Apple iPad Air 13 5G (2026) vs Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2022): Which One Should You Buy?

These two are too close to call on BeastScore — the right choice depends on what matters to you.

Head-to-head
Comparing 2 devicesSwipe ⇄
Apple

Apple iPad Air 13 5G (2026)

Apple iPad Air 13 5G (2026)
87/ 100
Launch pricePrice on request
Apple

Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2022)

Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2022)
87/ 100
Launch pricePrice on request
Head-to-head

Too close to call: 0 of 5 categories each

Here's exactly where each phone is stronger.

Apple iPad Air 13 5G (2026)
Apple iPad Air 13 5G (2026)
0 wins
Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2022)
Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2022)
0 wins
At a glance

Bigger shape = better phone.

SpeedCameraBatteryDisplayValue
Apple iPad Air 13 5G (2026)Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2022)
Category winners

Scores out of 100. How we score

  • SpeedTie
    86
    86
  • CameraTie
    80
    80
  • VideoNot enough data
  • SelfieNot enough data
  • BatteryTie
    95
    95
  • DisplayTie
    94
    94
  • ConnectivityNot enough data
  • SecurityNot enough data
  • ValueTie
    85
    85
Key differences
  • Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2022) has the bigger battery10,758 mAh vs 9,705 mAh
  • Apple iPad Air 13 5G (2026) has the bigger screen13" vs 12.9"
  • Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2022) has more RAM16 GB vs 12 GB
See all specs ↓

Why buy each phone

Swipe ⇄
Reasons to buy Apple iPad Air 13 5G (2026)
  • ✓13" display at 120 Hz
Reasons to buy Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2022)
  • ✓Bigger 10,758 mAh battery (+1,053 mAh)
  • ✓12.9" display at 120 Hz

Full specifications

Swipe ⇄
SpecificationApple iPad Air 13 5G (2026)Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2022)
1. Display & Screen
Screen typeAMOLEDAMOLED
Screen Size13"12.9"
Resolution & DensityFHD+ / LTPO AMOLED FHD+ / LTPO AMOLED
Refresh Rate120 Hz ProMotion120 Hz ProMotion
BrightnessN/AN/A
Screen ProtectionNot listedNot listed
2. Platform & Performance
Chipset / ProcessorApple M4 Apple M2
CPU CoresNot listedNot listed
GPU GraphicsNot listedNot listed
Operating SystemiOS iOS
3. Memory & Storage
RAM Memory12 GB LPDDR16 GB LPDDR
Internal Storage1024 GB2048 GB
Storage SpeedNot listedNot listed
Card SlotNoNo
4. Main Camera Optics
Primary Cameraundefined MP, Triple Camera Systemundefined MP, Triple Camera System
Telephoto ZoomNone (digital zoom only)None (digital zoom only)
Ultrawide CameraN/AN/A
LiDAR / DepthNoneNone
5. Video
Main Camera Video
Not listed
Not listed
Front Video
Not listed
Not listed
6. Selfie Camera
Selfie Lensundefined MPundefined MP
7. Body & Dimensions
DimensionsN/AN/A
WeightN/AN/A
Build MaterialsNot listedNot listed
SIM TypeNot listedNot listed
Water ResistanceNot listedNot listed
8. Battery & Charging
Battery Capacity9,705 mAh10,758 mAh
Wired Fast ChargingFast chargingFast charging
Wireless ChargingNot listedNot listed
Reverse ChargingNot listedNot listed
9. Sound & Audio
LoudspeakerNot listedNot listed
3.5mm Headphone JackNoNo
10. Connectivity
Wi-Fi StandardNot listedNot listed
BluetoothNot listedNot listed
USB Port & SpeedNot listedNot listed
NFCYesYes
11. Sensors & Security
SensorsNot listedNot listed
Satellite FeaturesNot listedNot listed
12. Colors & Overview
ColorsNot listedNot listed
Launch PricePrice on requestPrice on request
Our verdict

Apple iPad Air 13 5G (2026) and Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2022) are evenly matched

It's a close call. Pick the Apple iPad Air 13 5G (2026) for its bigger screen (13" vs 12.9"), or the Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2022) for its bigger battery (10,758 mAh vs 9,705 mAh) and more RAM (16 GB vs 12 GB).

Buy Apple iPad Air 13 5G (2026) if you want

Reliable all-round performance.

Buy Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2022) if you want

Larger battery: 10,758 mAh vs 9,705 mAh · More RAM: 16 GB vs 12 GB

Common questions

Which is better: Apple iPad Air 13 5G (2026) or Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2022)?

It's a close call. Pick the Apple iPad Air 13 5G (2026) for its bigger screen (13" vs 12.9"), or the Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2022) for its bigger battery (10,758 mAh vs 9,705 mAh) and more RAM (16 GB vs 12 GB). BeastScore: Apple iPad Air 13 5G (2026) 87.4/100, Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2022) 87.4/100.

What are the main battery and display differences between Apple iPad Air 13 5G (2026) and Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2022)?

Apple iPad Air 13 5G (2026) has a 13-inch display and 9705 mAh battery. Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2022) has a 12.9-inch display and 10758 mAh battery.

How do Apple iPad Air 13 5G (2026) and Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2022) compare for speed?

Apple iPad Air 13 5G (2026) scores 86/100 for performance; Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2022) scores 86/100.

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