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A14 vs A12z bionic

Ipad air A14 vs Ipad pro 12z bionic chip which one is more future proof or longer life cycle for apple software support.does 4gb vs 6 gb ram give any any advantage in terms of the reason stated above?

iPad Pro 11-inch Wi-Fi, Cellular

Posted on Feb 12, 2021 11:22 PM

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Posted on Feb 13, 2021 12:54 AM

You are clearly comparing the new iPad Air and current iPad Pro models.


The iPad Air4 does have the most recent A14 processor - which, on the basis of published specifications and synthetic benchmark figures, may be slightly more powerful on paper. The A12Z of the iPad Pro remains an advanced powerhouse with more CPU cores. In reality, speaking personally, I wouldn’t use this alone as the basis of an objective comparison; the principal benefit of the A14 (7nm) CPU is that of improved power efficiency. If you intend to use the iPad for serious work, such as image processing or video editing, then additional RAM of the iPad Pro (with A12Z) is important.


The principal differences between the current iPad Pro models over the new fourth generation iPad Air are:

  • greater screen screen size with 120Hz refresh and up to 20% greater brightness
  • four audio speakers - L/R adaptive for screen orientation (iPad Air has only two speakers on the bottom edge)
  • enhanced camera and sensor array - includes Lidar sensor
  • FaceID (iPad Air4 is TouchID)
  • 6GB RAM (the iPad Air4 has only 4GB)


Whether the major additional features/specifications (as bulleted above) justify the additional cost, is a decision that only you can make. If you are looking for the device with the greatest flexibility and features, then the iPad Pro is perhaps the better choice.


Obviously, the A14 CPU is the current generation 7nm technology that we are likely to see in the next refresh of iPad Pro, but until new models are announced, nobody outside of Apple can confirm this. As for longevity, at this time A12Z/A14 are current; absolute support life of any model of iPad is typically 4-6 years.


A newer generation CPU is no guarantee of a longer support life. Ultimately, support by newer OS versions is determined by ability to support specific features.


13 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Feb 13, 2021 12:54 AM in response to psmini4

You are clearly comparing the new iPad Air and current iPad Pro models.


The iPad Air4 does have the most recent A14 processor - which, on the basis of published specifications and synthetic benchmark figures, may be slightly more powerful on paper. The A12Z of the iPad Pro remains an advanced powerhouse with more CPU cores. In reality, speaking personally, I wouldn’t use this alone as the basis of an objective comparison; the principal benefit of the A14 (7nm) CPU is that of improved power efficiency. If you intend to use the iPad for serious work, such as image processing or video editing, then additional RAM of the iPad Pro (with A12Z) is important.


The principal differences between the current iPad Pro models over the new fourth generation iPad Air are:

  • greater screen screen size with 120Hz refresh and up to 20% greater brightness
  • four audio speakers - L/R adaptive for screen orientation (iPad Air has only two speakers on the bottom edge)
  • enhanced camera and sensor array - includes Lidar sensor
  • FaceID (iPad Air4 is TouchID)
  • 6GB RAM (the iPad Air4 has only 4GB)


Whether the major additional features/specifications (as bulleted above) justify the additional cost, is a decision that only you can make. If you are looking for the device with the greatest flexibility and features, then the iPad Pro is perhaps the better choice.


Obviously, the A14 CPU is the current generation 7nm technology that we are likely to see in the next refresh of iPad Pro, but until new models are announced, nobody outside of Apple can confirm this. As for longevity, at this time A12Z/A14 are current; absolute support life of any model of iPad is typically 4-6 years.


A newer generation CPU is no guarantee of a longer support life. Ultimately, support by newer OS versions is determined by ability to support specific features.


Feb 14, 2021 10:30 AM in response to psmini4

I’m unaware of a similar analysis of the iPad Air4 display. I feel that you favour - and are looking to justify - the Air4 to yourself.


Whether you choose the “flagship” iPad Pro, or the considerably cheaper iPad Air4, you will have a stunning and capable iPad. The Pro is the superior device in every aspect - but every review that I have seen suggests that the Air4 comes a close second.


Whilst we cannot speculate as to what may (or may not) be around the corner, the next “refresh” of the model line-up will no doubt bring changes - and if you read the technical press, may bring something new to the “Pro” lineup.

Feb 13, 2021 5:43 AM in response to psmini4

The absolute lifecycle is impossible to predict with certainty. The suggested four to six years is based purely upon previous models.


The iPad Air2 currently holds the record - at over six years (at time of writing 6 years and 3 months) of active support:



Whilst the iPad Air1, mini2 and mini3 have reached the end of mainstream support in September 2019, these models have since continued to receive “point” security/feature updates.

Feb 13, 2021 10:59 AM in response to psmini4

It’s impossible for me to answer which of the two devices is the best for you - as only you will have any idea as to how you intend to use the iPad.


However, for me, the iPad Pro is hands-down the best choice for my own usage. The much superior screen and 6GB RAM configuration is, for me, the clincher. My current iPad Pro with 4GB RAM, whilst adequate, would benefit from the additional 2GB RAM. As is, I experience memory management issues with computationally intensive multitasking.


Whilst I personally have little interest in the Pro’s camera array, the orientation adaptive speaker system is desirable - and something that I would be unwilling to lose at my next device refresh.


Feb 13, 2021 9:44 PM in response to LotusPilot

hhttps://laptopmedia.com/review/apple-ipad-pro-11-2020-review-is-it-time-to-start-talking-about-laptop-replacements/

LotusPilot I came across this link which gives detailed analysis of ipad pro 11"2020 display.

I haven't found one for ipad air 4 2020. If you know the details of the same please do share and if you know any site where I find this for ipad air 4 2020 it would be really helpful.

Thanks.

Ps

Feb 14, 2021 10:38 AM in response to LotusPilot

LotusPilot I'm not justifying ipad air 4 being on par or superior to ipad pro 11 2020 .I know ipad pro 11 is pro for a reason.I just want to get most detailed and clear picture of the two devices before purchasing one.since the money we are shelling off on these devices is pretty huge and I intend to use it for a couple of years ,so I want to make sure I buy the best value for money which ticks all boxes for me.

Feb 14, 2021 10:45 AM in response to psmini4

Fully understood - and not in debate.


I cannot in all honesty steer you in one direction or other. For my own needs, the choice of model is obvious; my needs almost certainly differ from your own.


In context of the display specifications alone, the iPad Pro has a wider colour gamut, supports higher brightness - and has a faster refresh rate. If these parameters are not important to you, perhaps choose the significantly cheaper Air4.


As I attempted to indicate, whichever you choose, you’ll have an excellent tablet computer.


- LP

A14 vs A12z bionic

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