Apple iPad Air M4 vs Apple iPad Pro M4
Verdict: The Apple iPad Pro M4 outperforms the Air with its tandem OLED display and stronger M4 variants, delivering better contrast and peak brightness per the 2024-05 specs. The Air M4 counters with a lower $599 price, standard 12GB memory, and Wi-Fi 7 support on its 2026-03-11 release. For most users the Air provides excellent everyday performance while the Pro justifies its $999 cost for creative professionals needing the Ultra Retina XDR panel.
Apple iPad Air M4 lists at $599 while Apple iPad Pro M4 lists at $999 — Apple iPad Air M4 undercuts Apple iPad Pro M4 by $400 (67%).
Winner: Apple iPad Pro M4
Apple iPad Air M4: 7.5/10
Apple iPad Pro M4: 8.5/10
Spec-by-spec comparison
| Apple iPad Air M4 | Apple iPad Pro M4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | M4 (8-core CPU, 9-core GPU) | M4 (9-core or 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU) |
| Display | 12-inch Liquid Retina | 11-inch or 13-inch Tandem OLED Ultra Retina XDR |
| Memory | 12GB unified memory | 8GB or 16GB |
| Starting Price | $599 | $999 |
Apple iPad Air M4
What works
- Lower starting price of $599 (per MSRP)
- 12GB unified memory standard across models
- Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 support
What doesn't
- Liquid Retina display lacks tandem OLED brightness and contrast
- Less powerful GPU configuration than Pro variant
Apple iPad Pro M4
What works
- Tandem OLED Ultra Retina XDR display for superior contrast and brightness
- Higher-end M4 CPU/GPU options with up to 16GB RAM
- Landscape 12MP front camera and advanced rear camera
What doesn't
- Higher starting price of $999 (per MSRP)
- Base model has only 8GB RAM versus Air's 12GB
Bottom line
Our pick: Apple iPad Pro M4. It edges out the alternative on tandem oled ultra retina xdr display for superior contrast and brightness. That said, Apple iPad Air M4 still wins on lower starting price of $599 (per msrp) — consider it if that single trade matters most for your use.
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