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Choosing the right iPad can feel like navigating a tech minefield. With so many models available, it’s tough to know which one best suits your needs and your budget. Today, we’re diving deep into a head-to-head comparison to help you make the perfect choice.
We’ll be pitting the iPad Air 3 against the iPad Pro 10.5, two popular contenders from Apple’s tablet lineup. Both offer impressive features, but they cater to slightly different audiences. This comparison will break down the key differences to help you decide which iPad reigns supreme for you.
From performance and display quality to features and price, we’ll cover everything you need to know. Get ready to explore the nuances of each device as we uncover the strengths and weaknesses of the iPad Air 3 and the iPad Pro 10.5. Let’s find out which iPad deserves a spot in your tech arsenal!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | iPad Air 3 | iPad Pro 10.5 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 10.5 inches | 10.5 inches |
| Resolution | 2224 x 1668 pixels | 2224 x 1668 pixels |
| Processor | A12 Bionic chip | A10X Fusion chip |
| RAM | 3GB | 4GB |
| Storage Options | 64GB, 256GB | 64GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Front Camera | 7MP | 7MP |
| Rear Camera | 8MP | 12MP |
| Video Recording | 1080p at 30fps | 4K at 30fps |
| Speaker System | Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers |
| Apple Pencil Support | 1st Generation | 1st Generation |
| Smart Keyboard Support | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 1.0 or 1.02 lbs | 1.03 or 1.04 lbs |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- iPad Air 3: Features a 10.5-inch Retina display with True Tone technology. It offers a bright and vibrant viewing experience, suitable for everyday tasks and media consumption. However, it lacks the ProMotion technology for a smoother refresh rate.
- iPad Pro 10.5: Boasts a 10.5-inch ProMotion display with a 120Hz refresh rate, providing incredibly smooth scrolling and responsiveness. The display also features True Tone and a wider color gamut, enhancing visual fidelity.
- Winner: iPad Pro
Processor
- iPad Air 3: Powered by the A12 Bionic chip, offering a significant performance boost over previous generations. It handles most tasks with ease and provides a smooth user experience.
- iPad Pro 10.5: Equipped with the A10X Fusion chip, still capable but slightly older than the A12 Bionic. While it’s still a capable chip, it may show its age in more demanding applications compared to the Air 3.
- Winner: iPad Air 3
Camera
- iPad Air 3: Includes an 8MP rear camera and a 7MP front-facing camera. The camera quality is adequate for basic photos and video calls.
- iPad Pro 10.5: Features a 12MP rear camera and a 7MP front-facing camera. The rear camera offers better image quality and 4K video recording capabilities.
- Winner: iPad Pro
Audio
- iPad Air 3: Has stereo speakers.
- iPad Pro 10.5: Has four speakers for a richer, more immersive audio experience.
- Winner: iPad Pro
Apple Pencil Support
- iPad Air 3: Supports the first-generation Apple Pencil.
- iPad Pro 10.5: Also supports the first-generation Apple Pencil.
- Winner: Tie
Storage Options
- iPad Air 3: Offered with 64GB or 256GB storage options.
- iPad Pro 10.5: Offered with 64GB, 256GB or 512GB storage options.
- Winner: iPad Pro
Design and Size
- iPad Air 3: Similar in design to the iPad Pro 10.5, with thin bezels and a similar overall size.
- iPad Pro 10.5: Similar in design to the iPad Air 3, with thin bezels and a similar overall size.
- Winner: Tie
Price
- iPad Air 3: Generally more affordable than the iPad Pro 10.5, making it a budget-friendly option.
- iPad Pro 10.5: Typically priced higher, reflecting its premium features and performance.
- Winner: iPad Air 3
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Overall Performance | iPad Pro 10.5 |
| Rear Camera | iPad Pro 10.5 |
| Storage Options | iPad Pro 10.5 |
| Value | iPad Air 3 |
What They Have in Common
- Display Size: Both iPads share the same 10.5-inch display size, providing a spacious and immersive viewing experience for various tasks. This makes them equally suitable for media consumption and productivity.
- Resolution: Both tablets have the same resolution of 2224 x 1668 pixels, ensuring sharp and detailed visuals for all content. This contributes to a crisp and clear display for both everyday use and creative endeavors.
- Apple Pencil Support: Both the iPad Air 3 and iPad Pro 10.5 support the first-generation Apple Pencil, allowing users to take notes, draw, and navigate with precision. This feature enhances their versatility for creative professionals and students.
- Smart Keyboard Support: Both iPads are compatible with the Smart Keyboard, transforming them into more functional laptops. This feature is great for typing and increasing productivity.
- Stereo Speakers: Both tablets feature stereo speakers, delivering a decent audio experience for watching videos, listening to music, and playing games. This enhances the overall entertainment experience.
iPad Air 3 vs. iPad Pro 10.5 Buying Guide
Performance and Processing Power
The iPad Pro 10.5 boasts a significant advantage with its A10X Fusion chip, offering superior processing power compared to the iPad Air 3’s A12 Bionic chip. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and enhanced performance in graphically intensive tasks like gaming and video editing. The Pro’s higher clock speed and more powerful graphics capabilities make it noticeably quicker for demanding workloads. The Air 3, while still capable, lags slightly behind in these areas.
Display Quality and Features
Both iPads offer excellent display quality, but the iPad Pro 10.5 takes the lead with its ProMotion technology. ProMotion dynamically adjusts the refresh rate up to 120Hz, resulting in incredibly smooth scrolling and a more responsive feel when using the Apple Pencil. The iPad Air 3 features a standard 60Hz refresh rate. The Pro also offers a wider color gamut and higher peak brightness, making for a more vibrant and immersive viewing experience, especially when watching HDR content.
Audio Experience
The iPad Pro 10.5 features a four-speaker audio system, providing a much richer and more immersive sound experience compared to the iPad Air 3’s stereo speakers. The Pro’s speakers deliver a wider soundstage and better bass response, making it ideal for watching movies, listening to music, and gaming. The Air 3’s speakers are adequate for casual use, but they don’t offer the same level of audio fidelity and immersion as the Pro’s setup. This is a noticeable advantage for the Pro, especially for media consumption.
Apple Pencil Compatibility
Both iPads are compatible with the first-generation Apple Pencil. This allows users to take notes, draw, and navigate the interface with precision. However, the iPad Pro 10.5 may offer a slightly better experience due to its ProMotion display, which makes the Apple Pencil feel even more responsive. This difference is subtle but noticeable for users who frequently use the Apple Pencil for creative tasks or note-taking. Both iPads provide a functional and enjoyable Apple Pencil experience.
Storage Options and Pricing
The iPad Pro 10.5 originally offered a broader range of storage options, including higher capacities than the iPad Air 3. This allowed users to choose a model that best suited their needs for storing apps, media, and files. Pricing also varied, with the Pro being the more expensive option, reflecting its superior features and performance. While storage choices are critical, the price difference makes the Air 3 a more budget-friendly option, especially for users with less intensive storage needs.
Design and Portability
Both iPads share a similar design aesthetic, featuring sleek aluminum unibody construction. The iPad Air 3 is slightly thinner and lighter than the iPad Pro 10.5, making it a bit more portable. This is a minor difference, but it can be a factor for users who prioritize portability. Both devices offer a premium feel and are comfortable to hold. The choice between the two design-wise mostly comes down to individual preference and how much portability is valued versus other features.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPad Air 3 If…
- You want a powerful iPad with a great display but don’t need the absolute top-of-the-line performance.
- You are looking for a more affordable option that still offers a premium experience.
- You primarily use your iPad for everyday tasks like web browsing, email, and streaming.
- You value a balance of performance and price.
Buy iPad Pro 10.5 If…
- You need the extra processing power for demanding tasks like video editing or graphic design.
- You want a better rear camera for higher-quality photos and videos.
- You require a wider range of storage options, including 512GB.
- You want the slightly superior performance and features of the Pro model.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key differences between the iPad Air 3 and iPad Pro 10.5?
The iPad Pro 10.5 offers a faster processor (A10X Fusion vs. A12 Bionic), a ProMotion display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a superior four-speaker audio system, and potentially more storage options. The Air 3 is generally more affordable and slightly more portable. The Pro provides a more advanced and premium user experience, especially for media consumption and creative tasks.
Which iPad is better for gaming?
The iPad Pro 10.5 is better for gaming due to its faster A10X Fusion chip and the smoother experience provided by the ProMotion display. The higher refresh rate makes gameplay feel more responsive and fluid. While the Air 3 can handle most games, the Pro offers a more immersive and lag-free gaming experience, especially for graphically demanding titles.
Does the iPad Pro 10.5 support the latest iPadOS features?
Yes, both the iPad Air 3 and iPad Pro 10.5 support the same iPadOS features. They receive the same software updates and have access to the same apps and functionalities. While the Pro’s hardware might enhance the user experience in some instances, the core software features and capabilities are identical across both devices.
Which iPad has a better display?
The iPad Pro 10.5 has a better display thanks to its ProMotion technology, which provides a 120Hz refresh rate, resulting in smoother scrolling and a more responsive feel. It also offers a wider color gamut and higher peak brightness, making for a more vibrant viewing experience. The Air 3’s display is still excellent, but it lacks these advanced features.
Is the iPad Pro 10.5 worth the extra money?
Whether the iPad Pro 10.5 is worth the extra money depends on your needs. If you prioritize performance, a superior display, and a better audio experience, the Pro is worth it. If you’re on a budget and don’t need the Pro’s advanced features, the iPad Air 3 offers excellent value. Consider your usage habits before deciding.
Which iPad is better for creative professionals?
The iPad Pro 10.5 is better for creative professionals due to its faster processor, ProMotion display, and potential for more storage. The smoother display and enhanced performance make it ideal for tasks like video editing, graphic design, and drawing with the Apple Pencil. The Pro’s superior audio is also a plus for media creators.
Which iPad has longer battery life?
Battery life is comparable between the two iPads, with both offering all-day usage under typical conditions. Actual battery life may vary depending on usage patterns, such as playing games, streaming videos, and using the display at maximum brightness. While both offer similar results, the Pro’s advanced features may slightly impact battery life.
Final Verdict
The iPad Pro 10.5 emerges as the superior device due to its enhanced performance, ProMotion display, and superior audio experience. While the iPad Air 3 offers excellent value, the Pro’s advanced features and capabilities provide a more premium and enjoyable user experience, especially for power users and those seeking a top-tier tablet. The faster processor and ProMotion display make the Pro a more compelling choice for demanding tasks.
Winner: iPad Pro 10.5