Differences iPad Pro 2020 and iPad Pro 2018, which is more worthwhile?

IPad Pro Context

If Apple‘s range of tablets stands out in recent years, it is because of finding different models, aimed at completely different audiences. The case of the iPad Pro, as the name already hints, is focused on professionals due to its high performance. In fact they have components that in many cases are more powerful than many computers, so it is not a tablet to use, although obviously it can be used for more everyday tasks.

In 2018, Apple launched the third generation of this device, generating a real revolution in what was known as an iPad. The frames were considerably reduced, eliminating with them the classic home button and also the powerful TrueDepth camera was added that allows the tablet to have Face ID as a biometric system. In addition, the edges were very rounded in the style of the iPhone 5, in addition to making it the most powerful Apple mobile device to date.

However, the great revolution would come a year later with iPadOS 13 , a spin-off from iOS that allowed the iPad Pro software to measure up to its hardware. Among other things, this new operating system allows you to use a mouse comfortably, considerably improves the management of external storage devices and on top of that, it takes more advantage of the front with an improved multiscreen. In addition, a second generation of the Apple Pencil was launched with an improved design and a much more comfortable load. All this was done with the firm objective of bringing the iPad closer to a computer, something that Apple has always pursued with this range of devices.

Such was the good consideration of iPadOS, that during 2019 Apple did not need to launch a renewal of the iPad Pro. However, it was known that the company was working on the fourth generation. Finally, it was launched in March 2020 and, as expected, it did not incorporate such notable innovations as its predecessor. Of course, it has new features that must be highlighted.

Specifications of the iPad Pro 2018 and 2020

In objective terms there is nothing more clear than the technical specifications. It is true that on many occasions these can be misleading and charge more or less value in practice. However, it is still important to know them and in the table below you will see the many similarities between the iPad Pro 2018 and iPad Pro 2020, in addition to discovering the differences.

Main differences

As you will have seen, these devices share many more similarities than differences. Among the few new features we find is the processor. Apple always adapts the ‘A’ range of iPhone chips to its iPad Pro, having found in 2018 the respective A12X for the tablet of that year. This time it was expected that perhaps the iPad Pro 2020 would incorporate a version of the A13, however the company opted for a second version of the A12 chip , going from A12X to A12Z.

What difference does this change in chip really make? Well, some analysis carried out by experts in this field have shown that it is really the same component, but with a new enabled function: the GPU . For practical purposes, both provide similar performance, which is still spectacular and even better chip than the A13 Bionic of the iPhone 11, but it is not really something new because the A12X was also superior to this.

The new implementation of the GPU and the launch of this scarce renovation could be justified by the rear camera. It is not that Apple is really promoting using the iPad to take photos, since it is evident that it is not a comfortable device for it. However, it does have a certain focus on Augmented Reality (AR) , an area in which the Cupertino people are making many advances in recent times, leaving developers with interesting tools with which to create applications that squeeze this technology.

This AR technology improves considerably with the LiDAR sensor , which emits an infrared laser capable of measuring the distance between objects and surfaces. Specifically, it has a distance of 5 meters, making it one of the most powerful we can find in devices like this.

Another subtle difference is the base memory with which the iPad Pro 2020 arrives, this being 128 GB. In 2018 we had a 64 GB base, which can be short for many users. Apple was aware of this and decided not only to increase it but to keep the same price that its predecessor already had with half the memory.

One more similarity to highlight and that we have not yet named is that of the compatible accessories. Some accessories such as the Magic Keyboard with trackpad for iPad were presented at the same time as the iPad Pro 2020, however it is also compatible with the 2018 models. This is why we do not see a substantial difference between teams in this, either. since they do not have exclusive accessories.

Which iPad Pro is better to buy?

Taking into account the differences between the two, we can understand that either one could serve 90% of users a thousand wonders. If you already have the iPad Pro 2018, it is evident that it does not compensate the change of generation, unless you are especially interested in the area of RA. Even if you wanted to change the size of the iPad, you might want to buy the same generation of 2018 because the price will be lower and in the end the higher resolution of the 2020 model is not so noticeable in the day to day.

It changes if you have a previous generation of iPad or have never had one. In this case, the most suitable device is the iPad Pro 2020. In the end, despite the few differences, it is still a better team than the previous one and for a user who acquires it first, they will notice that they are facing a great team. Although in this case, it should not be ruled out to buy the 2018 one if an interesting offer appeared, since this model continues to be sold in many establishments and at a reduced price than Apple had.