iPad Air (5th generation) 256GB Wi‑Fi vs iPad Pro 11‑inch (4th generation) 256GB Wi‑Fi

iPad Pro 11‑inch (4th generation) 256GB Wi‑Fi wins — The iPad Pro 11‑inch M2 edges ahead in raw performance (9

Scores: iPad Air (5th generation) 256GB Wi‑Fi 7.5/10 · iPad Pro 11‑inch (4th generation) 256GB Wi‑Fi 8.5/10

The iPad Pro 11‑inch M2 edges ahead in raw performance (9.5 GHz single‑core Geekbench 6 vs 9.0 GHz on M1) and offers a 120 Hz ProMotion display, which Tom’s Guide notes improves scrolling smoothness by 30 %. However, the Air’s $749 price is $250 cheaper, delivering a better performance‑per‑dollar ratio (per Apple.com pricing). For most users, the Air provides ample power, while the Pro is justi...

iPad Air (5th generation) 256GB Wi‑Fi lists at $749 while iPad Pro 11‑inch (4th generation) 256GB Wi‑Fi lists at $999 — iPad Air (5th generation) 256GB Wi‑Fi undercuts iPad Pro 11‑inch (4th generation) 256GB Wi‑Fi by $250 (33%).

Spec-by-spec comparison

iPad Air (5th generation) 256GB Wi‑FiiPad Pro 11‑inch (4th generation) 256GB Wi‑Fi
ChipApple M1 (8‑core CPU, 8‑core GPU)Apple M2 (8‑core CPU, 10‑core GPU)
Display10.9‑inch Liquid Retina 2360×164011‑inch Liquid Retina 2388×1668 120 Hz ProMotion
Storage256 GB256 GB
BatteryUp to 10 h web browsing (per Apple.com)Up to 10 h web browsing (per Apple.com)

iPad Air (5th generation) 256GB Wi‑Fi

What works

  • M1 performance rivals entry‑level MacBooks
  • Lower price than Pro models
  • Supports Apple Pencil 2

What doesn't

  • No 120 Hz ProMotion display
  • Limited to Wi‑Fi (no cellular in this SKU)

iPad Pro 11‑inch (4th generation) 256GB Wi‑Fi

What works

  • 120 Hz ProMotion display for smoother scrolling
  • M2 chip offers ~15 % faster GPU than M1 (per Notebookcheck)
  • Face ID for secure authentication

What doesn't

  • Higher price point
  • Slightly heavier at 466 g

Bottom line

Our pick: iPad Pro 11‑inch (4th generation) 256GB Wi‑Fi.

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