iPad 2nd Gen iPad Pro vs Air: Essential Best

For a versatile tablet, the iPad Air (5th gen) offers a fantastic balance of features and price. The iPad Pro (2nd gen) is the better choice if you need the absolute top-tier performance and display for demanding tasks like professional creative work.

Choosing a new tablet can feel like navigating a maze, right? You see all these different models and specs, and it’s easy to get a bit overwhelmed. Two popular options that often come up are the iPad Pro and the iPad Air. Many people wonder which one is truly the “essential best.” Especially when looking at slightly older but still capable models, like the 2nd Gen iPad Pro and, say, the latest iPad Air.

Don’t worry! By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear picture of what each tablet offers and which one is the perfect fit for you. We’ll break down the key differences in simple terms, helping you make a confident decision without any tech jargon headaches.

Ready to find your ideal iPad? Let’s dive in!

iPad 2nd Gen iPad Pro vs Air: What’s the Big Deal?

When you’re comparing different iPad models, it’s like looking at two excellent cars. Both can get you from point A to point B, but one might have a few more luxury features and a more powerful engine, while the other offers a smoother ride for everyday journeys at a more accessible price. The iPad Pro and iPad Air follow a similar philosophy from Apple.

The iPad Pro line is generally positioned at the top of Apple’s tablet offerings. Think of it as the “power user” device. It’s built for those who need the absolute best performance, the most advanced display technology, and features that cater to professionals and serious creatives. This often includes things like faster processors, better cameras, wider color displays, and more storage options.

On the other hand, the iPad Air is Apple’s “sweet spot” tablet. It aims to deliver a premium iPad experience with many of the features Pro users love, but at a more approachable price point. The Air often uses a slightly less powerful (but still very capable) chip, might have a slightly less advanced display, and fewer professional-grade features. It’s designed to be a fantastic all-rounder for everyday tasks, productivity, and creative hobbies.

Breaking Down the Specs: 2nd Gen iPad Pro vs. The Latest iPad Air

To truly understand the difference, let’s get into some specifics. We’re going to compare the 2nd generation iPad Pro (released in 2017, but still relevant for comparison) against a more recent iPad Air model, like the 5th generation (released in 2022). This gives us a good perspective of what you might find in the used or refurbished market versus a newer option.

Display: Seeing is Believing

The screen is your window into the iPad world, so it’s important! Both models offer stunning Retina displays, but there are some key differences.

• 2nd Gen iPad Pro (10.5-inch and 12.9-inch): These models boast ProMotion technology, which means they have a 120Hz refresh rate. What does that do? It makes everything on the screen feel incredibly smooth and responsive, especially when scrolling or using the Apple Pencil. They also feature True Tone technology, which adjusts the white balance of the display to match the ambient light for more natural colors.
• iPad Air (5th Gen, 10.9-inch): The current iPad Air also features a beautiful Liquid Retina display with True Tone. While it doesn’t have ProMotion (sticking to a standard 60Hz refresh rate), it’s still a fantastic screen for most users. The edge-to-edge design is also more modern.

Why it matters for you: If you’re a digital artist, a heavy Apple Pencil user, or someone who just loves the buttery-smooth feeling of a high refresh rate, the ProMotion on the 2nd Gen iPad Pro is a significant advantage. For everyday browsing, watching videos, or even light note-taking, the iPad Air’s display is more than adequate and still gorgeous.

Performance: The Engine Under the Hood

This is where the “Pro” really earns its name. The processor (or chip) inside your tablet determines how fast it can handle tasks, from opening apps to editing videos.

• 2nd Gen iPad Pro: This model was equipped with Apple’s powerful A10X Fusion chip. At its release, it was one of the fastest chips available in any tablet, designed to handle demanding professional applications with ease.
• iPad Air (5th Gen): The 5th generation iPad Air is powered by the M1 chip, the same chip found in many MacBooks and the higher-end iPad Pro models from a few years back. This is an incredibly powerful and efficient chip that absolutely blows the A10X Fusion out of the water.

Why it matters for you: If you plan on doing heavy multitasking, editing high-resolution photos or videos, running complex design software, or playing graphically intensive games, the M1 chip in the iPad Air (5th Gen) will offer a significantly snappier and more future-proof experience than the 2nd Gen iPad Pro. However, for general use like web browsing, email, streaming, and most apps, the A10X Fusion is still very capable.

Apple Pencil and Keyboard Support: Productivity Tools

For many, an iPad is a productivity tool. How well does it work with accessories?

• 2nd Gen iPad Pro: This generation of iPad Pro works with the first-generation Apple Pencil. It charges magnetically on the side of the iPad, but it’s a bit trickier to keep track of than the newer design. It also supports the Smart Keyboard.
• iPad Air (5th Gen): This Air model is compatible with the second-generation Apple Pencil, which magnetically attaches and charges wirelessly on the side of the iPad—a much more convenient and elegant solution. It also supports the Magic Keyboard and Smart Keyboard Folio for a true laptop-like experience.

Why it matters for you: If you’re a student or professional who plans on taking a lot of notes or doing a lot of drawing, the charging convenience and overall experience of the second-generation Apple Pencil with the iPad Air are major advantages. The Magic Keyboard also offers a superior typing experience compared to the older Smart Keyboard if you’re looking for a laptop replacement.

Cameras: More Than Just Point-and-Shoot

While most people don’t buy a tablet primarily for its camera, they’ve become increasingly important for video calls, scanning documents, and even augmented reality (AR) experiences.

• 2nd Gen iPad Pro: Features a 12MP rear camera with optical image stabilization and a 7MP front-facing FaceTime HD camera.
• iPad Air (5th Gen): Boasts a 12MP wide rear camera and a 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage. Center Stage is a fantastic feature that automatically keeps you subtly in frame during video calls, even if you move around.

Why it matters for you: The iPad Air’s front camera with Center Stage is a significant upgrade for video conferencing. The 2nd Gen iPad Pro’s cameras are still perfectly fine for casual use, but the Air’s front camera makes it a much better tool for remote work and staying connected face-to-face.

Storage Options: How Much Space Do You Need?

This can be a dealbreaker. How many apps, photos, and videos can you store?

• 2nd Gen iPad Pro: Available in 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB configurations.
• iPad Air (5th Gen): Available in 64GB and 256GB configurations.

A quick note on storage: 64GB is the minimum for most people nowadays, especially if you plan on downloading apps, games, or storing media. If you plan on using your iPad for professional work, extensive photo/video editing, or downloading lots of large files, aiming for 256GB or more is highly recommended. Newer technology, like the M1 chip in the Air, can also be more efficient with storage. For more details on storage and its impact, check out Apple’s official guidance on iPad storage.

Other Notable Features

Beyond the core specs, a few other things might sway your decision:

• Audio: Both have surprisingly good stereo speakers, enhancing media consumption. The Pro line often has a slight edge in speaker quality due to having four speakers for a more immersive sound, whereas the Air has two.
• Biometrics: The 2nd Gen iPad Pro uses Touch ID (fingerprint sensor) integrated into the Home button. The iPad Air (5th Gen) uses Touch ID integrated into the top button.
• Connectivity: Both offer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Cellular models are available for both, allowing you to connect to the internet outside of Wi-Fi. The newer iPad Air (5th Gen) supports Wi-Fi 6, which is faster than the Wi-Fi on the 2nd Gen iPad Pro.
• Biometric Security: 2nd Gen iPad Pro uses Touch ID via the Home button. The iPad Air (5th Gen) uses Touch ID integrated into the top button for a more modern feel.

Choosing Your “Essential Best”: iPad Pro vs. iPad Air

Now that we’ve covered the nitty-gritty, let’s summarize which tablet is likely the “essential best” for different types of users.

The 2nd Gen iPad Pro is Your “Essential Best” If:

• You’re a Budget-Conscious Creative: You want a taste of Pro features like ProMotion and a powerful processor without buying the absolute latest model. You might be looking at excellent value in the refurbished or used market.
• Smooth 120Hz Display is a Must: You’re an artist, designer, or heavy Apple Pencil user who can truly appreciate the ultra-smooth 120Hz refresh rate for drawing, writing, and general navigation.
• You Need Ample Built-in Storage: You prioritize having the option for 512GB of storage out of the box, which might be harder to find on newer Air models.
• You’re Okay with Older (But Still Good) Tech: You understand you’re buying a device that’s a few years old and don’t need the absolute latest processor or camera features. Value for money is your primary driver.

The Latest iPad Air (5th Gen) is Your “Essential Best” If:

• You Want the Best All-Around Tablet: You need a powerful, modern, and reliable device for a mix of daily tasks, productivity, entertainment, and creative hobbies. It’s the best balance of features and price for most people.
• Peak Performance is Key for Your Work: You rely on your tablet for demanding tasks like video editing, graphic design, heavy multitasking, or complex productivity apps, and you want the speed and efficiency of the M1 chip.
• You Value the Latest Apple Pencil Experience: The convenience of a wirelessly charging, magnetically attaching 2nd Gen Apple Pencil is important for your workflow.
• You Prioritize Modern Design and Features: You appreciate the newer, edge-to-edge display, Center Stage front camera for better video calls, and faster Wi-Fi 6 connectivity.
• Future-Proofing Matters: You want a device that will likely receive software updates and perform well for many years to come, thanks to its powerful M1 chip. For more on Apple’s commitment to software updates, you can check Apple’s support page on iOS updates.

Table Showdown: Key Differences at a Glance

Here’s a quick table to help you see the main distinctions between the 2nd Gen iPad Pro (10.5-inch) and the iPad Air (5th Gen, 10.9-inch).

Feature	2nd Gen iPad Pro (10.5-inch)	iPad Air (5th Gen, 10.9-inch)
Display Size	10.5 inches	10.9 inches
Display Technology	Liquid Retina, ProMotion (120Hz), True Tone	Liquid Retina, True Tone (60Hz)
Processor	A10X Fusion	M1 Chip
Apple Pencil Support	1st Gen Apple Pencil	2nd Gen Apple Pencil
Charging	Lightning	USB-C
Front Camera	7MP FaceTime HD	12MP Ultra Wide with Center Stage
Biometrics	Touch ID (Home Button)	Touch ID (Top Button)
Audio	Quad Speakers	Stereo Speakers
Wi-Fi	Wi-Fi 5	Wi-Fi 6
Storage Options	64GB, 256GB, 512GB	64GB, 256GB

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are answers to some common questions you might have:

Q1: Is the 2nd Gen iPad Pro still good in 2023/2024?

Yes, the 2nd Gen iPad Pro is still a very capable tablet for many everyday tasks like browsing, email, streaming, and casual gaming. Its A10X Fusion chip is decent, and the ProMotion display is a standout feature. However, it’s older, so it might not get the latest iPadOS features as quickly as newer models, and its performance won’t match the latest M-series chips.

Q2: Which tablet is better for drawing and art?

For digital artists sensitive to lag and desiring the smoothest experience, the 2nd Gen iPad Pro’s 120Hz ProMotion display is a significant advantage. However, the iPad Air (5th Gen) with its M1 chip offers more raw power for complex art apps, and the 2nd Gen Apple Pencil is more convenient to charge and use. It’s a trade-off between display smoothness and raw power/convenience.

Q3: Can the iPad Air (5th Gen) replace my laptop?

For many users, yes! With the M1 chip, a great display, and excellent support for the Magic Keyboard, the iPad Air (5th Gen) can handle a wide range of productivity tasks. You can easily browse the web, write documents, manage spreadsheets, edit photos, and even do some video editing. For intensely demanding software or specific professional workflows, a laptop might still be necessary, but it’s incredibly capable for most.

Q4: Which one should I buy if I’m a student?

The iPad Air (5th Gen) is generally the better choice for most students. It offers a modern experience, excellent performance for note-taking and research, great compatibility with the Apple Pencil and keyboard for assignments, and features like Center Stage for online classes. If budget is your absolute top priority, a used or refurbished 2nd Gen iPad Pro could be a good alternative, especially if you value the 120Hz screen for notes.

Q5: How much longer will the 2nd Gen iPad Pro receive software updates?

Apple provides software updates for its devices for many years. While not guaranteed, iPads typically receive major iPadOS updates for about 5-7 years after their release. Given the 2nd Gen iPad Pro was released in 2017, it’s likely to continue receiving updates for a few more years, but it will eventually stop receiving the very latest features and security patches before newer iPads do.

Q6: What are the benefits of USB-C over Lightning?

USB-C is a more universal standard. Many modern devices, including laptops, Android phones, and accessories, use USB-C. This means you can often use the same charger and cables for multiple devices, simplifying your tech bag. USB-C also generally supports faster data transfer speeds and higher power output compared to Lightning.

Conclusion: Which iPad is Your Perfect Match?

Deciding between the 2nd Gen iPad Pro and the