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iPad Air 11" iPad Pro 2nd Generation vs. iPad Air 4th Generation
- Thread starter Yebubbleman
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Aside from that, I prefer Touch ID and the newer chip.
That's if it's available. It's been gone from the store for a good three months now!
Huge emphasis on the "when it's available". Again, I've got refurb.me alerts out for it. No sign of it for the last three months at least.
I noticed this too. $150 is the borderline of "okay, sure, I'll spend more to upgrade to the better tech". Past that point and you've lost me when the differences are minor (which, for my use cases, they are). The main thing I'm worried about for the Air is the speakers quality. Though, the fact that it's still stereo in landscape orientation was the one thing that made me consider it (whereas I did not consider the third generation iPad Air for that same reason). The stereo speakers at the bottom speaker formation is only tolerable on the iPad mini. Anything larger than that and it's annoying.
I'm kicking myself for not jumping on refurb 2018 11" Pros when I had the chance. Oh well.
Honestly Yebubbleman, the landscape stereo speakers on the Air 4 are very good in my opinion. Clear with decent dynamic range. Watching Football matches (Soccer to you guys), you hear the crowd chanting, commentators etc with great detail and clarity. Its a major improvement over the Air 3's speakers that's for sure. Pro 11 owners will obviously say their quad speakers are better, which they are but not £200 better. If you want the best Audio quality, you should be using a decent USB C audio adaptor and good headphones anyway.
At the 256 GB price point, the difference is $150. So are ProMotion, FaceID, and quad speakers worth $150? (I know there are some other differences, but things like extra RAM aren’t important if you’re just using it to watch videos.) To me, that’s a close call. $150 is not nothing, but I keep my ipads about 4 years on average, so we’re talking like $37 / year. On the other hand, the Air is an excellent device, and the things you’re giving up are definitely not “must haves.” Can’t go wrong either way. Depends on how much $150 means to you, I guess.
I think either is a good choice. Boils down to personal preference.
Personally, it's not so much the $150 for me. Rather, it's because non-X based chipsets (with fewer CPU and GPU cores, and sometimes lower clocks) have generally given me hours of battery life more than X-based ones. That and it's got Sky Blue. Extremely shallow, I know.
My usage is primarily ebook and manga reading, and forums at very, very low brightness so not particularly CPU/GPU heavy.
Personally, I don't know if I really notice ProMotion that much. When I switch from my 11" Pro to the iPhone XR/iPad Mini 4, I'm not bothered by the lack of ProMotion. Granted, I'm not looking for the differences so maybe that's why I don't notice it. Even when watching videos on the Mini 4 with the 2 speakers on the side, the lower quality speakers don't bother me much too either (something I notice, but ignore after a minute or so).
That said, these are probably some features that's not as important to me, but nice to have. I was lucky to pickup a refurb Apple 2018 11" Pro middle of this year during the pandemic.
I have not tried or use the Air 3 but I do know that my 2018 iPad Pro 11 is the most used Apple device that I've ever had. I am a light user - only using it for books and reading news articles and occasional note taking with Notability. Battery lasts forever. The screen is super comfortable to read on for hours and hours. I pair it with an iCarez matte screen protector - making glare a non-issue but sharp enough to not cause headaches.
2020 my reading has definitely increased significantly. While my iPhone and my MBP are nice devices, reading on the iPad is far nicer.
I'd look for refurb 2018 11 Pro. However, for something I keep for so long and use so much of - $150 isn't going to be a consideration for me.
I'm planning on using my 2018 iPad Pro 11 for at least 3 more years - I got it in February 2020.
2020 my reading has definitely increased significantly. While my iPhone and my MBP are nice devices, reading on the iPad is far nicer.
I'd look for refurb 2018 11 Pro. However, for something I keep for so long and use so much of - $150 isn't going to be a consideration for me.
I'm planning on using my 2018 iPad Pro 11 for at least 3 more years - I got it in February 2020.
Sorry for lecturing, but people need to stop recommending the refurb 2018 Pro11. That hasn't been on Apple's site for over 6 months. Its a great machine still but that deal is long gone.
Not lecturing at all - thanks for the correction and info.
I am pretty sure that my next purchase will be from the refurbished page -- I only started watching it this year and of course it has been pretty empty lol.
One odd thing about the 11 pro is the position of the rear camera .
Ignore this , just realised the camera is the same position on my air 2 ?
Ignore this , just realised the camera is the same position on my air 2 ?
The mixed opinions on this question of 11" iPad Pro vs iPad Air simply show that the 11" Pro is due for upgrade to further differentiate it from the Air.
In the meantime however the Pro is a great choice, I went through the same process of comparing features and pricing between the two, and ended up with a new 11" Pro just over a month ago. I've been extremely happy with the 11" Pro. Not to say I wouldn't be happy with a new Air, but - Face ID is great, for one thing. The Pro speakers and display are a world better than my previous iPads (base models). And it is considerably more responsive as well, compared to 'lesser' iPads. I still use my 5th Gen iPad for some things, but for watching streaming video I only use the Pro.
In the meantime however the Pro is a great choice, I went through the same process of comparing features and pricing between the two, and ended up with a new 11" Pro just over a month ago. I've been extremely happy with the 11" Pro. Not to say I wouldn't be happy with a new Air, but - Face ID is great, for one thing. The Pro speakers and display are a world better than my previous iPads (base models). And it is considerably more responsive as well, compared to 'lesser' iPads. I still use my 5th Gen iPad for some things, but for watching streaming video I only use the Pro.
I’m toying with the idea of upgrading my iPad with the Air and seeing as the 2018 11” iPad Pro is the same price on Amazon at the moment I’m keen to understand which one is better for me. The speakers aren’t attractive to me as I very rarely watch content and not use headphones. Plus the speakers on my 5th generation iPad are good enough when I have watched videos.
You mention the Pro is more responsive and that’s the only thing that has made me think. Is that the case against the Air or just compared to your older iPad?? It looks very responsive in all the reviews I have watched I have to say. The FaceID thing doesn’t bother me either to be honest as I have FaceID on my phone and it’s no better than TouchID in my view other than for saving bezel space. The biometrics in the power button actually seems like a nice feature I think.
I'm only able to compare my Pro with the 'base' model iPads. I've used the Air but only in the store and at that time I didn't try to compare the Air to the Pro. The Air does have a newer processor than the Pro. My suggestion would be to spend some time looking at comparison reports on youtube - there are quite a few that do compare the Air to the 11" Pro and when I was going through my decision process I found them very helpful.
Here is one recent thread here on MacRumors that you might find helpful:
2020 iPad Air vs. iPad Pro: Hands-On Comparison
Apple announced the new 2020 fourth-generation iPad Air in September, but the new tablets just started shipping out to customers last Friday. We...
www.macrumors.com
And here is a example, this guy does a great job in showing how the display is slightly different between the two, when using the Apple pencil:
When I got my 12 pro max, I thought I could get use to the Air 4 since the 12 was only 60hz. I still have my 10.5 pro and when I bought the air 4, I could not get used to not having pro-motion. Every time I swiped, I can see how much I miss the 120hz.
It gets weird after this, I was looking on swappa, at a mint 2020 ipad pro 256 cellular for $1000 and ask if he would do $900 before changing my mind and going for the air instead. I bought the air cellular for $879. A few days later, I forgot to unsubscribe from the tread and people kept trying to get the price down to $800. Someone mentioned that the seller said he would do $800. I'm sure the sell meant $900 and not $800. Well after a few misunderstanding, the seller agreed to $800, because the other guy kept insisting he keep his word.
I waited 15 minutes to see that guy or anyone bought it. I assume it would be gone but I checked anyways. Since no one bought it, I clicked on buy and it was mine lol. I like the air but my eyes cannot live without pro-motion.
It gets weird after this, I was looking on swappa, at a mint 2020 ipad pro 256 cellular for $1000 and ask if he would do $900 before changing my mind and going for the air instead. I bought the air cellular for $879. A few days later, I forgot to unsubscribe from the tread and people kept trying to get the price down to $800. Someone mentioned that the seller said he would do $800. I'm sure the sell meant $900 and not $800. Well after a few misunderstanding, the seller agreed to $800, because the other guy kept insisting he keep his word.
I waited 15 minutes to see that guy or anyone bought it. I assume it would be gone but I checked anyways. Since no one bought it, I clicked on buy and it was mine lol. I like the air but my eyes cannot live without pro-motion.
Real deal just bare in mind those 2018 iPad Pro’s on Amazon uk are refurbs, not new. If they were new, then it would be a no brainer.
To be honest I’m more in favour of the Air anyway with more research into it. I like the TouchID in the button and the fact it’s got the new processor. I’ve got a voucher for John Lewis and they are brilliant with warranty replacements (24 months) too. Not really keen on buying a now 3 year old iPad model even if it’s the same price to be fair.
Just my $0.02, but I picked up an Air as a way to test out an 11” model (my existing iPad is a 12.9) and the transition back to Touch ID has been not something I’ve enjoyed. It’s just not as intuitive to me after using Face ID in phones and my iPad since the iPhone X launched however many years ago that was. The whole unlocking and authentication process is both just slower and clunkier in my use.
If I do decide to go 11” this will be going back and I’ll order a Pro.
If I do decide to go 11” this will be going back and I’ll order a Pro.
I have just got the Air and absolutely loving it. The screen is wonderfully crisp and has no bleeding, no issues whatsoever. 150 isn’t huge over time as others have pointed out but it covers the cost of the pencil or half the magic keyboard!
I’m sure promotion is nice but how many devices do you have that on? People who actually do pro tasks on macs, are they hindered by not having a refresh rate similar to promotion?
The speakers on the air are still very nice. And I have no issues with responsiveness, the iPad is more snappy than my 2020 MBP. Highly recommend!
I’d either get the iPad Air if you want something now or wait and get the next iPad Pro. For what you want to do though you could even get by on the basic iPad. The air is just more enjoyable!
I’m sure promotion is nice but how many devices do you have that on? People who actually do pro tasks on macs, are they hindered by not having a refresh rate similar to promotion?
The speakers on the air are still very nice. And I have no issues with responsiveness, the iPad is more snappy than my 2020 MBP. Highly recommend!
I’d either get the iPad Air if you want something now or wait and get the next iPad Pro. For what you want to do though you could even get by on the basic iPad. The air is just more enjoyable!
I am still rocking my 10.5 iPad Pro and love this device. A10X and 4GB RAM more than powerful enough for everything 99% of all users do. The bezels are thin enough for me and I still have the home button. It had been recently swapped against a new/refurbed unit with 0 battery cycles within the last weeks of 1y warranty (very lucky) due to the infamous white spot, which is the only real weakpoint of this unit. The white spot was rather tiny and in the lower right corner rather than above the home button, so not bothering at all especially when using in landscape mode, as dark elements like safari tabs where obscuring it entirely. I only did the exchange because it was for free and I gonna sell it eventually ofc.
I see no benefit in paying extra $$$ for a newer unit yet, and I couldn't really decide which one to go :-(
I don't need the crazy camera array of the expensive Pro and the bending issues ain't better than the white spot, while the Air 4 lacks ProMotion, 2 speakers (at least the remaining ones are left+right finally) and the rear LED. Both of them also lose the headphone jack, which I often use. The only real benefit for me (Procreate) would be the Pencil 2. I will probably decide in 2022.
My mum got the iPad 8 for Christmas. The screen definitely feels cheaper, more plastic-like (hollow) and the cam is pretty bad, otherwise it's a very solid and snappy device.
I see no benefit in paying extra $$$ for a newer unit yet, and I couldn't really decide which one to go :-(
I don't need the crazy camera array of the expensive Pro and the bending issues ain't better than the white spot, while the Air 4 lacks ProMotion, 2 speakers (at least the remaining ones are left+right finally) and the rear LED. Both of them also lose the headphone jack, which I often use. The only real benefit for me (Procreate) would be the Pencil 2. I will probably decide in 2022.
My mum got the iPad 8 for Christmas. The screen definitely feels cheaper, more plastic-like (hollow) and the cam is pretty bad, otherwise it's a very solid and snappy device.
I’m quite lucky in my case as I use FaceID on my iPhone but still use a TouchID iPad alongside it. I’ve never broken away from it and I’m not usually trying to do tasks at a fast speed when browsing on the iPad. I think if the smallest Pro was closer in price to the Air, people might be more tempted to try them out but right now the Air is a great device to bridge the gap.
With the student promo of free AirPods with iPad Pro, but not the newest air, I opted for the 11” Pro.
That promo essentially made them the same price, and for me, the iPad would be mostly reading and consuming movies and very little else.
A14 vs A12Z was essentially a tossup but in general I do like having more cores since I like to have a lot of apps open and safari tabs open, so couldn’t complain about 2 more high performance CPU cores and 4 more GPU cores. The additional 2GB of Ram is also helpful for me.
Pro motion display is also really great and 0.1” more screen real estate is also nice.
As for the cameras, could not care less. That ultra wide camera is 100% useless to me, and I have no idea what I’d do with that Lidar sensor, but maybe one day I’ll find a use for it.
The TrueDepth camera on the front also doesn’t really matter much to me, don’t care for it, almost never use it.
FaceID isn’t a big deal as my iPad is used solely at home.
Honestly if I had gotten the Air, I’d be just as happy, but since the net prices were similar and I could get my hands on the pro sooner, figured might as well.
After years of always buying the ultra premium iPad pros for over $1000, all I wanted was something relatively inexpensive and I got what I was looking for and I’m 100% satisfied, even though I didn’t get the top configuration.
That promo essentially made them the same price, and for me, the iPad would be mostly reading and consuming movies and very little else.
A14 vs A12Z was essentially a tossup but in general I do like having more cores since I like to have a lot of apps open and safari tabs open, so couldn’t complain about 2 more high performance CPU cores and 4 more GPU cores. The additional 2GB of Ram is also helpful for me.
Pro motion display is also really great and 0.1” more screen real estate is also nice.
As for the cameras, could not care less. That ultra wide camera is 100% useless to me, and I have no idea what I’d do with that Lidar sensor, but maybe one day I’ll find a use for it.
The TrueDepth camera on the front also doesn’t really matter much to me, don’t care for it, almost never use it.
FaceID isn’t a big deal as my iPad is used solely at home.
Honestly if I had gotten the Air, I’d be just as happy, but since the net prices were similar and I could get my hands on the pro sooner, figured might as well.
After years of always buying the ultra premium iPad pros for over $1000, all I wanted was something relatively inexpensive and I got what I was looking for and I’m 100% satisfied, even though I didn’t get the top configuration.
More cores have hardly any impact on tabs open and even on apps open (unless they are in split screen). Contrary to desktop OSs, background apps take very little CPU. RAM matters, since all those apps and tabs stay in RAM.
Having said that, yes the pro, even the 2018 one, is better than the air overall... but not by a ton and (as you imply) some things are personal preferences (e.g. I prefer touch id, but got the 11 pro despite this, but some people do prefer face id...)