iPad Air 3 (2019, A12 series) Vs iPad Pro (2018, A12 series)

The iPad Air (2019), released in March 2019, and the iPad Pro (2018), launched in October 2018, are both powerful tablets from Apple, offering distinct features for different user needs. While the iPad Air 2019 brought Pro-level capabilities to a more accessible line, the iPad Pro 2018 introduced a significant design overhaul and advanced technology. Both devices operate on Apple's iPadOS, providing a consistent software experience, but they differ in their core hardware and design philosophies.

When considering the practical lifespan of these tablets, several factors come into play, including their release timeline, software support, and repairability.

• Release Timeline and Age: The iPad Pro 2018 was released slightly earlier in October 2018, while the iPad Air 2019 followed in March 2019. This means the iPad Pro 2018 has been on the market for a few months longer.
• OS Support Duration: Both the iPad Air 3rd Gen (2019) and the iPad Pro (2018 models) are capable of updating to iPadOS 26 as of 2026, indicating continued major software support. Apple typically provides major iPadOS updates for approximately 5 to 7 years after a device's release, with security updates often extending beyond that period. Users can expect both models to receive security updates for several more years, though the iPad Pro 2018, being slightly older, might see its major OS update cycle conclude sooner than the Air 2019.
• Repairability: Apple iPads, including these models, generally receive low repairability scores due to the extensive use of adhesive to secure internal components, making repairs challenging. The iPad Air 2019 received a low repairability score, similar to other iPads of its generation, due to difficulties with battery removal and glued components. The iPad Pro 2018 also faced similar challenges, with iFixit noting the use of strong glues and the difficulty of battery replacement, resulting in a low repairability score.

The performance of these two tablets, while both robust, shows differences primarily due to their internal processing units and memory configurations.

• Processor Capabilities: The iPad Air 2019 is equipped with the A12 Bionic chip, which delivers strong performance for everyday tasks, multitasking, and many demanding applications. The iPad Pro 2018 features the A12X Bionic chip, a more powerful variant designed for professional workloads. This difference means the iPad Pro 2018 offers enhanced processing power, particularly for intensive tasks like video editing, advanced gaming, and complex graphic design.
• RAM and Multitasking: The iPad Air 2019 typically comes with 3GB of RAM. The iPad Pro 2018 offers 4GB of RAM in most configurations, with a 6GB option available for the 1TB storage model. This additional RAM in the Pro model can contribute to smoother multitasking and better handling of numerous open applications simultaneously.
• Storage Options: The iPad Air 2019 was available with 64GB or 256GB of internal storage. The iPad Pro 2018 offered a wider range of storage capacities, including 64GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB, providing more flexibility for users with extensive storage needs.

The display is a primary interaction point for tablets, and both models offer high-quality screens with notable distinctions.

• Display Technology and Resolution: The iPad Air 2019 features a 10.5-inch Retina IPS LCD with a resolution of 2224 x 1668 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 265 pixels per inch (PPI). The iPad Pro 2018 comes in 11-inch and 12.9-inch variants, both featuring a Liquid Retina IPS LCD. The 11-inch model has a resolution of 2388 x 1668 pixels, and the 12.9-inch model has 2732 x 2048 pixels, with both also offering a pixel density of 265 PPI.
• Brightness and Color: Both displays support True Tone technology and a wide P3 color gamut for accurate color reproduction. The iPad Air 2019 has a typical brightness of 500 nits. The iPad Pro 2018 offers a higher peak brightness of 600 nits, which can be beneficial for outdoor use or in brightly lit environments.
• Refresh Rate: A key differentiator is the refresh rate. The iPad Air 2019 has a standard 60Hz refresh rate. The iPad Pro 2018 features ProMotion technology, offering an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz. This higher refresh rate provides a smoother scrolling experience and more responsive interactions, particularly noticeable during fast-paced content or when using the Apple Pencil.

While tablets are not typically primary photography devices, their camera systems are important for video calls, document scanning, and occasional photo capture.

• Rear Camera Capabilities: The iPad Air 2019 is equipped with an 8-megapixel rear camera with an f/2.4 aperture, capable of recording 1080p video at 30 frames per second. The iPad Pro 2018 features a more advanced 12-megapixel rear camera with an f/1.8 aperture and includes a Quad-LED True Tone flash. It can record 4K video at up to 60 frames per second and 1080p video at up to 120 frames per second.
• Front Camera and Authentication: Both models have a 7-megapixel front-facing camera. The iPad Air 2019 uses this camera in conjunction with Touch ID for authentication. The iPad Pro 2018 integrates its front camera with the TrueDepth system, enabling Face ID for secure authentication and portrait selfies.
• Audio Experience: The iPad Air 2019 features stereo speakers. The iPad Pro 2018 offers a quad-speaker audio system, providing a more immersive and louder sound experience, which is particularly noticeable for media consumption and gaming. The iPad Pro 2018 also includes five microphones compared to the Air's two, potentially offering clearer audio input for calls and recordings.