IPad Pro 2018 Vs 2020: 12.9-inch Comparison

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into a head-to-head comparison of two absolute titans in the tablet world: the 2018 iPad Pro 12.9 inch and the 2020 iPad Pro 12.9 inch. If you're trying to decide whether to upgrade, or if you're just curious about the differences, you've come to the right place. Let's get started and break down everything you need to know!

Design and Display: What's the Difference?

When it comes to design, both the 2018 iPad Pro 12.9 and the 2020 iPad Pro 12.9 share a similar sleek and modern aesthetic. Apple really nailed the design language with these models, featuring slim bezels and an edge-to-edge display that screams premium. But let's dig a bit deeper because there are some subtle differences that might sway your decision. First off, both models sport a stunning 12.9-inch Liquid Retina display with ProMotion technology, which means you're getting a buttery smooth 120Hz refresh rate. This makes scrolling, gaming, and even just navigating the interface feel incredibly fluid and responsive. The displays are also incredibly bright and color-accurate, making them perfect for creative tasks like photo editing and graphic design. You'll be hard-pressed to find a better-looking screen on any tablet. Now, let’s talk about the nitty-gritty. The 2018 model has a slightly different design with the antenna lines being a bit more visible, especially on the cellular models. The 2020 version refines this a bit, making the antenna lines less noticeable. It's a minor detail, but for those who appreciate a seamless look, it’s worth noting. Another key difference is the camera bump. The 2018 iPad Pro has a single-lens camera, keeping the back relatively flush. The 2020 model, however, introduces a new dual-camera system along with a LiDAR scanner, which creates a more prominent camera bump. This might be a concern if you prefer your iPad to lay perfectly flat on a surface. Despite these differences, both iPads are incredibly well-built, featuring a premium aluminum unibody design. They feel solid and substantial in hand, and you can tell Apple didn't skimp on the materials. Both also use USB-C ports, which is fantastic for compatibility with a wide range of accessories and peripherals. So, in summary, while the core design language remains consistent, the 2020 iPad Pro brings a few refinements to the table, particularly with its camera system and subtle tweaks to the antenna lines. If you’re all about the latest and greatest, the 2020 model might edge out the 2018 version in this category. But honestly, both iPads are stunning devices that you’ll be proud to own. The display on both is top-notch, making them a joy to use for everything from watching videos to creating digital art. It really boils down to whether the camera improvements and minor aesthetic tweaks are worth the upgrade for you. Keep reading as we dive into the performance, cameras, and more!

Performance: A Chip Off the Old Block vs. New Kid on the Block

Let's get into the heart of the matter: performance. When we talk about the 2018 iPad Pro 12.9 and the 2020 iPad Pro 12.9, we're essentially comparing the A12X Bionic chip against the A12Z Bionic chip. Now, both of these chips are absolute powerhouses, but there are some key differences that can impact your day-to-day usage and long-term satisfaction. The A12X Bionic chip in the 2018 iPad Pro was a game-changer when it was released. It offered a massive leap in performance compared to previous iPad models, and it could handle pretty much anything you threw at it. From graphic-intensive games to video editing and 3D modeling, the A12X made the 2018 iPad Pro a true powerhouse for creative professionals and power users alike. It’s still incredibly capable today, and you'd be hard-pressed to find many tasks that it can't handle with ease. On the other hand, the A12Z Bionic chip in the 2020 iPad Pro takes things up a notch. While it's not a generational leap like the A12X was, it does offer some significant improvements, particularly in the graphics department. The A12Z features an eight-core GPU, compared to the seven-core GPU in the A12X, which translates to better performance in graphically intensive tasks. This is especially noticeable in games and apps that really push the GPU to its limits. In real-world usage, you might not notice a huge difference between the two chips for everyday tasks like browsing the web, checking email, or streaming videos. Both iPads are incredibly fast and responsive. However, if you're a heavy user who frequently works with demanding apps or plays high-end games, the A12Z in the 2020 iPad Pro will give you a bit more headroom and ensure smoother performance over the long run. Another thing to consider is the RAM. The 2018 iPad Pro comes with either 4GB or 6GB of RAM, depending on the storage configuration. The 2020 iPad Pro, on the other hand, bumps this up to 6GB of RAM across all models. While 4GB of RAM is still sufficient for most tasks, having 6GB can make a difference when multitasking or working with large files. It allows you to keep more apps open in the background without experiencing slowdowns, which can be a real productivity booster. So, which iPad Pro comes out on top in the performance department? Well, the 2020 iPad Pro definitely has the edge with its A12Z Bionic chip and 6GB of RAM. However, the 2018 iPad Pro is by no means a slouch. It’s still an incredibly powerful tablet that can handle the vast majority of tasks with ease. If you're on a tight budget, the 2018 model is still a fantastic option that won't leave you feeling shortchanged in terms of performance. But, if you want the absolute best performance possible and plan on pushing your iPad to its limits, the 2020 model is the way to go. Let's move on and talk about the cameras and those fancy new features on the 2020 iPad Pro!

Cameras and LiDAR Scanner: Capturing the World Around You

Alright, let’s talk cameras! This is one area where the 2020 iPad Pro 12.9 really shines compared to the 2018 iPad Pro 12.9. While both iPads have capable cameras, the 2020 model brings some significant upgrades to the table, most notably the addition of a LiDAR scanner. Let's break it down. The 2018 iPad Pro features a single 12-megapixel rear camera, which is perfectly fine for taking quick snapshots and scanning documents. It’s not going to rival a dedicated camera or even the latest iPhones, but it gets the job done for most casual users. The image quality is decent, with good detail and color reproduction in well-lit conditions. However, low-light performance is where it starts to struggle a bit. Now, the 2020 iPad Pro takes things to a whole new level with its dual-camera system. It includes a 12-megapixel wide lens and a 10-megapixel ultrawide lens, giving you more flexibility in terms of framing your shots. The ultrawide lens is especially useful for capturing landscapes, group photos, or anything where you need to fit more into the frame. The image quality on the 2020 iPad Pro is noticeably better than the 2018 model, with improved detail, dynamic range, and low-light performance. But the real star of the show on the 2020 iPad Pro is the LiDAR scanner. This little sensor uses lasers to measure the distance to objects in the environment, creating a depth map of the scene. This has several benefits, particularly for augmented reality (AR) applications. With the LiDAR scanner, AR experiences are much more realistic and immersive. The iPad can accurately place virtual objects in the real world, and they'll interact with the environment in a believable way. For example, you can use AR apps to preview furniture in your home, play AR games that blend the virtual and real worlds, or even use the iPad as a virtual measuring tape. The LiDAR scanner also improves the camera's autofocus performance, especially in low-light conditions. It allows the iPad to focus quickly and accurately, even when there's not much light available. This results in sharper photos and videos, and it's a noticeable improvement over the 2018 model. Both iPads have a 7-megapixel front-facing camera, which is fine for video calls and selfies. However, the 2020 iPad Pro's front camera benefits from the image processing improvements brought by the A12Z Bionic chip, resulting in slightly better image quality. So, if photography and AR are important to you, the 2020 iPad Pro is the clear winner here. The dual-camera system and LiDAR scanner make a significant difference in terms of versatility and image quality. The 2018 iPad Pro's camera is still capable, but it can't compete with the advancements in the 2020 model. Let's keep rolling and chat about battery life, accessories, and the overall value proposition of these two fantastic tablets!

Battery Life, Accessories, and Value: The Final Verdict

Okay, guys, we're nearing the finish line! Let’s wrap things up by talking about battery life, accessories, and the all-important question of value. When it comes to battery life, both the 2018 iPad Pro 12.9 and the 2020 iPad Pro 12.9 deliver excellent performance. Apple advertises up to 10 hours of battery life for both models, and in real-world usage, this holds up pretty well. You can easily get through a full day of work or school on a single charge, even with moderate to heavy use. Of course, battery life will vary depending on what you're doing. If you're streaming videos, playing games, or using demanding apps, you'll likely see the battery drain faster. But for typical tasks like browsing the web, checking email, and working on documents, you can expect to get a solid 8-10 hours of usage. Both iPads charge via USB-C, which is a welcome change from the Lightning port used on previous iPad models. This means you can use the same charger for your iPad, MacBook, and other USB-C devices, which is super convenient. Speaking of accessories, both the 2018 and 2020 iPad Pro models support the second-generation Apple Pencil and the Smart Keyboard Folio. The Apple Pencil is a must-have for creative professionals and anyone who enjoys taking handwritten notes or sketching. It attaches magnetically to the side of the iPad for charging and storage, and it offers incredibly precise and responsive performance. The Smart Keyboard Folio is also a great accessory for turning your iPad into a productivity powerhouse. It attaches magnetically and provides a comfortable typing experience, making it much easier to write emails, documents, and more. One thing to note is that the 2020 iPad Pro introduced the Magic Keyboard, which is a step up from the Smart Keyboard Folio. The Magic Keyboard features a scissor-switch mechanism for a more tactile typing experience, as well as a built-in trackpad. This makes the iPad Pro feel even more like a laptop, and it's a great option for those who want to maximize their productivity. The Magic Keyboard is compatible with both the 2018 and 2020 iPad Pro models, so you can use it with either device. Now, let's talk about value. This is where things get a bit tricky. The 2018 iPad Pro is typically available at a lower price than the 2020 iPad Pro, especially on the used market. If you're on a tight budget, the 2018 model is still an excellent option that offers a ton of value for the money. It's incredibly powerful, has a beautiful display, and supports all the same accessories as the 2020 model. However, if you're willing to spend a bit more, the 2020 iPad Pro offers some key improvements that might be worth the extra cost. The A12Z Bionic chip provides a slight performance boost, the dual-camera system and LiDAR scanner are fantastic for photography and AR, and the 6GB of RAM ensures smoother multitasking. Ultimately, the best iPad Pro for you will depend on your individual needs and budget. If you're a creative professional who needs the absolute best performance and camera capabilities, the 2020 model is the way to go. But if you're looking for a more affordable option that still offers excellent performance, the 2018 iPad Pro is a fantastic choice. So, there you have it, guys! A comprehensive comparison of the 2018 iPad Pro 12.9 and the 2020 iPad Pro 12.9. I hope this has helped you make a more informed decision. Happy shopping!