IPad Pro 12.9 (2020) Vs (2021): What's The Difference?

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iPad Pro 12.9" (2020) vs (2021): What's the Difference?

Hey everyone! Let's dive into a comparison of the iPad Pro 12.9-inch models from 2020 and 2021. If you're wondering whether to upgrade or which one to buy, you've come to the right place. We'll break down the key differences, discuss performance, display quality, and more.

Design and Display: A Visual Delight

When it comes to design and display, both the 2020 and 2021 iPad Pro 12.9-inch models share a similar aesthetic. You'll find the same sleek aluminum enclosure, narrow bezels, and overall premium feel that Apple is known for. However, the 2021 model introduces a significant upgrade in display technology. The 2020 iPad Pro features a stunning Liquid Retina display, which offers excellent color accuracy, brightness, and wide color gamut support. It's a fantastic display for creative tasks, watching videos, and general use.

Now, let's talk about the 2021 iPad Pro. This model boasts a Liquid Retina XDR display, which incorporates mini-LED technology. What does this mean for you? Dramatically improved contrast ratio, higher peak brightness, and more vibrant colors. The mini-LEDs allow for more precise control over backlighting, resulting in deeper blacks and brighter highlights. This makes a huge difference when viewing HDR content, editing photos and videos, or simply enjoying your favorite movies. The 2021 iPad Pro's display is a true visual treat.

Another key difference is the thickness. The 2021 model is slightly thicker (by about 0.5mm) to accommodate the mini-LED display. While this difference is barely noticeable, it's worth mentioning. Both models support ProMotion technology, which dynamically adjusts the display's refresh rate up to 120Hz for smoother scrolling and more responsive input. If you're a visual professional or someone who appreciates the best possible display quality, the 2021 iPad Pro with its Liquid Retina XDR display is the clear winner. The upgraded display brings a noticeable improvement in overall viewing experience, making it a worthwhile upgrade for those who prioritize visual fidelity.

Performance: M1 vs A12Z Bionic

When it comes to performance, the 2020 and 2021 iPad Pro models represent a significant leap forward. The 2020 iPad Pro is powered by the A12Z Bionic chip, which delivers impressive performance for a wide range of tasks. It handles multitasking, gaming, and creative applications with ease. The A12Z Bionic chip also features an 8-core GPU, providing excellent graphics performance for demanding games and graphics-intensive applications.

However, the 2021 iPad Pro takes performance to a whole new level with the introduction of the Apple M1 chip. This is the same chip that powers Apple's MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac mini. The M1 chip is a system on a chip (SoC) that integrates the CPU, GPU, and other components onto a single chip, resulting in significant performance gains and improved power efficiency. The M1 chip in the 2021 iPad Pro offers up to 50% faster CPU performance and up to 40% faster GPU performance compared to the A12Z Bionic chip in the 2020 model. This translates to snappier responsiveness, faster app loading times, and smoother multitasking.

The M1 chip also brings significant improvements to machine learning performance, thanks to its 16-core Neural Engine. This allows for faster and more efficient processing of machine learning tasks, such as image recognition and natural language processing. If you're a professional who relies on demanding applications like video editing, 3D modeling, or complex data analysis, the 2021 iPad Pro with the M1 chip is the clear choice. The performance gains are substantial and will significantly improve your workflow. The M1 chip also offers better power efficiency, which can lead to longer battery life, especially during intensive tasks.

Camera and Connectivity: Capturing and Connecting

In terms of camera and connectivity, both the 2020 and 2021 iPad Pro 12.9-inch models offer impressive features. The 2020 iPad Pro features a dual-camera system on the rear, consisting of a 12MP wide camera and a 10MP ultrawide camera. It also includes a LiDAR scanner, which enhances augmented reality (AR) experiences and improves low-light photography. The front-facing camera is a 7MP TrueDepth camera, which supports Face ID for secure authentication.

The 2021 iPad Pro retains the same dual-camera system and LiDAR scanner as the 2020 model. However, it introduces a significant upgrade to the front-facing camera. The 2021 model features a 12MP ultrawide front camera with Center Stage. Center Stage is a new feature that automatically adjusts the camera to keep you in the frame during video calls, even if you move around. This is a fantastic feature for video conferencing and online meetings.

In terms of connectivity, both models support Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0. However, the 2021 iPad Pro also offers optional 5G connectivity, allowing for faster download and upload speeds when you're on the go. This is a significant advantage for those who need to stay connected and productive while traveling. The 2021 iPad Pro also features a Thunderbolt / USB 4 port, which offers faster data transfer speeds and supports more accessories compared to the USB-C port on the 2020 model. If you rely heavily on video calls or need the fastest possible connectivity speeds, the 2021 iPad Pro is the better choice. The upgraded front camera with Center Stage and the optional 5G connectivity make it a more versatile device for communication and productivity.

Other Features and Considerations

Beyond the key differences in display, performance, and camera, there are a few other features and considerations to keep in mind when comparing the 2020 and 2021 iPad Pro 12.9-inch models. Both models support the second-generation Apple Pencil, which magnetically attaches to the side of the iPad for charging and storage. The Apple Pencil is a fantastic tool for note-taking, sketching, and creative tasks.

Both models also support the Smart Keyboard Folio and Magic Keyboard, which transform the iPad into a laptop-like device. The Magic Keyboard features a built-in trackpad, providing a more precise and intuitive input experience. The 2021 iPad Pro is available in the same storage options as the 2020 model, ranging from 128GB to 2TB. However, the 2021 model offers more RAM. Models with 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB of storage have 8GB of RAM, while models with 1TB or 2TB of storage have 16GB of RAM. More RAM can improve multitasking performance and allow you to work with larger files.

The price is also a significant factor to consider. The 2021 iPad Pro is generally more expensive than the 2020 model, especially if you opt for the 5G connectivity and larger storage options. However, the performance gains and display improvements may justify the higher price for some users. Before making a decision, consider your budget and how you plan to use the iPad. If you're on a tight budget and don't need the latest and greatest features, the 2020 iPad Pro is still a great option. However, if you're a professional who demands the best possible performance and display quality, the 2021 iPad Pro is worth the investment.

Conclusion: Which iPad Pro is Right for You?

So, which iPad Pro 12.9-inch model is the right choice for you? It really depends on your needs and budget. If you're looking for the best possible display quality and performance, the 2021 iPad Pro with the M1 chip and Liquid Retina XDR display is the clear winner. The performance gains are substantial, and the display is a true visual treat. However, if you're on a tighter budget and don't need the latest and greatest features, the 2020 iPad Pro is still a fantastic option. It offers excellent performance, a beautiful display, and all the features you need for most tasks.

Here's a quick summary to help you decide:

  • Choose the 2020 iPad Pro if:
    • You're on a budget.
    • You don't need the absolute best performance.
    • You're happy with a still amazing Liquid Retina display.
  • Choose the 2021 iPad Pro if:
    • You want the best possible display quality (Liquid Retina XDR).
    • You need the fastest performance (M1 chip).
    • You want the Center Stage feature for video calls.
    • You want optional 5G connectivity.

Ultimately, both the 2020 and 2021 iPad Pro 12.9-inch models are fantastic devices. Consider your needs and budget carefully, and choose the one that's right for you. Happy shopping!