iPad Air M4 vs iPad Pro 12.9 M2

By Billy G. · Founder & Lead EditorVerified Jun 27 by Billy G.

iPad Air M4
iPad Air M4
iPad Pro 12.9 M2
iPad Pro 12.9 M2

Verdict: iPad Air M4 wins on performance and future-proofing with its M4 chip scoring 9 versus 7 for the M2 model per Geekbench 6 and sustained GPU tests from Notebookcheck. The 12.9-inch M2 Pro retains an edge in peak display brightness at 1600 nits but trails in thinness and weight. iPad Air M4 is the stronger daily driver for most users in 2026.

Winner: iPad Air M4

iPad Air M4: 8.5/10

iPad Pro 12.9 M2: 6.5/10

Spec-by-spec comparison

iPad Air M4iPad Pro 12.9 M2
ChipApple M4Apple M2
Display11-inch or 13-inch Liquid Retina12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR
RAM8GB8GB
Storage Options128GB-1TB128GB-2TB

iPad Air M4

What works

  • M4 chip delivers up to 50% faster GPU performance than M2 (per Geekbench 6)
  • Thinner and lighter design at 0.24 inches thick
  • Supports Apple Intelligence features with 8GB unified memory

What doesn't

  • No ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate
  • Single rear camera only

iPad Pro 12.9 M2

What works

  • Mini-LED XDR display reaches 1600 nits peak brightness
  • Larger 12.9-inch screen for multitasking
  • Thunderbolt port for faster data transfer

What doesn't

  • M2 chip is two generations behind current M4
  • Thicker body at 0.25 inches and heavier at 1.5 lbs

Bottom line

Our pick: iPad Air M4.

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