iPad Pro 12.9 (2020) vs iPad Air (2020): A Deep Dive into Apple's Tablet Lineup
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the iPad Air (2020) represents the better value. Its A14 Bionic chip delivers impressive performance, often exceeding the A12Z in everyday tasks, and its sleek design is highly portable. However, professionals demanding the largest screen and sustained peak performance will still find the iPad Pro 12.9 (2020) a worthwhile investment.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2020) | Apple iPad Air (2020) |
| 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, 29, 30, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66, 71 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 29, 30, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66, 71 - A2324 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | 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 - A2072 | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2020, March 18 | 2020, September 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2020, March 19 | Available. Released 2020, October 23 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 280.6 x 214.9 x 5.9 mm (11.05 x 8.46 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 | 641 g (Wi-Fi), 643 g (LTE) (1.41 lb) | 458 g (Wi-Fi) / 460 g (3G/LTE) (1.01 lb) |
| Stylus support (Bluetooth integration; magnetic) | Stylus support | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating | Scratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating |
| Resolution | 2048 x 2732 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~265 ppi density) | 1640 x 2360 pixels (~264 ppi density) |
| Size | 12.9 inches, 515.3 cm2 (~85.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.9 inches, 359.2 cm2 (~81.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 600 nits (typ) | Liquid Retina IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.5 GHz Vortex + 4x1.6 GHz Tempest) | Hexa-core (2x3.0 GHz Firestorm + 4x1.8 GHz Icestorm) |
| Chipset | Apple A12Z Bionic | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) |
| GPU | Apple GPU (8-core graphics) | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) |
| OS | iPadOS 13.4, upgradable to iPadOS 26.1 | iPadOS 14.1, upgradable to iPadOS 26.1 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 512GB 6GB RAM, 1TB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | 12 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF 10 MP, f/2.4, 11mm (ultrawide) TOF 3D LiDAR scanner (depth) | - |
| Features | Quad-LED dual-tone flash, HDR | HDR |
| Single | - | 12 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF |
| Video | 4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS | 4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | Face detection, HDR, panorama | HDR |
| Single | 7 MP, f/2.2 | 7 MP, f/2.0, 31mm (standard) |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 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 (LTE model only) |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1, magnetic connector | USB Type-C, 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, proximity, barometer | Fingerprint (top-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Type | Li-Po 9720 mAh (36.71 Wh) | Li-Ion 7606 mAh (28.93 Wh) |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Silver, Space Gray | Space Gray, Silver, Rose Gold, Green, Sky Blue |
| Models | A2069, A2232, A2233, A2229, iPad8,11, iPad8,12 | A2324, A2072, A2325, A2316, iPad13,1, iPad13,2 |
| Price | About 1000 EUR | About 640 EUR |
Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2020)
- Larger 12.9-inch display ideal for creative professionals
- Potentially more advanced camera system
- Likely includes ProMotion 120Hz display for smoother visuals
- A12Z Bionic is less power-efficient than A14
- Higher price point
- Less portable due to larger size
Apple iPad Air (2020)
- More efficient A14 Bionic chip
- More affordable price
- Highly portable and lightweight design
- Smaller display size
- Potentially less capable camera system
- Standard 60Hz display refresh rate
Display Comparison
The iPad Pro 12.9 (2020) boasts a significantly larger display, but the Air holds its own. The Pro’s 625 nits of measured maximum brightness ensures excellent visibility outdoors, while its 1330:1 contrast ratio delivers deep blacks and vibrant colors. While the Air’s display specs aren’t provided, it’s a standard Liquid Retina display. The Pro’s larger size is a boon for multitasking and creative applications, offering more screen real estate for precision work. The Pro’s display is also likely to have ProMotion technology (120Hz refresh rate), not mentioned in the data, but standard for the Pro line, offering smoother scrolling and responsiveness compared to the Air’s standard 60Hz.
Camera Comparison
Neither device is primarily marketed for its camera capabilities, and the provided data doesn't offer detailed camera specs. However, the iPad Pro, being the higher-end model, likely features a more sophisticated camera system with potentially larger sensors and improved image processing. The Air’s camera is adequate for casual snapshots and video calls, but the Pro is the better choice for users who occasionally need to scan documents or capture higher-quality photos and videos.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The iPad Pro 12.9 (2020) utilizes the A12Z Bionic, an octa-core processor with a 4x2.5 GHz Vortex and 4x1.6 GHz Tempest configuration. The iPad Air (2020) features the A14 Bionic, a hexa-core chip with 2x3.0 GHz Firestorm and 4x1.8 GHz Icestorm cores. Crucially, the A14 is built on a 5nm process, offering improved power efficiency and transistor density compared to the A12Z. While the A12Z has more cores, the A14’s architectural improvements and smaller node size often translate to faster performance in many real-world scenarios, particularly single-core tasks. This means the Air can feel snappier for everyday apps and browsing. The A14’s Neural Engine is also more advanced, benefiting machine learning tasks.
Battery Life
Battery life is difficult to assess without specific mAh ratings. However, the A14 Bionic’s 5nm process in the iPad Air contributes to better power efficiency. While the iPad Pro’s larger size *could* accommodate a larger battery, the A12Z’s less efficient architecture may negate that advantage. Charging wattage isn’t specified, but both devices support fast charging with a compatible adapter (sold separately). Real-world usage will dictate the winner, but the Air’s efficiency gives it a potential edge.
Buying Guide
Buy the Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2020) if you require the largest possible screen for detailed creative work like video editing or graphic design, and if sustained peak performance under heavy load is critical. Buy the Apple iPad Air (2020) if you prioritize portability, value, and a responsive experience for everyday tasks, note-taking, and light creative work.