iPad Air 4 (2020, A14 series) vs iPad Pro (2017, A10 series)

The longevity of a tablet is influenced by its release date and the duration of software support it receives. These two iPads, separated by a few years, offer different expectations in terms of practical lifespan and ongoing updates.

• Release Timeline and OS Support: The iPad Air 2020, being a newer device, benefits from a longer expected period of iPadOS updates compared to the iPad Pro 2017. While Apple is known for extended software support, the iPad Pro 2017 has already reached a point where it may no longer receive the very latest iPadOS versions, potentially limiting access to new features and security enhancements in the future.
• Repairability and Practical Lifespan: Both models, like many modern tablets, present challenges for DIY repairs due to the extensive use of adhesives. The iPad Pro 2017 received a low repairability score from iFixit, largely due to the difficulty in accessing internal components without damaging the device. The practical lifespan for both devices can extend beyond official software support, especially for users with less demanding needs, but the newer iPad Air 2020 is likely to remain capable for a longer duration. Users of the iPad Pro 2017 have reported that while the device still performs well for many tasks, battery degradation is a common concern.
• Durability Features: The iPad Air 2020 features a design similar to later iPad Pro models, with a more robust aluminum frame. Both devices are built with quality materials, but the newer design of the Air 2020 may offer a slight edge in modern construction.

Performance is a key differentiator between these two tablets, primarily due to the generational gap in their internal processing units. The iPad Air 2020 features a significantly newer and more efficient processor, impacting overall responsiveness and capability.

• Processing Power: The iPad Air 2020 is equipped with a more advanced processor, which translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved performance in demanding applications like video editing or graphic design. The iPad Pro 2017, while powerful for its release year, uses an older generation processor, which may show limitations with newer, more resource-intensive applications.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: Users will generally experience a more fluid and responsive interface on the iPad Air 2020, especially when switching between multiple applications or running complex tasks simultaneously. The iPad Pro 2017, despite having 4GB of RAM, may exhibit occasional slowdowns with heavy multitasking as its processor is less optimized for current software demands.
• Storage Options: Both models offer various storage configurations. The iPad Air 2020 typically comes with 64GB or 256GB storage options, while the iPad Pro 2017 was available with up to 512GB, providing ample space for apps, media, and documents on both devices.
• Battery Behavior: Both iPads are designed to offer up to 10 hours of web surfing or video playback on a single charge. However, user experiences suggest that the iPad Air 2020 generally maintains this performance more consistently over time due to its more efficient processor.

The display is a crucial component of any tablet, and both the iPad Air 2020 and iPad Pro 2017 offer high-quality viewing experiences, though with distinct characteristics.

• Display Technology and Resolution: Both tablets feature Liquid Retina IPS LCD displays with similar pixel densities, ensuring sharp and clear visuals. The iPad Air 2020 has a 10.9-inch display with a resolution of 2360 x 1640 pixels, while the 10.5-inch iPad Pro 2017 offers a 2224 x 1668 pixel resolution. Both support True Tone and P3 wide color for accurate and vibrant color reproduction.
• Refresh Rate and Brightness: A notable difference lies in the refresh rate. The iPad Pro 2017 features ProMotion technology, offering an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz for smoother scrolling and more responsive interactions, particularly noticeable with the Apple Pencil. The iPad Air 2020 has a standard 60Hz refresh rate. The iPad Pro 2017 also boasts a higher peak brightness of 600 nits compared to the iPad Air 2020's 500 nits, which can be beneficial for outdoor visibility.
• Screen Size and Viewing Experience: The iPad Air 2020 offers a slightly larger screen in a more modern, edge-to-edge design, providing an immersive viewing experience. The iPad Pro 2017, while having a slightly smaller screen, compensates with its ProMotion technology for a fluid visual feel.

While tablets are not typically primary photography devices, both the iPad Air 2020 and iPad Pro 2017 are equipped with capable camera systems for everyday use, video calls, and document scanning.

• Rear Camera Capabilities: Both models feature a 12-megapixel wide rear camera. The iPad Pro 2017's rear camera includes optical image stabilization (OIS) and a larger f/1.8 aperture, which can be advantageous in lower light conditions. The iPad Air 2020's rear camera also performs well in various lighting, capable of recording 4K video.
• Front Camera and Video Calls: Both tablets are equipped with a 7-megapixel front-facing camera, suitable for video conferencing and selfies. Users generally find the front cameras on both devices to be more than adequate for video calls.
• Audio Experience: The iPad Pro 2017 features a quad-speaker system, delivering a richer and more immersive audio experience, especially for media consumption. The iPad Air 2020 has stereo speakers, which provide good audio quality, particularly when held in landscape orientation.

Beyond core performance and display, several practical features contribute to the overall user experience and differentiate these two iPad models.

• Connectivity and Ports: The iPad Air 2020 features a USB-C port, offering greater versatility for connecting accessories and faster data transfer speeds compared to the Lightning port on the iPad Pro 2017. Both support modern Wi-Fi standards, with the Air 2020 supporting Wi-Fi 6 for potentially faster wireless speeds, and Bluetooth for accessory pairing.
• Biometric Security: The iPad Air 2020 integrates Touch ID into the top button, providing a secure and convenient way to unlock the device and authenticate purchases. The iPad Pro 2017 uses a traditional Touch ID sensor embedded in the home button.
• Accessory Compatibility: The iPad Air 2020 is compatible with the second-generation Apple Pencil, which attaches magnetically and charges wirelessly, and the Magic Keyboard. The iPad Pro 2017 supports the first-generation Apple Pencil and the Smart Keyboard.
• Design and Build: The iPad Air 2020 features a more contemporary design with thinner bezels and flat edges, aligning with Apple's current aesthetic. The iPad Pro 2017 has a more traditional iPad design with thicker bezels and a home button. Both are constructed with aluminum, offering a premium feel.