Apple iPad Pro 11 (2021) vs. iPad Air (2022): The Ultimate Showdown

Apple's iPad lineup offers incredible power and versatility, but choosing the right model can be tricky. The iPad Pro 11 (2021) and iPad Air (2022) both boast the impressive M1 chip, but cater to different users. Let's break down the key differences to help you make the best decision.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The iPad Pro 11 (2021) offers a superior display, ProMotion, and potentially better camera capabilities, making it ideal for creative professionals. However, the iPad Air (2022) provides excellent performance at a more accessible price point, making it a fantastic choice for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names	Apple iPad Pro 11 (2021)	Apple iPad Air (2022)

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71 - A2301, A2459, A2460	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71 - A2589
5G bands	1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - A2301	1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - A2589, A2591
Speed	HSPA, LTE, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps, 5G	HSPA, LTE, 5G
Technology	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G	GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
	1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - A2459, A2460	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71 - A2591

Launch
Announced	2021, April 20	2022, March 08
Status	Available. Released 2021, May 21	Available. Released 2022, March 18

Body
Build	Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame	Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame
Dimensions	247.6 x 178.5 x 5.9 mm (9.75 x 7.03 x 0.23 in)	247.6 x 178.5 x 6.1 mm (9.75 x 7.03 x 0.24 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM + eSIM	Nano-SIM + eSIM
Weight	466 g (Wi-Fi), 470 g (5G) (1.03 lb)	461 g (Wi-Fi) / 462 g (5G) (1.02 lb)
	Stylus support (Bluetooth integration; magnetic)	Stylus support (2nd gen)

Display
Protection	Scratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating	Scratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating
Resolution	1668 x 2388 pixels (~265 ppi density)	1640 x 2360 pixels (~264 ppi density)
Size	11.0 inches, 366.5 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio)	10.9 inches, 359.2 cm2 (~81.3% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	Liquid Retina IPS LCD, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 600 nits (typ)	Liquid Retina IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ)

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (4x3.2 GHz & 4xX.X GHz)	Octa-core (4x3.2 GHz & 4xX.X GHz)
Chipset	Apple M1	Apple M1
GPU	Apple GPU (8-core graphics)	Apple GPU (8-core graphics)
OS	iPadOS 14.5.1, upgradable to iPadOS 26.1	iPadOS 15.4, upgradable to iPadOS 26.1

Memory
Card slot	No	No
Internal	128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM, 2TB 16GB RAM	64GB, 256GB 8GB RAM

Main Camera
Dual	12 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF 10 MP, f/2.4, 125˚ (ultrawide) TOF 3D LiDAR scanner (depth)	-
Features	Quad-LED dual-tone flash, HDR	HDR
Single	12 MP, f/2.4, 122˚ (ultrawide)	12 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF
Video	4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS	4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS

Selfie camera
Features	Face detection, HDR, panorama	HDR
Single	12 MP, f/2.4, 122˚ (ultrawide)	12 MP, f/2.4, 122˚ (ultrawide)
Video	1080p@25/30/60fps, gyro-EIS	1080p@30/60fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	No	No
35mm jack	No	No
Loudspeaker	Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers)	Yes, with stereo speakers

Comms
Bluetooth	5.0, A2DP, LE, EDR	5.0, A2DP, EDR
NFC	No	No
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS (Wi‑Fi + Cellular model only)	GPS, GLONASS (5G model only)
Radio	No	No
USB	USB Type-C 4 (Thunderbolt 4), DisplayPort, magnetic connector	USB Type-C 3.1 Gen2, DisplayPort, magnetic connector
WLAN	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, hotspot	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, hotspot

Features
Sensors	Face ID, accelerometer, gyro, barometer	Fingerprint (top-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer

Battery
Type	Li-Po 7538 mAh (28.65 Wh)	Li-Ion 7600 mAh (28.6 Wh)

Misc
Colors	Silver, Space Gray	Space Gray, Starlight, Pink, Purple, Blue
Models	A2301, A2459, A2460, iPad13,4, iPad13,5, iPad13,6, iPad13,7	A2588, A2589, A2591, iPad13,16, iPad13,17
Price	About 870 EUR	About 550 EUR

Apple iPad Pro 11 (2021)

Superior Display (ProMotion, Brightness)
Advanced Camera System (LiDAR, Center Stage)
Potentially Better Sustained Performance
Thunderbolt/USB 4 Port

Higher Price
Can be Overkill for Casual Users

Apple iPad Air (2022)

More Affordable
Excellent Performance with M1 Chip
Stylish Design
Available in More Colors

Lacks ProMotion Display
Less Advanced Camera System
No Thunderbolt/USB 4

Display Comparison

The iPad Pro 11 (2021) features a Liquid Retina display with ProMotion (120Hz adaptive refresh rate) for incredibly smooth scrolling and responsiveness. The iPad Air (2022) has a Liquid Retina display, but lacks ProMotion. This difference is noticeable, especially when gaming or using the Apple Pencil. The Pro 11 also generally gets brighter.

Camera Comparison

The iPad Pro 11 (2021) has a more advanced camera system, including a LiDAR scanner for improved AR experiences and better low-light performance. It also features Center Stage for automatic subject tracking during video calls. The iPad Air (2022) has a capable camera, but lacks these advanced features.

Performance

Both tablets are powered by the M1 chip, delivering blazing-fast performance. In real-world usage, most tasks will feel equally snappy. The Pro 11 *might* have a slight edge in sustained performance due to its improved thermal design, but it's unlikely to be a significant difference for most users.

Battery Life

Both offer all-day battery life under typical usage. While specs are similar, the Pro 11's larger size *could* allow for a slightly larger battery, but real-world tests show comparable performance.

Buying Guide

Who should buy the Apple iPad Pro 11 (2021)? Creative professionals, power users, and those needing the best possible display and camera. Who should buy the Apple iPad Air (2022)? Students, casual users, and anyone seeking a powerful tablet at a more affordable price.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the M1 chip enough of a difference between the two?

The M1 chip provides excellent performance on both devices. The difference in everyday use will be minimal. The Pro 11's thermal design *might* allow for slightly better sustained performance under heavy loads.

❓ Does the iPad Air 2022 support the Apple Pencil?

Yes, the iPad Air (2022) supports the Apple Pencil (2nd generation), offering a great experience for note-taking and drawing.