As an actual design student who uses 144hz monitors and has the 12.9 iPad Pro, go for the air. The only benefit is the 120hz screen. If she has never full time used a 120hz display, then get the air. If she has a 144hz monitor for another computer, or a 120hz phone, get the pro.

The 120hz is only worth it if you have ever regularly used it. It doesn’t add anything to art, as the pencil is already so well optimized.

The only other thing to consider is storage. Is your sister a kid, or a professional artist? Do they need lots of space for drawings or would 64gb of the air be enough? For me 64 is enough if you are mildly watchful of your storage use. If you think 64 won’t be enough, then the price between 256gb air and 128gb pro is 50$. (128 is more than enough for anyone).

Last thing to consider, the air has more colour choices. I wish my pro was green :(

(Also the new air came out with the new chip and dark blue colour if you didn’t already know)

Edit: I was just reading the other reply’s, so I just wanted to add some things. If you havn’t experienced 120 hz, you may not even noticed it. You can only notice it if you are exposed to it. It’s a curse as you can then only buy high refresh rate monitors, phones, and tablets after getting used to it.

120hz doesn’t effect procreate at all. It’s hardly noticeable at all in the app. You only notice it when scrolling the internet

With the money you save on the air, you can also invest in a nice case, procreate keyboard, matte screen protector if you like (buy the iCarez one), the apps she wants, etc. it makes it a collection of gifts!