?
M1 performance comparable to MacBook Air (per Geekbench 6). Lightweight 1.02 lb (per Apple). Supports 2nd‑gen Apple Pencil (per Apple).
What are the main advantages of the iPad Pro (4th generation) 11‑inch?
M2 GPU ~15 % faster than M1 (per Geekbench 6). 120 Hz ProMotion display with True Tone (per Apple). Face ID and Thunderbolt/USB4 support (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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