IPad Pro 2020 Vs 2021 (12.9-inch): Which Should You Choose?
Hey guys! So you're probably wondering whether to snag the iPad Pro 12.9-inch from 2020 or go for the newer 2021 model, right? Don't worry; I've got you covered. Let's dive deep into what makes each of these tablets tick so you can make the best choice for your needs. We'll break down everything from performance and display to camera improvements and battery life.
Design and Display: A Visual Feast
Let's kick things off with the design and display because, let's face it, that's the first thing that grabs your attention! The iPad Pro 12.9-inch models from both 2020 and 2021 sport a sleek, modern design that we've all come to love. But there's a significant difference in the display technology that sets them apart. The 2020 model features a traditional LED-backlit Liquid Retina display, which is still fantastic, don't get me wrong. It offers excellent color accuracy, sharpness, and brightness that makes everything from browsing the web to watching videos a joy. The resolution is crisp, and the ProMotion technology, which dynamically adjusts the refresh rate up to 120Hz, ensures smooth scrolling and responsiveness.
Now, the 2021 iPad Pro takes things up a notch with its Liquid Retina XDR display. This is where the magic happens. The XDR stands for Extreme Dynamic Range, and it's not just marketing fluff. This display uses mini-LED technology, packing over 10,000 LEDs behind the screen. What does this mean for you? Incredibly deep blacks, stunning contrast, and a peak brightness that will make your eyes pop. Watching HDR content on this display is a completely different experience. Colors are more vibrant, and the dynamic range is so wide that you'll see details you never noticed before. For creative professionals like photographers and video editors, this is a game-changer. The ability to accurately see and edit HDR content is invaluable.
Both models have the same overall design language: slim bezels, flat edges, and a premium feel. They both support the second-generation Apple Pencil, which magnetically attaches to the side for charging and storage. However, the difference in display technology is a major factor to consider. If you're someone who consumes a lot of visual content or works with HDR media, the 2021 model is worth the upgrade for the superior display quality. If you're on a tighter budget and don't necessarily need the absolute best display, the 2020 model still offers an excellent visual experience.
Performance: M1 vs. A12Z Bionic
Okay, let's talk about what's under the hood because that's where the real power lies! The performance difference between the 2020 and 2021 iPad Pro models is significant, thanks to the chipsets they use. The 2020 iPad Pro is powered by the A12Z Bionic chip, which, at the time, was a beast. It's an eight-core CPU and an eight-core GPU that can handle pretty much anything you throw at it. Multitasking, gaming, video editing – the A12Z chews through it all without breaking a sweat. It's incredibly responsive and efficient, making it a top performer in its class.
However, the 2021 iPad Pro takes things to a whole new level with the M1 chip. This is the same chip that powers Apple's MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac mini, and it brings a massive leap in performance to the iPad Pro. The M1 chip features an eight-core CPU and an eight-core GPU, but it's built on a more advanced architecture that delivers substantially faster performance and improved power efficiency. Apple claims the M1 offers up to 50% faster CPU performance and 40% faster GPU performance compared to the A12Z. And honestly, those numbers aren't just marketing hype; you can feel the difference in everyday use.
With the M1 chip, everything feels snappier and more responsive. Apps launch instantly, multitasking is seamless, and even the most demanding tasks like 4K video editing and 3D rendering are handled with ease. The M1 also brings advanced technologies like the Neural Engine, which accelerates machine learning tasks, making things like image recognition and natural language processing faster and more efficient. For professionals who rely on their iPad Pro for demanding workflows, the M1 chip is a game-changer. It allows you to do things that were simply not possible on previous generations of iPads.
In summary: If you're a power user who needs the absolute best performance for demanding tasks, the 2021 iPad Pro with the M1 chip is the way to go. However, if you're a more casual user or don't need the extra horsepower, the 2020 iPad Pro with the A12Z Bionic chip is still a very capable machine that can handle most tasks with ease.
Camera Improvements: Capturing the Moment
Let's talk about the cameras on these iPads. Both the 2020 and 2021 iPad Pro 12.9-inch models feature a similar camera setup on the rear: a 12MP wide camera and a 10MP ultrawide camera. They also have a LiDAR Scanner, which enhances augmented reality (AR) experiences and improves low-light photography. So, on paper, the rear cameras seem pretty much the same.
The real difference lies in the front-facing camera. The 2020 iPad Pro has a 7MP TrueDepth camera, which is perfectly fine for FaceTime calls and selfies. However, the 2021 iPad Pro gets a major upgrade with a new 12MP ultrawide front camera. This new camera enables a feature called Center Stage, which is a game-changer for video calls. Center Stage uses the ultrawide camera to automatically keep you in the frame, even if you move around. It's incredibly useful for video conferencing, online classes, or just chatting with friends and family. The camera will smoothly pan and zoom to keep you centered, making it feel like you have a personal camera operator.
In terms of image quality, the 12MP front camera on the 2021 model also offers improved clarity and detail compared to the 7MP camera on the 2020 model. Selfies look sharper, and video calls are clearer. While the iPad Pro isn't meant to be your primary photography device, the camera improvements on the 2021 model are definitely noticeable, especially for video calls.
If you frequently use your iPad for video conferencing or online meetings, the Center Stage feature and the improved front camera on the 2021 iPad Pro are worth considering. If you primarily use your iPad for other tasks and rarely use the front camera, the camera differences might not be a deciding factor.
Battery Life: Powering Through the Day
Now, let's discuss battery life because nobody wants their iPad to die in the middle of an important task! Both the 2020 and 2021 iPad Pro 12.9-inch models offer excellent battery life, but there are some subtle differences to consider. Apple claims that both models can last up to 10 hours of web surfing on Wi-Fi or watching video. In real-world usage, those claims hold up pretty well. You can easily get through a full day of work or entertainment on a single charge with either model.
However, the 2021 iPad Pro with the M1 chip is generally more power-efficient than the 2020 model with the A12Z Bionic chip. The M1 chip is designed to deliver better performance with less power consumption, which translates to slightly longer battery life in some scenarios. For example, if you're doing demanding tasks like video editing or gaming, the 2021 model will likely last a bit longer than the 2020 model.
Another factor to consider is the display. The Liquid Retina XDR display on the 2021 iPad Pro is brighter and more vibrant than the display on the 2020 model, which can impact battery life. If you're constantly using the display at maximum brightness, the 2021 model might drain the battery a bit faster. However, in most everyday use cases, the difference in battery life is not significant.
In summary: Both the 2020 and 2021 iPad Pro models offer excellent battery life that should easily get you through a full day of use. The 2021 model with the M1 chip is slightly more power-efficient, but the difference is not substantial enough to be a major deciding factor. Unless you're constantly pushing your iPad to its limits, you'll be happy with the battery life on either model.
Other Features and Considerations
Alright, let's wrap things up by looking at some other features and considerations that might influence your decision. Both the 2020 and 2021 iPad Pro models have a lot in common. They both support the second-generation Apple Pencil, have Face ID for secure authentication, and feature a USB-C port for charging and connecting accessories. They also both have excellent speakers and microphones, making them great for media consumption and communication.
One difference to note is the storage options. The 2020 iPad Pro is available with up to 1TB of storage, while the 2021 iPad Pro goes all the way up to 2TB. If you need a lot of storage for large files, the 2021 model might be a better choice. Another difference is the connectivity. The 2021 iPad Pro supports Thunderbolt / USB 4, which offers faster data transfer speeds and supports more accessories compared to the USB-C port on the 2020 model.
Finally, let's talk about price. The 2020 iPad Pro is generally less expensive than the 2021 model, especially if you buy it used or refurbished. If you're on a tight budget, the 2020 model is still a great option that offers excellent performance and features. However, if you want the absolute best and are willing to pay a premium, the 2021 iPad Pro is the way to go.
In Conclusion:
So, which iPad Pro 12.9-inch should you choose? It really depends on your needs and budget. If you want the best possible display, performance, and features, and you're willing to pay for it, the 2021 iPad Pro with the M1 chip is the clear winner. However, if you're on a tighter budget, the 2020 iPad Pro is still an excellent tablet that offers great performance and features at a lower price. Ultimately, the best choice depends on what you value most in a tablet.