iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) Vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series)

The iPad Air 2020 and the iPad Pro 2021 are both powerful tablets from Apple, offering distinct capabilities for different user needs. Released in September 2020, the iPad Air 2020 features the A14 Bionic chip, while the iPad Pro 2021, launched in April 2021, is equipped with the more powerful M1 chip. Both devices run on Apple's iPadOS, providing a consistent software experience, but they diverge in their core performance, display technology, and camera systems.

When considering the long-term usability of these tablets, their release timelines and underlying hardware play a significant role in expected software support and practical lifespan.

• Release Timeline: The iPad Air 2020 was introduced in September 2020, while the iPad Pro 2021 followed in April 2021. This difference means the iPad Pro 2021 will likely receive major iPadOS updates for approximately one year longer than the iPad Air 2020.
• Software Longevity: Both models are expected to receive several more years of iPadOS updates, with the M1 chip in the iPad Pro 2021 potentially offering a longer period of optimal performance for future demanding applications due to its advanced architecture. Users can generally expect Apple tablets to receive system software updates for five to seven years from their release.
• Repairability: Both the iPad Air 2020 and the iPad Pro 2021 are designed with a focus on slimness and integration, which can make independent repairs challenging. iFixit gave the iPad Air 4 a repairability score of 2 out of 10, citing difficult battery removal and extensive use of adhesive. Similar challenges are noted for iPad Pro models, often receiving low repairability scores due to adhesive use and integrated components.

The performance capabilities of these two tablets are a key differentiator, influencing how they handle various tasks from everyday browsing to intensive creative work.

• Processor Capabilities: The iPad Air 2020 is powered by the A14 Bionic chip, which provides responsive performance for general use, multitasking, and many popular applications. The iPad Pro 2021, however, features the M1 chip, offering a substantial increase in processing power and graphical performance, making it well-suited for professional-grade applications, complex multitasking, and graphically demanding games.
• Storage and RAM: The iPad Air 2020 typically comes with 4GB of RAM and storage options of 64GB or 256GB. The iPad Pro 2021 offers more generous configurations, starting with 8GB of RAM for models up to 512GB storage, and 16GB of RAM for 1TB and 2TB storage options, providing greater headroom for intensive workflows.
• Battery Behavior: Both devices are rated for approximately 10 hours of web browsing over Wi-Fi. In real-world usage, the iPad Air 2020 generally delivers consistent all-day battery life for typical tasks. The iPad Pro 2021, despite its powerful M1 chip, also maintains similar battery performance for general use, though heavy, sustained workloads can lead to quicker depletion.

The visual experience on these tablets is shaped by their display technology, resolution, and additional features, catering to different viewing preferences and professional requirements.

• Display Technology and Brightness: The iPad Air 2020 features a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD with a resolution of 2360 x 1640 pixels and a typical brightness of 500 nits. The 11-inch iPad Pro 2021 also uses a Liquid Retina IPS LCD, but it offers a higher typical brightness of 600 nits. The 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2021 stands out with its Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED display, providing superior contrast, deeper blacks, and peak HDR brightness of 1600 nits, making it ideal for HDR content creation and consumption.
• Refresh Rate and Smoothness: The iPad Air 2020 has a standard 60Hz refresh rate. In contrast, both sizes of the iPad Pro 2021 feature ProMotion technology, which enables an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz. This results in noticeably smoother scrolling, more fluid animations, and a more responsive experience, particularly beneficial for drawing with the Apple Pencil.
• Screen Size and Clarity: The iPad Air 2020 offers a 10.9-inch display, providing a balanced size for portability and viewing. The iPad Pro 2021 is available in 11-inch and 12.9-inch options, with the larger model offering a significantly expanded canvas for creative work and multitasking. Both tablets provide sharp and clear visuals suitable for reading, media consumption, and productivity.

The camera systems on these iPads cater to different levels of photography, video conferencing, and augmented reality capabilities.

• Rear Camera System: The iPad Air 2020 is equipped with a single 12MP wide-angle rear camera, capable of recording 4K video. The iPad Pro 2021 features a more advanced dual-camera setup, including a 12MP wide-angle lens and a 10MP ultra-wide lens, along with a LiDAR scanner for enhanced depth sensing and augmented reality applications.
• Front Camera and Video Conferencing: For the front camera, the iPad Air 2020 has a 7MP FaceTime HD camera. The iPad Pro 2021 upgrades to a 12MP ultra-wide front camera with Center Stage, a feature that automatically keeps the user in frame during video calls, which is particularly useful for virtual meetings and presentations.
• Audio Experience: The iPad Air 2020 includes stereo speakers. The iPad Pro 2021 enhances the audio experience with a four-speaker system and studio-quality microphones, providing richer sound output and clearer audio input for calls and recordings.