IPad Pro 2018 Vs 2020: Which Is Best For You?

by Jhon Lennon 46 views

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the iPad Pro 2018 vs iPad Pro 2020 debate. If you're trying to figure out which of these powerhouse tablets is right for you, you've come to the right place. We'll break down the key differences, performance, features, and ultimately, help you decide which one deserves your hard-earned cash. So, grab a coffee, settle in, and let’s get started!

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 you notice! Both the iPad Pro 2018 and 2020 boast a stunning edge-to-edge Liquid Retina display with ProMotion technology, meaning you get a super smooth 120Hz refresh rate. This makes everything from scrolling through web pages to playing graphics-intensive games feel incredibly fluid and responsive.

The iPad Pro 2018 comes in two sizes: an 11-inch model and a 12.9-inch model. It features a sleek aluminum design with flat edges, which, in my opinion, looks super modern and premium. The bezels are slim, maximizing the screen real estate, and it's available in Silver and Space Gray. One of the notable changes with this model was the switch to USB-C, which opened up a whole new world of accessories and possibilities.

Now, the iPad Pro 2020 keeps the same overall design language, so you're still getting those flat edges and slim bezels. However, there's one key difference on the back: the camera module. The 2020 model introduces a new dual-camera system with a LiDAR Scanner (more on that later!). This gives it a slightly different look, but it's still undeniably an iPad Pro. Like the 2018 version, it also comes in 11-inch and 12.9-inch sizes and is available in Silver and Space Gray.

In terms of display quality, both are fantastic. Colors are vibrant and accurate, brightness is excellent, and the ProMotion technology makes a noticeable difference in everyday use. Unless you're a super pixel peeper, you probably won't see a huge difference between the two in terms of raw display performance. The design is almost identical, with the exception of the rear camera bump. Both models are incredibly well-built and feel premium in hand. Ultimately, the design might not be the deciding factor for you, but it's good to know what you're getting.

Performance: A Chip Off the Old Block (and a New One!)

Alright, let's talk about what's under the hood – the performance! This is where we start to see some real differences between the iPad Pro 2018 and the iPad Pro 2020.

The iPad Pro 2018 is powered by Apple's A12X Bionic chip. This chip was an absolute beast when it was released, and it still holds its own today. It's an 8-core CPU with a 7-core GPU, and it delivers incredible performance for everything from everyday tasks to demanding creative workflows. Whether you're editing 4K videos, playing graphically intensive games, or working with large files, the A12X Bionic can handle it all with ease. Seriously, this chip was a game-changer.

On the other hand, the iPad Pro 2020 is equipped with the A12Z Bionic chip. Now, you might be thinking, "A12Z? Is that a huge upgrade?" Well, the answer is a bit nuanced. The A12Z is essentially an enhanced version of the A12X. The main difference is that the A12Z has an 8-core GPU compared to the A12X's 7-core GPU. This means that the 2020 model should offer slightly better graphics performance, especially in tasks like gaming and video editing. However, in real-world use, the difference isn't always noticeable. The A12Z also features improved thermal management, which can help maintain peak performance for longer periods.

While the A12Z is technically faster, the performance difference between the two iPads isn't massive. The A12X is still an incredibly powerful chip, and it can handle most tasks just as well as the A12Z. You're unlikely to notice a significant difference in everyday tasks like browsing the web, sending emails, or streaming videos. The A12Z's extra GPU core might give it a slight edge in graphics-intensive tasks, but the A12X is still a very capable performer. It's worth noting that both iPads are incredibly responsive and offer a smooth, lag-free experience.

Camera and LiDAR Scanner: Seeing is Believing

Now, let's talk about the cameras and the LiDAR Scanner – a feature that sets the iPad Pro 2020 apart. The iPad Pro 2018 has a single 12MP rear camera, which is perfectly adequate for taking photos and videos. It can record 4K video at up to 60fps, and it also has features like Smart HDR and cinematic video stabilization.

The iPad Pro 2020, on the other hand, has a dual-camera system. It features a 12MP wide camera and a 10MP ultra-wide camera. This gives you more flexibility when taking photos and videos, allowing you to capture wider landscapes and group shots. But the real star of the show is the LiDAR Scanner. LiDAR stands for Light Detection and Ranging, and it uses lasers to measure the distance to surrounding objects. This allows the iPad Pro 2020 to create a detailed 3D map of its environment.

So, what's the point of a LiDAR Scanner? Well, it has several applications. First, it greatly improves the accuracy and speed of augmented reality (AR) experiences. AR apps can use the LiDAR Scanner to precisely place virtual objects in the real world. Second, it enhances the camera's autofocus performance, especially in low-light conditions. The LiDAR Scanner can help the camera quickly and accurately focus on objects, even when there's not much light. Third, it can be used for 3D scanning. You can use the iPad Pro 2020 to create 3D models of objects and spaces.

If you're interested in AR or need a tablet with excellent low-light camera performance, the iPad Pro 2020 is the clear winner. The LiDAR Scanner is a game-changer for AR, and it also improves the camera's overall performance. However, if you don't care about AR and you're mainly going to use the camera for taking occasional photos and videos, the iPad Pro 2018's single-lens camera will probably be sufficient.

Audio and Accessories: Sounds Good!

Let's move on to audio and accessories because these are important for the overall user experience.

Both the iPad Pro 2018 and iPad Pro 2020 have excellent audio quality. They feature a four-speaker audio system that delivers rich, immersive sound. The speakers are located on the top and bottom of the device, so you get stereo sound regardless of how you're holding it. Whether you're watching movies, listening to music, or playing games, the audio quality is top-notch. You won't be disappointed.

When it comes to accessories, both iPads are compatible with the second-generation Apple Pencil and the Smart Keyboard Folio. The Apple Pencil is a fantastic tool for artists, designers, and anyone who likes to take handwritten notes. It's incredibly precise and responsive, and it attaches magnetically to the side of the iPad for charging and storage. The Smart Keyboard Folio is a lightweight keyboard cover that makes it easy to type on the iPad. It connects magnetically and doesn't require any batteries or Bluetooth pairing.

However, there's one accessory that's only compatible with the iPad Pro 2020: the Magic Keyboard. The Magic Keyboard is a more premium keyboard case that features a scissor-switch mechanism, a trackpad, and a floating design. The scissor-switch mechanism provides a more comfortable and responsive typing experience than the Smart Keyboard Folio. The trackpad allows you to navigate the iPad's interface without having to touch the screen. And the floating design makes it look like the iPad is hovering above the keyboard. The Magic Keyboard is a great accessory for anyone who wants to use their iPad as a laptop replacement.

If you're mainly going to use your iPad for consuming content and occasional typing, the Smart Keyboard Folio will probably be sufficient. But if you want a more laptop-like experience, the Magic Keyboard is definitely worth considering. Keep in mind that it's an expensive accessory, so you'll need to factor that into your budget.

Battery Life: Power to Last

Battery life is crucial for any mobile device, so let's see how the iPad Pro 2018 and iPad Pro 2020 stack up in this department. Fortunately, both iPads offer excellent battery life. Apple claims that both models can last up to 10 hours of web browsing on Wi-Fi or watching videos. In real-world use, you can expect to get pretty close to those numbers. Both iPads can easily last a full day of moderate use. If you're doing more demanding tasks like video editing or gaming, you might need to charge them more frequently, but overall, the battery life is very good.

There's no significant difference in battery life between the two iPads. They both have similar battery capacities, and they're both powered by energy-efficient chips. You can expect to get roughly the same amount of usage out of both models.

Price and Value: What's Your Budget?

Finally, let's talk about price and value. This is often the deciding factor for many people. The iPad Pro 2018 is generally more affordable than the iPad Pro 2020, especially if you buy a used or refurbished model. Since it's an older device, you can often find it at a significant discount. The price will vary depending on the storage capacity and condition of the device.

The iPad Pro 2020 is the newer model, so it typically commands a higher price. However, the price has come down since its initial release, and you can sometimes find it on sale. Again, the price will depend on the storage capacity and any accessories you buy with it.

When deciding which iPad to buy, you need to consider your budget and your needs. If you're on a tight budget, the iPad Pro 2018 is a great option. It's still a very powerful and capable tablet, and it can handle most tasks with ease. However, if you want the latest features and you're willing to spend more, the iPad Pro 2020 is the better choice. The LiDAR Scanner, the dual-camera system, and the slightly faster A12Z chip make it a more future-proof device. So, which one is the best value? It depends on your priorities.

Conclusion: Which iPad Pro Reigns Supreme?

So, there you have it – a comprehensive comparison of the iPad Pro 2018 and the iPad Pro 2020. Both are fantastic tablets, but they have their own strengths and weaknesses.

Choose the iPad Pro 2018 if:

  • You're on a budget.
  • You don't need the LiDAR Scanner.
  • You don't need the absolute latest performance.

Choose the iPad Pro 2020 if:

  • You want the best possible AR experience.
  • You need a tablet with excellent low-light camera performance.
  • You want the latest features and the most future-proof device.

Ultimately, the best iPad for you depends on your individual needs and priorities. Consider how you're going to use the tablet and what features are most important to you. And don't forget to factor in your budget. I hope this guide has helped you make a more informed decision. Happy shopping!