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Apple iPad Pro 13-inch (M5) vs Apple iPad Air 256GB Wi-Fi + Cellular

The iPad Pro 13-inch (M5) is the better tablet for anyone doing serious work on a screen: it is larger, brighter, faster and has a much better camera system. The iPad Air is the smarter pick for most people, since it runs the same iPadOS, supports the same Apple Pencil and keyboard accessories, and is lighter and easier to hold. Reviewers consistently praise the Pro's display and speakers, while Air owners say it handles everyday tasks and note taking without complaint.

  • Choose the iPad Pro 13-inch (M5) if you want the biggest, brightest screen for drawing, video editing or split-screen work and don't mind the extra weight.
  • Choose the iPad Air if you want a lighter, easier-to-hold tablet that still runs the same apps and accessories for everyday use.

Prices

  • Apple iPad Pro 13-inch (M5): $1,614.00 at Amazon (checked today)
  • Apple iPad Air 256GB Wi-Fi + Cellular: $629.98 at eBay (last seen Nov 9)
  • Difference: the Apple iPad Air 256GB Wi-Fi + Cellular is $984.02 cheaper than the Apple iPad Pro 13-inch (M5) at the latest prices (Nov 9 and Nov 10)
Apple
Apple iPad Pro 13-inch (M5) 256GB Wi-Fi + Cellular, Space Black

Apple iPad Pro 13-inch (M5)

Apple iPad Pro 13-inch (M5) 256GB Wi-Fi + Cellular, Space Black

$1,614.00at AmazonChecked 1 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

Pros
  • Large 13-inch screen with high resolution for split-screen work
  • Bright OLED display that stays readable outdoors
  • M5 chip and 12 GB RAM handle heavy editing and multitasking
  • Cellular option keeps it connected away from Wi-Fi
Cons
  • Heavier at 20.5 oz, tiring to hold for long reading sessions
  • Bigger footprint takes more room in a bag
  • Overkill for browsing, email and streaming
Apple
Apple iPad Air 256GB Wi-Fi + Cellular

Apple iPad Air 256GB Wi-Fi + Cellular

$629.98at eBayChecked Nov 9
See all prices and details
Visit eBay

Store links may earn us a commission.

Pros
  • Lighter and easier to hold one-handed
  • Same iPadOS, Apple Pencil and keyboard support as the Pro
  • M4 chip and 12 GB memory are plenty for everyday apps
  • Comes in several storage sizes up to 1TB
Cons
  • 500-nit LCD is dimmer and less crisp than the Pro's panel
  • Smaller 11-inch screen limits side-by-side work
  • Older camera setup than the Pro

What separates them

Apple iPad Pro 13-inch (M5)Apple iPad Air 256GB Wi-Fi + Cellular
Screen size13-inch display, 2752 x 206411-inch display, 2360 x 1640
Display brightnessHigh-brightness tandem OLED panel500 nits LCD
ChipM5 with 12 GB RAMM4 with 12 GB unified memory
Weight20.5 ozAbout 16.9 oz
Cameras12 MP rear and 12 MP front12 MP rear wide, front camera
Connectivity5G cellular and Wi-Fi5G cellular and Wi-Fi
AccessoriesWorks with Apple Pencil Pro and Magic KeyboardWorks with Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard
Battery lifeAbout 10 hoursAbout 10 hours

Price history

$1,614.00$749.99
Nov 3Nov 11
  • Apple iPad Pro 13-inch (M5): lowest $1,399.00 on Nov 9 at Amazon; $1,614.00 on Nov 11.
  • Apple iPad Air 256GB Wi-Fi + Cellular: lowest $749.99 on Nov 11 at Amazon.

Prices at every store

Apple iPad Pro 13-inch (M5)

  • Apple Education StoreNew

    In stock

    $1,799.00Free shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit Apple Education Store
  • VerizonNew

    In stockPrice may need a phone plan

    $1,899.72Free shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit Verizon
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $1,614.00Free shippingChecked 1 h ago
    Visit Amazon
  • Abt Electronics & AppliancesNew

    Availability unknown

    $1,614.00Checked Nov 9
    Visit Abt Electronics & Appliances

Also available at

  • Abt ElectronicsCheck price at Abt Electronics
  • AdoramaCheck price at Adorama
  • Best BuyCheck price at Best Buy
All 5 stores and price history →

Apple iPad Air 256GB Wi-Fi + Cellular

  • Best BuyNew

    In stock

    $1,199.00Free shippingChecked 1 h ago
    Visit Best Buy
  • Abt ElectronicsNew

    In stock

    $1,199.00Free shippingChecked 1 h ago
    Visit Abt Electronics
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by save-on-retail (99.9% positive, 34,300 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $629.98Free shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit eBay
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $749.99Free shippingChecked 1 h ago
    Visit Amazon

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 8 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecApple iPad Pro 13-inch (M5)Apple iPad Air 256GB Wi-Fi + Cellular
Display Resolution2752 x 20642360-by-1640-pixel resolution at 264 ppi
Operating SystemiPadOS—
ColorSpace Black—
Language / RegionEnglish / United States—
Energy StarYes—
Network Connectivity5G—
Storage512 GB Storage—
Screen Size13 in screen—
Weight20.5 oz—
Battery Life10 hours battery—
Rear Camera Resolution12 MP rear camera—
RAMRAM: 12 GB—
Show all 23 specsShow fewer specs
SpecApple iPad Pro 13-inch (M5)Apple iPad Air 256GB Wi-Fi + Cellular
Front Camera Resolution12 MP front camera—
Capacity—128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
Height—247.6 mm (9.74 inches)
Width—178.5 mm (7.02 inches)
Depth—6.1 mm (0.24 inch)
Brightness—500 nits brightness
Chip—Apple M4 chip
CPU—8-core CPU with 3 performance cores and 5 effic…
GPU—9-core GPU
Unified memory

What reviewers say

Apple iPad Pro 13-inch (M5)

Owners and reviewers praise the screen, speed and build, and call it the best large tablet available. The recurring complaint is that iPadOS holds back the hardware for professional workflows, and that the size and accessories make it a costly, heavy package.

What people mention
  • DisplayPraisedReviewers call the 13-inch OLED screen bright, sharp and excellent for HDR video and drawing.
  • PerformancePraisedOwners say the M5 chip and 12 GB of RAM handle editing and multitasking without slowdown.
  • SoftwareCriticisedReviewers say iPadOS still restricts multitasking and pro apps compared with a Mac.
  • Size and weightMixedThe big screen is loved for work, but owners find it heavy to hold and bulky with a keyboard.

Apple iPad Air 256GB Wi-Fi + Cellular

Owners generally rate the iPad Air highly for its balance of performance, size and portability. Most praise the M-series speed and the screen, while some wish for a brighter display and ProMotion.

What people mention
  • PerformancePraisedOwners say the M4 chip keeps apps and multitasking fast with no lag.
  • DisplayMixedReviewers like the sharpness and color but call 500 nits dim outdoors and miss ProMotion.
  • PortabilityPraisedBuyers describe it as light and thin enough to carry all day.
  • BatteryPraisedUsers report it lasting a full day of mixed use.

Questions and answers

Which is better for drawing and note taking?
Both work with Apple Pencil Pro, so either handles notes and sketches. The Pro's larger, brighter screen gives more canvas and better outdoor visibility, which most artists prefer.
Is the iPad Pro worth stepping up to over the iPad Air?
If you edit video, work in split screen all day or draw professionally, yes. For email, streaming and light notes, the Air does the same jobs for less.
Which lasts longer?
Both are rated around 10 hours of use, and both should get years of iPadOS updates. The Pro's bigger battery has to drive a larger, brighter screen, so real-world runtime is similar.
Is the Pro too heavy to hold?
At 20.5 oz it is noticeably heavier than the Air. It is fine on a desk or with a keyboard case, but tiring for long reading in bed.
Do accessories carry over between them?
Apple Pencil Pro works with both. Keyboards are size-specific, so a 13-inch Pro keyboard will not fit the 11-inch Air.

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Buying guides that pick them

  • Best iPads with Wi-Fi and cellular
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12GB unified memory
Rear camera—12MP Wide camera, ƒ/1.8 aperture