IPad Air 4 Vs. IPad Pro 11-inch (2020): Which IPad Is Right For You?

Hey guys! So, you're in the market for a new iPad, huh? Awesome! You've got some fantastic options, but things can get a little tricky with so many choices. Today, we're diving deep into a comparison of two popular contenders: the iPad Air 4 and the iPad Pro 11-inch (2020). We'll break down the specs, features, and overall experience to help you decide which one best suits your needs and budget. Let's get started, shall we?

Design and Build Quality: What's the First Impression?

First impressions matter, right? Let's take a look at how these two iPads feel in your hands. The iPad Air 4 introduced a significant design refresh for the Air line, adopting a look that's remarkably similar to the iPad Pro. You get those sleek, flat edges and a more modern aesthetic. It's a real head-turner, and it feels premium. The build quality is excellent, with an aluminum unibody that feels sturdy and well-crafted. The Air 4 is available in a range of stylish colors, too, adding a touch of personality. The power button on the top integrates Touch ID, which is a convenient way to unlock your iPad and authenticate purchases. The speakers are located on the top and bottom edges, providing a decent stereo experience.

Now, the iPad Pro 11-inch (2020) also boasts that same premium feel, thanks to its aluminum construction and flat-edged design. You get a similar aesthetic, so in terms of overall look and feel, they're quite close. However, the iPad Pro often has a slight edge in terms of the finer details, and it usually feels even more premium because of those extra features. The bezels (the black borders around the screen) are slightly thinner on the Pro, giving you a slightly more immersive viewing experience. The iPad Pro 11-inch also packs in a ProMotion display, which we'll discuss in detail later. It also has Face ID for unlocking the iPad, which is super convenient.

In terms of design, both iPads are winners, really. They both feel great and look modern. The choice here comes down to subtle differences and personal preference. The Air 4 offers a fantastic value with its sleek design, while the Pro edges out slightly with even more premium feeling because of its additional features. Ultimately, both are beautiful devices. Both are light and easy to hold, and you won't be disappointed with the build quality of either one. Both have a premium feel and look that make them enjoyable to use. The iPad Pro 11-inch tends to be slightly more premium due to its additional features. Both of them are amazing options.

Display Showdown: Seeing is Believing

Alright, let's talk about the screens. After all, you're going to be staring at this thing for hours, right? The iPad Air 4 features a beautiful 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display. It has a resolution of 2360 x 1640 pixels, which translates to a crisp and sharp image. Colors are vibrant, and viewing angles are excellent. It's great for watching movies, browsing the web, and even getting some work done. The screen is laminated, which means the glass is directly bonded to the display panel, reducing glare and making the image appear closer to the surface. It supports True Tone, which adjusts the screen's color temperature to match your ambient lighting, making it easier on your eyes.

The iPad Pro 11-inch (2020) also has a Liquid Retina display, but it comes with some added perks. It has the same great resolution, but it also features ProMotion technology. ProMotion dynamically adjusts the display's refresh rate up to 120Hz. What does that mean for you? It means smoother scrolling, more responsive gaming, and an overall more fluid experience. Everything just feels snappier and more natural. You'll notice it immediately, especially when scrolling through long web pages or playing fast-paced games. The iPad Pro's display also gets a bit brighter than the Air 4's, which is helpful in bright environments. The bezels are a bit thinner, providing a slightly more immersive experience. The display on the iPad Pro 11-inch (2020) is noticeably more smooth and responsive compared to the iPad Air 4 due to the inclusion of ProMotion technology. The ProMotion technology is one of the most significant upgrades for the iPad Pro's display.

So, while both iPads have excellent displays, the iPad Pro takes the lead with its ProMotion technology. It's a game-changer for those who appreciate a smooth and responsive experience. If you're a gamer, a creative professional, or just someone who enjoys a premium display, the ProMotion display on the iPad Pro is worth the upgrade. However, the iPad Air 4 still has a fantastic display that will satisfy most users. The difference is noticeable when you put them side by side, but the iPad Air 4 display is still amazing in its own right.

Performance: Power Under the Hood

Let's get down to the nitty-gritty: the performance! The iPad Air 4 is powered by the A14 Bionic chip, which was a powerhouse when it was released. It handles everything you throw at it with ease. Apps launch quickly, multitasking is smooth, and even demanding games run without a hitch. You can edit photos and videos, create presentations, and browse the web all at the same time, without experiencing any lag. The A14 Bionic chip is a significant upgrade over previous generations, making the iPad Air 4 a very capable device.

The iPad Pro 11-inch (2020), on the other hand, packs the A12Z Bionic chip. While the name might make you think it's the more powerful of the two, the reality is a little more nuanced. While the A12Z Bionic chip is still a very powerful processor, the A14 Bionic chip in the iPad Air 4 delivers better performance in many tasks. However, the iPad Pro has more RAM, which helps with multitasking and handling more demanding workflows. The iPad Pro has an edge for sustained workloads, like video editing or graphic design. In everyday tasks, you're unlikely to notice a huge difference in speed between the two. However, the iPad Pro 11-inch (2020) has more RAM, which is beneficial for tasks like video editing and graphic design. The iPad Pro generally handles more complex tasks more smoothly.

In terms of raw power, the iPad Air 4 with the A14 Bionic chip usually wins out for general tasks. The iPad Pro makes up for it with its larger RAM capacity and its features for professionals. But both of these devices are fast and capable of handling almost anything you throw at them. You won't be disappointed with the performance of either iPad. Both are great options, it really depends on your needs.

Cameras: Snapping Away

Okay, let's talk cameras. The iPad Air 4 features a 12MP rear camera that takes great photos and videos. It's perfect for scanning documents, taking photos, and even recording 4K video. It's not going to replace your dedicated camera, but it's more than capable for everyday use. The front-facing camera is a 7MP FaceTime HD camera, which is perfectly adequate for video calls and selfies.

The iPad Pro 11-inch (2020) also has a 12MP rear camera, but it adds an extra lens: an ultra-wide camera. This lets you capture wider shots, which is great for landscape photos or group shots. The iPad Pro also includes a LiDAR scanner, which enhances augmented reality experiences and improves focus speed in low-light conditions. The front-facing camera is a 7MP TrueDepth camera that enables Face ID and offers improved image quality for video calls and selfies. The addition of the ultra-wide lens and the LiDAR scanner makes the iPad Pro the superior choice if camera features are important to you. The iPad Pro has a more versatile camera system, including an ultra-wide lens and LiDAR scanner, which adds a lot of value.

If photography is important, the iPad Pro definitely has an advantage with its extra features. But the iPad Air 4 is no slouch, and it's perfectly fine for casual use. Both the iPad Air 4 and iPad Pro 11-inch (2020) are capable devices and capture good-quality photos and videos.

Battery Life: How Long Can You Go?

Battery life is an important factor. Both the iPad Air 4 and iPad Pro 11-inch (2020) offer excellent battery life. You can expect to get a full day of use out of either one, which is around 10 hours of web browsing or video playback. The real-world performance will depend on your usage patterns. Things like screen brightness and the types of apps you use will impact battery life. However, you can expect both iPads to last through a typical workday or a long flight. Both iPads provide good battery life.

With both, you should be able to get a full day of use. If you're a heavy user, or do a lot of gaming, you might need to charge them a little more often. Both are good options for battery life.

Features: What Else Do They Offer?

Let's quickly run through some other features. Both iPads support the Apple Pencil (2nd generation), which magnetically attaches to the side and charges wirelessly. This is a must-have accessory for anyone who wants to take notes, sketch, or draw on their iPad. Both also support the Magic Keyboard and other accessories, making them great productivity tools. The iPad Pro has four speakers for a better audio experience. The iPad Pro also has Face ID, which is more secure and convenient than the Touch ID on the iPad Air. Both are great options, both support many accessories.

The iPad Pro also has four speakers for a better audio experience, and the iPad Pro also has Face ID, which is more secure and convenient than the Touch ID on the iPad Air. The additional features on the iPad Pro make it a more professional device overall. Both iPads offer great features, it really depends on what you are looking for.

Price and Value: The Bottom Line

Okay, let's talk about the money. The iPad Air 4 is typically more affordable than the iPad Pro 11-inch (2020). The price difference can be significant, especially if you're on a budget. The iPad Air 4 offers excellent value for its price. You get a lot of features and performance for your money. If you are budget-conscious, the iPad Air 4 is a great choice. But, the iPad Pro costs more, and it's generally aimed at professionals or users who need top-of-the-line performance and features. It's a premium device that comes with a premium price tag. Both are good value but the iPad Air 4 is more affordable.

Consider your needs and budget when making your decision. Both offer fantastic value, the iPad Air 4 is great if you are on a budget, and the iPad Pro is the option if money is no object.

Conclusion: Which iPad Should You Choose?

So, which iPad is the right one for you? Here's a quick summary:

• Choose the iPad Air 4 if: You want a great all-around iPad at a more affordable price. You value a sleek design, solid performance, and a beautiful display. It's perfect for everyday use, and it's a great value.
• Choose the iPad Pro 11-inch (2020) if: You need the best possible performance, a smoother display with ProMotion technology, and more advanced features like the ultra-wide camera and LiDAR scanner. You are a creative professional or a power user who needs the best of the best.

Ultimately, the best iPad for you depends on your individual needs and budget. Both the iPad Air 4 and the iPad Pro 11-inch (2020) are excellent devices, and you can't go wrong with either one. Carefully consider your priorities, and choose the iPad that aligns best with your needs. I hope this helps you make an informed decision! Happy shopping!