The Better Buy: Apple iPad Air M2 or OLED iPad Pro?

Earlier this week, Apple unveiled the all-new OLED iPad Pro and iPad Air M2. Both come with many improvements over their predecessors. However, the Air M2 can just be a better purchase for you. Before you askYesIt’s OLED definitely better choice to watch.

But given the price difference, the OLED panel is found in the new Apple iPad Pro do not do see that attractive. For context, the new iPad Air 11 starts at $599, while the 13-inch model starts at $799. On the other hand, new The OLED iPad Pro will set you back $999 for the base 11-inch model, while the 13-inch starts at $1,299.

What makes the new Apple iPad Air M2 a better buy than the OLED iPad Pro

The M2 iPad Air might surprise you. Despite the lack a few Characteristic found on the OLED iPad Pro, it can still be an excellent choice. Apple’s decision to launch a new 13-inch iPad Air simplifies things even more. Let’s give you a proper summary by comparing the two:

The difference in display would not be noticeable to many

Apple iPad Pro’s new OLED display boasts stunning visuals, clear resolution and exceptional color accuracy. It even consumes less battery power. However, the M2 iPad Air’s Liquid Retina display with True Tone and P3 wide color support provides impressive results too.

For most users, the day-to-day difference between these displays may be negligible. However, professional artists, editors, and anyone working on color-critical tasks can benefit from the extra precision offered by an OLED display.

The new 13-inch iPad Air throws in another interesting fold into mixture. Reports suggest that it boasts a 20% increase in brightness compared to the 11-inch models, making it an even more compelling option for users who prioritize a vibrant display.

The Apple M2 is more than enough for most

Here’s where things get interesting. The M2 iPad Air includes the same M2 chip that previously powered the “Pro” models. This means lightning fast performance for anything you throw at it.

Whether you’re editing videos, creating complex 3D models, or beating demanding games, the M2 Air handles everything with ease. In fact, its performance rivals the new iPad Pro models in most tasks.

The truth is on Apple M4 chip the power supply of the OLED iPad Pro may be too much for most users. An apple not yet introduced iPadOS includes this indeed take advantage of this extra power. So for many, the M2 iPad Air offers all the processing muscle they’ll ever need.

iPadOS brings nearly identical features to both of Apple’s iPad models

The good news is that with iPadOS 18 on board, you get an almost identical feature set for both the Air and Pro models. While Apple may introduce a few Pro-exclusive features, such as the new Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro apps, these are probably targeted to a niche audience.

For most users, the core iPadOS experience remains the same in both models. So, with the Apple iPad Pro OLED, you are essentially paying extra for a slight boost in performance that in daily use, can be hard to perceive.

You get full accessory compatibility with the affordable iPad Air M2

Here’s another area where the M2 Apple iPad Air shines. It offers compatibility with the same accessories as the Pro models, including the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil. This turns air into a capable productive machine.

plus, you get Touch ID integrated into the power button and a front camera positioned in landscape mode, mirroring the features of the Pro. Battery life is another connection. Both The Air and OLED Pro models boast a claimed 10 hours of web browsing and video playback, making this a non-factor in your decision. Essentially, these factors provide an almost identical user experience regardless of which model you choose.

Finally, let’s talk about pricing

Now we we come to a critical factor: price. The 11-inch OLED iPad Pro starts at a hefty $999, while the M2 iPad Air lands at a much more manageable $599. This is a significant difference! The price difference widens even further with the larger models. The 13-inch OLED iPad Pro starts at huge $1,299, while the 13-inch M2 iPad Air costs $799.

Remember that the basic functionality of the two models is strikingly similar. you are essentially paying a premium for the OLED display and a slight jump in performance on the Pro models. For many users this just will not justify the additional cost. The M2 iPad Air offers exceptional value, delivering outstanding performance and a feature set that rivals the Pro at a fraction of the price.

Get the new Apple iPad Pro OLED if you want Extras

When it comes down to it, the best Apple iPad for you depends on your specific needs and budget. If features like a butter-smooth 120Hz ProMotion display, Face ID for secure logins, a powerful LiDAR scanner for AR experiences, or a top-tier camera are on your must-have list, then the OLED iPad Pro might be the way to go.

Howeverfor most usersthe affordable Apple iPad Air M2 is perfect. It delivers outstanding performance, a beautiful display, and a feature set that rivals the Pro in most ways. So if you can live without the bells and whistles of the Pro models, the M2 iPad Air offers incredible value.