iPad Pro 2020 vs iPad Pro 2021: Comparison of Specifications

Specifications iPad Pro 2020 vs 2021

If you are a regular reader of The Bitten Apple, you will know very well what we think about the comparative tables of technical specifications. And we believe that they are important because in the end they are the identity card of each device and they serve to see in a broad way what the main changes are a priori, in this case, between the iPad Pro 2020 and 2021. Now, there are more things to tell that these cold data, something that we will see in subsequent sections.

 

At the design level they are almost identical

If you have the opportunity to face two of these iPad Pro, but from different generations, we challenge you to try to guess blindly which is which. At the aesthetic level, there is no notable difference between the two, beyond the weight gain they have suffered or the greater thickness that the 12.9 model now has compared to that of 2020. Is this negative? In our opinion not, since after all, both show optimized designs on the front with hardly any frames. On the back, a simple and minimalist design very much from the Californian firm, although with a camera module that, although it must be said that it does not completely clash with the sizes that the tablets have, it does stand out from the main body and that might not please to certain people.

Only one iPad Pro has changed its screen

The screens of the four devices are excellent and more if we consider that they have ProMotion technology , which is what Apple calls their ability to have 120 Hz refresh rate. In case you don’t know what this rate means, it refers to the number of times the screen content is refreshed per minute. To give you an idea, an iPhone 12 has 60 Hz and is refreshed 60 times per second, just half that of the 120 updates per second that these screens have. This is especially reflected in video games that require high refresh rates, but also when operating through the operating system it gives the feeling of having a greater fluidity.

The difference that we find in this section of the screen comes between the 12.9-inch models. The one from 2020 has an IPS panel with very good resolution and tremendously balanced colors like the 11-inch models of both generations. However, the big man from 2021 brings with him a miniLED panel that makes an important difference. At a technical level there are more than notable differences in the construction process, materials and operation.

How does this change in technology translate into real life? Well, on a screen that is noticeably improved to the previous one, with a much more advanced color balance, purer blacks and all this without giving up that this range of colors is natural. If you use any other with an IPS panel you will not notice that you have a lower screen, not in vain they are still ‘Pro’ models. Now, if you put an iPad Pro from 12.9 from 2021 next to the others, you will notice that it presents better visual results.

The autonomy of both iPad Pro does not vary

As in many other points in this article, the autonomy of the iPad Pro is something tremendously subjective. The capacities of the batteries of both have not been revealed, although Apple affirms that at the level of autonomy they perform exactly the same, although those of 12.9 perform somewhat more because they have a foreseeable better capacity. The indicative data that Apple gives for all of them are these:

• With WiFi: 10 hours of internet browsing or video playback.
• With mobile data: 9 hours of internet browsing or video playback.

As we said, in the end no one (or very few people) uses the iPad only for one of those functions without combining them with others. The more demanding the device, the greater the consumption and therefore the more these hours of use may vary. In any case, they are equipment prepared to withstand a full working day without needing to load it. Consumption with connected accessories is not affected too much either, although with the Magic Keyboard a slight drop is noticed.

Wasting power in both cases

The A12Z Bionic microprocessor mounted on the 2020 iPad Pro was an improved version of the A12X that was mounted on the 2018 ones. This is still Apple’s second best processor today, surpassing even the A14. But what then is the best processor? The M1 chip that is precisely mounted on the iPad Pro from 2021.

The A12Z is a chip that allows you to make the most of all the functionalities that iPadOS provides. From simple tasks such as the use of office apps, multimedia consumption or navigation, to the most demanding in video or photo editing. It is not a chip that will leave anyone wanting more, except for the exceptions of users who are even above the most demanding.

The M1 chip is a processor that, at least first, was designed for Macs. When the first Apple computers with this chip were announced, it was a revolution because they were the first to incorporate a processor with ARM architecture, integrated RAM and on top of that, It was developed by Apple itself with the rest of the hardware and software in mind. Therefore, when it was learned that the M1 would reach the iPad Pro 2021 we were speechless.

All the benefits of the M1 in terms of power and efficiency are now transferred to the most powerful tablets of the brand. Everything said about the A12Z is ​​duplicated for the M1, which will no longer be an obstacle even for that small niche of users that we mentioned that could demand more. Now, can the iPad be used so much with this processor? . At the time of publishing this comparison and with iPadOS 14 still present we could tell you that it depends.

As the song of Járabe de Palo would say, what does it depend on? Well, basically what you are looking for on an iPad. The iPadOS operating system has been able to differentiate itself more and more from iOS and offer specific functions at the level of hardware such as these iPads. In fact, for many it can be an ideal substitute for laptops and even better if you enjoy specific apps that require touch panels or the use of a stylus. However, the M1 feels somewhat capped by this software, since despite the improvements it is still far from macOS.

The versions of professional apps in the Mac environment such as Final Cut or Logic Pro have been waiting for years to be transferred to the iPad and there is probably no better time than this when at the component level an iPad is the same as a MacBook. At the moment it is more a wish than a reality, but they can also be clues that the next iPadOS 15 could be the icing on the cake of the iPad Pro 2021 to get the most out of the M1 chip.

More than subtle differences in cameras

There is no doubt that iPads are not the most widely used device for taking photos. Their size does not help, and the excellent features of mobile devices overshadow them in this regard. However, these iPad Pro bring interesting functionalities in cameras so that in a certain professional use they can serve perfectly: record interviews, make video calls, broadcast live videos and even take advantage of augmented reality functions with the LiDAR sensor.

When it comes to rear cameras, we don’t find too many differences between the two generations. It is in the front camera where the 2020 model wins, having improved its lens and added an ultra wide angle that allows a greater angle of view. This can be very useful in video calls, especially if we consider the new tracking function that this camera performs when we move or someone else is added to our side to the conversation.

Same accessories compatible (or not)

The four iPad Pro, both from 2020 and the two from 2021, have full compatibility with accessories that work through Bluetooth such as headphones, keyboards, mice, trackpads … But they are also compatible with some of the Apple officials, such as the Apple Pencil 2 presented in 2018 and with improved functions compared to the first generation. Also with covers and covers that are sold in the Store and with Apple’s own official accessories that work through the Smart Connector that they have on the back. All are compatible with these accessories, although later we will see an aspect to take into account:

• Apple Pencil (2nd generation)
• Smart Keyboard Folio
• Magic Keyboard

Of the 11-inch Smart and Magic keyboards, we found a single version that is compatible with both the 2020 and 2021 models and even the iPad Air 4, since all three devices share dimensions and that compatibility. However, the same is not exactly the case with the Magic Keyboard of the 12.9-inch iPad Pro. The fact that this device increased its thickness in 2021 compared to 2020 means that there is a medium compatibility. You can use a Magic Keyboard from 2020 in one from 2021, working well and with identical functions, but … It will not be fully adjusted. Therefore, you would have to buy one of the new ones to have a fully compatible keyboard on all sides.

Is it worth buying an iPad Pro 2021 having 2020?

Again we say: it depends. If you have a 2020 iPad Pro and are interested in changing it for the other size (regardless of whether you want to go from 11 to 12.9 or the other way around) it will probably end up compensating you to go for the 2021 one to notice the change even more. In conditions in which you want to pass to the natural successor of yours there are already more doubts. With everything seen so far, it is clear that despite the similarities, the differences in terms of the processor are extremely relevant, especially if we talk about the 12.9-inch model and we add that it has that new miniLED panel. But is change necessary for you?

Recommending a device like this lightly is complex, since in the end you have to be the one who, depending on the type of use you make, decide which is more convenient. If you have worked well with the 2020 one so far, the change will probably not mean anything more than greater speed when carrying out certain processes. As we mentioned in its respective section, the A12Z continues to be an up-to-date chip that guarantees that for years you continue to receive updates and they continue to perform well.

If you think that the performance of the A12Z falls short, with the M1 you will be more than satisfied, so in that case it would be worth it to take the leap. The economic factor is also vital in this, so if you can afford to buy it, it will not be a bad idea either. In addition, your iPad Pro 2020 is still a very good value in the second-hand market and could help you pay for part of the new purchase.

Which one to choose if you don’t have any of them

Being in this position, some factors interfere again that depend, again, on the type of use that you are going to give it. If you are clear that less advanced models such as the ‘Air’ do not serve you, undoubtedly these are the models you should look at. Officially, the 2020 model is no longer sold, but there are some stores in which the latest units are still sold and surely there are also many individuals who sell it second-hand. If you find a good offer for that equipment and the demand that you are going to make to the iPad is not too great to need an M1, the previous model will be an excellent choice and on top of that you will save some money.

If there is any point on which we have commented that the 2021 model is better and that it is also important for you, there is no doubt that investing in that model will be a good choice. Put all those differential points on a scale, put a score based on the importance you give them and make a decision.