Apple iPad Air 5th Generation vs iPad Pro 11-inch M2

iPad Pro 11-inch M2 wins — The iPad Pro 11-inch M2 leads with its 120Hz ProMotion display and stronger M2 GPU, delivering smoother visuals and bett…

Scores: Apple iPad Air 5th Generation 6.5/10 · iPad Pro 11-inch M2 7.8/10

The iPad Pro 11-inch M2 leads with its 120Hz ProMotion display and stronger M2 GPU, delivering smoother visuals and better graphics performance than the M1-based Air per Notebookcheck and Geekbench tests. The Air 5th Generation offers better value at its $599 MSRP but lacks the refresh rate and storage scalability of the Pro. For most buyers the Pro justifies the $200 premium through measurable...

Apple iPad Air 5th Generation lists at $599 while iPad Pro 11-inch M2 lists at $799 — Apple iPad Air 5th Generation undercuts iPad Pro 11-inch M2 by $200 (33%).

Spec-by-spec comparison

Apple iPad Air 5th GenerationiPad Pro 11-inch M2
display10.9-inch Liquid Retina11-inch Liquid Retina with ProMotion
chipApple M1Apple M2 (8-core CPU, 10-core GPU)
ram8GB
storage128GB to 2TB

Apple iPad Air 5th Generation

What works

  • Lower MSRP of $599 at launch
  • M1 chip delivers solid everyday performance
  • Lightweight 10.9-inch form factor

What doesn't

  • No ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate
  • Discontinued status limits software support timeline

iPad Pro 11-inch M2

What works

  • 120Hz ProMotion display for smoother scrolling
  • M2 chip with stronger GPU performance
  • Wider storage range up to 2TB

What doesn't

  • Higher launch price of $799
  • Only incremental upgrade over prior Pro models

Bottom line

Our pick: iPad Pro 11-inch M2. It edges out the alternative on 120hz promotion display for smoother scrolling. That said, Apple iPad Air 5th Generation still wins on lower msrp of $599 at launch — consider it if that single trade matters most for your use.

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