Apple’s New 2019 10.5in iPad Air vs. The 2017 10.5in iPad Pro

Michael Grothaus 18/03/2019 – 10:44pm

How does the new budget model compare with the old Pro?

Apple quietly launched two new iPad models this week. The first was a much-needed update to the iPad mini, which las last updated way back in 2017. The new iPad mini retained the same form-factor, but gained a blazing fast A12 chipset and support for the original Apple Pencil.

Apple also introduced an all-new iPad Air at 10.5in, which is larger than its 9.7in predecessors. However, this new 10.5in iPad Air resembles the 10.5in iPad Pro that came out in 2017 and that Apple also just happened to discontinue today. So is Apple’s just repackaging its old 10.5in iPad Pro and slapping the “Air” label on it? Let’s find out.

10.5in iPad Air vs 10.5in iPad Pro: Design and Specs

10.5in iPad Air (2019)

• Display: 10.5in 2224 × 1668 pixel at 264 pixels per inch, 60Hz
• Colors: Silver, Space Grey, Gold
• Storage: 64 or 256GB
• Processors: A12 Bionic chip
• RAM: 3GB
• Features: Touch ID, Smart Keyboard, and Apple Pencil support
• Cameras: front 7MP 1080p HD camera and a rear 8MP 1080p HD camera
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, optional 4G
• Size: 250.6 mm × 174.1 mm × 6.1 mm
• Weight: 456 grams

10.5in iPad Pro (2017)

• Display: 10.5in 2224 × 1668 pixel at 264 pixels per inch, 120Hz
• Colors: Silver, Space Grey, Gold
• Storage: 64, 256, 512GB
• Processors: A10X Fusion
• RAM: 4GB
• Features: Touch ID, Smart Keyboard, and Apple Pencil support
• Cameras: front 7MP 1080p HD camera and a rear 12MP 4K camera
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2, optional 4G
• Size: 250.6 mm × 174.1 mm × 6.1 mm
• Weight: 469 grams

We’ll get to the big difference (the display) in just a bit. But first, let's take a look at some of the major internal differences between the two tablets. The biggest differences are in the RAM and CPU department. The old 10.5in iPad Pro had 4GB of RAM in it–the new 10.5in iPad Air has 3GB. However, the old 10.5in iPad Pro only sported the A10X Fusion chip, while the new iPad Air has the A12 Bionic, which is MUCH MUCH faster.

Both iPads also feature Touch ID and support for the original Apple Pencil. The 10.5in iPad Pro came in an additional 512GB option that the new iPad Air lacks as well. It’s also worth noting the old iPad Pro had four internal speakers, while the new iPad Air only has two.

10.5in iPad Air vs 10.5in iPad Pro: Display & Cameras

Of course, the most noticeable difference between the two is their displays, although this isn’t obvious at first glance. While they both have exactly the same panels at 10.5in at 2224 × 1668 pixel at 264 pixels per inch, the older iPad Pro had a ProMotion display with a 120 Hertz refresh rate. The new iPad Air lacks that ProMotion display—it only has a 60 Hertz refresh rate. This means the old iPad Pro’s display is still much better at motion graphics.

As for cameras, both sport the same front 7MP 1080p HD camera. However, the old iPad Pro still had the better rear camera, a 12MP 4K camera, compared to the new Air’s 8MP 1080p HD camera.

10.5in iPad Air vs 10.5in iPad Pro: Key Features

Both iPads also sport the same optional Smart Keyboard case support and Apple Pencil support. Note, however, that both iPads are limited to supporting the original Apple Pencil and not the newest version the 2018 iPad Pros support.

10.5in iPad Air vs 10.5in iPad Pro: Verdict

This is a very tough call. The new iPad Air destroys the old Pro when it comes to processors, thanks to the A12 Bionic. However, the old Pro had more RAM. The old Pro also had the better ProMotion display and the better 4K rear camera. Then again, the new iPad Air is £150 cheaper than the old iPad Pro.

So which should you buy? The good news is this is an easy choice. That’s because Apple doesn’t sell the old 10.5in iPad Pro as of today, so you can only buy the new 10.5in iPad Air. You can pick one up today from £479.