Knowing which type of Apple iPad to purchase for law school can be confusing. We get many students writing in asking whether they need the iPad pro or the iPad air. Often times, students don’t even know the difference between the different iPad pro vs iPad Air models.
So, let’s break down the differences between the iPad Pro and the iPad Air. For those looking for a quick answer, we recommend the iPad Air for law school in the battle between iPad Pro vs. iPad Air.
We tested and compared the pro vs iPad air in six different categories. When thinking about whether you want an iPad Air or an iPad Pro, think about the features that are most important to you. Do you care about touch id or would you rather have face id? Are rear cameras important to you? Would you consider yourself one of the casual users or do you care about features such as slo mo video support?
Feature Comparison of iPad Pro v. iPad Air
| Category | iPad Pro | iPad Air | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Check Amazon | Check Amazon | iPad Air |
| Design | 0.2mm thicker | More colors | Tie |
| Display | 120 Hz | 60 Hz | iPad Pro |
| Features | face id | touch id | iPad Pro |
| Performance | Faster 5G | less storage | Tie |
| Value | larger screen | affordable | iPad Air |
Price – iPad Air more affordable
The iPad Air can cost approximately $450-$500 (check price) for the base 64 GB model. Additionally, the iPad Air also comes in a 256GB model for approximately $599. The iPad Pro starts around $799 for the 128GB 11 inch iPad Pro (check price). Our recommendation would be to save the money by buying the more affordable iPad Air and using the savings on an Apple pencil to accompany your tablet.
Design – Tie between Pro v. iPad Air
The design of the iPad Pro vs iPad Air are almost the same same. Minor differences include an improved camera on the back in the iPad Pro. Additionally, the iPad Pro is 0.2mm thicker. However, the iPad Air has more color options such as pink, blue, and purple. iPad Pro only comes in silver and space gray.
Display – Advantage 11 inch iPad Pro
The iPad Pro has a 120hz frame rate compared to 60hz on the iPad Air. This means the iPad Pro is more fluid, especially when using with the Apple Pencil. The iPad Pro has better max brightness clocking in at 600 nits v 500 nits for the iPad Air. The iPad Air display size is smaller at 10.9 inches compared to the 11 inch pro.
Features – Winner iPad Pro
iPad Pro includes a number of additional features. For example, the iPad Pro has face id.iPad Air only has touch id with the fingerprint reader on the power button. iPad Pro has front-facing portrait mode and me-mojis. The iPad Pro has thunderbolt connectivity. The iPad Air has usb c-port 3.1. iPad Pro has a lidar scanner on the rear camera. Additionally, the iPad Pro has flash on the rear camera. There are improved speakers on the iPad Pro.
Performance – Tie between iPad Pro vs iPad Air
iPad Pro pro has faster 5G. iPad Pro includes more storage options all the way up to 2 TB. Both the iPad Pro and the iPad Air have comparable battery life. The battery life for web surfing on each is about 10 hours using wifi. The battery life is about 9 hours using cell signal in cellular models.
Value – Apple iPad Air
It is only worth spending more money for the 12.9 inch iPad rather than the 11 inch iPad Pro because not the 12.9 inch size is available on the iPad Air model. Otherwise, for law school performance the iPad pro vs iPad air is a tie and the extra cost is not justified.
Conclusion – iPad Pro vs iPad Air for Law Students
Although both the iPad Air and the iPad Pro are great devices for law students, the iPad Air wins for law students. Each works with smart keyboard folio. They both support a usb c port. Each of the iPad Air and the iPad Pro are compatible with second generation Apple Pencil and apple watch. Each model supports wi fi cellular connectivity. Law students will enjoy making video calls, attending online class, and taking their notes with the Apple Pencil.
For law students the key is paying the least to get the most benefit. Because most users in law school will use their device for note-taking, the iPad Air vs the iPad Pro decision goes to iPad Air. Law students may use an Apple pencil on their device but the likely won’t be performing serious photo processing. For that reason, the iPad Air is more than sufficient for a law student’s needs.
If you truly want the additional screen size, larger memory, improved camera lens, and four speaker audio then go with the iPad Pro. But, the vast majority of law students would be better off saving the money and getting the iPad Air. That is why we recommend the iPad Air when considering the Apple iPad pro vs iPad Air.
Frequently Asked Questions
Only get the 12.9 inch iPad pro if you want the extra screen size. For law school purposes, you won’t need extra memory that may come with the 12.9 inch over the 11 inch iPad pro. Instead, the 11 inch iPad pro will have all the capabilities you need and more. Thus, the only justification for the bigger iPad Pro is the additional size to view the liquid retina display in its full glory when watching video.
The iPad pro comes in space gray or silver. If you want different colors such as purple, pink, or blue you will have to buy the iPad air. Most users will never see the color because it will be in the case.
Both the 11 inch iPad pro and the 12.9 inch iPad pro include new features related to the rear camera. The advanced wide and ultra wide cameras include lidar scanner to allow for studio quality pictures and videos. With expanded storage options above the entry level iPad, you can store tons of HDR content on your iPad.