iPad Air 11-inch M2 vs iPad Pro 12.9-inch M2

By Billy G. · Founder & Lead EditorVerified May 29 by Billy G.

iPad Air 11-inch M2
iPad Air 11-inch M2
iPad Pro 12.9-inch M2
iPad Pro 12.9-inch M2
Verified Confidence: 85%

Verdict: The 12.9-inch iPad Pro M2 wins on display quality and features with its mini-LED XDR panel reaching 1600 nits (per Apple specs) versus the Air's 600 nits LCD. The Air M2 is lighter by 220g and typically costs several hundred dollars less. Both share the same M2 processor and 8GB RAM so core speed is identical.

Winner: iPad Pro 12.9-inch M2

iPad Air 11-inch M2: 7/10

iPad Pro 12.9-inch M2: 8/10

Spec-by-spec comparison

iPad Air 11-inch M2iPad Pro 12.9-inch M2
Display11-inch Liquid Retina12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR
ChipApple M2Apple M2
RAM8GB8GB
Weight462g682g

iPad Air 11-inch M2

What works

  • Lighter weight for portability
  • Lower starting price than Pro model
  • Sufficient performance for media and productivity

What doesn't

  • No 120Hz ProMotion display
  • Standard LCD backlight not as bright or contrasty

iPad Pro 12.9-inch M2

What works

  • Superior mini-LED XDR display with higher brightness
  • Larger screen for multitasking and drawing
  • Thunderbolt port for faster data transfer

What doesn't

  • Heavier and less portable
  • Higher price for similar core performance

Bottom line

Our pick: iPad Pro 12.9-inch M2.

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