iPad Air 3 (2019, A12 series) Vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series)

The iPad Air 2019 and the iPad Pro 2020 are both capable tablets that offer distinct experiences for different users. Released in March 2019, the iPad Air 2019 positioned itself as a powerful option for general use, while the iPad Pro 2020, launched in March 2020, aimed at professional users with enhanced features. Both devices run on Apple's iPadOS, providing a consistent software experience, but the Pro model introduces several hardware advancements, particularly in display technology, camera capabilities, and accessory support.

The longevity of a tablet is influenced by its release date and the duration of software support it receives, alongside its physical resilience and repairability.

• Release Timeline: The iPad Air 2019 was released in March 2019, making it a year older than the iPad Pro 2020, which launched in March 2020. This difference in release year typically means the iPad Pro 2020 will receive major iPadOS updates for approximately one year longer than the iPad Air 2019.
• Software Longevity: Both devices are expected to receive several years of iPadOS updates, ensuring access to new features and security enhancements. The iPad Pro 2020, being newer, offers a slightly extended period of guaranteed software support.
• Repairability: Both models generally share similar repairability characteristics typical of tablets, where component replacement can be complex. The physical build of both devices is robust, featuring aluminum bodies.

Performance is a key differentiator, with both tablets offering capable processing power for their intended audiences, but the iPad Pro 2020 provides a more robust experience for demanding tasks.

• Storage Options: The iPad Air 2019 was available with 64GB or 256GB of internal storage. The iPad Pro 2020 offers more generous starting and maximum storage configurations, ranging from 128GB up to 1TB.
• Multitasking and App Handling: The iPad Air 2019 features a capable processor and 3GB of RAM, allowing for smooth operation of everyday applications and moderate multitasking. The iPad Pro 2020, equipped with an enhanced processor and 6GB of RAM across all storage configurations, delivers a more fluid experience for intensive applications, complex multitasking, and professional creative workflows.
• Battery Behavior: Both tablets are designed to provide up to 10 hours of web surfing on Wi-Fi. The iPad Air 2019 has a 30.2 Wh battery, while the 11-inch iPad Pro 2020 has a 28.65 Wh battery and the 12.9-inch model has a 36.71 Wh battery. Real-world usage for both models generally aligns with these estimates, offering full-day use for many users.

The display experience varies significantly between these two models, particularly in terms of refresh rate and overall visual fluidity.

• Display Technology and Clarity: Both the iPad Air 2019 and iPad Pro 2020 feature Liquid Retina IPS LCD displays with similar pixel densities, providing clear and vibrant visuals for general viewing.
• Brightness and Color Accuracy: Both displays offer wide color support (P3) and True Tone technology for adaptive white balance. The iPad Pro 2020 generally achieves higher peak brightness, which can be beneficial for outdoor use or in brightly lit environments.
• Refresh Rate: A key distinction is the refresh rate. The iPad Air 2019 has a standard 60Hz refresh rate. The iPad Pro 2020, however, features ProMotion technology, offering an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz. This results in noticeably smoother scrolling, more responsive interactions, and a more fluid visual experience, particularly in fast-paced content or when using the Apple Pencil.
• Screen Size: The iPad Air 2019 comes with a 10.5-inch display. The iPad Pro 2020 offers more screen real estate with options for an 11-inch or a larger 12.9-inch display.

The camera systems on these two tablets cater to different user needs, with the iPad Pro 2020 offering a more advanced and versatile setup.

• Rear Camera System: The iPad Air 2019 features a single 8-megapixel rear camera, suitable for basic photography and document scanning. The iPad Pro 2020 significantly upgrades this with a dual-camera system, including a 12-megapixel wide lens and a 10-megapixel ultrawide lens, alongside a LiDAR Scanner for enhanced augmented reality experiences and improved depth sensing.
• Front Camera and Video Calls: Both devices include a 7-megapixel front-facing camera, which performs well for video calls and selfies in good lighting conditions. The iPad Pro 2020's TrueDepth camera system also enables Face ID for secure authentication.
• Video Recording and Audio: The iPad Air 2019 supports 1080p HD video recording. The iPad Pro 2020 is capable of recording 4K video at up to 60 frames per second, offering higher detail and flexibility for video creators. The iPad Pro 2020 also features a four-speaker audio system and "studio-quality" microphones, providing a more immersive audio experience for media consumption and clearer audio capture for recordings or calls compared to the iPad Air 2019's two-speaker setup.