iPad 3rd Gen iPad Pro vs Air: Essential Guide

iPad 3rd Gen iPad Pro vs Air: Essential Guide

Deciding between the 3rd Gen iPad Pro and iPad Air? The iPad Air generally offers better value for everyday tasks and portability, while the Pro is ideal for demanding creative work and professional use. This guide breaks down the key differences to help you choose. Read on for our essential comparison!

Here at Tabletzoo, we know choosing a new tablet can feel like navigating a maze. Imagine eyeing up two shiny iPads, both from Apple, both looking great, but with slightly different names – the iPad Pro and the iPad Air. You might wonder, “What’s the big deal?” or “Will I even notice the difference for what I want to do?” It’s a common puzzle for sure! The good news is, sorting this out is easier than you think. We’ll walk through what makes each one special, so you can pick the one that’s perfect for you. Let’s dive in and make this decision as clear as a sunny day.

iPad 3rd Generation iPad Pro vs. Air: A Quick Overview

When Apple releases new iPads, they often come in different flavors, designed to meet various needs and budgets. The iPad Pro line is typically positioned as Apple’s most powerful, feature-rich tablet, aimed at professionals and power users. The iPad Air line, on the other hand, aims to strike a balance between performance, portability, and price, making it a popular choice for a wider audience.

For this guide, we’ll be focusing on the models that broadly fit into a “3rd generation” understanding, acknowledging that Apple uses the term “generation” differently across its iPad lines. We’ll look at the iPad Pro (11-inch, 1st generation and 12.9-inch, 3rd generation) and the iPad Air (3rd generation). It’s important to note that Apple’s naming conventions can sometimes be a bit confusing! For instance, the “3rd Gen” moniker can apply to different model numbers depending on the specific line. We’re here to clarify which models we’re comparing to ensure you get the most accurate information.

Why the Distinction Matters

Understanding who each tablet is designed for is the first step in making the right choice. Are you a student who needs a reliable device for notes and research? A creative professional looking for a portable digital canvas? Or someone who simply wants a solid tablet for browsing, streaming, and casual gaming? Your intended use will heavily influence which iPad model best suits your lifestyle and budget. We’ll help you cut through the technical specs and focus on what truly matters for your daily use.

A Look at the Contenders: Core Specifications Compared

Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. While both the iPad Pro and iPad Air are fantastic devices, they have distinct strengths. We’ve compiled a table to help you visualize the key differences.

iPad Air (3rd Gen) vs. iPad Pro (1st Gen 11-inch & 3rd Gen 12.9-inch) Side-by-Side

As you can see, the Pro models boast some significant advantages, particularly in display technology, processing power, and advanced features like Face ID and ProMotion. The Air sticks to a more traditional Apple design and feature set, making it a great workhorse for general use.

Who is the iPad Air (3rd Gen) For?

The iPad Air (3rd Gen) is a fantastic option for the everyday user who wants a reliable, capable, and portable tablet without breaking the bank. If your daily routine involves:

Browsing the internet and social media
Streaming movies and TV shows
Reading e-books and magazines
Taking notes in classes or meetings
Light photo editing
Casual gaming
Staying connected with email and messaging

…then the iPad Air (3rd Gen) will likely meet all your needs and then some. Its A12 Bionic chip is still very speedy and handles multitasking with ease. The 10.5-inch display is crisp and vibrant, perfect for consuming content. Plus, it supports the Apple Pencil (1st Gen) and the Smart Keyboard, making it a great companion for students and professionals who need to do some typing or light creative work.

Key Advantages of the iPad Air (3rd Gen)

Excellent Value: Often more affordable than the Pro models, offering a great balance of features for the price.
Portability: Lighter and more compact than the 12.9-inch Pro, making it easier to carry around.
Familiar Design: It retains the classic Home button with Touch ID, which many users prefer.
Great for Content Consumption: The bright, clear Retina display is perfect for watching videos and browsing.
Good Performance: The A12 Bionic chip is powerful enough for most everyday tasks and multitasking.

Potential Downsides of the iPad Air (3rd Gen)

Less Powerful Chip: While capable, the A12 Bionic isn’t as cutting-edge as the A12X Bionic in the Pro models for very demanding tasks.
Older Design: Features like thicker bezels and the Home button are classic but less modern than edge-to-edge displays.
Limited Pro Features: Lacks ProMotion display technology and the advanced camera features of the Pro.
Accessories: Supports the older 1st Gen Apple Pencil, which doesn’t magnetically attach or charge on the iPad.
Touch ID vs. Face ID: If Face ID is a must-have, this isn’t the model for you.

Who is the iPad Pro For?

The iPad Pro models (specifically the 11-inch 1st Gen and 12.9-inch 3rd Gen from 2018) are designed for users who demand the best in performance, features, and capabilities. These iPads are essentially powerful computer replacements for many tasks. If you find yourself in these categories:

Creative Professionals: Graphic designers, illustrators, video editors, musicians.
Power Users: People who run multiple demanding apps simultaneously, use CAD software, or work with large files.
Students with Intensive Needs: Those who might use it for complex simulations, extensive research with many tabs, or digital art classes.
Users Seeking the Latest Tech: If you want Apple’s most advanced display, processing, and biometric security.
Anyone Needing a Desktop-Like Experience: With a keyboard and mouse, these iPads can replace a laptop for many workflows.

The A12X Bionic chip in these Pro models is a beast, capable of handling intense graphic rendering, video editing, and complex software with ease. The Liquid Retina displays with ProMotion technology offer incredibly smooth scrolling and drawing, making them a dream for artists. Add in Face ID for quick, secure unlocking and a range of professional accessories, and you have a truly powerful portable workstation.

Key Advantages of the iPad Pro (11-inch & 12.9-inch)

Superior Performance: The A12X Bionic chip offers significantly more power for demanding applications and heavy multitasking.
ProMotion Display: The 120Hz adaptive refresh rate makes everything feel incredibly fluid and responsive, especially for drawing and gaming.
Modern Design: Edge-to-edge display with minimal bezels and Face ID for authentication.
Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) Support: Magnetic attachment and wireless charging for the Apple Pencil, a huge convenience for artists and note-takers.
Enhanced Audio: Four speaker audio provides a more immersive sound experience.
USB-C Port: Offers wider compatibility with external displays, storage, and other accessories, often with faster data transfer.
Advanced Camera System: While still behind iPhones, the Pro’s cameras are generally more capable.

Potential Downsides of the iPad Pro (11-inch & 12.9-inch)

Higher Cost: Pro models are generally more expensive, especially the 12.9-inch version.
Portability (12.9-inch): The larger screen is fantastic for work but can be less convenient for carrying around or using in tight spaces.
Overkill for Basic Tasks: If you only browse and stream, the Pro features might be more than you need and pay for.
Face ID Nuances: Some users still prefer the simplicity of Touch ID.

Comparing Key Features in Detail

Let’s break down some of the most significant differences that will impact your daily experience.

Performance: A12 Bionic vs. A12X Bionic

This is where the Pro models truly shine. The A12X Bionic chip found in the 2018 iPad Pro models is a significant leap from the A12 Bionic in the 3rd Gen iPad Air.

A12 Bionic (iPad Air 3rd Gen): This is the same chip that powered the iPhone XS series. It’s incredibly capable for everyday tasks, smooth multitasking, and even moderate creative work. You’ll experience fast app launches, quick web browsing, and seamless video playback.
A12X Bionic (iPad Pro 1st/3rd Gen): This chip was designed for maximum performance. It features more CPU cores and significantly more GPU cores, making it substantially faster for graphics-intensive tasks like 3D rendering, high-resolution video editing, and demanding games. Many benchmarks showed it outperforming most laptop CPUs at its release.

For the average user: The A12 Bionic in the Air is more than enough. For common tasks, you likely won’t feel a huge difference in speed.

For power users and creatives: The A12X Bionic in the Pro is a game-changer, offering the power needed for professional-grade applications on the go.

Display Technology: Retina vs. Liquid Retina with ProMotion

The screen is what you interact with most, so its quality is crucial.

Retina IPS LCD (iPad Air 3rd Gen): This is a high-quality LCD panel. It offers excellent color accuracy, sharp text, and wide viewing angles. It’s brilliant for watching videos, reading, and general use. The refresh rate is a standard 60Hz.
Liquid Retina IPS LCD with ProMotion (iPad Pro 11-inch 1st Gen & 12.9-inch 3rd Gen): These displays are Apple’s top-tier offering. “Liquid Retina” signifies exceptional color fidelity and sharpness. The key difference here is ProMotion. ProMotion automatically adjusts the screen’s refresh rate up to 120Hz. This makes scrolling, swiping, and drawing feel incredibly smooth and responsive. For artists using the Apple Pencil, this reduced latency is almost imperceptible, mimicking the feel of drawing on paper.

For the average user: The Air’s Retina display is beautiful and more than adequate for most needs.

For artists, gamers, and those sensitive to motion: ProMotion on the iPad Pro offers a significantly more fluid and enjoyable visual experience.

Apple Pencil and Keyboard Support

If you plan to use your iPad for note-taking, drawing, or as a laptop alternative, accessory support is vital.

iPad Air (3rd Gen): Supports the Apple Pencil (1st Generation). This is a great stylus, but it charges via a Lightning port and doesn’t magnetically attach to the iPad for storage or charging. It also supports the Smart Keyboard, Apple’s older style keyboard that connects via the Smart Connector.
iPad Pro (11-inch 1st Gen & 12.9-inch 3rd Gen): Supports the Apple Pencil (2nd Generation). This stylus magnetically attaches to the side of the iPad Pro for pairing, charging, and storage. It’s much more convenient. These models also support the Smart Keyboard Folio, which has a foldable design and magnetically attaches.

Recommendation: The 2nd Gen Apple Pencil experience on the iPad Pro is a significant upgrade in convenience and usability. If you’re an artist or heavy note-taker, this alone might sway you towards the Pro model.

Biometrics: Touch ID vs. Face ID

How you unlock your device and authenticate purchases is a daily interaction.

Touch ID (iPad Air 3rd Gen): Located in the Home button at the front. It’s fast, reliable, and familiar to many users. You press the button to unlock or verify payments.

Face ID (iPad Pro 1st/3rd Gen): Uses advanced TrueDepth camera technology to scan your face. It unlocks automatically when it sees you, even if you’re wearing glasses or a hat. It’s considered more secure than Touch ID and offers a seamless, hands-free unlocking experience. The removal of the Home button also allows for a larger, more modern display.

Preference: This often comes down to personal preference. Both are excellent. Face ID is undeniably more futuristic and convenient for many, but some users still prefer the tactile feedback of a Home button and Touch ID.

Connectivity: Lightning vs. USB-C

The port used for charging and connecting accessories matters for versatility.

Lightning (iPad Air 3rd Gen): This is Apple’s proprietary, physical connector. It’s ubiquitous across many iPhones and older iPads, but it’s slower for data transfer compared to USB-C.
USB-C (iPad Pro 1st/3rd Gen): This is a universal standard. It allows for faster data transfer speeds, connection to external displays (often at higher resolutions), and compatibility with a wider range of accessories like external hard drives, card readers, and more professional peripherals.

For most users: Lightning is perfectly fine for charging and basic accessory use.

For professionals and tinkerers: USB-C on the Pro opens up a world of more advanced connectivity options, blurring the lines between tablet and laptop further.

Which iPad is Right for Your Budget?

When these devices were first released, there was a clear price difference, with the iPad Air being the more budget-friendly option. While prices will vary significantly on the used or refurbished market today, the original pricing structure gives us an idea of their market positioning.

iPad Air (3rd Gen):

Walter Moore
Your tech guru in Sand City, CA, bringing you the latest insights and tips exclusively on mobile tablets. Dive into the world of sleek devices and stay ahead in the tablet game with my expert guidance. Your go-to source for all things tablet-related – let’s elevate your tech experience!