Apple iPad Pro (2022) vs. iPad Pro (2021): Which year wins?

Another year, another iPad Pro. Yes, Apple’s premium tablet is now in its sixth generation, and the iPad Pro (2022) brings significant improvements. This includes the inclusion of a very powerful M2 chip, which you will also find in the latest MacBook Pro. The thing is, if you ignore this new processor, is there anything else really significant under the hood of the tablet that makes it worth buying over last year’s iPad Pro (2021)?

We’ll answer this question by looking at the specifications of each model and comparing how they fare in terms of performance, display, design, batteries, cameras and software. This should clarify which is the better tablet overall, as well as whether it’s worth upgrading if you already have last year’s iPad Pro.

Note: This article covers both the 11-inch and 12.9-inch versions of each model.

Glasses

Apple iPad Pro (2022) Apple iPad Pro (2021)
Size 11 inches: 247.6 x 178.5 x 5.9 mm (9.75 x 7.03 x 0.23 inches)

12.9 inches: 280.6 x 214.9 x 6.4 mm (11.05 x 8.46 x 0.25 inches)

11 inches: 247.6 x 178.5 x 5.9 mm (9.75 x 7.03 x 0.23 inches)

12.9 inches: 280.6 x 214.9 x 6.4 mm (11.05 x 8.46 x 0.25 inches)

Weight 11 inches: 466 grams (1.03 pounds)

12.9 inches: 682 grams (1.5 pounds)

11 inches: 466 grams (1.03 pounds)

12.9 inches: 682 grams (1.5 pounds)

Screen 11-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD

12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED LCD

11-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD

12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED LCD

Screen resolution 11 inches: 1688 x 2388 pixels (265 pixels per inch)

12.9 inches: 2048 x 2732 pixels (265 pixels per inch)

11 inches: 1688 x 2388 pixels (265 pixels per inch)

12.9 inches: 2048 x 2732 pixels (265 pixels per inch)

Operation system iPadOS 16 iPadOS 16
Storage 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB
microSD card slot Not Not
Processor Apple M2 Apple M1
working memory 8 GB, 16 GB 8 GB, 16 GB
Camera Dual 12 MP 10 MP ultra-wide, LiDAR, 12 MP ultra-wide front Dual 12MP and 10MP ultra-wide, LiDAR, 12MP ultra-wide front
Video 4K at 60 fps, 1080p at 240 fps 4K at 60 fps, 1080p at 240 fps
Bluetooth version Bluetooth 5.3 Bluetooth 5.0
port USB-C USB-C
Fingerprint sensor No, Face ID No, Face ID
Water resistance Not Not
Battery 11 inches: 7,538 mAh, fast charging (18 W)

12.9 inches: 10,758 mAh, fast charging (18 W)

11 inches: 7,538 mAh, fast charging (18 W)

12.9 inches: 10,758 mAh, fast charging (18 W)

Application market Apple App Store Apple App Store
Network support AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon (mobile models only) AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon (mobile models only)
Colors Silver, space gray Silver, space gray
Price 11-inch: $799+

12.9-inch: $1,099+

11-inch: $799+

12.9-inch: $1,099+

Buy from Apple Apple
Review rating News 4.5 out of 5 stars

Design, screen and durability

ipad pro 2021Apple

It’s clear that Apple is very, very happy with the design of its iPad Pro, since it hasn’t changed its basic look in several years. This means that the iPad Pro (2022) is almost identical to its predecessor, with the same edge-to-edge display and narrow bezels. Both devices have aluminum frames and backs, while the dimensions are also identical for the 11-inch and 12.9-inch versions. They’re also the same weight, so you’ll have the same level of comfort and lightness no matter which model you choose.

We also have no choice but to report that screens happen to be identical across generations. If you opt for the 11-inch version of either iPad, you’ll get a Liquid Retina IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1688 x 2388 pixels (which works out to 265 pixels per inch). If you opt for the 12.9-inch version, you’ll get a superior 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED LCD panel that has 2048 x 2732 pixels (also 265 ppi). Regardless of the size of your model, you’ll have a 120Hz refresh rate, allowing for very smooth scrolling and animations.

None of the tablets are waterproof, so they are not the most durable either. Still, their screens are made of scratch-resistant glass that repels grease and fingerprints, while their aluminum frames apparently won’t crack like glass.

Winner: Undecided

Performance, battery life and charging

Apple iPad Pro charging port.Image used with permission of the copyright holder

We were amazed when the iPad Pro (2021) arrived with Apple’s M1 chip on board, giving it the power to handle any task, app or video game. Now, the iPad Pro (2022) has an even stronger M2 chip, which Apple said is about 20% faster than the M1. This probably means that the new iPad can handle intensive multitasking more easily than the older model, although most people will be hard-pressed to see a real difference, given how powerful the M1 chip already was. Both devices come with either 8GB or 16GB of RAM, giving them more than enough memory to thrive in 2022 and beyond.

As for internal storage, both devices start at a standard 128GB, but can go up to 2TB (for an additional $1,100). Needless to say, this will be more than the vast majority of people need, although the higher-end options mean you really can turn your tablet into a laptop in disguise.

It is also the case that history repeats itself when it comes to batteries. Both models have identical capacity cells, in 11-inch and 12.9-inch versions. Of course, the software (and processor) changes could potentially mean the iPad Pro (2022) battery lasts longer, though we’ll need a full review to confirm that.

For now, this round represents a small win for the newer iPad Pro, as its more powerful chip could make it more useful for more advanced, professional users.

Winner: Apple iPad Pro (2022)

Cameras

iPad Pro (2021) cameras.Image used with permission of the copyright holder

The new iPad Pro (2022) also has the old cameras, with the same dual-lens rear setup as the 2021 model. That means a 12-megapixel main lens and a 10MP ultra-wide lens, with a LiDAR sensor for depth perception. At the same time, it has a 12 MP ultra-wide selfie camera on the front, just like the iPad Pro (2021).

As before, the 12MP ultra-wide selfie camera supports the AI-powered Center Stage feature, which allows for some impressive panoramic selfies. More generally, the rear lenses on both models are very good as far as tablet cameras go, capable of taking great pictures in most normal situations. However, since there is no difference between the two, this round is another tie.

Winner: Undecided

Software and updates

iPad and external display using Stage Manager in iPadOS 16.Image used with permission of the copyright holder

iPad Pro (2022) comes with iPadOS 16 out of the box, bringing useful new features to the iPad experience. Most prominent among them is Stage Manager, which is basically a multitasking tool, allowing users to run up to eight applications at the same time. This makes it ideal for professional and creative users, and while the iPad Pro (2021) currently runs on iPadOS 15, it will receive version 16 at launch.

With updates, the iPad Pro (2022) could potentially be supported for a year longer than the older iPad. However, since Apple tends to support its devices for a long time, most users won’t really notice.

Winner: Undecided

Special features

iPad Pro with Magic KeyboardAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

Yes, there are no real differences between the two iPad Pros in terms of special features. Both support 5G (if you buy the mobile versions) and both support the new Stage Manager feature as well as the Center Stage camera feature.

They also come with each LiDAR sensor, enabling the use of a range of augmented reality applications. There’s also Face ID (for unlocking your device and for making purchases) and support for the Magic Keyboard accessory, meaning you can turn your iPad into a laptop.

In addition, both are basically tablets of great power and reliability.

Winner: Undecided

Price and availability

The iPad Pro (2022) is now available to order from Apple’s website. The 11-inch version starts at $799 and goes up to $2,099 for the 2TB version with 5G. Likewise, the 12.9-inch version starts at $1,099 and rises to $2,399 if you add 2TB of storage and cellular support.

The iPad Pro (2021) can no longer be ordered directly from Apple, although we’ve seen it on sale through various retailers (eg Best Buy, Amazon), so you can find it for below its original retail price.

Overall Winner: Apple iPad Pro (2022)

They’re almost the same device, but the iPad Pro (2022) wins purely due to the more powerful M2 processor. Otherwise, the two tablets look the same and have the same excellent screens, internal memory, software, special features, cameras and batteries. In other words, if you already own last year’s iPad Pro, there’s really no need to upgrade. Having said that, the newer iPad is a truly fantastic tablet, and while it doesn’t really offer any innovation, it outperforms every other similar device on the market.

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Categories: GAMING
Source: newstars.edu.vn

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