IPad Pro Showdown: 2018 Vs. 2020 – Which One Reigns?

Hey guys! Let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of two awesome tablets: the iPad Pro 2018 and the iPad Pro 2020. These are both powerhouse devices from Apple, but they have some key differences that might sway your decision. We'll break down the specs, features, and overall experience to help you figure out which iPad Pro is the best fit for you. So, buckle up, and let's get started!

Design and Display: A Tale of Two iPads

When you first glance at the iPad Pro 2018 and the iPad Pro 2020, you'll notice a familiar design language. Both tablets boast a sleek, modern aesthetic with slim bezels and an edge-to-edge display, a huge upgrade from the older, chunkier iPad models. However, there are some subtle differences that set them apart. The iPad Pro 2018 made waves with its stunning Liquid Retina display, offering vibrant colors, incredible detail, and a buttery-smooth 120Hz refresh rate thanks to ProMotion technology. This is the feature that automatically adjusts the display's refresh rate for smoother scrolling, responsiveness, and reduced motion blur. This feature is really the first thing you notice when you start using these iPads. It makes a huge difference, making everything feel much more fluid. The design itself is very clean, with rounded edges and a flat back, which is a signature move for the company. The design is really a timeless move, as many other tablets in the market adopted a similar look. The iPad Pro 2020 builds upon this foundation, keeping the same overall design but adding a few tweaks. The bezels are still slim, and the display quality remains top-notch. Apple's display technology is considered the gold standard in the industry, and these tablets are proof.

One of the most apparent differences is the camera bump on the iPad Pro 2020. While the 2018 model features a single rear camera, the 2020 model introduces a dual-camera system, including a new ultra-wide lens. This expands your creative possibilities, allowing you to capture wider shots and more dynamic perspectives. The 2020 model also includes a LiDAR scanner, which uses light to measure distances and create a 3D map of your environment. This technology enhances augmented reality (AR) experiences, making them more immersive and realistic. Overall, the design differences between the iPad Pro 2018 and iPad Pro 2020 are relatively minor, but they contribute to a more advanced and versatile tablet experience with the newer model. It is important to note that many users really don't care about the camera, and this feature is not relevant to their usage of the iPad. The differences in design are not something that will make the user switch, because both are very similar. The display quality is also very close to the same, so there is not much difference in terms of the design and the display. The ProMotion technology is amazing, but it is available on both devices.

Performance: Power Under the Hood

When it comes to performance, both the iPad Pro 2018 and the iPad Pro 2020 pack a serious punch. The iPad Pro 2018 is powered by the A12X Bionic chip, which was a powerhouse in its time. This chip delivers incredible processing power, making it easy to handle demanding tasks like video editing, gaming, and multitasking. The iPad Pro 2020 takes things a step further with its A12Z Bionic chip. While it's not a massive leap in raw performance compared to the A12X, the A12Z offers improved graphics performance and enhanced thermal management. This means that you can expect even smoother gaming experiences and more sustained performance during intensive tasks. The A12Z Bionic chip on the iPad Pro 2020 has an eight-core graphics processor, offering a 2x increase in graphics performance compared to the iPad Pro 2017.

The overall performance difference between the two iPads is noticeable, but not necessarily a game-changer for most users. If you're a heavy user who frequently engages in demanding tasks, you'll appreciate the extra power of the iPad Pro 2020. However, the iPad Pro 2018 still offers plenty of power for the vast majority of users, and it handles most tasks with ease. Another important factor to consider is the amount of RAM. Both models come with 6GB of RAM, which is more than enough for smooth multitasking and running multiple apps simultaneously. In everyday use, both iPads feel incredibly fast and responsive. Apps launch quickly, and multitasking is a breeze. The iPad Pro 2018 still feels incredibly fast today. If you're upgrading from an older iPad, you'll be blown away by the performance of either of these models. The main performance bottleneck would be the internet speed, because both are able to handle any task that you give them. The main difference would be the sustained performance and the graphic capabilities. For heavy users and gamers, the iPad Pro 2020 is the winner.

Features and Accessories: Enhancing the iPad Experience

Both the iPad Pro 2018 and the iPad Pro 2020 support a wide range of features and accessories that enhance the overall user experience. One of the most important accessories is the Apple Pencil. The iPad Pro 2018 and iPad Pro 2020 are compatible with the second-generation Apple Pencil, which attaches magnetically to the side of the iPad for charging and pairing. The Apple Pencil is a must-have accessory for artists, students, and anyone who enjoys taking notes or sketching on their iPad. It offers incredible precision and responsiveness, making it feel like you're writing or drawing on paper. Another key accessory is the Smart Keyboard Folio. This keyboard case provides a comfortable typing experience and also protects your iPad from scratches and damage. The Smart Keyboard Folio connects magnetically to the iPad Pro, and it doesn't require any charging or pairing. Both iPads also support a variety of other accessories, such as USB-C hubs, external displays, and game controllers.

However, there are a few differences in features between the two models. As mentioned earlier, the iPad Pro 2020 introduces a dual-camera system with an ultra-wide lens and a LiDAR scanner. These additions open up new creative possibilities and enhance augmented reality experiences. The iPad Pro 2020 also has a slightly improved audio system. Both iPads feature four speakers for immersive sound, but the 2020 model's speakers are slightly more refined. In terms of software, both iPads run the same iPadOS operating system, which offers a user-friendly interface, powerful multitasking features, and access to a vast library of apps. Both iPads receive regular software updates from Apple, ensuring that they stay up-to-date with the latest features and security enhancements. The accessories are mostly the same, which means that you can invest in the same accessories.

Battery Life: Keeping You Powered Up

Battery life is a crucial factor for any tablet, and both the iPad Pro 2018 and the iPad Pro 2020 deliver excellent performance in this area. Apple typically claims up to 10 hours of web browsing or video playback on a single charge. In real-world usage, you can expect similar results, depending on how you use your iPad. If you're primarily using your iPad for web browsing, email, and light productivity tasks, you can easily get a full day of use out of it. If you're doing more intensive tasks like gaming or video editing, you might need to charge your iPad more frequently. Both iPads charge via USB-C, which is a convenient and versatile standard. You can use the included USB-C charger, or you can use any other USB-C charger that you have.

In terms of battery life, there's not a significant difference between the iPad Pro 2018 and the iPad Pro 2020. Both models offer excellent battery life, and they should easily last you through a full day of use. However, it's worth noting that the battery life of any device can degrade over time. As your iPad ages, you might notice that the battery life is slightly shorter than when it was new. But even with some battery degradation, both iPads should still provide you with a reliable and long-lasting experience. You should be able to get roughly the same battery life from both. The iPad Pro 2020 doesn't have any major improvements that help to extend the battery life. The same usage will provide roughly the same battery life in both. Apple is known for its excellent battery optimization, so you shouldn't worry about this aspect.

Which iPad Pro is Right for You?

So, which iPad Pro should you choose? Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and budget. If you're looking for the absolute best performance and the latest features, the iPad Pro 2020 is the way to go. The improved processor, enhanced graphics, and the addition of the LiDAR scanner make it a more powerful and versatile tablet. It also has a slightly more refined audio system. However, the iPad Pro 2018 is still an excellent tablet that offers incredible value for the money. The performance is still top-notch, and it handles most tasks with ease. It also has the same beautiful display and supports the same accessories as the 2020 model. The iPad Pro 2018 might be a better choice if you're on a budget.

If you're upgrading from an older iPad, you'll be amazed by the performance of either of these models. The iPad Pro 2018 is a great option if you're looking for a powerful tablet that doesn't break the bank. If you're a creative professional or a power user who needs the absolute best performance, the iPad Pro 2020 is the clear winner. Consider your budget and your needs, and you can't go wrong with either of these fantastic tablets. Both are top of the line tablets, but the iPad Pro 2020 is the best one.

iPad Pro 2018 vs iPad Pro 2020: Quick Comparison

Here's a quick side-by-side comparison to help you make your decision:

I hope this comparison helped! Happy tablet hunting!