iPad Air 3 (2019, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2017, A10 series)

The iPad Air 2019 and the iPad Pro 2017 are both versatile tablets from Apple, offering distinct capabilities for different user needs. While the iPad Air 2019, released in March 2019, features a newer processor, the iPad Pro 2017, launched in June 2017, distinguishes itself with a more advanced display and camera system. Both devices operate on Apple's iPadOS, providing a consistent software experience.

When considering the longevity of these tablets, several factors come into play, primarily their release timelines and Apple's typical software support.

• Release Timeline: The iPad Pro 2017 was released in June 2017, making it older than the iPad Air 2019, which launched in March 2019. This difference in release date directly impacts their expected software support duration.
• Software Longevity: Apple typically provides major iPadOS updates for about 5-6 years from a device's release. Given its later release, the iPad Air 2019 is likely to receive software updates for a longer period than the iPad Pro 2017, potentially extending its practical lifespan for users who prioritize the latest software features and security updates.
• Practical Lifespan: Both models are built with durable aluminum unibody designs. While the iPad Pro 2017 was a premium device at its launch, the newer internal components of the iPad Air 2019 may offer a slight edge in long-term performance for demanding applications as software requirements evolve.

The performance of these two iPads is influenced by their respective processors and RAM configurations, impacting how smoothly they handle various tasks.

• Processing Power: The iPad Air 2019 is equipped with a newer generation processor, which generally translates to improved efficiency and faster execution of tasks. The iPad Pro 2017 features a powerful processor from its era, designed for demanding professional workflows.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: The iPad Pro 2017 comes with 4GB of RAM, offering robust capabilities for running multiple applications simultaneously and handling complex projects. The iPad Air 2019, with 3GB of RAM, provides a responsive experience for everyday use, web browsing, and most applications, though it may show a slight difference in very heavy multitasking scenarios compared to the Pro model.
• Battery Behavior: Both tablets are designed to offer up to 10 hours of web surfing on Wi-Fi. User experiences suggest the iPad Pro 2017 can achieve impressive battery life, sometimes exceeding 13 hours for web browsing. The iPad Air 2019 also delivers a full day of usage for many users.

The display is a significant differentiator between these two models, particularly for visual tasks and overall user interaction.

• Display Technology: Both devices feature a 10.5-inch IPS LCD Retina display with a resolution of 2224 x 1668 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 264 pixels per inch. Both displays are fully laminated, support True Tone technology for adaptive white balance, and offer a wide color (P3) gamut for accurate color reproduction.
• Refresh Rate: A key distinction is the iPad Pro 2017's ProMotion technology, which enables an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz. This results in noticeably smoother scrolling, more fluid animations, and enhanced responsiveness, especially when using the Apple Pencil. The iPad Air 2019 has a standard 60Hz refresh rate.
• Brightness: The iPad Pro 2017 offers a higher peak brightness of 600 nits, making it more visible in bright outdoor conditions compared to the iPad Air 2019's 500 nits brightness.

While tablets are not typically primary photography devices, both models offer capable camera systems for various uses, from video calls to document scanning.

• Rear Camera System: The iPad Pro 2017 features a more advanced 12-megapixel rear camera with an f/1.8 aperture and optical image stabilization (OIS), capable of recording 4K video at 30 frames per second. This camera system is comparable to that found in the iPhone 7. The iPad Air 2019 has an 8-megapixel rear camera with an f/2.4 aperture, recording 1080p HD video at 30 frames per second.
• Front Camera Performance: Both tablets are equipped with a 7-megapixel front-facing camera with an f/2.2 aperture, supporting 1080p HD video recording at 30 frames per second. This makes both suitable for clear video calls and selfies.
• Photography Use Cases: The iPad Pro 2017's superior rear camera is better suited for capturing detailed photos and 4K videos, and for tasks like scanning documents where image quality is crucial. The iPad Air 2019's camera is functional for general use but may not offer the same level of detail or low-light performance.