Tech head-to-head
Apple iPad Air (5th generation, M1)vsApple iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation, M1)
Two Apple models that average 8.6 and 8.5. Apple iPad Air (5th generation, M1) takes Value, 8.6 to 7.6.
An M1 tablet that costs far less used than new, and the floor for Apple Intelligence on iPad.
Price and availability change constantly, so we don't quote them here — the link opens current listings on eBay. eBay listings come from individual sellers: condition, battery health, and what's in the box differ from one to the next, so read the listing and the return terms before you buy.
The 120Hz screen and Face ID are why you pay more for it than the Air. The M1 is the same.
Price and availability change constantly, so we don't quote them here — the link opens current listings on eBay. eBay listings come from individual sellers: condition, battery health, and what's in the box differ from one to the next, so read the listing and the return terms before you buy.
Where they diverge
The widest gap is Value, Apple iPad Air (5th generation, M1) ahead 8.6 to 7.6. They come closest on Durability, 8.6 to 8.4. Left of center is Apple iPad Air (5th generation, M1), right is Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation, M1).
Which one to pick
Take the Apple iPad Air (5th generation, M1)
Leads on Value, Durability and Ease of use.
- You want Apple Intelligence and Stage Manager without paying for a Pro
- Notes and sketching with the magnetically charging Pencil are the main job
- A tablet you expect to keep updated for years
Take the Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation, M1)
Leads on Performance and Design.
- Drawing or note-taking where the 120Hz screen makes the Pencil feel immediate
- You move large files and want the Thunderbolt port's speed
- Four speakers and Face ID are worth the premium to you
What each one gets wrong
Apple iPad Air (5th generation, M1)
- You'd fill 64GB; the 256GB model is the one worth hunting for
- Smooth 120Hz scrolling matters to you; this panel runs at 60Hz
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation, M1)
- You expected mini-LED; only the 12.9-inch model of this generation has it
- The Air's M1 already covers what you do; the chip is identical
Specs, side by side
| Spec | Apple iPad Air (5th generation, M1) | Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation, M1) |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 10.9-inch Liquid Retina (LCD, 60Hz) | 11-inch Liquid Retina (LCD, ProMotion up to 120Hz) |
| Chip | Apple M1 | Apple M1 |
| Memory | 8GB | 8GB (16GB on 1TB and 2TB) |
| Unlock | Touch ID (top button) | Face ID |
| Port | USB-C | Thunderbolt / USB 4 |
| Pencil | Apple Pencil (2nd generation) | Apple Pencil (2nd generation) |
| Storage | 64GB, 256GB | 128GB to 2TB |
Rankings they both appear in
Questions
- Both are Apple. Which one do I want?
- Apple iPad Air (5th generation, M1) leads on Value, Durability and Ease of use. If Performance and Design matter more to you, take the Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation, M1) instead. Apple iPad Air (5th generation, M1) averages 8.6 and Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation, M1) averages 8.5, over the 5 axes Tech is scored on.
- Where do the two Apple models actually differ?
- Value is the widest gap, Apple iPad Air (5th generation, M1) ahead 8.6 to 7.6. Every axis lands somewhere different, so the profile shapes differ as much as the totals.
- Which one ranks higher in "Used iPads on eBay: where M1 pays off and where it doesn't"?
- Apple iPad Air (5th generation, M1) sits at #1 in "Used iPads on eBay: where M1 pays off and where it doesn't", Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation, M1) at #2.