Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M1) vs Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M2)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M2) wins — The iPad Pro 11-inch M2 wins for users needing the 120Hz mini-LED display and Thunderbolt port, scoring higher in featur…

Scores: Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M1) 7.5/10 · Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M2) 8.5/10

The iPad Pro 11-inch M2 wins for users needing the 120Hz mini-LED display and Thunderbolt port, scoring higher in features and performance per Notebookcheck and Geekbench data. The Air M1 remains competitive for basic use at a lower cost but trails in display quality and peak brightness. Both models are from 2022 and lack the latest M4 silicon found in current iPad Pro lines.

Spec-by-spec comparison

Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M1)Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M2)
ChipApple M1Apple M2
Display10.9-inch Liquid Retina11-inch Liquid Retina XDR
RAM8GB8GB
Storage Options64GB / 256GB128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB / 2TB

Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M1)

What works

  • Strong M1 performance for everyday tasks and light creative work
  • Affordable entry into Apple silicon tablets
  • Good battery life around 10 hours of mixed use

What doesn't

  • Older 60Hz display without ProMotion
  • Limited to 8GB RAM with no higher option

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M2)

What works

  • Superior mini-LED display with 120Hz ProMotion and higher brightness
  • Faster M2 chip with better GPU for demanding apps
  • Thunderbolt port and more storage tiers available

What doesn't

  • Higher starting price than Air models
  • Still capped at 8GB RAM in base configurations

Bottom line

Our pick: Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M2). It edges out the alternative on superior mini-led display with 120hz promotion and higher brightness. That said, Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M1) still wins on strong m1 performance for everyday tasks and light creative work — consider it if that single trade matters most for your use.

Browse all comparisons | Trending