Apple iPad Air 2024 vs. M4 iPad Pro: Which Should You Buy?

Apple continues to set the standard with its latest tablet offerings. The 2024 Apple iPad Air and the M4 iPad Pro are both impressive devices, each catering to different user needs and preferences. The iPad Air, with its balance of performance and portability, offers a versatile solution for a wide range of users at a starting price of A$999. Meanwhile, the M4 iPad Pro, equipped with cutting-edge features and advanced capabilities, aims to deliver a powerhouse performance that could potentially replace a laptop for professional tasks.

This article will compare these two standout tablets, examining their design, portability, display quality, performance, camera capabilities, connectivity options, audio quality, accessories, software, and pricing. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which iPad suits your needs best, helping you make an informed purchase decision.

Design

iPad Air

The 2024 Apple iPad Air continues Apple’s tradition of combining sleek design with robust functionality. Here are the key design elements:

• Colours: The iPad Air is available in an array of vibrant colours including Space Grey, Blue, Purple, and Starlight, allowing users to choose a finish that best reflects their personal style.
• Build: It features an aluminium enclosure that is both lightweight and durable, providing a premium feel. The smooth, rounded edges enhance the device’s aesthetic appeal and make it comfortable to hold.
• Dimensions: The iPad Air boasts a slim profile at just 6.1mm thick, making it highly portable and easy to carry in a bag or backpack.
• Touch ID: Integrated into the top button, Touch ID offers a convenient and secure way to unlock the device, authenticate purchases, and sign into apps.
• Portability: Weighing just over 450 grams for the Wi-Fi model, the iPad Air is designed for users who need a powerful yet lightweight device for on-the-go use.

M4 iPad Pro

The M4 iPad Pro represents the pinnacle of Apple’s design philosophy, combining cutting-edge technology with elegant aesthetics. Here are its standout design features:

• Ultra-Thin Profile: At a mere 5.1mm thick, the M4 iPad Pro is the thinnest device Apple has ever produced. This ultra-slim design contributes to its lightweight and sleek appearance.
• Camera Placement: One of the most notable changes is the relocation of the front camera to the landscape side of the device. This adjustment significantly enhances usability for video calls, aligning better with how users typically hold the iPad Pro in landscape orientation.
• Durability: Despite its thinness, the M4 iPad Pro includes an internal rib structure that reinforces the device, ensuring it remains sturdy and resistant to bending. This addresses past concerns about the durability of ultra-thin devices.
• Build Quality: Crafted from high-quality materials, the M4 iPad Pro maintains a premium feel. The aluminium enclosure and smooth edges not only enhance its aesthetic appeal but also provide a comfortable grip.
• Battery Life: The design also incorporates a slightly larger battery in the 11-inch model, maintaining nearly the same capacity in the 13-inch model despite the reduced internal space. This ensures long-lasting performance without compromising on battery life.
• Weight: The M4 iPad Pro is designed to be exceptionally portable, with the 11-inch model weighing approximately 466 grams and the 13-inch model around 680 grams, making it easy to carry and handle.

Which is best for you based on design?

If you prioritise vibrant colour options, lightweight portability, and a sleek, robust design, the iPad Air is a great choice. If you value an ultra-thin profile, advanced camera placement for video calls, and premium build quality, the M4 iPad Pro stands out.

Portability

iPad Air

The iPad Air is designed with portability in mind, making it an ideal choice for users who need a device that is easy to carry and use on the go. Here are the key portability features:

• Weight: Weighing just over 450 grams for the Wi-Fi model, the iPad Air is lightweight, making it easy to carry in a bag or backpack without adding much bulk.
• Dimensions: With a slim profile of just 6.1mm, the iPad Air can easily fit into small bags and is comfortable to hold for extended periods. Its compact size makes it convenient for travel, commuting, or use in various environments.
• Durability: Despite its lightweight and slim design, the aluminium enclosure ensures the iPad Air is durable enough to withstand daily wear and tear. This makes it a reliable companion for users who are frequently on the move.
• Battery Life: The iPad Air offers long battery life, ensuring that you can use it throughout the day without needing to recharge constantly. This is particularly beneficial for those who travel frequently or have busy schedules.

M4 iPad Pro

The M4 iPad Pro sets new standards for portability with its ultra-thin and lightweight design, making it one of the most portable high-performance tablets available. Key features include:

• Weight: The 11-inch model weighs approximately 466 grams, and the 13-inch model weighs around 680 grams. Despite being slightly heavier than the iPad Air, the M4 iPad Pro is still lightweight considering its larger size and more powerful components.
• Ultra-Thin Profile: At just 5.1mm thick, the M4 iPad Pro is the thinnest device Apple has ever produced. This ultra-slim profile not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also makes it incredibly easy to slip into a bag or carry around.
• Durability: The internal rib structure of the M4 iPad Pro provides additional reinforcement, ensuring that the device remains sturdy and resistant to bending despite its thin design. This makes it suitable for users who need a durable yet portable device.
• Battery Life: The M4 iPad Pro maintains excellent battery life, with the 11-inch model incorporating a slightly larger battery and the 13-inch model retaining nearly the same capacity as previous models. This ensures that users can rely on the device for all-day use without frequent recharging.
• Versatility: The lightweight and slim design make the M4 iPad Pro highly versatile for various use cases, whether you are working on the go, traveling, or using it for entertainment.

Which is best for you based on portability?

If you need the lightest and most compact option for frequent travel and on-the-go use, the iPad Air is a great choice. If you prefer a larger screen with an ultra-thin design without significantly compromising on portability, the M4 iPad Pro is an excellent option.

Display

iPad Air

The 2024 iPad Air features a stunning Liquid Retina display, which offers a high-quality visual experience. Here are the key display features:

• Size and Resolution: The iPad Air comes with a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, featuring a resolution of 2360 x 1640 pixels. This high resolution ensures sharp and detailed images, making it ideal for a variety of tasks, from reading and browsing to watching videos and editing photos.
• True Tone Technology: The display includes True Tone technology, which adjusts the colour temperature based on the ambient lighting conditions. This results in a more natural and comfortable viewing experience, reducing eye strain.
• Wide Colour Gamut (P3): The wide colour gamut ensures vibrant and accurate colours, which is particularly beneficial for creative tasks like photo and video editing, where colour precision is crucial.
• Antireflective Coating: The antireflective coating reduces glare, making the display easier to view in bright environments or under direct sunlight.
• Brightness: The iPad Air’s display offers up to 500 nits of brightness, ensuring good visibility even in well-lit conditions.

M4 iPad Pro

The M4 iPad Pro takes display technology to the next level with its advanced OLED display. Here are its standout features:

• Size and Resolution: The M4 iPad Pro is available in two sizes: 11 inches and 13 inches. Both models feature a high-resolution OLED display, with the 11-inch model offering a resolution of 2388 x 1668 pixels and the 13-inch model providing a resolution of 2732 x 2048 pixels. This ensures incredibly sharp and detailed visuals.
• Tandem OLED Technology: The M4 iPad Pro uses tandem OLED technology, which involves stacking two OLED layers. This results in higher brightness and contrast, delivering vibrant and true-to-life colours.
• HDR Support: The display supports HDR (High Dynamic Range), providing greater detail in both bright and dark areas of the screen. This makes HDR content look more realistic and immersive.
• True Tone and ProMotion: The display includes True Tone technology and ProMotion, which offers a 120Hz refresh rate. This makes interactions smooth and fluid, enhancing the overall user experience, whether you’re scrolling through documents, playing games, or using the Apple Pencil Pro for drawing.
• Brightness: The OLED display can reach up to 1000 nits of brightness, making it easy to view even in direct sunlight and providing a superior visual experience for HDR content.

Which is best for you based on display?

If you require the highest levels of brightness, contrast, and HDR support for a truly immersive viewing experience, the M4 iPad Pro with its advanced OLED display is the superior choice. However, if you are looking for a high-quality display with vibrant colours and excellent detail in a more budget-friendly package, the iPad Air’s Liquid Retina display is an excellent option.

Performance

iPad Air

The 2024 iPad Air is powered by the M2 chip, delivering impressive performance for a wide range of tasks. Here are the key performance features:

• M2 Chip: The M2 chip in the iPad Air features an 8-core CPU and a 10-core GPU, providing a significant boost in performance compared to its predecessor. This makes the iPad Air capable of handling everything from everyday tasks to more demanding applications like photo and video editing.
• Neural Engine: The 16-core Neural Engine enhances machine learning capabilities, enabling faster and more efficient processing for tasks like image recognition, natural language processing, and augmented reality.
• Multitasking: The iPad Air handles multitasking with ease, thanks to its powerful hardware and optimized software. Switching between apps, using Split View, and running resource-intensive applications are smooth and responsive experiences.
• Battery Life: Despite its powerful performance, the iPad Air maintains impressive battery life, allowing for extended use without frequent recharging. The efficient M2 chip ensures that power consumption is optimized, providing a balance between performance and longevity.

M4 iPad Pro

The M4 iPad Pro sets a new standard for tablet performance with its advanced M4 chip. Here are its standout performance features:

• M4 Chip: The M4 chip features a 10-core CPU and a 12-core GPU, making it one of the most powerful chips ever in a tablet. This ensures that the M4 iPad Pro can handle the most demanding tasks with ease, from 3D rendering and video editing to gaming and professional-grade applications.
• AI Capabilities: The M4 chip is optimized for AI, with an enhanced Neural Engine that supports advanced machine learning tasks. This includes real-time photo and video enhancements, improved AR experiences, and more efficient processing for AI-driven applications.
• Multitasking and Performance: The M4 iPad Pro excels in multitasking, with seamless transitions between multiple apps and support for complex workflows. The high-performance hardware ensures that even the most resource-intensive applications run smoothly and efficiently.
• Battery Life: Despite its powerful performance, the M4 iPad Pro maintains excellent battery life. The efficient design of the M4 chip ensures that power is managed effectively, providing long-lasting performance without compromising battery longevity.
• Storage and RAM: The M4 iPad Pro offers higher storage options and increased RAM compared to the iPad Air, making it suitable for users who need more capacity for their professional and creative work.

Which is best for you based on performance?

If you need the highest level of performance for demanding tasks like 3D rendering, professional video editing, and advanced AI applications, the M4 iPad Pro with its powerful M4 chip is the best choice. However, if you require strong performance for everyday tasks and some professional applications at a more accessible price, the iPad Air with the M2 chip is an excellent option.

Camera

iPad Air

The 2024 iPad Air features a capable camera system suitable for everyday photography and video needs. Here are the key camera features:

• Rear Camera: The iPad Air is equipped with a 12MP wide rear camera that captures high-resolution photos and 4K videos. The camera supports Smart HDR 3, which enhances photos by combining multiple exposures to create images with better dynamic range and more accurate colours.
• Front Camera: The front camera is a 12MP Ultra Wide camera, which is perfect for selfies, group photos, and video calls. It features Center Stage, which automatically keeps you in the frame during video calls, enhancing the experience by panning and zooming to follow your movements.
• Video Capabilities: Both the front and rear cameras support 1080p HD video recording, ensuring clear and detailed video quality for calls and recordings.
• Enhanced Features: The iPad Air includes additional camera features such as panorama, time-lapse, and slow-motion video recording. These features add versatility to the camera, making it suitable for a range of creative uses.

M4 iPad Pro

The M4 iPad Pro offers an advanced camera system designed for professional-grade photography and videography. Here are its standout camera features:

• Rear Camera: The M4 iPad Pro has a 12MP wide camera and an additional LiDAR scanner for improved depth sensing and augmented reality (AR) experiences. The wide camera captures high-quality photos and 4K HDR video, making it ideal for professional use.
• Front Camera: The front camera is also a 12MP Ultra Wide camera, positioned on the landscape side of the device. This placement is optimized for video calls when using the iPad in landscape orientation. It includes Center Stage and supports 1080p HD video recording.
• LiDAR Scanner: The inclusion of the LiDAR scanner enhances AR capabilities by providing accurate depth measurements. This is particularly useful for applications in design, construction, and interactive AR experiences.
• Video Capabilities: The M4 iPad Pro supports 4K HDR video recording with advanced features such as ProRes video recording, offering superior video quality for professional videography.
• Enhanced Features: In addition to standard camera features, the M4 iPad Pro includes advanced functionalities like Night Mode, improved low-light performance, and Smart HDR 4, providing exceptional quality in various lighting conditions.

Which is best for you based on camera?

If you need advanced camera features such as LiDAR scanning, 4K HDR video recording, and enhanced AR capabilities for professional-grade photography and videography, the M4 iPad Pro is the superior choice. If you are looking for a capable camera system for everyday use, video calls, and creative features at a more accessible price, the iPad Air is an excellent option.

Connectivity

iPad Air

The 2024 iPad Air offers a range of connectivity options to keep you connected wherever you are. Here are the key connectivity features:

• Wi-Fi: The iPad Air supports Wi-Fi 6, providing fast and reliable wireless internet connectivity. This ensures smooth streaming, fast downloads, and efficient web browsing.
• Cellular: Available in both Wi-Fi only and Wi-Fi + Cellular models, the iPad Air offers flexibility for users who need internet access on the go. The cellular model supports 5G connectivity, allowing for high-speed internet access in areas where 5G networks are available.
• USB-C Port: The iPad Air features a USB-C port, which supports data transfer, charging, and connectivity with a wide range of peripherals. This port allows you to connect external storage devices, displays, and other accessories, enhancing the iPad Air’s versatility.
• Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.0 support ensures compatibility with a variety of Bluetooth accessories, such as headphones, keyboards, and mice, providing a seamless and wireless experience.
• Apple Ecosystem Integration: The iPad Air integrates seamlessly with other Apple devices through features like Handoff, Universal Clipboard, and AirDrop, making it easy to share content and continue tasks across your Apple ecosystem.

M4 iPad Pro

The M4 iPad Pro offers enhanced connectivity options designed to meet the needs of power users and professionals. Here are its standout features:

• Wi-Fi: The M4 iPad Pro supports Wi-Fi 6E, the latest and fastest Wi-Fi standard, offering improved speed, lower latency, and better performance in crowded network environments. This ensures a superior wireless experience for high-bandwidth applications.
• Cellular: The M4 iPad Pro is available in both Wi-Fi only and Wi-Fi + Cellular models, with support for sub-6GHz 5G. This provides reliable high-speed internet access even in areas with limited Wi-Fi coverage.
• Thunderbolt/USB 4 Port: The M4 iPad Pro features a Thunderbolt/USB 4 port, offering ultra-fast data transfer speeds and versatile connectivity options. This port allows for connections to high-speed external storage, 4K displays, and other high-performance peripherals, making it ideal for professional workflows.
• Bluetooth: With Bluetooth 5.2 support, the M4 iPad Pro ensures compatibility with the latest Bluetooth accessories, providing a stable and efficient wireless connection for a range of devices.
• Apple Ecosystem Integration: The M4 iPad Pro integrates seamlessly with other Apple devices, leveraging features like Handoff, Universal Clipboard, and AirDrop. It also supports advanced capabilities like Sidecar, allowing you to use the iPad as a second display for your Mac.

Which is best for you based on connectivity?

If you need the latest Wi-Fi 6E, Thunderbolt/USB 4 for ultra-fast data transfer and professional-grade peripheral connectivity, the M4 iPad Pro is the best choice. If you require solid Wi-Fi 6, 5G cellular options, and versatile USB-C connectivity for everyday use, the iPad Air is an excellent option.

Audio

iPad Air

The 2024 iPad Air delivers impressive audio quality, making it suitable for a variety of uses from media consumption to video calls. Here are the key audio features:

• Stereo Speakers: The iPad Air features landscape stereo speakers that provide clear and balanced sound. This setup enhances the audio experience whether you’re watching videos, playing games, or listening to music.
• Enhanced Audio: The speakers offer robust audio quality with good bass, mids, and highs, making media consumption more enjoyable. The audio is clear and powerful enough for personal use and small group settings.
• Microphones: The iPad Air is equipped with dual microphones that ensure clear voice capture for video calls and recordings. This helps reduce background noise and focuses on your voice, making it ideal for virtual meetings and online classes.
• Headphone Compatibility: The iPad Air supports audio output through the USB-C port, allowing you to connect wired headphones or external audio devices with the appropriate adapter. It also supports Bluetooth headphones for a wireless audio experience.

M4 iPad Pro

The M4 iPad Pro offers an advanced audio system designed to provide a superior listening experience. Here are its standout audio features:

• Quad Speakers: The M4 iPad Pro is equipped with a quad-speaker system that delivers immersive, high-fidelity sound. The speakers are positioned to create a balanced audio experience in both portrait and landscape orientations, providing rich and powerful sound quality.
• Spatial Audio: The iPad Pro supports spatial audio with dynamic head tracking when used with AirPods Pro or AirPods Max. This feature creates a 3D audio experience, making it feel as though the sound is coming from around you, enhancing the experience of movies, music, and games.
• Microphones: The M4 iPad Pro includes five studio-quality microphones that capture clear and precise audio for recordings, video calls, and content creation. These microphones offer advanced noise reduction, ensuring your voice comes through clearly even in noisy environments.
• Headphone Compatibility: Like the iPad Air, the M4 iPad Pro supports audio output through the Thunderbolt/USB 4 port, enabling connections to high-quality wired headphones and external audio devices. It also supports Bluetooth headphones, providing flexibility for wireless listening.

Which is best for you based on audio?

If you require the highest audio quality with immersive sound from a quad-speaker system and advanced features like spatial audio, the M4 iPad Pro is the best choice. For solid stereo sound and clear audio for everyday use at a more accessible price, the iPad Air is an excellent option.

Pricing

iPad Air

The 2024 iPad Air offers a range of pricing options to fit different budgets and needs. Here are the key pricing details:

• Base Model: The iPad Air starts at A$999 for the Wi-Fi-only model with 128GB of storage. This provides an affordable entry point for users looking to experience Apple’s latest technology.
• Storage Options: The iPad Air is available in several storage configurations:
  • 128GB: From A$999
  • 256GB: From A$1,179
  • 512GB: From A$1,529
  • 1TB: From A$1,879
• Cellular Models: The Wi-Fi + Cellular models add an additional cost:
  • 128GB: From A$1,249
  • 256GB: From A$1,429
  • 512GB: From A$1,779
  • 1TB: From A$2,129
• Trade-In Program: Apple offers a trade-in program that can provide up to A$825 in credit towards a new iPad Air, depending on the condition and model of the device being traded in.
• Financing Options: Apple offers 0% interest financing plans, making it easier to manage the cost by spreading payments over time.

M4 iPad Pro

The M4 iPad Pro is positioned as a premium device with a corresponding price range. Here are the key pricing details:

• Base Model: The 11-inch M4 iPad Pro starts at A$1,499 for the Wi-Fi-only model with 256GB of storage, while the 13-inch model starts at A$1,899.
• Storage Options: The M4 iPad Pro is available in several storage configurations:
  • 256GB: From A$1,499 (11-inch) / A$1,899 (13-inch)
  • 512GB: From A$1,799 (11-inch) / A$2,199 (13-inch)
  • 1TB: From A$2,099 (11-inch) / A$2,499 (13-inch)
  • 2TB: From A$2,399 (11-inch) / A$2,799 (13-inch)
• Cellular Models: The Wi-Fi + Cellular models add an additional cost:
  • 256GB: From A$1,749 (11-inch) / A$2,149 (13-inch)
  • 512GB: From A$2,049 (11-inch) / A$2,449 (13-inch)
  • 1TB: From A$2,349 (11-inch) / A$2,749 (13-inch)
  • 2TB: From A$2,649 (11-inch) / A$3,049 (13-inch)
• Trade-In Program: Apple offers a trade-in program for the M4 iPad Pro, providing credit towards a new purchase based on the condition and model of the device being traded in.
• Financing Options: Apple provides 0% interest financing plans, allowing users to spread the cost over time, making the premium device more accessible.

Which is best for you based on pricing?

If you are looking for a more budget-friendly option with strong performance and multiple storage configurations, the iPad Air is the best choice. If you need a high-end device with advanced features and are willing to invest more, the M4 iPad Pro offers greater capabilities but at a higher price point.

Conclusion

The 2024 Apple iPad Air and the M4 iPad Pro both offer compelling features, but they cater to different needs and preferences. Here’s a summary to help you decide which one is right for you:

iPad Air

• Design: Sleek and modern with vibrant colour options and a lightweight, durable build.
• Portability: Highly portable with a slim profile and low weight, ideal for on-the-go use.
• Display: Liquid Retina display with True Tone and wide colour gamut, providing excellent visual quality.
• Performance: Powered by the M2 chip, capable of handling a wide range of tasks efficiently.
• Camera: Solid camera system suitable for everyday use, including 4K video recording and Center Stage for video calls.
• Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 6, 5G (in cellular models), and USB-C, offering versatile connectivity options.
• Audio: Good stereo sound with clear audio for media consumption and video calls.
• Pricing: More affordable with a range of storage options, making it accessible to a wider audience.

M4 iPad Pro

• Design: Ultra-thin and sleek, with advanced camera placement and a premium build quality.
• Portability: Slightly heavier but still highly portable with an ultra-thin profile.
• Display: Advanced OLED display with HDR support, ProMotion, and exceptional brightness and contrast.
• Performance: Equipped with the powerful M4 chip, offering top-tier performance for demanding tasks.
• Camera: Professional-grade camera system with LiDAR, enhanced AR capabilities, and 4K HDR video recording.
• Connectivity: Features Wi-Fi 6E, sub-6GHz 5G, and Thunderbolt/USB 4 for high-speed data transfer and connectivity.
• Audio: Superior quad-speaker system with spatial audio and dynamic head tracking for an immersive audio experience.
• Pricing: Higher price point, reflecting its advanced capabilities and premium features.

Which should you buy based on this?

Choose the iPad Air if you need a highly portable, versatile, and affordable device for everyday use, with excellent performance and a wide range of features. It’s perfect for students, professionals, and casual users who value both form and function.

Opt for the M4 iPad Pro if you require the highest level of performance, advanced display technology, and professional-grade camera and connectivity features. It’s ideal for creative professionals, power users, and those who demand the best in tablet technology and are willing to invest in a premium device.

For more on them both visit here:
iPad Air – Apple (AU)
iPad Pro – Apple (AU)

Want more? Click here for Apple 11-inch iPad Air 2024 -TDP Review Plus Our Recommendations – TDP (techdriveplay.com) or here for My First Impressions of the M4 iPad Pro – TDP (techdriveplay.com)