IPad Air 4 Vs. IPad Pro 11 (2021): Which Should You Buy?

Hey guys! Choosing between the iPad Air 4 and the iPad Pro 11 (2021) can be a tough decision. Both are fantastic tablets, but they cater to slightly different needs and budgets. Let's break down the key differences to help you figure out which one is the perfect fit for you.

Design and Display: Visual Feast

When diving into the design and display aspects of the iPad Air 4 and the iPad Pro 11 (2021), you'll notice some key differences that might sway your decision. The iPad Air 4 sports a sleek, all-screen design with a Liquid Retina display that's fully laminated and features an anti-reflective coating. This makes the screen vibrant and easy to view in various lighting conditions. It also has True Tone technology, which adjusts the color temperature to match the ambient light, reducing eye strain and making the display more comfortable to use for extended periods. The bezels are a bit thicker compared to the Pro model, but this doesn't detract significantly from the overall immersive experience. It comes in five stylish colors: Space Gray, Silver, Green, Sky Blue, and Rose Gold, allowing you to express your personal style.

On the other hand, the iPad Pro 11 (2021) takes things up a notch with its ProMotion technology. This means the display has an adaptive refresh rate that can go up to 120Hz, making scrolling, animations, and gaming incredibly smooth and responsive. The higher refresh rate is particularly noticeable when using the Apple Pencil, providing a more natural and fluid writing and drawing experience. Like the Air 4, it also has a fully laminated display with an anti-reflective coating and True Tone technology. The bezels are slightly thinner, contributing to a more modern and immersive look. Available in Silver and Space Gray, the iPad Pro exudes a professional and premium feel. The brighter screen (600 nits vs 500 nits on the Air) is a notable advantage for outdoor visibility. Whether you prioritize color options and a lightweight design or a super-smooth, high-refresh-rate display, the choice here depends on your personal preferences and usage scenarios.

Performance: M1 vs A14 Bionic

Performance is where the iPad Pro 11 (2021) really shines, thanks to its M1 chip. This chip is a game-changer, offering desktop-class performance in a tablet form factor. Whether you're editing 4K videos, playing graphics-intensive games, or multitasking with demanding apps, the iPad Pro handles it all with ease. The M1 chip also brings significant improvements in machine learning tasks, making apps that utilize AI run faster and more efficiently. The 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU provide a substantial performance boost compared to previous generations, making it a powerhouse for creative professionals and power users. The 8GB or 16GB of RAM options further enhance its ability to handle complex tasks and large files seamlessly.

In contrast, the iPad Air 4 is equipped with the A14 Bionic chip, which is no slouch either. It delivers excellent performance for everyday tasks, such as browsing the web, streaming videos, and running productivity apps. The A14 Bionic is incredibly efficient, providing a great balance between performance and battery life. It's more than capable of handling most tasks that the average user would throw at it. However, it doesn't quite match the raw power of the M1 chip in the iPad Pro. While the A14 Bionic can handle some video editing and gaming, it may struggle with more demanding projects or multitasking with multiple high-resource apps simultaneously. The 4GB of RAM is adequate for most tasks, but it's less than what the iPad Pro offers, which could be a limiting factor for heavy users.

For those who need the absolute best performance for professional tasks or gaming, the iPad Pro 11 (2021) with the M1 chip is the clear winner. However, if your needs are more general and you want a device that offers great performance at a more affordable price, the iPad Air 4 with the A14 Bionic chip is an excellent choice.

Cameras: Capturing Moments

Regarding cameras, the iPad Pro 11 (2021) has a more advanced setup compared to the iPad Air 4. The Pro model features a 12MP Wide camera and a 10MP Ultra Wide camera, which allows for more versatile photography and videography options. The Ultra Wide camera is especially useful for capturing group photos or wide landscapes. Additionally, the iPad Pro has a LiDAR Scanner, which enhances augmented reality (AR) experiences by accurately measuring distances and creating detailed depth maps of your surroundings. This makes AR apps more immersive and responsive. The Pro also supports 4K video recording at up to 60fps, providing high-quality video capture for professional or personal use. The front-facing camera is a 12MP Ultra Wide camera with Center Stage, which automatically adjusts the frame to keep you in view during video calls.

The iPad Air 4 comes with a single 12MP Wide camera on the back, which is still capable of taking great photos and videos. While it lacks the Ultra Wide lens and LiDAR Scanner of the Pro model, it's more than sufficient for everyday photography and scanning documents. It also supports 4K video recording at up to 60fps. The front-facing camera is a 7MP FaceTime HD camera, which provides decent image quality for video calls and selfies. While it doesn't have the Center Stage feature, it still performs well in well-lit environments.

If you're serious about photography, videography, or AR applications, the iPad Pro 11 (2021) is the better choice due to its advanced camera system and LiDAR Scanner. However, if you primarily use your iPad for casual photography and video calls, the iPad Air 4's camera will likely meet your needs just fine.

Audio: Immersive Sound

Audio quality is another area where the iPad Pro 11 (2021) stands out. It features a four-speaker audio system that delivers immersive, high-fidelity sound. The speakers are strategically placed to provide a wide stereo soundstage, making movies, music, and games sound more engaging. The audio dynamically adjusts based on the orientation of the iPad, ensuring that you always get the best possible sound experience. The microphones are also of high quality, making it ideal for recording audio or participating in video conferences.

The iPad Air 4 has two speakers located on the bottom of the device. While the audio quality is still good, it doesn't match the richness and depth of the iPad Pro's four-speaker system. The stereo separation is less pronounced, and the overall sound isn't as immersive. However, for casual listening and video watching, the iPad Air 4's audio is perfectly adequate. The microphones are also decent, but they may not perform as well in noisy environments compared to the iPad Pro.

If you're an audiophile or frequently use your iPad for media consumption, the iPad Pro 11 (2021) is the better choice due to its superior audio system. However, if audio quality isn't a top priority, the iPad Air 4's audio will suffice for most everyday use cases.

Battery Life: Powering Through

Both the iPad Air 4 and the iPad Pro 11 (2021) offer excellent battery life, typically providing around 10 hours of web browsing or video playback on Wi-Fi. The actual battery life may vary depending on usage patterns, screen brightness, and the types of apps you're using. Both devices are designed to last through a full day of typical use, whether you're working, studying, or entertaining yourself.

Other Features: Extras

Both iPads support the 2nd generation Apple Pencil and the Smart Keyboard Folio, but only the Pro supports the Magic Keyboard. The iPad Pro 11 (2021) also boasts Thunderbolt / USB 4, offering faster data transfer and enhanced connectivity options compared to the USB-C port on the iPad Air 4. This makes it easier to connect to external displays, storage devices, and other peripherals. The iPad Pro also has Face ID for secure authentication, while the iPad Air 4 uses Touch ID integrated into the power button.

Price: Budget Considerations

Price is a significant factor when choosing between these two iPads. The iPad Air 4 is generally more affordable, making it a great value for the features it offers. It's an excellent choice for students, casual users, and anyone who wants a high-performance tablet without breaking the bank. The iPad Pro 11 (2021) is a premium device with a higher price tag, reflecting its advanced features and performance capabilities. It's targeted towards professionals, creatives, and power users who need the best possible performance and features.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice

In conclusion, the decision between the iPad Air 4 and the iPad Pro 11 (2021) depends on your specific needs and budget. If you need top-tier performance, a high-refresh-rate display, an advanced camera system, and superior audio, the iPad Pro 11 (2021) is the clear winner. However, if you want a more affordable device that still offers excellent performance and features, the iPad Air 4 is a fantastic choice. Consider what you'll be using the iPad for and how much you're willing to spend to make the best decision for you. Whether you go with the Air 4 or the Pro 11, you're getting a great tablet!