IPad Air 2020 Vs IPad Pro 2018: Which Should You Buy?

Choosing between the iPad Air 2020 and the iPad Pro 2018 can be a tough call, especially since both offer a compelling blend of features and performance. Guys, it really boils down to what you need and what you value most in a tablet. Let’s dive into a detailed comparison to help you make the right decision. We'll cover everything from display quality and processing power to design, features, and, of course, price. By the end of this article, you'll have a clear understanding of which iPad suits your lifestyle and workflow.

Display and Design

When we talk about display, the iPad Air 2020 features a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone technology. This means you get vibrant colors and adaptive brightness that adjusts to your surroundings, making it easy on the eyes. The screen is fully laminated, reducing reflections and enhancing the viewing experience. The iPad Pro 2018, on the other hand, boasts a 11-inch or 12.9-inch Liquid Retina display with ProMotion technology. ProMotion is the game-changer here, offering a 120Hz refresh rate that makes scrolling and animations incredibly smooth and responsive. This is especially noticeable if you're using the Apple Pencil or playing fast-paced games.

In terms of design, the iPad Air 2020 sports a modern, all-screen design with slim bezels and comes in a range of cool colors like Sky Blue, Green, and Rose Gold. It's lightweight and easy to hold, making it perfect for on-the-go use. The iPad Pro 2018 also features an all-screen design but with a more professional, minimalist aesthetic. It has flat edges and a sleek look that feels premium. Both iPads use USB-C, which is great for compatibility with other devices and accessories. The iPad Pro also has Face ID for secure and convenient unlocking, while the iPad Air uses Touch ID integrated into the power button.

So, which one wins? If you prioritize a vibrant display with adaptive brightness and a pop of color, the iPad Air is a solid choice. But if you crave that buttery-smooth 120Hz refresh rate and the added security of Face ID, the iPad Pro 2018 is the way to go. Keep in mind the iPad Pro also comes in a larger 12.9-inch size, which might be better for those who need more screen real estate for creative tasks or multitasking.

Performance and Specs

Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of performance. The iPad Air 2020 is powered by Apple's A14 Bionic chip, which is seriously fast. It handles everything from streaming videos and browsing the web to playing graphics-intensive games and editing photos with ease. The A14 chip is incredibly efficient, offering a great balance of power and battery life. You'll notice apps launch quickly, multitasking is seamless, and overall, the iPad Air feels snappy and responsive. This makes it a fantastic choice for students, professionals, and anyone who needs a reliable and capable tablet for everyday tasks.

The iPad Pro 2018 features the A12X Bionic chip, which, despite being from 2018, still packs a punch. The A12X is designed for pro-level tasks like video editing, 3D modeling, and running complex simulations. It has more GPU cores than the A14, giving it an edge in graphics-intensive applications. While the A14 in the iPad Air is no slouch, the A12X in the iPad Pro offers more raw power for demanding workflows. The iPad Pro also comes with more RAM (4GB or 6GB, depending on the storage configuration), which can help with multitasking and handling large files.

When it comes to storage, both iPads offer various options. The iPad Air 2020 comes in 64GB and 256GB configurations, while the iPad Pro 2018 offers 64GB, 256GB, 512GB, and even 1TB options. If you plan on storing a lot of large files, like videos or high-resolution photos, or if you want to future-proof your purchase, the iPad Pro might be the better choice. In short, the iPad Air 2020 is great for everyday performance, but the iPad Pro 2018 is still a powerhouse for pro-level tasks. If you're a creative professional or someone who needs the extra horsepower, the iPad Pro remains a compelling option.

Features and Accessories

Okay, let's talk about the cool features and accessories that set these iPads apart. The iPad Air 2020 is compatible with the 2nd generation Apple Pencil and the Magic Keyboard. The Apple Pencil is perfect for note-taking, sketching, and creative work, while the Magic Keyboard transforms the iPad Air into a capable laptop replacement. The Smart Keyboard Folio is another great option for typing and protecting the screen. The iPad Air also has excellent speakers and a decent front-facing camera for video calls.

The iPad Pro 2018 also supports the 2nd generation Apple Pencil and the Magic Keyboard. However, it takes things a step further with features like ProMotion technology, which enhances the Apple Pencil experience by reducing latency and making writing and drawing feel more natural. The iPad Pro also has a more advanced camera system with a 12MP Wide camera and a 10MP Ultra Wide camera, as well as a LiDAR Scanner for augmented reality experiences. The LiDAR Scanner measures the distance to objects around you, enabling more realistic and immersive AR apps. The iPad Pro also has four speakers, providing a richer and more immersive audio experience compared to the iPad Air.

Another notable feature of the iPad Pro is Face ID, which allows you to unlock your iPad and authenticate purchases with just a glance. Face ID is secure and convenient, and it works seamlessly in both portrait and landscape orientations. The iPad Air, on the other hand, uses Touch ID integrated into the power button. Both are great, but Face ID feels a bit more futuristic. So, if you're looking for advanced features like ProMotion, a more versatile camera system, LiDAR Scanner, and Face ID, the iPad Pro 2018 has the edge. But if you're happy with a great Apple Pencil experience, a good keyboard, and Touch ID, the iPad Air 2020 is a fantastic choice.

Battery Life and Price

Now, let's get down to battery life and price, two crucial factors when making a purchase decision. The iPad Air 2020 offers excellent battery life, typically lasting around 10 hours on a single charge with mixed usage. This means you can easily get through a full day of work or school without needing to plug in. The iPad Pro 2018 also provides similar battery life, hovering around the 10-hour mark. Both iPads support USB-C charging, which is convenient and relatively fast. Keep in mind that battery life can vary depending on your usage patterns, such as screen brightness, the types of apps you're using, and network connectivity.

Price is where things get interesting. When it was released, the iPad Pro 2018 was positioned as a premium device with a higher price tag compared to the iPad Air. However, since it's an older model, you might find it at a discounted price now, especially on the used or refurbished market. The iPad Air 2020 is typically more affordable than a new iPad Pro, making it a great value for the features it offers. Keep an eye out for deals and promotions, as prices can fluctuate. Ultimately, the best way to determine which iPad offers the best value is to compare the current prices and consider your budget and needs. If you can find a used iPad Pro 2018 at a significantly lower price than a new iPad Air 2020, it might be worth considering, especially if you need the extra power and features. But if you're looking for a new device with a modern design and a more budget-friendly price, the iPad Air 2020 is an excellent choice.

Final Verdict: Which iPad Should You Buy?

Okay, guys, let's wrap this up and give you the final verdict. Choosing between the iPad Air 2020 and the iPad Pro 2018 really depends on your specific needs and priorities. If you're looking for a tablet that offers a great balance of performance, features, and price, the iPad Air 2020 is an excellent choice. It's perfect for students, professionals, and anyone who needs a reliable and capable device for everyday tasks like browsing the web, streaming videos, taking notes, and light creative work. The A14 Bionic chip provides plenty of power, the display is vibrant and easy on the eyes, and the design is sleek and modern.

On the other hand, if you need a tablet for more demanding tasks like video editing, 3D modeling, or running complex simulations, the iPad Pro 2018 is still a strong contender. The A12X Bionic chip offers more raw power, and features like ProMotion, a more advanced camera system, and Face ID add extra value. However, keep in mind that the iPad Pro 2018 is an older model, so you might want to consider whether the discounted price justifies the older technology. If you can find it at a significantly lower price than a new iPad Air 2020, it might be worth considering, especially if you need the extra horsepower and features.

Ultimately, the best way to make a decision is to weigh the pros and cons of each iPad and consider your budget and needs. Think about how you plan to use the tablet and which features are most important to you. If you're still unsure, head to a local electronics store and try out both iPads in person. This will give you a better feel for the design, display, and performance of each device and help you make the right choice. Happy shopping!