Introduction
Let’s start a full discussion about the iPad Air and the iPad Pro.
We’ll take a deep dive into their specifications, starting with a detailed comparison between the iPad Air 11-inch M3 and the iPad Air 13-inch M3.
There are no real differences between the two Air models apart from two major and very obvious reasons, the screen size and the price. The iPad Air 11-inch M3 starts at $599, while the iPad Air 13-inch M3 costs $799. That’s a $200 difference for a larger display. So if you love a bigger screen and want more viewing estate, the 13-inch Air is the way to go.
Next, we’ll compare the iPad Pro 11-inch M5 and the iPad Pro 13-inch M5. Once again, there’s a $200 gap: the 11-inch starts at $999 and the 13-inch starts at $1,199.
The jump in pricing makes sense when you move from the Air line to the Pro line, because the base iPad Air 11-inch M3 starts at $599, while the base iPad Pro 11-inch M5 starts at $999. You’re essentially moving from “Air” to “Pro,” and that upgrade comes with a significant jump in power and features.
Comparing the iPad Air 11-inch M3 vs iPad Pro 11-inch M5
Let’s look at what you get when you compare the base model of each.
The iPad Air 11-inch M3 is a fantastic choice for people who want power, portability, and efficiency. It uses the M3 chip, which is already incredibly capable and more than enough for most users. The display is a Liquid Retina panel, which delivers crisp visuals and accurate colors, although it runs at 60Hz.
On the other hand, the iPad Pro 11-inch M5 is in a different class. The display is a Tandem OLED Ultra Retina XDR screen with ProMotion, offering up to 120Hz refresh rate and true HDR with a peak brightness of 1600 nits. It’s perfect for photo and video professionals, digital artists, or anyone who values top-tier display quality.
Performance-wise, the M5 chip in the Pro offers more GPU cores, better thermal efficiency, and more memory bandwidth. This allows smoother workflows when editing large photos, 4K videos, or using advanced creative apps like Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro.
So, if you’re mainly using your iPad for everyday tasks, the Air will be more than enough. But if you want to push performance boundaries or use your iPad as a workstation, the Pro line clearly wins.
Comparing the iPad Air 13-inch M3 vs iPad Pro 13-inch M5
Now moving on to the larger models.
Both devices offer more screen space, making them excellent for multitasking, drawing, or video editing. The iPad Air 13-inch M3 has the same specs as the 11-inch version, the only difference is the size and the $200 higher price tag.
Meanwhile, the iPad Pro 13-inch M5 offers the same Tandem OLED XDR display, but at an even larger scale, which makes it incredible for design, HDR video editing, and professional photo work. The Pro is also thinner, lighter, and features Face ID compared to the Touch ID on the Air.
If you’re willing to spend more and want the ultimate display experience, the iPad Pro 13-inch M5 is unmatched. But if you just want a big screen for a lower price, the iPad Air 13-inch M3 is an amazing deal.
For Light Users
If you’re only planning to use your iPad for browsing, listening to music, watching YouTube, and doing other light tasks, then you can save a lot of money by going for the iPad Air 11-inch base model.
It’s perfect for everyday use and will handle everything you throw at it with ease. Plus, with the money you save, you can spend a bit more on a nice protective case.
For Light to Medium Users
For those who want to do a little more; maybe some note taking, light photo editing, or productivity tasks the iPad Air 11-inch or 13-inch with 512GB of storage is a great choice.
It gives you the extra space and speed you might need for occasional creative work without breaking the bank.
For Heavy Users and Professionals
If you want to use the iPad for serious work; editing photos, creating videos, or using it as a second device alongside your MacBook, then this is where the iPad Pro shines.
If you already have or plan to buy a MacBook Pro 14-inch M5, you might want your iPad to match its performance level for seamless workflow between both devices. In that case, consider the iPad Pro 11-inch M5 with 1TB of storage, which also unlocks the option for the Nano-Texture Glass upgrade for an additional $100.
This configuration gives you the performance you need for demanding apps and projects, while still being portable enough to take on the go.
Wi-Fi vs Cellular
Once you’ve selected your iPad, you can decide whether you want the Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi + Cellular model. The cellular option adds about $200, which might not be worth it for everyone.
My suggestion: stick with Wi-Fi and save the extra cash unless you really need internet access when you’re away from Wi-Fi networks.
Engraving and Apple Pencil Options
Apple offers free engraving for your iPad and Apple Pencil. You can skip it or personalize your device at no extra charge.
For the Apple Pencil, you have three choices:
Apple Pencil Pro – $129
Apple Pencil (standard) – $79
No Apple Pencil – $0
If you’re working heavily with photos, videos, or design, I strongly recommend the Apple Pencil Pro. It’s perfect for detailed, precise work; and again, engraving is free.
Keyboard and Accessories
You can also choose to add the Magic Keyboard for $299. It’s a beautiful and functional accessory that turns your iPad into a mini laptop. Believe it or not, a lot of people are using this as their main laptop. However; I personally do not like doing that, I rather use the device for the reasons that it was created for.
However, if you’re looking to save money, you can safely skip it and buy a third-party case or keyboard later. If you do decide to go with the Keyboard option, then you should know that it is basically a case and you cannot get an additional case to cover all of that up.
Trade-In Option
Apple’s trade-in program can help reduce the cost of your new iPad. If you have an older Apple device maybe one, two, three, or four years old; you can get between $20 and $625 off your new iPad, depending on the model and condition of your older apple device.
If you don’t have anything to trade in and you’re ready to invest, then go for it. You won’t regret it.
AppleCare+
AppleCare+ costs $149, or $7.49 per month. You can pay monthly or all at once, or skip it entirely.
Personally, I would suggest skipping AppleCare+ and investing in a high-quality protective case with shock resistance instead. That’ll give you enough peace of mind for most everyday situations, and you’ve saved your money.
Quick Cost Breakdown
Option 1: Serious Heavy Worker (iPad Pro 11-inch M5)
iPad Pro 11-inch – $999
Colour (Space Black or Silver) – Free
1TB Storage, 16GB Memory – $1599
Nano-Texture Glass – $100
Wi-Fi – $1699
Engraving – Free
Apple Pencil Pro – $129
Engraving on Apple Pencil – Free
Magic Keyboard – $299
Keyboard Colour (White or Black) – Free
Apple Trade-In – Depends on your device
AppleCare+ – $149
Total: $2,276 (either more or less depending on your region)
Option 2: Light to Medium Worker (Pro, but minimal setup)
iPad Pro 11-inch – $999
Colour (Space Black or Silver) – Free
256GB Storage, 12GB Memory – $999
Nano-Texture Glass – Not available for this model
Wi-Fi – Free
Engraving – Free
Apple Pencil Pro – Not selected
Magic Keyboard – Not selected
Apple Trade-In – Depends on your device
AppleCare+ – Not selected
Total: $999 (either more or less depending on your region)
Option 3: Light to Medium with Occasional Heavy Use (iPad Air 11-inch M3)
iPad Air 11-inch – $599
Colour (Space Grey, Blue, Purple, or Starlight) – Free
128GB Storage – $599
Wi-Fi – $599
Engraving – Free
Apple Pencil Pro – Not selected
Magic Keyboard – Not selected
Apple Trade-In – Depends on your device
AppleCare+ – Not selected
Total: $599 (either more or less depending on your region)
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, the choice is completely yours. If you want the most powerful, professional experience, go for the iPad Pro 11-inch or 13-inch M5. If you want the best balance of power and price, the iPad Air 11-inch or 13-inch M3 models are incredibly capable and will save you a lot of money; money that you can instead put toward accessories that make the experience uniquely yours.
