IPad Pro 12.9 (2020 Vs 2021): Which Should You Buy?

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iPad Pro 12.9" (2020 vs 2021): Which Should You Buy?

So, you're thinking about getting a shiny new iPad Pro 12.9-inch, huh? Awesome choice! But then you're faced with the big question: do you go for the 2020 model or the 2021 beast? Don't sweat it, guys, I'm here to break it down for you in plain English, no tech jargon overload. We'll dive into the nitty-gritty of what makes each iPad Pro tick, so you can confidently decide which one deserves a spot in your tech arsenal. We'll cover everything from processing power and display tech to camera capabilities and battery life. Plus, we'll consider the all-important price factor, because let's face it, these beauties aren't exactly cheap! By the end of this comparison, you'll be armed with all the info you need to make the right decision for your needs and budget. Whether you're a creative pro, a student, or just someone who loves having the latest and greatest tech, this guide will help you choose the perfect iPad Pro for you. So, buckle up and let's get started!

Design and Display: A Visual Feast

Let's kick things off with the visuals! Both the 2020 and 2021 iPad Pro 12.9-inch models sport a sleek, edge-to-edge display that's just begging to be touched. We're talking about a stunning Liquid Retina display that makes everything look vibrant and sharp. But here's where the 2021 model takes things up a notch. It introduces Mini-LED technology, also known as Liquid Retina XDR display. What does that even mean? Well, it means the screen is packed with thousands of tiny LEDs that can be individually controlled. This results in incredible contrast ratios, deeper blacks, and a wider color gamut. Basically, everything looks more realistic and immersive on the 2021 iPad Pro. Imagine watching your favorite movies or editing photos on this thing – the colors will just pop off the screen! The 2020 model, while still fantastic, uses a traditional LED-backlit display. It's bright and colorful, but it doesn't quite reach the same level of visual fidelity as the Mini-LED display on the 2021 version. So, if display quality is a top priority for you, the 2021 iPad Pro definitely has the edge. Both models also feature ProMotion technology, which dynamically adjusts the refresh rate up to 120Hz. This makes scrolling, swiping, and animations feel incredibly smooth and responsive. It's a subtle but noticeable difference that enhances the overall user experience. Size-wise, both iPads are virtually identical. They have the same overall dimensions and weight, so you won't notice a difference in terms of portability. They both also feature a USB-C port for charging and connecting accessories, as well as support for the second-generation Apple Pencil and the Smart Keyboard Folio. In summary, while both iPads offer excellent displays, the 2021 model's Mini-LED technology provides a significant upgrade in terms of contrast, black levels, and color accuracy. If you're a visual professional or simply appreciate the best possible image quality, the 2021 iPad Pro is the clear winner in this category.

Performance: M1 vs A12Z Bionic

Alright, let's talk about what's under the hood! This is where the 2021 iPad Pro truly shines. It's powered by Apple's M1 chip, the same silicon that's found in their latest MacBooks and iMacs. This chip is an absolute beast, offering a massive leap in performance compared to the A12Z Bionic chip in the 2020 iPad Pro. We're talking about significantly faster processing speeds, smoother graphics, and improved overall responsiveness. Whether you're editing 4K videos, playing graphics-intensive games, or running complex simulations, the M1 chip can handle it all with ease. The 2020 iPad Pro, with its A12Z Bionic chip, is still a very capable machine. It can handle most tasks without breaking a sweat, but it simply can't match the raw power of the M1. In real-world use, you'll notice the difference in things like app launch times, multitasking performance, and the speed at which you can render videos or apply filters to photos. The M1 chip also brings significant improvements to machine learning tasks. If you use apps that rely on AI, such as photo editing software or language translation tools, you'll see a noticeable performance boost on the 2021 iPad Pro. Furthermore, the M1 chip is more power-efficient than the A12Z Bionic. This means the 2021 iPad Pro can deliver similar battery life while offering significantly better performance. It's a win-win situation! Both iPads come with a generous amount of RAM, but the 2021 model offers even more, up to 16GB in some configurations. This allows you to keep more apps open in the background and switch between them seamlessly. In conclusion, the M1 chip gives the 2021 iPad Pro a massive performance advantage over the 2020 model. If you're a power user who demands the best possible performance, the 2021 iPad Pro is the obvious choice.

Camera: Capturing Memories

Now, let's talk about the cameras! Both the 2020 and 2021 iPad Pro models feature a dual-lens rear camera system, consisting of a 12MP Wide camera and a 10MP Ultra Wide camera. They also have a LiDAR scanner, which enhances augmented reality (AR) experiences and improves low-light photography. However, there are some key differences between the two models. The 2021 iPad Pro features a new 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage. Center Stage is a feature that automatically pans and zooms the camera to keep you in the frame during video calls. It's incredibly useful for staying connected with friends and family, especially when you're moving around. The 2020 iPad Pro has a 7MP front camera without Center Stage. While it's still decent for video calls, it doesn't offer the same level of convenience and image quality as the 2021 model. In terms of rear camera performance, both iPads are capable of capturing high-quality photos and videos. The LiDAR scanner helps with focusing in low-light conditions and creating more realistic AR experiences. However, the M1 chip in the 2021 iPad Pro enables some computational photography enhancements that aren't available on the 2020 model. These enhancements include Smart HDR 3, which optimizes the dynamic range of your photos, and improved noise reduction in low-light situations. Overall, the camera systems on both iPads are quite similar, but the 2021 model's Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage is a significant advantage for video calls. If you frequently use your iPad for video conferencing, the 2021 model is the better choice. However, if you primarily use the rear cameras for taking photos and videos, the differences between the two models are less pronounced.

Battery Life: Powering Through the Day

Let's move on to battery life! Both the 2020 and 2021 iPad Pro 12.9-inch models offer excellent battery life, allowing you to power through a full day of work or play on a single charge. Apple estimates that both models can last up to 10 hours of web browsing on Wi-Fi or watching videos. In real-world use, battery life will vary depending on your usage patterns. If you're constantly running demanding apps or playing graphics-intensive games, you'll likely see shorter battery life. However, for most users, both iPads should easily last a full day on a single charge. Despite the significant performance improvements offered by the M1 chip, the 2021 iPad Pro manages to maintain similar battery life to the 2020 model. This is due to the M1 chip's improved power efficiency. Both iPads support fast charging via the included USB-C power adapter. This allows you to quickly top up the battery when you're running low on juice. They also support USB-C Power Delivery, which means you can use a compatible USB-C charger to charge other devices, such as your iPhone or AirPods. In summary, battery life is a wash between the two models. Both the 2020 and 2021 iPad Pro offer excellent battery life that should be sufficient for most users.

Price: The All-Important Factor

Okay, let's talk about the elephant in the room: price! The 2021 iPad Pro 12.9-inch is generally more expensive than the 2020 model. However, the exact price difference will depend on the configuration you choose, as well as any discounts or promotions that may be available. Generally, you can find the 2020 iPad Pro at significantly lower prices now, especially on the used or refurbished market. The price difference is a major factor to consider. If you're on a tight budget, the 2020 iPad Pro is still an excellent device that offers a lot of value for the money. It can handle most tasks with ease and has a beautiful display. However, if you're willing to spend a bit more, the 2021 iPad Pro offers significant improvements in terms of performance, display quality, and front camera capabilities. It's also more future-proof, thanks to the M1 chip. When considering the price, it's also important to factor in the cost of accessories, such as the Apple Pencil and the Smart Keyboard Folio. These accessories can significantly enhance your iPad Pro experience, but they also add to the overall cost. In conclusion, the 2020 iPad Pro is the more affordable option, while the 2021 iPad Pro offers more features and performance for a higher price. Consider your budget and your needs carefully when making your decision.

Which iPad Pro Should You Buy?

Alright, guys, let's wrap things up! So, which iPad Pro 12.9-inch should you buy: the 2020 model or the 2021 beast? The answer, as always, depends on your individual needs and budget.

Here's a quick summary to help you decide:

  • Choose the 2020 iPad Pro if:
    • You're on a tight budget.
    • You don't need the absolute best performance.
    • You're not a heavy user of video conferencing.
    • You're happy with a traditional LED-backlit display.
  • Choose the 2021 iPad Pro if:
    • You want the best possible performance.
    • You value display quality above all else.
    • You frequently use video conferencing.
    • You want a more future-proof device.

If you're a creative professional who demands the best possible performance for tasks like video editing, graphic design, and 3D modeling, the 2021 iPad Pro is the clear winner. The M1 chip will significantly speed up your workflow and allow you to tackle more demanding projects. If you're a student or casual user who primarily uses the iPad for browsing the web, watching videos, and taking notes, the 2020 iPad Pro is a great option that will save you some money. It's still a very capable device that can handle most tasks with ease. Ultimately, the best iPad Pro for you is the one that fits your needs and budget. Consider what you'll be using the iPad for and how much you're willing to spend, and then make your decision accordingly. No matter which iPad Pro you choose, you're sure to be happy with your purchase. Both models are excellent devices that offer a premium experience. Happy shopping!