iPad Air 3 (2019, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2018, A12 series)

The iPad Air 2019 (3rd generation), released in March 2019, and the iPad Pro 2018 (3rd generation for the 11-inch model, 2nd generation for the 12.9-inch model), released in October 2018, are both powerful tablets from Apple. While they share the same operating system, iPadOS, and are part of the A12 series of processors, the iPad Pro 2018 offers a more advanced display and a more capable processor variant, catering to users with more demanding needs. Both devices provide a robust tablet experience, but key differences in their hardware aim them at slightly different user profiles.

When considering the longevity of these tablets, both the iPad Air 2019 and iPad Pro 2018 offer comparable software support and physical durability, though the Pro model's slightly earlier release means its software support window may close sooner.

• Release Timeline: The iPad Pro 2018 was released in October 2018, preceding the iPad Air 2019, which launched in March 2019. This difference in release dates means the iPad Air 2019 may receive software updates for a few months longer than the iPad Pro 2018.
• OS Support: Both devices run iPadOS and are expected to receive updates for several years from their respective release dates. As of the current date, both are compatible with the latest iPadOS versions.
• Repairability: Both the iPad Air 2019 and iPad Pro 2018 have received low repairability scores from independent assessments, typically around 2 out of 10. This indicates that repairs can be challenging due to the extensive use of adhesives and the integrated nature of components, making DIY repairs difficult.

The performance capabilities of these two iPads are a significant differentiator, primarily due to their respective processors and RAM configurations.

• Processor Capabilities: The iPad Air 2019 is equipped with the A12 Bionic chip, which delivers strong performance for everyday tasks, multitasking, and many demanding applications. The iPad Pro 2018 features the A12X Bionic chip, a more powerful variant designed for professional workloads. This difference means the iPad Pro 2018 offers enhanced processing power, particularly for intensive tasks like video editing, advanced gaming, and complex graphic design.
• RAM and Multitasking: The iPad Air 2019 typically comes with 3GB of RAM, which is sufficient for smooth multitasking and running most applications. The iPad Pro 2018 offers 4GB of RAM in most configurations, with a 6GB option available for the 1TB storage model, providing more headroom for professional applications and heavy multitasking.
• Storage Options: The iPad Air 2019 is available with 64GB or 256GB of internal storage. The iPad Pro 2018 offers a wider range of storage options, including 64GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB, catering to users who require more space for large files and applications.

The visual experience on these tablets presents notable differences, particularly concerning display technology and refresh rates.

• Display Technology: The iPad Air 2019 features a 10.5-inch Retina display, offering clear visuals and good color reproduction. The iPad Pro 2018, available in 11-inch and 12.9-inch sizes, boasts a Liquid Retina display, which includes advanced technologies for improved color accuracy and a wider color gamut.
• Refresh Rate: A key differentiator is the refresh rate. The iPad Air 2019 has a standard 60Hz refresh rate. The iPad Pro 2018 features ProMotion technology, offering an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz. This higher refresh rate provides a smoother scrolling experience and more responsive interactions, particularly noticeable during fast-paced content or when using the Apple Pencil.
• Brightness and Clarity: The iPad Air 2019 offers a brightness of 500 nits. The iPad Pro 2018 provides a higher peak brightness of 600 nits, which can be beneficial for outdoor use or in brightly lit environments. Both displays feature True Tone technology for automatic white balance adjustment.

While tablets are not typically primary photography devices, there are distinct differences in the camera and audio systems of these two models.

• Camera System Capabilities: The iPad Air 2019 includes an 8-megapixel rear camera and a 7-megapixel front camera, suitable for casual photos, video calls, and document scanning. The iPad Pro 2018 features a more advanced 12-megapixel rear camera with a larger aperture and a 7-megapixel TrueDepth front camera. The Pro model's rear camera also supports 4K video recording, unlike the Air's 1080p limit.
• Audio Experience: The iPad Air 2019 features stereo speakers, providing a standard audio experience for media consumption. The iPad Pro 2018 offers a quad-speaker audio system, delivering a more immersive and louder sound, which is particularly noticeable for movies, music, and gaming. The iPad Pro 2018 also includes five microphones compared to the Air's two, potentially offering clearer audio input for calls and recordings.
• Front Camera Features: The iPad Air 2019 uses its front camera in conjunction with Touch ID for authentication. The iPad Pro 2018 integrates its front camera with the TrueDepth system, enabling Face ID for secure authentication and features like Portrait mode and Animoji.