IPad Pro 12.9 (2020) Vs (2021): Which Is Best?

by Admin 48 views
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2020) vs (2021): Which is Best?

So, you're thinking about getting a new iPad Pro, huh? Specifically, the massive, gorgeous 12.9-inch model? Awesome! But now you're stuck wondering whether to go for the 2020 version or the shiny new 2021 edition. Don't worry, guys! I get it. It's a tough call. Both are fantastic tablets, but there are some key differences that could make or break your decision. Let's dive deep and figure out which iPad Pro 12.9-inch is the real winner for you.

Display: The Mini-LED Revolution

Okay, let's get straight to the biggest and most obvious difference: the display. The 2021 iPad Pro 12.9-inch boasts a Liquid Retina XDR display with Mini-LED technology. What does that even mean, you ask? Well, imagine the already stunning display of the 2020 model, but with even better contrast, brightness, and color accuracy. Mini-LEDs are tiny, like, really tiny, LEDs packed tightly behind the display. This allows for more precise control over the backlight, resulting in deeper blacks, brighter highlights, and an overall more vibrant and realistic picture. We're talking a peak brightness of 1600 nits for HDR content, compared to the 600 nits of the 2020 model. That's a HUGE jump! The blacks are closer to OLED levels of black and the colors pop out more thanks to the increase in brightness.

For creatives, this is a game-changer. If you're a photographer, video editor, or graphic designer, the accuracy and dynamic range of the 2021 display will allow you to see your work in a whole new light (pun intended!). You'll be able to make more precise edits and get a better sense of how your content will look on other displays. The increased brightness is also a huge plus for outdoor use. No more struggling to see your screen in bright sunlight! The superior quality of the display makes a big difference for those who are consuming media as well. Playing video games will be more immersive and enjoyable. The 2020 iPad Pro has a great display, with a 120Hz refresh rate, P3 wide color gamut coverage, and True Tone. But the 2021 iPad Pro is in a different league altogether.

Performance: M1 Takes the Crown

Next up, let's talk about performance. The 2020 iPad Pro is powered by Apple's A12Z Bionic chip, which was already incredibly fast and powerful. But the 2021 iPad Pro kicks things up a notch with the M1 chip. Yes, the same M1 chip that's found in the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac mini. This is a significant upgrade. The M1 chip offers a massive leap in CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine performance. We're talking up to 50% faster CPU performance and 40% faster GPU performance compared to the A12Z. This translates to snappier multitasking, smoother graphics, and faster processing for demanding tasks like video editing and 3D rendering. So, if you're a power user who pushes your iPad to the limit, the M1 chip in the 2021 iPad Pro is a must-have. Even simple tasks will get done faster and you will be able to experience much faster overall response times.

The Neural Engine in the M1 chip is also significantly more powerful than the one in the A12Z. This allows for faster and more accurate machine learning tasks, such as object recognition and image processing. If you use apps that rely heavily on machine learning, you'll definitely see a performance boost on the 2021 iPad Pro. And let's not forget about memory. The 2021 iPad Pro can be configured with up to 16GB of RAM, compared to the 6GB of RAM in the 2020 model. This extra RAM allows you to run more apps simultaneously and work with larger files without experiencing any slowdowns. The improvements to the hardware provide an increase to the speed of the software. Users will be able to see the performance improvements through quicker load times and snappier response times.

Connectivity: Thunderbolt is Here!

Another key difference between the two models is connectivity. The 2021 iPad Pro features a Thunderbolt / USB 4 port, while the 2020 model has a standard USB-C port. Thunderbolt offers much faster data transfer speeds and allows you to connect to a wider range of peripherals, such as external displays, storage devices, and audio interfaces. This is a huge advantage for professionals who need to move large files quickly or connect to high-end accessories. For example, you could connect the iPad Pro to a high-resolution external display and use it as a secondary monitor for video editing or graphic design. Or, you could connect to a fast external SSD and transfer large video files in a matter of seconds.

The addition of Thunderbolt future-proofs the 2021 iPad Pro. As more and more accessories and peripherals adopt the Thunderbolt standard, you'll be able to take full advantage of them with your iPad. The USB-C port on the 2020 iPad Pro is still perfectly capable, but it's simply not as versatile or as fast as Thunderbolt. This will also allow users to transfer data at up to 40Gbps, double the rate of the previous generation. For professional video editors, this will be a necessity as they work with larger files.

Camera: Center Stage Steals the Show

While both iPads have excellent camera systems, the 2021 iPad Pro introduces a new feature called Center Stage. This feature uses the ultra-wide front camera and machine learning to automatically keep you in the frame during video calls. As you move around, the camera will digitally pan and zoom to keep you centered. This is incredibly useful for video conferencing, online classes, and creating engaging video content. Center Stage is like having a personal camera operator who's always making sure you look your best. Even if you are moving around the room, the camera will always be on you.

The 2020 iPad Pro has a great front-facing camera, but it lacks the Center Stage feature. If you're someone who does a lot of video calls or creates a lot of video content, Center Stage is a feature that you'll quickly come to appreciate. It just makes the whole experience more seamless and professional. The rear camera is also the same, with a 12MP Wide and 10MP Ultra Wide camera, and a LiDAR Scanner. Both generations have the same great camera system. The front camera, however, is vastly different thanks to the addition of Center Stage.

Design and Other Features

In terms of design, both the 2020 and 2021 iPad Pro 12.9-inch models are virtually identical. They both have the same sleek and modern aesthetic, with slim bezels and a flat-edged design. They're also both made from premium materials, such as aluminum and glass. The dimensions are also very similar, though the 2021 model is slightly thicker to accommodate the Mini-LED display. However, the difference is so minimal that you're unlikely to notice it. The weight is also pretty much the same. They both have the same screen size, and the same number of speakers.

Both models also support the second-generation Apple Pencil and the Magic Keyboard. Other features that are shared include Face ID, Wi-Fi 6, and all-day battery life. So, in terms of design and other features, there's not much to differentiate the two models. They are both premium devices that offer a fantastic user experience. The biggest difference between the two models is the screen, and the processor that powers the device.

Price: Paying for the Premium

Of course, all these upgrades come at a price. The 2021 iPad Pro 12.9-inch is more expensive than the 2020 model. The exact price difference will vary depending on the configuration, but you can expect to pay a few hundred dollars more for the newer model. Is it worth the extra money? That depends on your needs and budget. If you're a professional who demands the best possible performance and display quality, then the 2021 iPad Pro is definitely worth the investment. However, if you're a more casual user who primarily uses your iPad for browsing the web, watching videos, and playing games, then the 2020 model might be a better value.

Also, it is worth noting that the 2020 models can be found at a discount now that the 2021 models have been released. Check on the used market to see if you can find a good deal on the 2020 version. These devices have been out for a few years now, so they have depreciated in value and you may be able to find a steal. However, make sure that the device is in good condition before purchasing. Check for any scratches or dents, and make sure that all of the features are working properly.

Which iPad Pro Should You Buy?

So, after all that, which iPad Pro 12.9-inch should you buy? Here's a quick summary to help you decide:

Buy the 2021 iPad Pro if:

  • You're a creative professional who needs the best possible display quality and performance.
  • You want the fastest possible data transfer speeds with Thunderbolt.
  • You do a lot of video calls and want the Center Stage feature.
  • You are able to maximize all the performance benefits of the new chip.

Buy the 2020 iPad Pro if:

  • You're on a budget and don't need the latest and greatest features.
  • You primarily use your iPad for casual tasks like browsing the web and watching videos.
  • The features that the 2021 provides does not seem worth the extra cost for you.

Ultimately, the best iPad Pro for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. Both models are fantastic tablets that offer a premium user experience. Consider your budget, your workflow, and the features that are most important to you, and then make your decision accordingly. No matter which one you choose, you're sure to be happy with your purchase! Good luck! Hopefully, you find what you are looking for.