For digital artists using Procreate, choosing the right iPad can significantly influence the quality and enjoyment of their creative process. Two of Apple’s most popular tablets—the iPad Air and the iPad Pro—offer powerful hardware, excellent displays, and full compatibility with the Apple Pencil. However, a key differentiator between them is the 120Hz ProMotion display found exclusively on the iPad Pro. This raises an important question: Is the 120Hz screen refresh rate truly essential for drawing in Procreate?
The answer isn’t simply yes or no. It depends on your artistic workflow, sensitivity to motion fluidity, budget constraints, and long-term creative goals. To make an informed decision, it's crucial to understand how refresh rate impacts drawing performance, what other differences exist between these devices, and whether the premium price of the iPad Pro translates into meaningful benefits for artists.
Understanding Refresh Rate and Its Role in Digital Drawing
Refresh rate refers to how many times per second a screen updates its image, measured in hertz (Hz). A 60Hz display refreshes 60 times per second; a 120Hz display does so twice as fast. In practical terms, higher refresh rates result in smoother animations, reduced motion blur, and more responsive touch interactions.
When drawing with the Apple Pencil, especially in apps like Procreate that prioritize low latency, the refresh rate plays a critical role in how naturally your strokes appear on screen. The faster the screen updates, the more accurately it can reflect the movement of your hand in real time. This is particularly noticeable during fast brushwork, intricate detailing, or when using pressure-sensitive brushes that react dynamically to stroke speed.
Apple’s ProMotion technology not only delivers 120Hz refresh but also intelligently adjusts the rate based on content, conserving battery without sacrificing performance. More importantly, ProMotion works in tandem with Apple Pencil’s ultra-low latency (as low as 9ms), creating a near-instantaneous connection between stylus and screen.
Comparing iPad Air and iPad Pro: Key Differences That Matter for Artists
At first glance, the iPad Air and iPad Pro may seem nearly identical—same screen sizes (10.9” and 11”/12.9”), support for Apple Pencil (2nd generation) and Magic Keyboard, and powered by Apple’s latest chips. But deeper inspection reveals distinctions that affect artistic performance.
| Feature | iPad Air (5th Gen) | iPad Pro (M2, 11\") |
|---|---|---|
| Display Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz (ProMotion) |
| Chip | M1 | M2 |
| Screen Technology | Liquid Retina LCD | Liquid Retina XDR (12.9”) / LED (11”) |
| Four-Speaker Audio | No | Yes |
| Face ID Orientation | Landscape Only | Landscape & Portrait |
| Center Stage Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Starting Price (11”) | $599 | $799 |
The most significant difference for Procreate users is the absence of ProMotion on the iPad Air. While both devices handle complex illustrations and large canvases well thanks to the M-series chips, the iPad Pro’s 120Hz display provides a perceptibly smoother drawing experience. This becomes apparent when using textured brushes, zooming while drawing, or working with animation timelines.
Additionally, the 12.9-inch iPad Pro features a mini-LED XDR display with superior contrast, brightness, and HDR capabilities—ideal for color-critical work such as concept art, illustration for print, or digital painting requiring precise tonal gradation.
“Once you’ve drawn on a 120Hz display, going back to 60Hz feels like stepping from silk to sandpaper. It’s not just about speed—it’s about continuity of motion.” — Lena Torres, professional digital illustrator and Procreate educator
Real-World Impact: Does 120Hz Actually Improve Art Quality?
While technical specs are important, what matters most is how they translate into actual drawing performance. Many users report that the 120Hz refresh rate doesn’t necessarily improve the final artwork itself—but it dramatically enhances the *process* of creation.
In high-speed sketching, such as gesture drawing or storyboarding, the iPad Pro’s display keeps up seamlessly with rapid strokes. Lines appear instantly and consistently, reducing visual lag that can disrupt rhythm. For fine linework or cross-hatching, the increased feedback precision allows for greater control, especially when zoomed in.
A mini case study illustrates this: Maya, a freelance comic artist, upgraded from an iPad Air (4th gen) to an 11-inch iPad Pro. She noticed immediate improvements in her inking workflow. “Before, I’d sometimes lift my pencil and see a tiny tail at the end of a line—a micro-delay,” she explained. “Now, every stroke ends exactly where I intend. It’s subtle, but after a full page, those tiny delays add up to fatigue. Now I draw longer without strain.”
Another benefit lies in palm rejection and touch accuracy. Although both iPads use the same Apple Pencil 2 technology, the combination of faster screen polling and improved sensor synchronization on the Pro reduces accidental touches and jitter during prolonged sessions.
When 60Hz Is Perfectly Adequate
That said, the iPad Air remains a highly capable device for Procreate. Most casual and even semi-professional artists will find its 60Hz display perfectly functional. If your work involves deliberate, slower strokes—such as portrait rendering, flat coloring, or logo design—the difference in refresh rate may go unnoticed.
Moreover, Procreate is optimized to minimize latency even on 60Hz screens. With features like Predictive Stroke and GPU-accelerated rendering, the app compensates for hardware limitations, delivering a responsive experience across all compatible devices.
Performance Beyond Refresh Rate: Chip, RAM, and Multitasking
The iPad Pro’s M2 chip offers marginal gains over the iPad Air’s M1—around 15% faster CPU and 35% faster GPU performance. While this sounds impressive, real-world impact in Procreate is limited unless you’re working with extremely large canvases (8K+), multiple high-layer files, or complex brush sets.
More consequential is the iPad Pro’s support for up to 16GB of unified memory (on higher storage models), compared to the Air’s fixed 8GB. This allows smoother multitasking between Procreate, reference browsers, communication apps, and video tutorials—especially useful for illustrators managing multiple projects.
If you frequently export time-lapse videos, use advanced blending modes, or animate frame-by-frame in Procreate Dreams, the extra headroom provided by the M2 and increased RAM can reduce crashes and improve export times.
Future-Proofing Your Creative Toolset
Artists investing in a new iPad today should consider longevity. Software demands increase over time. What runs smoothly now may become sluggish in three to four years. The iPad Pro, with its superior display, processing power, and extended support cycle, is better positioned to remain effective as Procreate and iOS evolve.
Apple has historically provided longer software updates for iPad Pro models, often extending beyond five years. Given that many professionals use their iPads daily for client work, durability and update reliability are critical.
Cost-Benefit Analysis: Is the iPad Pro Worth the Extra $200–$400?
The iPad Air starts at $599, while the base 11-inch iPad Pro begins at $799. Add an Apple Pencil ($129) and keyboard ($249), and the total investment grows quickly. For budget-conscious creators, the Air offers exceptional value.
- Choose iPad Air if: You're a student, hobbyist, or part-time artist who values affordability and doesn’t require ultra-smooth stroke response.
- Choose iPad Pro if: You create professionally, work under tight deadlines, or demand the highest level of precision and fluidity in your drawing experience.
Consider this checklist before making your purchase:
✅ Procreate iPad Decision Checklist
- Do you draw quickly or use dynamic brush techniques? → iPad Pro preferred
- Do you work on large canvases (over 4K resolution)? → iPad Pro recommended
- Is your budget under $700 including accessories? → iPad Air ideal
- Will this be your primary creative tool for the next 4+ years? → Lean toward iPad Pro
- Do you care deeply about color accuracy and screen brightness? → iPad Pro (especially 12.9” XDR model)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you tell the difference between 60Hz and 120Hz in Procreate?
Yes, especially during fast strokes or zoomed-in detailing. The 120Hz screen feels more fluid and responsive. However, the difference is subtle and may not be noticeable to all users, particularly those accustomed to traditional media or lower-refresh-rate devices.
Does Procreate officially recommend the iPad Pro over the iPad Air?
No. Procreate supports both devices equally and functions flawlessly on the iPad Air. The developers emphasize optimization across all compatible iPads, ensuring that core features perform reliably regardless of refresh rate.
Will Apple add 120Hz to future iPad Air models?
Rumors suggest Apple may eventually bring ProMotion to the Air line, possibly with a redesigned model. However, as of 2024, there’s no official indication. Historically, ProMotion has been reserved for Pro-tier devices to maintain product differentiation.
Final Verdict: Balancing Performance, Budget, and Artistic Needs
The 120Hz refresh rate on the iPad Pro is not strictly essential for using Procreate effectively. Thousands of stunning artworks have been created on 60Hz iPads, including the iPad Air. The app’s optimization ensures a responsive, enjoyable experience across the board.
However, for artists who prioritize tactile precision, fluid motion, and long-term investment, the iPad Pro’s ProMotion display offers a tangible upgrade. It reduces cognitive load during intense drawing sessions, minimizes visual lag, and enhances overall comfort—factors that compound over hours of daily use.
Ultimately, the choice comes down to your personal threshold for performance. If you’ve never used a 120Hz device, try one in-store. Draw a few quick lines with the Apple Pencil. Compare it side-by-side with the iPad Air. Your hand—and eyes—may reveal what specs alone cannot: whether that extra smoothness is worth the cost.
For beginners and intermediate users, the iPad Air remains the smartest entry point. For professionals, educators, and serious enthusiasts, the iPad Pro justifies its premium with a drawing experience that feels less like using a tool and more like extending your hand.
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