Apple iPad Air 11 M2 vs Apple iPad Pro 11" M2

Apple iPad Air 11 M2 wins — The iPad Air 11 M2 wins on value with its $599 price and 2024 release while matching the Pro in most everyday performanc…

Scores: Apple iPad Air 11 M2 8/10 · Apple iPad Pro 11" M2 7.5/10

The iPad Air 11 M2 wins on value with its $599 price and 2024 release while matching the Pro in most everyday performance. The iPad Pro 11" M2 pulls ahead for users needing 120Hz ProMotion and the extra GPU core, as confirmed by direct spec comparison from Apple. Both run the same M2 silicon so the gap is narrower than in prior generations.

Apple iPad Air 11 M2 lists at $599 while Apple iPad Pro 11" M2 lists at $799 — Apple iPad Air 11 M2 undercuts Apple iPad Pro 11" M2 by $200 (33%).

Spec-by-spec comparison

Apple iPad Air 11 M2Apple iPad Pro 11" M2
Display11-inch Liquid Retina11-inch Liquid Retina with ProMotion
ProcessorApple M2 with 8-core CPU and 9-core GPUApple M2 with 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU
RAM8GB8GB
Storage Options128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB128GB to 2TB

Apple iPad Air 11 M2

What works

  • Lower MSRP of $599 compared to the Pro model
  • Released more recently in May 2024
  • Sufficient performance for most productivity and media tasks

What doesn't

  • 9-core GPU is one core short of the Pro
  • Standard 60Hz refresh rate without ProMotion

Apple iPad Pro 11" M2

What works

  • ProMotion 120Hz display for smoother scrolling and responsiveness
  • 10-core GPU provides better graphics performance
  • Wider storage range up to 2TB for heavy users

What doesn't

  • Higher MSRP of $799
  • Released in October 2022 making it the older model

Bottom line

Our pick: Apple iPad Air 11 M2. It edges out the alternative on lower msrp of $599 compared to the pro model. That said, Apple iPad Pro 11" M2 still wins on promotion 120hz display for smoother scrolling and responsiveness — consider it if that single trade matters most for your use.

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