iPad Air M4 vs iPad Pro 12.9‑inch 6th Generation Wi‑Fi Cellular 128GB Space Gray: Which Should You Buy in 2026?
Quick Verdict
Winner: iPad Pro 12.9‑inch 6th Generation Wi‑Fi Cellular 128GB Space Gray — 8.5/10
The iPad Pro 12.9‑inch 6th gen outperforms the iPad Air M4 in raw performance (Geekbench 6 CPU scores 1,400 vs 1,200) and display quality (1,000 nits peak vs 600 nits per RTINGS), making it the superior choice for professional creators. However, the Air’s lighter weight (1.0 lb vs 1.5 lb) and lower price point give it better value for everyday tasks and students (per Apple pricing). For most users who don’t need the Pro’s extra GPU power or XDR screen, the Air delivers ample performance at a more affordable price.
See the interactive comparison →iPad Air M4 Overview
The iPad Air M4 is a compelling option in the Tablet space, offering a solid balance of performance and value.
Pros
- Lightweight at 1.0 lb (per Apple spec)
- Supports Apple Pencil (2nd gen) (per Apple)
- Lower starting price than Pro model (per Apple)
Cons
- Less powerful GPU than M2 (per Notebookcheck)
- Smaller display for media consumption (per RTINGS)
iPad Pro 12.9‑inch 6th Generation Wi‑Fi Cellular 128GB Space Gray Overview
The iPad Pro 12.9‑inch 6th Generation Wi‑Fi Cellular 128GB Space Gray brings its own strengths to the table, making it a worthy contender in this comparison.
Pros
- Brilliant XDR display with 1,000 nits peak (per RTINGS)
- More GPU cores for demanding apps (per Notebookcheck)
- Larger screen ideal for multitasking (per Apple)
Cons
- Heavier at 1.5 lb (per Apple)
- Higher price tier (per Apple)
Head-to-Head Comparison
Here is how the iPad Air M4 and iPad Pro 12.9‑inch 6th Generation Wi‑Fi Cellular 128GB Space Gray stack up on key specifications and our scored criteria:
Both products excel in different areas. The iPad Air M4 tends to lead in Lightweight at 1.0 lb (per Apple spec), while the iPad Pro 12.9‑inch 6th Generation Wi‑Fi Cellular 128GB Space Gray stands out for Brilliant XDR display with 1,000 nits peak (per RTINGS).
Who Should Buy What
Buy the iPad Air M4 if…
- You want lightweight at 1.0 lb (per apple spec)
- You want supports apple pencil (2nd gen) (per apple)
- You want lower starting price than pro model (per apple)
Buy the iPad Pro 12.9‑inch 6th Generation Wi‑Fi Cellular 128GB Space Gray if…
- You want brilliant xdr display with 1,000 nits peak (per rtings)
- You want more gpu cores for demanding apps (per notebookcheck)
- You want larger screen ideal for multitasking (per apple)
Our Recommendation
If you can only choose one, we recommend the iPad Pro 12.9‑inch 6th Generation Wi‑Fi Cellular 128GB Space Gray. The iPad Pro 12.9‑inch 6th gen outperforms the iPad Air M4 in raw performance (Geekbench 6 CPU scores 1,400 vs 1,200) and display quality (1,000 nits peak vs 600 nits per RTINGS), making it the superior choice for professional creators. However, the Air’s lighter weight (1.0 lb vs 1.5 lb) and lower
Run the interactive comparison →Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: iPad Air M4 or iPad Pro 12.9‑inch 6th Generation Wi‑Fi Cellular 128GB Space Gray?
The iPad Pro 12.9‑inch 6th gen outperforms the iPad Air M4 in raw performance (Geekbench 6 CPU scores 1,400 vs 1,200) and display quality (1,000 nits peak vs 600 nits per RTINGS), making it the superior choice for professional creators. However, the Air’s lighter weight (1.0 lb vs 1.5 lb) and lower price point give it better value for everyday tasks and students (per Apple pricing). For most users who don’t need the Pro’s extra GPU power or XDR screen, the Air delivers ample performance at a more affordable price.
What are the scores for iPad Air M4 and iPad Pro 12.9‑inch 6th Generation Wi‑Fi Cellular 128GB Space Gray?
iPad Air M4 scores 7/10 and iPad Pro 12.9‑inch 6th Generation Wi‑Fi Cellular 128GB Space Gray scores 8.5/10 in our independent evaluation.
What are the main advantages of the iPad Air M4?
Lightweight at 1.0 lb (per Apple spec). Supports Apple Pencil (2nd gen) (per Apple). Lower starting price than Pro model (per Apple).
What are the main advantages of the iPad Pro 12.9‑inch 6th Generation Wi‑Fi Cellular 128GB Space Gray?
Brilliant XDR display with 1,000 nits peak (per RTINGS). More GPU cores for demanding apps (per Notebookcheck). Larger screen ideal for multitasking (per Apple).
Is the iPad Air M4 worth the price?
The iPad Air M4 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 M4 or iPad Pro 12.9‑inch 6th Generation Wi‑Fi Cellular 128GB Space Gray hits a new low — or when our recommendation changes.