IPad Pro Showdown: 2017 Vs. 2018 - Which Reigns Supreme?
Hey tech enthusiasts! Let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of two titans in the tablet world: the iPad Pro 2017 and the iPad Pro 2018. If you're pondering an upgrade or trying to decide which model to snag, you've come to the right place. We'll break down the key differences, from design and performance to features and price, helping you make an informed decision. Get ready to explore the nuances of these powerhouse tablets and discover which one best fits your needs. Choosing the right iPad Pro can significantly impact your daily workflow, entertainment, and creative endeavors. So, let's get started and find out which iPad Pro deserves a spot in your tech arsenal. We'll cover everything from the screen quality and processing power to the overall user experience, ensuring you have all the facts to make an educated choice. Whether you're a student, a professional, or simply a tech aficionado, this comparison will provide valuable insights into these two exceptional devices. So, buckle up as we dissect the iPad Pro 2017 and the iPad Pro 2018, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. Understanding these differences is crucial for maximizing your investment and ensuring you get the most out of your tablet experience. Let’s get into the nitty-gritty and see what makes these devices tick. We will also touch on the long-term value and usability of each model. Consider this your comprehensive guide to the iPad Pro showdown.
Design and Build Quality: A Tale of Two iPads
Let's kick things off with the design and build quality of the iPad Pro 2017 and the iPad Pro 2018. The 2017 model, although sleek and modern at the time, features a design that now feels somewhat dated. It has the traditional iPad design with thicker bezels surrounding the display, a physical Home button, and a Lightning port for charging and accessories. The build quality is still top-notch, with an aluminum unibody that feels premium in hand. The 2017 model is available in the classic silver, space gray, and gold colors, offering a familiar aesthetic that many iPad users love. Weighing in at a similar weight to the 2018 model, it maintains a comfortable feel for extended use. The 2017 version remains a solid choice regarding durability and design, but it’s clear where the design trends were heading. The thicker bezels provide a substantial feel, but the lack of an edge-to-edge display immediately dates the design. The iPad Pro 2017 gives off a more traditional design which is less impressive against the design of the 2018 model. The 2017 model's design might appeal to those who prefer the tactile feel of a physical Home button or who are already accustomed to the older iPad design language. However, the slightly bulkier form factor might not be as appealing to everyone. The build quality, though, is consistently excellent, making it a reliable choice regarding durability.
On the other hand, the iPad Pro 2018 introduces a more modern design. It boasts thinner bezels, an edge-to-edge Liquid Retina display, and the removal of the Home button in favor of Face ID. This gives the 2018 model a more immersive visual experience and a contemporary look. The corners are more rounded, and the overall feel is sleeker. The 2018 model also sports a USB-C port, which is a significant upgrade for versatility. This port allows for faster charging, data transfer, and compatibility with a broader range of accessories. Available in silver and space gray, the 2018 model maintains a sophisticated appearance, and it offers a superior look. The lack of a Home button makes for a cleaner design and allows for more screen real estate. This makes the iPad Pro 2018 not only look but also feel much more modern. The build quality remains consistent with Apple’s high standards. The iPad Pro 2018 definitely wins in terms of design aesthetics, offering a more modern, streamlined look. The design of the 2018 model reflects the evolution of tablet technology, embracing the trend of slimmer bezels and larger screens. This enhances the overall user experience, making it feel more like a premium device. The improved design is a notable advantage, making the iPad Pro 2018 a more desirable option for those who prioritize aesthetics and a cutting-edge feel.
Display: Visual Feast - 2017 vs. 2018
The display is a critical aspect of any iPad, and both the iPad Pro 2017 and the iPad Pro 2018 excel in this area, but with some key differences. The iPad Pro 2017 features a gorgeous Retina display that delivers excellent color accuracy, brightness, and viewing angles. The display is vibrant and sharp, making it great for media consumption, creative work, and everyday tasks. This Retina display is a strong point. The display's high resolution ensures that text and images appear crisp, offering an immersive viewing experience. The display's brightness and clarity make it well-suited for a variety of environments. The iPad Pro 2017 display technology, while not the latest, is still very capable. This quality allows for great performance, making the iPad Pro 2017 a great choice. Despite its age, the display of the iPad Pro 2017 still offers a superior visual experience. It's a key reason why it remains a strong contender. The display remains competitive in terms of color accuracy, brightness, and overall quality. This makes the iPad Pro 2017 an excellent choice for anyone prioritizing visual quality.
The iPad Pro 2018, however, steps up the game with a Liquid Retina display. This advanced display technology offers several enhancements over the 2017 model. The Liquid Retina display provides a more immersive experience due to its edge-to-edge design. Colors are richer, and the display is generally brighter. The ProMotion technology, introduced in the 2017 models, allows for a 120Hz refresh rate. This feature makes scrolling, animations, and gaming much smoother. The iPad Pro 2018 display offers a visually superior experience compared to the 2017 model. The display has a higher dynamic range and more accurate color reproduction. The ProMotion technology significantly enhances the user experience. The Liquid Retina display elevates the iPad Pro 2018 to a new level. The edge-to-edge design means the display extends right to the edges of the device, creating a more immersive visual experience. The 2018 model's display makes media consumption, gaming, and creative work even more enjoyable. This display is a significant upgrade, offering better picture quality, smoother visuals, and a more immersive experience. The iPad Pro 2018's screen is undeniably more advanced. It gives the user a better experience.
Performance: Power Under the Hood
Performance is where the iPad Pro 2017 and the iPad Pro 2018 show considerable differences. The iPad Pro 2017 is powered by the A10X Fusion chip, which was a powerhouse in its time. This chip provides impressive performance, making it great for everyday tasks, multitasking, and even demanding applications. The A10X Fusion chip ensures smooth performance in most use cases. The iPad Pro 2017 can handle resource-intensive apps, games, and multitasking with ease. This chip still provides plenty of power for most users. This model is more than capable of handling various tasks. It makes the iPad Pro 2017 a reliable choice for everyday use and creative endeavors. The A10X Fusion chip provides excellent performance, delivering a fluid user experience. The iPad Pro 2017 is a fast and responsive tablet, capable of handling a wide range of tasks. This is a significant factor in making the iPad Pro 2017 a practical choice for various users.
The iPad Pro 2018, on the other hand, steps up the game with the A12X Bionic chip. This chip is significantly more powerful than the A10X Fusion chip. The A12X Bionic offers a noticeable performance boost, making tasks faster and more efficient. The A12X Bionic handles demanding tasks with ease. This includes video editing, graphic design, and gaming. The iPad Pro 2018's performance surpasses the 2017 model significantly. The A12X Bionic chip provides a smoother, faster user experience, which is particularly noticeable when running demanding apps or multitasking. This is a major advantage for those who require high performance. This is why the iPad Pro 2018 is the better choice for intensive tasks. The A12X Bionic chip makes the iPad Pro 2018 a more powerful and responsive tablet. This results in a better user experience, particularly for power users. The performance difference is a significant factor. The iPad Pro 2018 is a superior choice regarding raw processing power. The advanced performance of the A12X Bionic chip makes the iPad Pro 2018 a standout performer. This makes the iPad Pro 2018 the more favorable choice for users requiring the best possible performance.
Features and Accessories: Enhancing the iPad Experience
Features and accessories play a significant role in determining the overall iPad experience. The iPad Pro 2017 supports the first-generation Apple Pencil. This pencil attaches to the device via the Lightning port, making it useful for artists, designers, and anyone who enjoys taking notes. The Smart Keyboard is also compatible, making the device useful for productivity tasks. The older Apple Pencil does its job, but has a different charging method. The accessories enhance the overall functionality. The iPad Pro 2017 offers a solid ecosystem. The accessories available for the iPad Pro 2017 expand its capabilities. This allows the tablet to be used more effectively in various contexts. The first-generation Apple Pencil is a precise and responsive tool. It enhances the iPad experience for creative users. These accessories are all useful for various purposes.
The iPad Pro 2018 introduces several enhancements to the iPad experience. It supports the second-generation Apple Pencil, which attaches magnetically to the side of the tablet. The new Apple Pencil charges wirelessly. The second-generation Apple Pencil offers improved latency and features. This makes it more responsive and intuitive. The iPad Pro 2018 is compatible with the Smart Keyboard Folio. This offers a more streamlined and convenient typing experience. The USB-C port enhances versatility, allowing connectivity to a wide range of accessories. These include external displays, hard drives, and other devices. The second-generation Apple Pencil provides a better experience. It is easier to use and more efficient. The accessories offer enhanced productivity. The iPad Pro 2018's accessory ecosystem significantly improves its overall versatility. The second-generation Apple Pencil is a notable improvement over the first generation. It gives the user a better experience.
Price and Value: Making the Right Choice
Price and value are key considerations when choosing between the iPad Pro 2017 and the iPad Pro 2018. The iPad Pro 2017 is generally available at a lower price point. This makes it an appealing option for those on a budget or who are looking for a great value. The iPad Pro 2017 offers excellent value, considering its performance and features. If you are looking for an affordable yet powerful iPad, the 2017 model can be a great option. Considering the performance and features offered, the iPad Pro 2017 represents a good value. This means it is suitable for anyone seeking great functionality. The lower price makes the iPad Pro 2017 a tempting choice. This makes the iPad Pro 2017 a more accessible option. The price is a major factor to consider when choosing between these two devices. The iPad Pro 2017 is now more affordable, making it a budget-friendly option. This option is good for those seeking quality at a lower cost.
The iPad Pro 2018, being the newer model, comes with a higher price tag. However, the advanced features and improved performance justify the cost for many users. The iPad Pro 2018 offers more advanced features. This includes the Liquid Retina display, the A12X Bionic chip, and the second-generation Apple Pencil support. Considering these upgrades, the price reflects the improved capabilities and user experience. Investing in the iPad Pro 2018 ensures you get the latest technology. This gives you a tablet that can handle demanding tasks efficiently. The higher price is offset by the enhanced features and performance. This makes the iPad Pro 2018 the better choice. It is suitable for professionals or anyone who demands top-tier performance. For those who need cutting-edge features and the best performance, the higher price can be justified. The value is reflected in its high-end components. This makes the iPad Pro 2018 a worthwhile investment for many users. The iPad Pro 2018 offers a premium experience.
Conclusion: Which iPad Pro Should You Choose?
So, guys, which iPad Pro reigns supreme? If you're looking for a cost-effective, reliable tablet with solid performance, the iPad Pro 2017 is still an excellent choice. It’s perfect for everyday use, creative tasks, and entertainment. However, if you prioritize the latest features, superior performance, and a more modern design, the iPad Pro 2018 is the clear winner. The iPad Pro 2018 provides a more advanced and immersive experience. Ultimately, the best iPad Pro depends on your individual needs and budget. Weigh the pros and cons of each model. Consider how you will primarily use your tablet. Then, make your decision accordingly. Both models offer impressive performance and functionality. Choose the one that suits your needs. That way, you won't regret your decision.
