IPad Pro 2020 Vs. IPad Pro M1: Which Should You Choose?

by Jhon Lennon 56 views

So, you're thinking about getting an iPad Pro, huh? Awesome choice! But now you're stuck deciding between the iPad Pro 2020 and the iPad Pro M1 from 2021. Don't sweat it, guys! This guide is here to break down all the key differences, so you can make the best decision for your needs and your wallet. Let's dive in and see what makes each of these tablets tick.

Design and Display: Spot the Difference

When it comes to design, the iPad Pro 2020 and the iPad Pro M1 are eerily similar. Both boast that sleek, edge-to-edge Liquid Retina display we all know and love. You've got the same slim bezels, the same flat edges, and the same premium aluminum build. Honestly, if you put them side-by-side, you'd be hard-pressed to tell them apart at a glance. They both come in 11-inch and 12.9-inch sizes, offering the same crisp visuals and vibrant colors that make watching videos and editing photos a joy. The ProMotion technology, which offers adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz, is present in both models, ensuring buttery-smooth scrolling and responsiveness. This feature is a game-changer, especially if you're an artist using the Apple Pencil or someone who appreciates a fluid user experience.

However, there's one key difference in the display department, and it's exclusive to the 12.9-inch iPad Pro M1: the Liquid Retina XDR display. This display utilizes Mini-LED technology, packing thousands of tiny LEDs behind the LCD panel to deliver significantly improved contrast ratios and brightness levels. What does this mean for you? Deeper blacks, brighter highlights, and an overall more dynamic and immersive viewing experience, especially when watching HDR content. If you're a visual enthusiast who wants the absolute best display technology on an iPad, the 12.9-inch M1 model is the clear winner. But if you're happy with the already excellent Liquid Retina display on the 2020 models, you won't be disappointed either. Ultimately, the design and display are largely the same, with the exception of the upgraded display tech on the larger M1 iPad Pro.

Performance: M1 Chip Takes the Crown

Alright, let's talk about the real game-changer: performance. This is where the iPad Pro M1 truly shines. The M1 chip is a beast. We are talking about a huge leap in performance compared to the A12Z Bionic chip in the iPad Pro 2020. The M1 is an octa-core processor with eight GPU cores, delivering desktop-class performance in a tablet form factor. This translates to snappier multitasking, faster app loading times, and the ability to handle demanding tasks like video editing, 3D modeling, and graphic-intensive games with ease. The iPad Pro 2020 is still a very capable machine, no doubt. Its A12Z Bionic chip can handle most tasks you throw at it without breaking a sweat. But the M1 takes things to a whole new level. It's not just about speed; it's about efficiency too. The M1 chip is incredibly power-efficient, which means you'll get better battery life compared to the 2020 model, especially when performing resource-intensive tasks. This makes the iPad Pro M1 a better choice for professionals and creatives who need maximum performance and battery life on the go. If you're a gamer, video editor, or anyone who pushes their iPad to the limit, the M1 chip is a significant upgrade. If you mainly use your iPad for browsing, email, and light productivity tasks, the 2020 model will likely suffice. But if you want the best possible performance and future-proofing, the M1 is the way to go.

Camera and Audio: Minor Tweaks

In the camera and audio department, the differences between the iPad Pro 2020 and the iPad Pro M1 are relatively minor. Both models feature a dual-camera system on the rear, consisting of a 12MP wide lens and a 10MP ultrawide lens. They also have a LiDAR scanner, which enhances augmented reality (AR) experiences and improves autofocus in low-light conditions. Image quality is generally excellent on both devices, with sharp details, accurate colors, and good dynamic range. However, the iPad Pro M1 benefits from the M1 chip's image signal processor, which enables features like Smart HDR 3 for photos and videos. This results in slightly better image processing and more natural-looking photos, especially in challenging lighting conditions. On the front, both iPads have a 7MP TrueDepth camera for Face ID and selfies. However, the iPad Pro M1 has an ultrawide front camera with Center Stage, a feature that automatically keeps you in the frame during video calls, even as you move around. This is a handy feature for video conferencing and online learning. As for audio, both iPads have a quad-speaker setup that delivers immersive and balanced sound. The speakers are loud and clear, making them great for watching videos, listening to music, and playing games. Overall, the camera and audio capabilities are similar on both models, with the iPad Pro M1 offering a few minor enhancements thanks to the M1 chip and Center Stage.

Connectivity and Storage: A Few Key Upgrades

When it comes to connectivity, the iPad Pro M1 has a few key upgrades over the iPad Pro 2020. Both models support Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, but the iPad Pro M1 also offers optional 5G connectivity, while the iPad Pro 2020 is limited to 4G LTE. 5G provides faster download and upload speeds, which can be a boon if you frequently use your iPad on the go. Another difference is the Thunderbolt / USB 4 port on the iPad Pro M1. This port offers faster data transfer speeds and supports a wider range of accessories, including external displays and storage devices. The iPad Pro 2020 has a standard USB-C port. As for storage, both iPads are available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB configurations. However, the iPad Pro M1 also offers a 2TB option for users who need maximum storage space. If you work with large files or plan to store a lot of media on your iPad, the 2TB option might be worth considering. Overall, the iPad Pro M1 offers better connectivity and more storage options compared to the iPad Pro 2020, making it a more versatile device for professionals and power users.

Price and Value: Finding the Sweet Spot

Let's talk about the moolah! The iPad Pro 2020 is generally more affordable than the iPad Pro M1, especially if you buy it used or refurbished. However, the price difference has narrowed over time as the iPad Pro M1 has been on the market for a while. When deciding which iPad to buy, you need to consider your budget and your needs. If you're on a tight budget and don't need the absolute best performance, the iPad Pro 2020 is still a great option. It's a powerful and capable tablet that can handle most tasks with ease. However, if you're willing to spend a bit more, the iPad Pro M1 offers significant improvements in performance, display quality (on the 12.9-inch model), connectivity, and storage options. It's also more future-proof, meaning it will likely receive software updates and support for longer. Ultimately, the best value depends on your individual circumstances. If you're a professional or creative who needs maximum performance, the iPad Pro M1 is worth the investment. If you're a casual user who mainly uses their iPad for browsing, email, and entertainment, the iPad Pro 2020 will likely suffice. Consider what is most important to you and then let your needs guide you.

Which iPad Pro Should You Choose?

Okay, guys, so which iPad Pro should you actually buy? Here's a quick rundown to help you decide:

Choose the iPad Pro 2020 if:

  • You're on a tighter budget.
  • You don't need the absolute best performance.
  • You primarily use your iPad for basic tasks like browsing, email, and entertainment.
  • You don't need 5G connectivity or Thunderbolt / USB 4.

Choose the iPad Pro M1 if:

  • You want the best possible performance.
  • You need a powerful machine for demanding tasks like video editing, 3D modeling, or gaming.
  • You want the improved display quality of the 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display.
  • You want 5G connectivity and Thunderbolt / USB 4.
  • You want more storage options (up to 2TB).

Ultimately, both the iPad Pro 2020 and the iPad Pro M1 are fantastic tablets. The best choice depends on your individual needs and budget. Hopefully, this guide has helped you make a more informed decision. Happy shopping!