Skip to content
PhoneCompass
Home…›Compare
Tablet Comparison

Onyx Boox Note Air 2 vs Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2021) Comparison

A detailed, side-by-side comparison to help you pick the right tablet.
Onyx Boox Note Air 2
Onyx
Onyx Boox Note Air 2
7.9 / 10
Compass Score
From 6 critic reviews
Full review →
Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2021)
Apple
Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2021)
8.8 / 10
Compass Score
From 36 critic reviews
Full review →
Verdict

Pros & cons

Boox Note Air 2

A versatile device for reading, editing, and note-taking with flexibility in format and app support.

+
Good
+ Flexible format support
+ Lightweight design
+ Paper-like writing feel
+ Good battery life
+ Android system with apps
−
Not
− High price
− Slight note-taking lag
− Not waterproof
− Laggy E Ink panel
− Limited storage expansion

iPad Pro 12.9 (2021)

+
Good
+ Supports 5G
+ Center Stage is an excellent addition
+ Sets new records for tablet speed and performance
+ The Liquid Retina XDR display is amazing
−
Not
− HDR content is the only way to appreciate the new screen tech fully
− Expensive, especially with accessories.
− iPadOS still feels a little clunky for productivity use
Spec data

How they compare

Choosing the cheaper Boox Note Air 2 means giving up most on: Camera zoom

Boox Note Air 2
iPad Pro 12.9 (2021)
Price (MSRP)
$499
Price (MSRP)
$1,099
OS
Android
OS
iOS
Processor
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 Octa-core
Processor
Apple M1 Octa-core
Camera zoom
—
Camera zoom
2×
Battery life
—
Battery life
—
Wired charging
—
Wired charging
—
Wireless charging
—
Wireless charging
—
Display
Grayscale
Display
Color
Software support
—
Software support
—
Repairability
—
Repairability
—
Weight
420g (14.8 oz)
Weight
682g (24.1 oz)
Fingerprint
No
Fingerprint
No
Highlighted cells indicate the stronger value where a clear winner exists.
Loading full specifications…
Couldn’t load the full spec sheet.
Physical comparison

Size & weight

Footprint · to scale
Boox Note Air 2
9" × 7.7"
iPad Pro 12.9 (2021)
11" × 8.5"
Thickness · to scale
Boox Note Air 2
0.2"
iPad Pro 12.9 (2021)
0.3"
Height
9" (229.4 mm)
Height
11" (280.6 mm)
Width
7.7" (195.4 mm)
Width
8.5" (214.9 mm)
Depth
0.2" (5.8 mm)
Depth
0.3" (6.4 mm)
Weight
420g (14.8 oz)
Weight
682g (24.1 oz)
Screen
10.3"
Screen
12.9"

Dimensions shown in inches (mm). Silhouettes are proportionally scaled for visual comparison.

Common questions

Boox Note Air 2 vs iPad Pro 12.9 (2021): FAQ

Which is better, the Boox Note Air 2 or iPad Pro 12.9 (2021)?
Based on aggregated critic reviews, the iPad Pro 12.9 (2021) earns a Compass Score of 8.8 compared to 7.9 for the Boox Note Air 2. That 0.9-point gap reflects stronger reviews across the board, though individual priorities like camera quality, battery life, or price could tip the scales the other way. Scores aggregate dozens of expert opinions, so they are a useful starting point, not the final word.
Which phone is more affordable, the Boox Note Air 2 or iPad Pro 12.9 (2021)?
The Boox Note Air 2 launches at $499, which is $600 less than the iPad Pro 12.9 (2021) at $1,099. Street prices shift after launch, so check current deals for both phones before deciding.

Specifications sourced from manufacturers and third-party databases. Last updated October 2026. Suggest a correction →