9.7-Inch iPad Pro vs. iPad Air 2: Specs, Design, and Price Comparison
Apple unveiled a new iPad along with its newest flagship phone during its "Let Us Loop You In" event on Monday. The latest iPad is called the 9.7-inch iPad Pro. Here's how it compares with the iPad Air 2.
Design and specifications
The new iPad and the iPad Air 2 have identical measurements and weight. They both measure 9.4 inches x 6.6 inches x0.24 inch and weigh roughly 400 grams.
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They also sport the same 9.7-inch Retina display with 2,048 x 1,536 resolution at 264 ppi. However, the new iPad features a new technology Apple calls "True Tone Display," which makes the 9.7-inch iPad Pro 25 percent brighter, have 25 percent greater color saturation, and 40 percent less reflective than the iPad Air 2. In essence, True Tone Display adjusts the screen depending on the light from the environment to make it easy on the user's eyes.
The smaller iPad Pro's updated cameras include a 12 MP back shooter with 4K video support and a 5 MP front shooter. The new device, like the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, supports Live Photos. Meanwhile, the iPad Air only has an 8 MP rear camera with f/2 aperture, HDR, and Panorama support.
Under the hood, the latest iPad is powered by the A9X with M9 coprocessor, while the iPad Air 2 uses the A8X chip with M8 coprocessor. The difference in processors used allow the iPad Pro to support "Hey Siri" voice commands. It will have iOS 9.3 out of the box, while the iPad Air 2 might get the new OS later.
The new iPad Pro also officially supports a new line of accessories including a keyboard and pencil. It will also feature four speakers that supposedly provide twice the audio volume of the iPad Air 2.
Pricing and availability
Apple offers the new iPad in Silver, Gold, Space Gray, and the new Rose Gold colors. Its 32 GB model costs $599, it's 128 GB model costs $749, and its 256 GB model, the largest so far on any iOS device, costs $899. Pre-orders start on March 24 with shipping scheduled to begin on March 31.
Meanwhile, the iPad Air is available in Silver, Gold, and Space Gray color options only. It's also limited to two models. The 16 GB variant costs $399 and the 64 GB variant costs $499.
Basically, both iPads feature the same display but the 9.7-inch iPad Pro comes with some new upgrades and the Rose Gold color variant that some users might find attractive. Apple is calling the 9.7-inch iPad Pro as "the ultimate PC replacement" and targets Windows users. It's reportedly Apple's answer to Microsoft's Surface Pro 4.
