Some time ago, I wrote in detail "in general" about how the iPad Pro is better than regular iPads. It will help you a lot. Answering the question, I repeatedly made remarks that, they say, ordinary iPads are worse in this and that, but Air is different. Yes, the 2019 iPad Air is a fresh generation model with many improvements. But still, this is not a pro-series, which, of course, is indicated by the price. iPad Pro 11 inches costs at least 67 thousand rubles, iPad Air 2019 - from 43 thousand (official price tags, you can find cheaper if you wish).

What about better? Let's compare. First, the tablets differ in appearance. The screen sizes are almost identical (11 inches and 10.5), but the Pro has a much smaller bezel (it looks more interesting and modern), there is no Home button. There is no touch ID either, face recognition is used to unlock it.

The screen resolution of the iPad Pro 11 is slightly higher than that of the iPad Air (2388 × 1668 vs. 2224 × 1668 pixels), but the DPI value is identical - 264. Both screens are of high quality, without an air gap, protected from glare, laminated. The advantage of the firmware is ProMotion technology (higher refresh rate, which is useful when working with a stylus, in games).

The iPad Pro also uses the fresh A12X Bionic processor. The usual A12 Bionic in the iPad Air is also good, but the firmware has a higher performance margin. And there is the possibility of using "heavy" software, for example, for three-dimensional modeling.

The possible memory capacity of the Pro is also larger - up to 1 TB. But these options are more expensive, of course. Well, in general, there are incomparably more options for the volume of the drive.

There is a difference in styluses - both models support the Apple Pencil, but the Pro is the second generation Apple Pancil. It supports gestures, attaches itself to the iPad and charges wirelessly from it. In detail, I compared the styluses.

The iPad Pro also has support for the Smart Keyboard Folio. Unlike the regular Smart Keyboard, it protects the tablet from all sides like a case.

The camera on the Pro is also better (it protrudes from the back of the case for a reason). More megapixels, good stabilization (albeit digital), advanced Focus Pixels autofocus, True Tone Quad-LED flash, Smart HDR image enhancement option, panoramic shooting up to 63 MP, 4K video recording at 30 or 60 fps , 1080p slow motion video at 120 fps with improved stabilization.

The Pro's front camera is also better (after all, it is designed for Face ID), it has a portrait mode, support for Animoji and Memoji.

Also, iPad's Pro are distinguished by 4 speakers located at both ends (airs have only two on one side) and a universal USB-C connector.

In general, the pro has a cooler screen, better cameras and sound, a more modern design, it is more powerful, it supports a second-generation stylus, offers more memory and USB-C. And whether it's worth it all so overpay - you decide.

The new budget iPad with Apple Pencil support costs 25,000 rubles (in the basic configuration) - almost half (47,000 rubles) compared to the cheapest 10.5-inch iPad Pro model (excluding Apple Pencil) and more than half the price of the 12.9-inch version (59,000 rubles).

The situation in the case of models with support for cellular modules (Cellular) is similar, the difference is 22,000 rubles and 34,000 rubles for 10.5- and 12.9-inch versions of the iPad Pro, respectively. To some, such an offer may seem profitable, but it is worth considering other factors before giving preference to the cheapest device.

iPad 2018 and iPad Pro displays

The difference between the screen of iPad and iPad Pro is obvious. The new iPad model received the familiar Retina display with a diagonal of 9.7 inches and a resolution of 2048 × 1536 pixels. The 10.5-inch and 12.9-inch versions of iPad Pro have larger screens and higher resolutions. The display resolution of the 10.5-inch version is 2224 × 1668 pixels, the 12.9-inch version is 2732 × 2048 pixels. Despite the difference in resolution and size, the pixel density in the screens of all three models is the same - 264 ppi.

Unlike the 2018 iPad, the iPad Pro lineup offers a number of additional features, such as the ProMotion module, which doubles the screen refresh rate from 60 to 120 frames per second, or which adjusts display colors to ambient light. In addition, the iPad Pro display boasts a wide color gamut for greater brightness and saturation, as well as an anti-reflective coating.

iPad 2018 and iPad Pro Performance

With the 2.2GHz A10 Fusion chip, the 2018 iPad's performance is well above previous models, but still can't match the performance of the iPad Pro, which is equipped with the 2.39GHz A10X Fusion 6-core microprocessor. The difference in performance is also due to different amounts of RAM. The 2018 iPad received 2 GB of RAM, while both iPad Pro models use 4 GB of RAM. This difference is clearly demonstrated in the results of the Geekbench 4 benchmark: in the single-core test, the 10.5-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro scored 3908 and 3903 points, respectively, while the iPad score was 3254 points. According to these figures, the single-core performance of the Pro line is 20% faster than the iPad, although some do not consider this a significant improvement.

In multi-core tests, iPad Pro scores 9287 (12.9-inch version) and 9304 (10.5-inch model). At the same time, the new iPad scored 5857 points - a good result compared to other models in the series. Overall, the iPad Pro performed better by about 58% in the multi-core test.

Based on the results of multi-core and single-core tests, the difference in performance in everyday use of the iPad will not be as noticeable, but when it comes to multitasking or applications that require as much processing power as possible, iPad Pro continues to be the best option.

Cameras and Imaging iPad 2018 and iPad Pro

Since the debut of the 9.7-inch iPad Pro, the lineup has offered improved shooting and imaging capabilities over the iPad. With the release of the iPad 6 (2018) model, the situation has not changed - the tablet received the same cameras as its predecessors. The gadget is equipped with an 8-megapixel main camera without flash, capable of shooting video in 1080p resolution. By comparison, the 10.5-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models have a 12-megapixel camera with support for optical image stabilization, 4K video recording, and True Tone Quad-LED flash. The camera also boasts an extended color gamut for photos and Live Photos, a six-element lens, HDR support, and Focus Pixels technology. In addition, iPad Pro can record slow-motion video at 1080p at 120 fps. or with a resolution of 720p and a frequency of 240 fps. The iPad is capable of shooting video in Slo-Mo mode at 720p resolution and 120 fps.

iPad has a 1.2-megapixel front camera with 720p video recording. The iPad Pro version has more impressive features: a 7-megapixel front camera capable of recording video in 1080p resolution, and support for automatic HDR activation when taking photos.

Speakers, battery, interfaces and colors iPad 2018 and iPad Pro

The 2018 iPad has two stereo speakers located at the bottom of the tablet. In turn, the iPad Pro has 4 stereo speakers located on the top and bottom of the device, which automatically adjust the sound output.

Oddly enough, the new iPad and iPad Pro don't differ much in terms of battery life. The iPad uses a 32.4 Wh battery, the 12.9-inch iPad Pro uses 41 Wh, and the 10.5-inch model uses 30.4 Wh. Despite the difference in battery size and display power consumption, Apple claims that all three models can last up to 10 hours on the Internet over Wi-Fi.

Among other things, iPad Pro is equipped with a Smart Connector that provides two-way communication/power and allows you to connect external accessories to your tablet computer. In a world where Bluetooth keyboards come with their own batteries, this functionality is less useful than one might expect.

For those who care about the appearance of the device, Apple has provided several color options: Grey, Space Grey, Gold. The 10.5-inch version is available in Rose Gold.

1. The display is a rectangle with rounded corners. The diagonal of this rectangle, excluding rounding, is 12.9 inches (for iPad Pro 12.9 inches) and 11 inches (for iPad Pro 11 inches).
2. The amount of available space is less than stated and depends on various factors. The default configuration (including iOS 12 and pre-installed apps) is approximately 10 to 12 GB, depending on the device model and settings. Pre-installed applications take up about 4 GB; they can be deleted and reloaded. The amount of available space may vary depending on the device and software version.
3. Size and weight may vary depending on device configuration and manufacturing process.
4. Battery life may vary depending on settings and how you use your device. More details on the page.
5. To use FaceTime, all users must have a FaceTime-enabled device and be connected to a Wi‑Fi network. Availability of FaceTime over cellular is subject to carrier conditions; data charges may apply.
6. Data plan required. Gigabit Class LTE, 4G LTE Advanced, 4G LTE, and Wi‑Fi calling are not available in all regions or with all carriers. Speed ​​is based on theoretical throughput and may vary depending on local conditions. For details on LTE support, contact your carrier or visit the page.
7. Cellular plan sold separately. The model you purchase is configured for a specific cellular network technology. Contact your carrier for information about your device's support and cellular plan availability.
8. Not all carriers support Apple SIM and eSIM cards. Check with your carrier for details. Not available in mainland China. eSIM is supported on the 11-inch iPad Pro, 12.9-inch iPad Pro (3rd generation), iPad Air (3rd generation), iPad (7th generation), and iPad mini (5th generation). Apple SIM technology is supported on the 9.7-inch iPad Pro, 10.5-inch iPad Pro, iPad (5th and 6th generation), iPad Air 2, iPad mini 3, and iPad mini 4.

The new 9.7-inch iPad and discontinued the iPad Air 2. The novelty became Apple's cheapest tablet, receiving a price tag of $329.

What makes the new iPad different from the iPad Air 2? See below.

Display.

• Both models have a 9.7-inch Retina display
  • However, the new iPad's screen is brighter than the iPad Air 2's.
  • Both models do not support Apple Pencil
  • The display of the new iPad is not laminated

Dimensions

• The new iPad is thicker and heavier than its predecessor
  • The case of the new iPhone is 7.5 mm thicker than the 6.1 mm iPad Air 2
• The weight of the new iPad is 469 grams and 478 grams for Wi-Fi and mobile network versions, respectively.
  • The iPad Air 2 was slightly lighter, weighing 444g for the Wi-Fi version and 478g for the mobile network version.

Chipset and disk space

• If the iPad Air 2 had a triple-core A8X chip, the new iPad got a dual-core A9
  • Despite fewer cores, the new processor is faster than the A8X
  • It's the same chipset as the iPhone 6s
  • It also means that the new iPad is equipped with the Apple M9 co-processor.
• iPad Air 2 was available in three versions: with 16, 64 and 128 gigabytes of memory
  • The new iPad is only available in two trim levels: 32 and 128 GB

Working hours

• While Apple claims both tablets last up to 10 hours on a single charge, the new model has more battery capacity.
  • iPad Air 2 had a 27.62 kWh battery compared to the new model's 32.4
• This should mean that the battery life will be longer than the Air 2.

Price

• Apple cut the price of the iPad Air 2 to $399 last year
  • New iPad starts at $329

More disk space, battery life and performance for less? The new 9.7-inch iPad is superior in almost every way. The increased weight and size may spoil this impression a little, but they are not particularly important.

What do you think of the new 9.7-inch iPad? Are you going to purchase it?

After a thoughtful article on the iPad Air (2019) versus the old iPad Pro 10.5, it's time to look at the new tablet in a different plane. And compare it not with the top-end iPad of the previous generation, but with the basic iPad (2018). This is a relatively simple, but very successful tablet.

Apple iPad Review (2018): Popular tablet

Alexander Pobyvanets

Which one is prettier and more comfortable

Outwardly, they are very similar to each other: the iPad Air (2019) is slightly larger, but it is thinner and lighter than the iPad (2018). Does 1.4mm thick and 13g weight matter? Sure, the new Air feels nicer, but it also costs more.

What's up with the screens

The display sizes differ, but not by much. The iPad Air (2019) has a larger 10.5-inch screen, while the iPad (2018) has a smaller 9.7-inch screen.

The iPad Air (2019) has a higher resolution but has the same dot density as the iPad (2018). This means that you will not feel the difference, and you will not have to complain about the graininess of the Retina display.

But the differences are not only in this. For example, the iPad (2018) has a screen made using older technology: it has an air gap - while the iPad Air (2019) does not. And the image quality is noticeably better and higher, especially if you put the tablets next to each other.

Less glare, more visible data on the screen when viewed from an angle. Plus, support for the P3 color gamut and True Tone technology. Its essence is that, depending on the lighting, the tablet changes the color temperature and selects the optimal value.

Which is more powerful

According to the filling, this is the layout. iPad (2018) received not the newest, but still powerful Apple A10 Fusion processor and 2 GB of RAM. Just like in the iPhone 7. For comparison, the very fresh iPad Air (2019) has an Apple A12 processor. And this is the level of the iPhone XS or XR.

Another thing is that in practice the feeling of using tablets is highly dependent on the tasks. Judging by the stories of acquaintances, few people are involved in editing videos or editing photos in large volumes on a tablet. Therefore, for watching videos on the couch or reading social networks, the performance of the iPad (2018) is enough for the eyes. With games, by the way, there will be no problems either.

Another thing is that tablets are usually bought for a long time and, unlike smartphones, they are used for 4-5 years, and not 1-2 years. Therefore, it makes sense to buy a device more expensive if you plan to use it as a media and entertainment center to the fullest.

Where is more memory

For the iPad (2018), Apple offers 32GB or 128GB of storage, while the iPad Air (2019) gets 64GB or 256GB. In my opinion, living with 32 GB in 2019 is already hard, especially if you plan to play on your tablet or watch videos while downloading movies. Heavy content eats up a lot of space, so life is much more fun with 64 GB.

What about the cameras

In terms of the camera, perhaps the tablets are the same. At least, judging by the characteristics, there are the same 8-megapixel sensors with f / 2.4 aperture and the ability to record video in Full HD.

But the front camera is definitely better in Air (2019): it has a 7-megapixel sensor against the ancient 1.2-megapixel in iPad (2018).

Data protection

There is no Face ID system in “popular” tablets yet: this privilege remains exclusively with the iPad Pro. Therefore, simpler models use the Touch ID scanner. Moreover, the iPad (2018) has a first-generation sensor from the times of the iPhone 5s.

As for the iPad Air (2019), there were no details yet, but given that the tablet is an almost complete copy of the iPad Pro 10.5, then there was already a second-generation scanner. It works faster, so it's more pleasant to use it.

Where the sound is louder

If you look at the specifications, then stereo speakers are announced for both models. How much they differ in sound quality, I can’t say, you need to listen. Another nice feature: both tablets received a 3.5 mm audio jack, unlike the more expensive Pro-series models.

Accessory support

Both tablets work with Apple Pencil. The main thing is not to confuse the stylus! Because now Apple has a first-generation stylus, and now they have a second-generation stylus designed for the iPad Pro. So choose accessories carefully.

The advantage of the iPad Air (2019) is that you can connect a keyboard to it via the Smart Connector and type texts. Therefore, if you plan to use the tablet not only for watching YouTube videos, but also want to work with it, then it makes sense to look towards the iPad Air (2019).

Work on the Internet

A distinctive feature of the iPad Air (2019) is eSIM support. It is possible that the new generation technology will work in Russia very soon. Function, as they say, "in reserve". In any case, you can put the usual SIM-card. You can also put it in the iPad (2018), but it does not know how to work with eSIM.

Almost waited: eSIM will appear in Russia officially

Ilya Kichaev

Also on the side of the iPad Air (2019) is Bluetooth version 5.0 versus 4.2 in the iPad (2018).

What's up with the battery

According to Apple, the results are the same: tablets can withstand up to 9 hours of browsing the Internet on a mobile network, and if you use Wi-Fi, it turns out an hour longer.

The price decides

iPad (2018) costs $329 or 25,414 rubles, while iPad Air (2019) is priced at $499 or 42,990 rubles.

The price, as usual, decides, so if you need a modern and not very expensive iPad, it makes more sense to buy an iPad (2018). Moreover, the difference in price is about 18 thousand rubles. And this, for a moment, is the price of the new iPhone SE.

For the provided Apple iPad (2018) we thank the friendliest gadget store