Tablet Comparison
Apple iPad Air (2020) vs Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2021) Comparison
A detailed, side-by-side comparison to help you pick the right tablet.
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Verdict
Pros & cons
iPad Air (2020)
+
What's good
+
Excellent screen
+
Supports 2nd Generation Apple Pen
+
New color options
+
Fast processor
+
USB-C type port
−
What's not
−
Expensive with accessories added
−
No FaceID
−
64GB baseline storage
iPad Pro 12.9 (2021)
+
What's good
+
Supports 5G
+
Center Stage is an excellent addition
+
Sets new records for tablet speed and performance
+
The Liquid Retina XDR display is amazing
−
What's 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
iPad Air (2020)
+
Good
+
Excellent screen
+
Supports 2nd Generation Apple Pen
+
New color options
+
Fast processor
+
USB-C type port
−
Not
−
Expensive with accessories added
−
No FaceID
−
64GB baseline storage
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
iPad Air (2020)
iPad Pro 12.9 (2021)
Price (MSRP)
—
$1,099
OS
iOS
iOS
Processor
Apple A14 Bionic Hexa-core
Apple M1 Octa-core
Camera zoom
—
2×
Battery life
—
—
Wired charging
—
—
Wireless charging
—
—
Display
Color
Color
Software support
—
—
Repairability
—
—
Weight
460g (16.2 oz)
682g (24.1 oz)
Fingerprint
No
No
Highlighted cells indicate the stronger value where a clear winner exists.
Spec data
How they compare
iPad Air (2020)
iPad Pro 12.9 (2021)
Price (MSRP)
—
Price (MSRP)
$1,099
OS
iOS
OS
iOS
Processor
Apple A14 Bionic Hexa-core
Processor
Apple M1 Octa-core
Camera zoom
—
Camera zoom
2×
Battery life
—
Battery life
—
Wired charging
—
Wired charging
—
Wireless charging
—
Wireless charging
—
Display
Color
Display
Color
Software support
—
Software support
—
Repairability
—
Repairability
—
Weight
460g (16.2 oz)
Weight
682g (24.1 oz)
Fingerprint
No
Fingerprint
No
Highlighted cells indicate the stronger value where a clear winner exists.
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Physical comparison
Size & weight
Footprint · to scale
iPad Air (2020)
9.7" × 7"
iPad Pro 12.9 (2021)
11" × 8.5"
Thickness · to scale
iPad Air (2020)
0.2"
iPad Pro 12.9 (2021)
0.3"
iPad Air (2020)
iPad Pro 12.9 (2021)
Height
9.7" (247.6 mm)
11" (280.6 mm)
Width
7" (178.5 mm)
8.5" (214.9 mm)
Depth
0.2" (6.1 mm)
0.3" (6.4 mm)
Weight
460g (16.2 oz)
682g (24.1 oz)
Screen
10.9"
12.9"
Height
9.7" (247.6 mm)
Height
11" (280.6 mm)
Width
7" (178.5 mm)
Width
8.5" (214.9 mm)
Depth
0.2" (6.1 mm)
Depth
0.3" (6.4 mm)
Weight
460g (16.2 oz)
Weight
682g (24.1 oz)
Screen
10.9"
Screen
12.9"
Dimensions shown in inches (mm). Silhouettes are proportionally scaled for visual comparison.
Common questions
iPad Air (2020) vs iPad Pro 12.9 (2021): FAQ
Which is better, the iPad Air (2020) or iPad Pro 12.9 (2021)?
Based on aggregated critic reviews, the iPad Air (2020) earns a Compass Score of 8.9 compared to 8.8 for the iPad Pro 12.9 (2021). That 0.1-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.
Specifications sourced from manufacturers and third-party databases. Last updated October 2026. Suggest a correction →