IPad Pro 2017 Vs. 2015: Which Tablet Reigns Supreme?

Hey everyone! Choosing the right tablet can feel like navigating a minefield, especially when you're trying to decide between two amazing devices like the iPad Pro 2017 and the iPad Pro 2015. Both are powerhouses, but they come with their own unique quirks and strengths. This article is your ultimate guide, designed to break down the key differences and help you decide which iPad Pro is the perfect fit for your needs. We'll be diving deep into the specs, performance, features, and overall user experience to give you the clearest picture possible. So, buckle up, grab a coffee (or your beverage of choice), and let's get started on this iPad Pro 2017 vs. iPad Pro 2015 showdown! We'll cover everything from the display and processing power to the cameras and battery life. This comparison is not just about the numbers; it's about understanding how these specs translate into real-world performance and how they impact your day-to-day use.

Display: Seeing the Difference

When it comes to the display, both the iPad Pro 2017 and the iPad Pro 2015 offer stunning visuals, but there are subtle yet significant differences. The iPad Pro 2015 models, available in both 12.9-inch and 9.7-inch sizes, boast vibrant Retina displays known for their sharpness and color accuracy. They provide a fantastic viewing experience for everything from browsing the web and reading e-books to watching movies and playing games. The screen technology is well-established, delivering a consistent and reliable performance that users have come to love. The resolution on these displays is high enough to make text crisp and images pop, making the content immersive and enjoyable.

Fast forward to the iPad Pro 2017, and you'll find an evolution of this technology. The 2017 models, also available in 12.9-inch and 10.5-inch sizes, bring a few key upgrades. The most notable is the ProMotion technology. This technology dynamically adjusts the screen's refresh rate up to 120Hz. What does that mean for you? Smoother scrolling, more responsive gaming, and an overall more fluid user interface. This is a game-changer when it comes to the user experience. You'll notice the difference immediately, especially when navigating through menus, browsing the web, or using apps that support the higher refresh rate. Additionally, the iPad Pro 2017 displays often feature slightly improved brightness and color accuracy compared to the 2015 models. This leads to a more vibrant and detailed image, making your content look even better. Whether you're a creative professional, a student, or just a casual user, the ProMotion display on the iPad Pro 2017 offers a noticeable upgrade that enhances the overall viewing experience. The differences in screen size options may also be a key factor for consumers. For users who prefer a more compact tablet, the 10.5-inch model offers a nice balance between screen real estate and portability. However, the 12.9-inch model remains a powerhouse for those seeking the ultimate screen experience.

Performance and Processing Power: Inside the Beast

Let's talk about what's under the hood, shall we? When it comes to performance, the iPad Pro 2017 has a clear advantage over the iPad Pro 2015. The 2015 models are powered by the A9X chip, which was a significant leap forward in mobile processing power at the time. It offered impressive speed and efficiency, handling demanding tasks like video editing, gaming, and multitasking with ease. This chip ensures smooth performance across the board, making it a great option for users seeking a powerful tablet for work or play. The A9X chip is more than capable of running most apps and games, and it still holds up pretty well even by today's standards. Its capabilities make it suitable for tasks such as creating presentations, handling emails, and managing documents, making it a versatile tool for both professionals and students.

Now, the iPad Pro 2017 kicks things up a notch with its A10X Fusion chip. This chip offers a substantial performance boost compared to the A9X. You'll notice faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved graphics performance. The A10X chip is optimized for demanding tasks, making the iPad Pro 2017 an excellent choice for creative professionals and power users. Whether you're editing high-resolution photos, rendering 3D models, or playing graphically intensive games, the iPad Pro 2017 can handle it all. The A10X chip’s enhanced performance allows for a more fluid and responsive experience across the board. This improvement is especially noticeable in applications like video editing software, which benefit greatly from the increased processing power. Multitasking is also significantly smoother, allowing users to switch between multiple apps with minimal lag. For those who need maximum power and speed, the iPad Pro 2017 is the clear winner in this area. The enhanced performance translates directly to a more efficient and enjoyable user experience, especially when dealing with complex tasks. This power advantage gives the iPad Pro 2017 more future-proofing, allowing it to handle upcoming software updates and resource-intensive applications with ease.

Camera Capabilities: Snapping the Moment

Both the iPad Pro 2015 and iPad Pro 2017 come equipped with decent cameras, but there are some notable differences in the quality and features. The iPad Pro 2015 features an 8MP rear camera that captures good-quality photos and videos in various lighting conditions. It's suitable for capturing casual snapshots, scanning documents, and making video calls. The camera is generally reliable and provides adequate performance for everyday use. While it may not compete with the latest smartphones in terms of image quality, it gets the job done and is still a useful tool. The front-facing camera is decent for FaceTime calls and other video communication purposes. The iPad Pro 2015 camera provides a functional experience for users who require basic photo and video capabilities on their tablet.

The iPad Pro 2017 takes things a step further with a 12MP rear camera, offering improved image quality, better low-light performance, and the ability to record 4K video. This is a significant upgrade, providing sharper images and more detailed videos. The camera also features optical image stabilization, which helps reduce blur and improve video stability. The front-facing camera on the iPad Pro 2017 is also improved, offering better resolution and performance for FaceTime calls and selfies. The enhanced camera capabilities make the iPad Pro 2017 a more versatile device for capturing photos and videos. Whether you're using it for work, creative projects, or simply capturing memories, the improved camera on the iPad Pro 2017 offers a significant advantage. This allows for a more professional-looking image quality, which is crucial for users who may be using the tablet for content creation. The ability to record 4K videos further enhances the device's capabilities, allowing users to create high-quality videos on the go. Overall, if camera quality is a priority, the iPad Pro 2017 is the clear winner.

Battery Life: Keeping You Powered Up

Battery life is a crucial factor for any tablet, and both the iPad Pro 2015 and iPad Pro 2017 offer solid performance in this area. With typical usage, you can expect to get a full day's use out of both tablets, including web browsing, video streaming, and light productivity tasks. The actual battery life may vary depending on your usage patterns, screen brightness, and the types of apps you're using. However, both devices are designed to last for a considerable amount of time, making them suitable for on-the-go use. The iPad Pro 2015 models are known for their reliable battery performance, allowing users to work or play for extended periods without needing to constantly search for a power outlet. The iPad Pro 2017 maintains this level of performance, providing a similar battery life experience. The efficiency of the A10X Fusion chip helps to maintain battery life while offering improved performance. Both iPads are designed to provide a seamless user experience, regardless of whether you're using it for work, entertainment, or communication. Both the iPad Pro 2017 and iPad Pro 2015 are great choices if battery life is one of the most important features. To prolong the battery life, it's recommended to adjust the screen brightness according to the environment, close unnecessary apps running in the background, and utilize power-saving mode when available. Proper battery care can significantly impact the overall user experience and longevity of the tablet.

Other Features: Additional Considerations

Beyond the core specs, there are other features to consider when comparing the iPad Pro 2017 and the iPad Pro 2015. Both models support the Apple Pencil, which is a fantastic tool for creative professionals, students, and anyone who enjoys taking notes or sketching. The iPad Pro 2017 is compatible with the second-generation Apple Pencil, which offers some improvements over the first-generation model, including magnetic charging and pairing. This enhances the overall user experience, making it easier and more convenient to use the Apple Pencil. The iPad Pro 2015 supports the first-generation Apple Pencil, which still provides excellent performance and functionality. Another key consideration is the availability of accessories, such as keyboards and cases. Both models offer a wide range of accessories to enhance their functionality and versatility. These accessories transform your iPad into a portable workstation, making it easier to type, create content, or stay productive on the go.

Which iPad Pro Should You Choose?

So, which iPad Pro is right for you? It depends on your needs and budget. If you're looking for the absolute best performance, a superior display with ProMotion technology, and an improved camera, the iPad Pro 2017 is the clear winner. It's the ideal choice for creative professionals, power users, and anyone who wants the latest and greatest features. If you are on a budget, then the iPad Pro 2015 is still a fantastic tablet, especially if you can find one in good condition. You'll still get a powerful and versatile device with a beautiful display and access to the vast ecosystem of iPad apps. You should also consider what you will mostly use the iPad for. If you do a lot of tasks like editing photos and videos, the more powerful processor and display of the iPad Pro 2017 will make it the better choice. If you mainly use it for browsing, streaming, or general tasks, the iPad Pro 2015 will serve you well. Think about future-proofing. The iPad Pro 2017, being the newer model, will likely receive software updates for longer, ensuring that it remains compatible with the latest apps and features. Consider the cost. The iPad Pro 2015 will generally be more affordable, which could be a significant factor if you are on a tight budget. Consider the screen size. Do you prefer a smaller and more portable tablet or a larger screen for better productivity and content consumption?

Ultimately, the choice comes down to your personal preferences and requirements. Analyze your typical usage patterns, prioritize the features that matter most to you, and consider your budget to make the best decision.

I hope this comparison helped you! Happy tablet hunting, and enjoy your new iPad Pro!