Skip to content
PhoneCompass
Home…›Compare
Tablet Comparison

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

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

Pros & cons

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

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
Spec data

How they compare

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

iPad Pro 12.9 (2021)
Boox Note Air 2
Price (MSRP)
$1,099
Price (MSRP)
$499
OS
iOS
OS
Android
Processor
Apple M1 Octa-core
Processor
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 Octa-core
Camera zoom
2×
Camera zoom
—
Battery life
—
Battery life
—
Wired charging
—
Wired charging
—
Wireless charging
—
Wireless charging
—
Display
Color
Display
Grayscale
Software support
—
Software support
—
Repairability
—
Repairability
—
Weight
682g (24.1 oz)
Weight
420g (14.8 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
iPad Pro 12.9 (2021)
11" × 8.5"
Boox Note Air 2
9" × 7.7"
Thickness · to scale
iPad Pro 12.9 (2021)
0.3"
Boox Note Air 2
0.2"
Height
11" (280.6 mm)
Height
9" (229.4 mm)
Width
8.5" (214.9 mm)
Width
7.7" (195.4 mm)
Depth
0.3" (6.4 mm)
Depth
0.2" (5.8 mm)
Weight
682g (24.1 oz)
Weight
420g (14.8 oz)
Screen
12.9"
Screen
10.3"

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

Common questions

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

Which is better, the iPad Pro 12.9 (2021) or Boox Note Air 2?
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 iPad Pro 12.9 (2021) or Boox Note Air 2?
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 →