iPad Air 3 (2019, A12 series) Vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series)

The iPad Air (3rd generation), released in March 2019, and the iPad Pro (4th generation), launched in March 2020, represent distinct tiers within Apple's tablet lineup. While both devices offer a premium tablet experience running on iPadOS, the iPad Pro introduces several advanced features, particularly in display technology, camera capabilities, and processing power, that differentiate it from the more streamlined iPad Air.

When considering the longevity of these tablets, several factors come into play, including their release timelines, software support, and physical design.

• Release Timeline: The iPad Air (3rd generation) was released in March 2019, while the iPad Pro (4th generation) followed approximately a year later in March 2020. This difference in launch date means the iPad Pro generally benefits from an additional year of expected software support.
• Software Longevity: Both devices run on iPadOS, receiving regular updates that introduce new features and security enhancements. Given their respective release dates, the iPad Pro (2020) is anticipated to receive software updates for a longer period than the iPad Air (2019), extending its functional lifespan.
• Repairability and Practical Lifespan: Both models feature robust aluminum constructions. While specific repairability scores can vary, Apple generally designs its devices for a practical lifespan that extends several years beyond their last software update, especially when considering quality-assured refurbished options.

The core performance of these tablets is driven by their internal processing units, influencing how smoothly they handle various tasks from everyday browsing to demanding applications.

• Processor Capabilities: The iPad Air (2019) is equipped with an A12 Bionic chip, which provides responsive performance for general use, multitasking, and many popular games. The iPad Pro (2020) features an A12Z Bionic chip, an enhanced version of the A12, offering more robust graphics processing capabilities. This translates to smoother performance in graphically intensive applications, advanced augmented reality experiences, and professional-grade video editing.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: The iPad Air (2019) comes with 3GB of RAM, which is sufficient for typical multitasking and app switching. The iPad Pro (2020) includes 6GB of RAM, allowing it to manage a greater number of active applications simultaneously and handle more complex workflows without slowdowns.
• Storage Options: The iPad Air (2019) is available with 64GB or 256GB of internal storage. The iPad Pro (2020) offers more generous storage configurations, starting at 128GB and extending up to 1TB, providing ample space for large files, extensive media libraries, and numerous applications.

The visual experience on a tablet is largely defined by its display, and both models offer high-quality screens with notable differences.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The iPad Air (2019) features a 10.5-inch Retina display, which is an LED-backlit Multi-Touch display with IPS technology, offering a resolution of 2224 x 1668 pixels at 264 pixels per inch. The iPad Pro (2020) comes in 11-inch and 12.9-inch sizes, both utilizing a Liquid Retina display with the same pixel density of 264 ppi, but with higher resolutions (2388 x 1668 for 11-inch, 2732 x 2048 for 12.9-inch). Both displays are fully laminated, support True Tone for adaptive white balance, and offer P3 wide color for accurate color reproduction.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: The iPad Air (2019) provides a maximum brightness of 500 nits. The iPad Pro (2020) offers a brighter display at 600 nits, which can improve visibility in well-lit environments. A key differentiator is the iPad Pro's ProMotion technology, which enables an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz, resulting in smoother scrolling, more fluid animations, and a more responsive feel, especially noticeable during gaming or with the Apple Pencil. The iPad Air (2019) has a standard 60Hz refresh rate.
• Viewing Experience: The larger screen options and ProMotion technology on the iPad Pro (2020) provide a more immersive and dynamic viewing experience, particularly for media consumption and creative tasks. The iPad Air (2019) still offers a vibrant and clear display suitable for most everyday tasks.

While tablets are not typically primary photography devices, their camera systems are important for video calls, document scanning, and augmented reality applications.

• Rear Camera System: The iPad Air (2019) features a single 8-megapixel rear camera with an f/2.4 aperture, capable of recording 1080p HD video at 30 frames per second. The iPad Pro (2020) significantly upgrades this with a dual-camera system, including a 12-megapixel Wide camera (f/1.8) and a 10-megapixel Ultra Wide camera (f/2.4) with a 125-degree field of view. It also incorporates a LiDAR Scanner for enhanced depth sensing, which improves augmented reality experiences and low-light focusing. The iPad Pro can record 4K video at up to 60 frames per second.
• Front Camera and Biometrics: Both tablets feature a 7-megapixel front-facing camera with an f/2.2 aperture, suitable for video calls and selfies. However, the iPad Air (2019) uses Touch ID for secure authentication, integrated into its Home button. The iPad Pro (2020) utilizes Face ID, offering facial recognition for unlocking and secure payments.
• Audio Quality: The iPad Air (2019) has stereo speakers. The iPad Pro (2020) boasts a quad-speaker audio system, providing a more immersive sound experience, particularly for media consumption.