IPad Pro Showdown: 2017 Vs. 2015 - Which Reigns Supreme?

Hey guys! So, you're looking at getting an iPad Pro, and you're trying to figure out which one is the best fit for you? Awesome! You've got two main contenders: the iPad Pro 2017 and the iPad Pro 2015. Both are amazing tablets, but there are some key differences that could make or break your decision. We're going to dive deep into a comparison, exploring the design, display, performance, and features of each. By the end, you'll know exactly which iPad Pro is the champion for your needs. Ready to rumble? Let's get started!

Design and Build Quality: A Tale of Two iPads

When you first lay eyes on these iPads, the design and build quality are going to be some of the first things you notice. The 2015 model, while still sleek, is starting to show its age a bit. It features a design that’s very similar to older iPads, with thicker bezels surrounding the display. This isn't necessarily a bad thing – it’s still an attractive tablet – but it feels a bit less modern compared to what we're used to nowadays. The materials are top-notch, though. You're getting that premium feel that Apple is known for, with a solid aluminum unibody construction that feels great in your hands. It's built to last, no doubt about it.

Fast forward to the iPad Pro 2017, and you’ll see some subtle but important changes. While the overall aesthetic remains consistent with Apple’s design language, the 2017 model refines the look. The bezels are a bit thinner, giving you a slightly larger display in a similar footprint. This makes the screen feel more immersive. You might not notice it right away, but the effect is there. The corners are also a little more rounded, giving it a more comfortable feel. The build quality remains superb, with that same premium aluminum construction. Apple clearly didn't skimp on materials. Both iPads feel incredibly well-built, giving you the confidence that they can handle everyday bumps and bruises. One thing to consider is the color options. While both models offer the standard space gray, silver, and gold, the availability of certain colors might vary depending on the specific model and where you're buying. For example, some older models might be harder to find in certain finishes. Overall, the design difference is evolutionary rather than revolutionary. The 2017 model simply refines what was already a great design in the 2015 version. If you're someone who really cares about having the absolute latest in design, the 2017 model might have the edge. But, honestly, both are beautiful tablets.

What about the feel in your hand? Both iPads are relatively thin and light for their size, making them easy to carry around. The weight difference is minimal, so you're not going to notice a huge difference when holding them. The placement of the buttons and ports is consistent across both models, so you won’t have to relearn any of the basic functions if you’re upgrading from a previous iPad. Both iPads also feature the iconic Apple logo on the back, instantly recognizable to anyone. They're both designed to impress, and they do. The choice here comes down to subtle preferences: Do you prefer slightly thinner bezels, or do you value the tried-and-true design of the 2015 model? Ultimately, both the iPad Pro 2017 and the iPad Pro 2015 offer a premium design experience. You won't be disappointed with either one.

Display: Seeing is Believing

Alright, let’s talk about the screens! The display is arguably the most important part of a tablet, right? After all, you’re staring at it all day. Both the iPad Pro 2017 and the iPad Pro 2015 boast beautiful displays, but there are some significant differences here. The 2015 model features a stunning Retina display, as we expect from Apple. It's sharp, bright, and vibrant, making everything from browsing the web to watching movies a pleasure. The color accuracy is excellent, and the viewing angles are wide, so you can share the screen with friends or family without any issues. It's a fantastic display, no doubt about it. The screen size depends on the model you choose, as both the 2015 and 2017 iPads came in 9.7-inch and 12.9-inch versions, so it is your personal preferences on which one you need. The resolution is also great. You'll have no problem with clarity, no matter what you're doing.

Now, let's look at the iPad Pro 2017. This is where things get really interesting. The 2017 model introduced a feature called ProMotion. What is ProMotion? It's basically a technology that allows the display to refresh at up to 120Hz. What does that mean for you? Well, it means everything feels incredibly smooth. Scrolling is buttery, animations are fluid, and the overall experience feels much more responsive. It's the difference between driving a car with a good engine and one with a really good engine. You might not notice it immediately, but once you experience ProMotion, it’s hard to go back. It's that good. ProMotion also dynamically adjusts the refresh rate depending on what you’re doing to save battery life. So, when you're just reading text, it can drop the refresh rate to save power. But when you need that smooth scrolling, it's ready to go. The 2017 model also offers an improved brightness compared to the 2015 model, making it easier to see the screen in direct sunlight. Colors are also slightly improved, with a wider color gamut for more accurate and vibrant images. The 2017 model also supports True Tone technology, which automatically adjusts the display’s color temperature to match the ambient lighting in your environment. This means the screen looks more natural and easier on your eyes. So, the screen on the iPad Pro 2017 is a significant upgrade. It's not just about the numbers; it's about the experience. The ProMotion display makes a real difference in everyday use, especially if you spend a lot of time reading, browsing, or using creative apps. If you value a smoother and more responsive display, the 2017 model is the clear winner here.

When we compare, both the models offer a great viewing experience, but the iPad Pro 2017’s display simply pulls ahead. The ProMotion technology is a game-changer.

Performance: Power Under the Hood

Let’s get into the heart of the matter: Performance! How do these iPads handle the demanding tasks we throw at them? The iPad Pro 2015 is powered by the A9X chip, which was a powerhouse in its day. It’s still a capable processor, handling most tasks with ease. You can browse the web, play games, edit photos, and run multiple apps without any major issues. It provides a smooth and responsive experience for everyday use. Multitasking is generally good. You can switch between apps and work on multiple things at once without much lag. The graphics performance is also solid. Games look great and run smoothly. The A9X chip is optimized for power efficiency, so it doesn't drain the battery too quickly. It's a reliable chip, and for basic tasks, it still holds up very well.

Now, let's talk about the iPad Pro 2017. This model features the A10X Fusion chip, which is a significant step up from the A9X. This chip offers a substantial performance boost in both CPU and GPU performance. This means faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and even better graphics performance. Everything feels snappier and more responsive. Apps launch almost instantly, and switching between apps is seamless. Graphics-intensive games run smoother and look more detailed. If you're a heavy user who often works with demanding applications, like video editing or graphic design, the 2017 model will be a lifesaver. It’s also important to consider the RAM. The iPad Pro 2017 typically comes with more RAM than the 2015 model. This helps with multitasking and keeping more apps running in the background. The A10X Fusion chip is also more power-efficient than the A9X, meaning that the iPad Pro 2017 can offer slightly better battery life, even with its more powerful performance. One area where the 2017 model shines is in its ability to handle more demanding tasks, such as editing 4K video or working with large, complex projects in creative apps. If you're a creative professional or a power user, the performance boost of the 2017 model is well worth it.

If you want the absolute best performance, the iPad Pro 2017 is the clear choice. If you don't need all that power, the 2015 model still delivers a good experience.

Features: What Else Do They Offer?

Alright, let's look at the features that set these iPads apart. Both the iPad Pro 2015 and the iPad Pro 2017 support the first-generation Apple Pencil. This is a crucial feature for anyone who wants to use their iPad for drawing, note-taking, or other creative tasks. The Apple Pencil offers a fantastic writing and drawing experience. It’s pressure-sensitive and has low latency, making it feel very natural. The connection process is simple. Both iPads also have smart keyboard support, making them very versatile. You can connect a Smart Keyboard to turn the iPad into a productivity machine, turning them into mini laptops. The smart keyboards attach magnetically, making them easy to set up and use. The keyboards are also well-designed and comfortable to type on. The speakers on both models are excellent. They both feature stereo speakers, which provide immersive audio for watching movies or playing games. The sound quality is clear and balanced. There is a headphone jack on the 2015 models, which is something some people may be looking for. The 2017 models have better cameras. The rear camera on the 2017 model is a significant improvement over the 2015 model, offering better image quality in various lighting conditions. They both have great front-facing cameras for video calls. The 2017 model supports faster Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. These improvements can lead to a more responsive and reliable connection.

When we compare, both have great features, but the iPad Pro 2017 offers some advantages, like the upgraded camera and the updated features.

Battery Life: Keeping You Powered Up

How about the battery life? Both the iPad Pro 2015 and the iPad Pro 2017 offer solid battery life. You can expect to get a full day of use out of either model, depending on how you use it. For casual use, like browsing the web, checking email, and watching videos, you'll get several hours of battery life. The 2017 model's slightly more efficient processor and display technology might give it a slight edge in some cases. However, the difference isn't huge. The type of usage has a major impact on battery life. If you're constantly playing graphic-intensive games or editing videos, you'll drain the battery faster. The brightness settings will also affect the battery life. Keeping the screen brightness at a moderate level will help extend the battery life. Both the iPads charge via Lightning. The charging time depends on the charger you use. Using a fast charger will get you back up to full power much faster. Overall, both iPads have reliable battery life. You shouldn't have any major problems with either model. So, there is not a big difference between them.

Which iPad Pro Should You Choose?

So, which iPad Pro should you choose? Let’s break it down:

• Choose the iPad Pro 2015 if: You're on a budget. You still want a great tablet experience. You don't need the absolute latest features or performance. You need the headphone jack. The 2015 model offers excellent value for the money. You can often find it at a significantly lower price than the 2017 model, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. It's still a capable device that will meet the needs of many users. The design is still stylish, and the display is great. The performance is more than adequate for everyday tasks. If you just need a tablet for casual use and don't want to spend a fortune, the 2015 model is a great choice. It's a fantastic value for what you get.
• Choose the iPad Pro 2017 if: You want the best possible tablet experience. The ProMotion display is important to you. You want the fastest performance. You want the best camera. You are going to use demanding apps. The 2017 model is the better choice for those who want the absolute best. The improved display, faster performance, and upgraded features make a real difference in everyday use. The ProMotion display alone is worth the upgrade for many users. If you want a tablet that can handle anything you throw at it, the 2017 model is the way to go. You’ll also get the benefit of more up-to-date software support.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your needs, your budget, and what you’re looking for in a tablet. Both the iPad Pro 2017 and the iPad Pro 2015 are great devices. So, consider your priorities, and choose the one that best suits you!

I hope this comparison has helped you! Let me know if you have any other questions. Happy shopping, guys!